yes i agree - but then that is the same anywere even in your own county.

That's right, just like your points about fuel and water.......... But the consequences are bigger in Sahara then most other places, esp if you travel alone.

Yes I agree.

I would not go into the Sahara on my own on a motorbike - not my bike anyway - i only get a 100 mile range and thats not enoght to get fully into it.
Thats why we had a 4x4 as a support car with fuel water - food tents and first aid.

Julie

Yes I know, but I don't think that's what femalenomad are looking for.

Hi femalenomad,
I can't say that I could recommend travelling alone in the Sahara. There are too many things of sufficiently high likelihood of going wrong that could turn your trip into a disaster. As someone already mentioned, in the Sahara the consequences of something, ordinarily quite minor, going wrong are greatly amplified. Take a look at http://www.desertbiking.co.uk/.

I travelled with another motorcyclist (we each had our own bikes), south to north, along the Western Route a few years ago. I was apprehensive about the traverse, even though we did have two bikes, should one break down. The real bonus was hooking up with two Land Rovers in St. Louis who were going our way. Not only did that provide greater security in general, it was also a brilliant experience, meeting other travellers and spending a couple of days in their company.

Some people might think that solo crossing is feasible. They may be right, but I think for a newbie, it's sailing a bit close to the wind.

Don't let that put you off, though. Do the trip, just don't lose sight of how important numero uno is! ;-)
Later,
Ken.

Femalenomad,

Good on you for dreaming your dream and having the balls to do something about it (and we all know that some of the ladies have big'uns!)


I always say that Africa is a completely different ballgame when it comes to travelling - and you obviously also wisely think similarly enough to be researching your options before launching into a massive expedition.

You will definitely find contacts on the HUBB for women who have done Sahara crossings. There will be fewer who have done it solo. The men who have done the journey will be able to give you the nuts and bolts of the bike strain side of things, and the physicalities of the journey. You may need to just fill in the gaps by piecing together experiences from women who have done it accompanied.

Having travelled for a short while solo (albeit in Europe and Slovennia) for a first trip, getting my teeth into it, I always felt massively relieved when I was meeting someone at a destination, or had people to meet for small parts of the journey.

I don't think a female solo crossing of the Sahara an impossibility. Guaging your own rider and mechanical skills, your knowledge of the terrain and experience in similar situations will give you your answer in a few short seconds - and only you know for certain what that is. Go with that.

There are plenty of people on this forum making the journey south and putting plans together - you could do a phased trip through by joining up with different groups until you are far enough south to be more confident about completing sections independantly.

It's all about comfort zones I suppose, and knowing when they are being challenged and when they are just being pushed too far.

Happy researching. It's a fantastic destination!

__________________

In my view the sex are not that important in Sahara. Sure you will have some issues with the locals but in the desert you will probably spend most of the time alone so that part doesn’t matter much.

How hard it will be consist of many factors, like:
-Time of year (temperature)
-Terrain
-How much water and petrol you have to carry
-Type of vehicle
-Your own skills
-Your mental preparation
-Can you expect to get help on that route if anything happens?

As you see most of these points you can influence in the planning-stage by choosing a route and a time of year that fits your vehicle and skills.


If you choose to travel alone bear in mind that from time to time you might feel lonely and if something goes wrong you are completely on your own. Some people, including myself, appreciate this so much that it’s worth the extra risk. Other people prefer to go in a group; a combination might be a good thing.

I think some of the things that are important for a nice trip are:
-Some kind of plan
-A sound vehicle where most things work
-A genuine interest for what you are doing
-Be open-minded don’t over focus on your task, use your time and enjoy
-Knowledge of your vehicle (how to fix a flat tire, normal service procedures etc)
-The skill to handle unexpected problems
-Be curios
-Respect for your bodies signal (tiredness, temporarily weakness, fear etc)
-Good logistic
-Do it because you want to do it, not to prove anything


Nothing here is sex-related, sure you need the physical strength to put your bike back on the wheels when you crash but you can practice before you leave. I’m not an athlete myself (smoking 20 cigarettes a day and I never work out) but I have managed to cross Sahara in summertime – alone, and I will probably do it again.

This is just my personal meaning, IMHO there is no right or wrong. If you want to go then prepare yourself and do it, but take care you might be addicted.

As a female that's travelled in the Sahara I don't think you'll have much of a problem; however I was using local transport and didn't have a bike or the mechanics of one to deal with. Being out in the desert alone & in the heat with my 'limited' (read:none) mechanical know-how would be a bit much; however the locals are very friendly & would help you out (IF you were to come across some!!!)

Kira

Thanks to all of you who have posted feedback. It's a wonderful combination of encouragement and sound advice. Greatly appreciated!!

I fell in love with the Sahara for it's remoteness, isolation, beauty and harshness. I will be looking for those same things in my crossing(s). I think perhaps it will need to be a joint venture first, or combination of solo/joint. Whatever the trip, I am so excited to be pursuing this.

I am delighted to have found this forum and to find that there are many other Sahara travellers out there.

Thanks all! Keep the feedback coming.