Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Mar 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 32
What about trip to Algeria these days

Hi everybody.
I'm planning to visit Algeria in August this year but I'm getting a little confused about the safety. All the news alert that it is of high risk to go there these days. On the other hand, I read in sahara-overland reports that many people travel there all the time without any anxiety and futhermore they -- hmm they it's You guys -- say that people there are very friendly. (well maeybe except stone throwing kids).

Ok so what should I think about this? Please geve me some advice.
I wish to go to Tassili 'n' Ajjer and Al Hoggar from Tunisia (Houza), and then north to Alger
through Timgad etc. I have never been there before. Does any of you also want to go there that time?

regards
Bart.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Mar 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Lindfield, West Sussex, England
Posts: 92
I very strongly advise you to stay South of the Atlas mountains. Algiers is a no go area.

The South is quite safe apart from the stone throwing. The small kids can't throw hard enough to do any great damage, but the teenagers are different. I collected two sizeable dents in the driver's door. Had one of those stones hit a window they would have broken it, and possibly caused an accident.

Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Mar 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Hi Bart,
the south of Dz is ok, had been there in November 01 and February 02 and will go again on 30.3.
(very)Slow driving through the northern villages, with lots of hands waving will normally avoid an stone throwing in the north (and Zaoutalaz). Avoiding the hours, children go/leave to/from school wil help too.
Stopping in the north to buy some food on the local market might help to understand us tourists as part of the local economie.
Unfortuantely it is still not a good idea to travel north of Ghardaia. So I recomand not to cross the border north of Hazaoua/Taleb Larbi.

Enyoi DZ!
Bye, Yves Larboulette
http://www.sahara-info.ch http://www.redjemexpeditions.ch

__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Mar 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 32

thank you for your helpand advices.
Yves could you explain what do you mean by "Dz" ?
What does that stands for ?

Bart.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Mar 2002
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,134
DZ is the international abbreviation for Algeria, same as CH is for Switzerland. I'm not entirely sure where this abbreviation came from, but these are the letters you will find on an international motor sticker for an Algerian registered vehicle, and .dz is the top level domain for Algerian internet routing.

The official local name for Algeria is "Al Jumhuriyah al Jaza'iriyah ad Dimuqratiyah ash Sha'biyah" - looks like there is both a D and a Z in there.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Mar 2002
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
The stone throwing epidemic has pretty much run its course after 2000 which makes Alg even better than ever. A report on my March trip in a few days.
Algeria is a big country - the southeast is safe, the north and west less so.

Aiugust will be hot of course, but it's better than May-July I'm told

Chris S

------------------
Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com


Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 31 Mar 2002
GWJ GWJ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 281
The arabic name for algeria is commonly transcripted as al-Djazaïr, hence the DZ.
I work in a refugee camp in Belgium, and the Algerians over here tell me it's OK for tourists in Algeria, even in the north. I got a letter from one who returned and got invited to Oran... not been there yet 'tough, but thinking of it...
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Apr 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Belgium
Posts: 3
yo Rafke,

I'm planning a trans-Africa trip to leave in Octobre 2002. We're also passing Algeria.
I'm from Belgium and I would like to get in contact with you.
My e-mail is >>in link above<<
Hope you respond and see you soon
===================================
email address removed by Grant - see http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/faq.shtml#notify for why.

[This message has been edited by Grant Johnson (edited 01 April 2002).]
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Apr 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
We're leaving Brussels on about 20th Oct for a trip down to Tamanrasset and area (then back unfortunately), one Land Rover and eight 'bikes. It might be interesting to meet up?
I did EU-Ivory Coast-EU last year, so might be able to help with your onward routing as well?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Apr 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 32
I plan to get DZ something about 15 August from Tunisia.
Now I'm thinking of getting there by plane.
Does anybody knows how much are the planes to Alger and to Tam.
from Tunis? How about safety on train connections
between Tunis - Alger?
Does anybody also plan to enter Algeria around mid of August?

regards, Bart
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 4 Apr 2002
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
Tunis to Alger, more than you think...
Alg to Tam dead cheap.
It will be less complicated to fly directly to Alger (from Paris, eg).
Ask Air Algerie.
I would not recommend railing through the north.

Chris S
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Apr 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Posts: 115
Hi,

I am thinking of travelling to algeria in september for some desert and pistes!!

Can anyone tell me if this time of the year is too hot??
Of course that it will be a hi temperature, but will it be too much?? Will I be able to enjoy the trip, or I will be only concerned about getting water to rehidrate??

Thanks for the advice.

renato
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 17 Apr 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Posts: 921
I personally enjoy the desert in the summer (but I'm in a definate minority!). In September it will still be up to about 40-42C max. Not impossible but tougher on engines (and people) than plus 30...

If you have a little experience, a lot of common sense and a sound vehicle you'll be okay. Another vehicle should make things (almost) completely safe.

I'd advise you look at 'wells beside roads' on this BB, although he's planning (hopefully WAS planning) to walk, and in plain mid summer.

There's my bit, summer travel and water always spark off long debates!

Sam.

PS you could also ask whether you are better off in a Toyota or a Land Rover...!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17 Apr 2002
GWJ GWJ is offline
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Posts: 281
hi sam - have you ever heard of a stolen Landrover????
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 17 Apr 2002
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,932
not as long as where to put your shovel, it seems, Sam...

Ch
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:14.