Negotiating the middle east
 

Hello all!

I am setting for a RTW but I'm facing a small issue around Egypt.
Because of the high cost of the Egyptian CPD (800%!!!) I am considering (I'll be coming from Cape Town) crossing from Ethiopia to Yemen and do SA, Iraq, Turkey to finally reach Georgia, Azerbaijan, etc...

However,
due to obvious political reasons, this route makes me shit myself a little bit... It sounds incredible difficult to cross SA and Iraq, not mentioning the mess in Turkey..

Can anyone thing of some other way to get across the Middle East!?


Many thanks!

1. Parts of Iraq are very dangerous, Google 'ISIS', they have been in the news now and then recently.

2. You will not get an Iraqi visa unless you have legitimate reason to be there for work (with a sponsor) or freelance journalism.

3. The Saudi Arabia - Iraq border is closed. You can go via Kuwait but only if you manage a workaround of points 1 and 2.

I am not familiar with the situation in Yemen, but I am pretty sure you would not be able to drive across the country. It seems there is pretty much full-blown civil war there.

Sudan - Saudi - Jordan - Israel - Ferry might work

Otherwise you'll need to find a way to ship to the UAE and hop across to Iran which is easy.

EO

That would be a fantastic route but as EO says, it may present a few problems.

Iraq could be a little tricky:innocent:, but YEMEN is a complete no go area at the moment. The capital is in the hands of rebel forces (I think) since last Autumn, the Saudis are bombing the north and there is no sign of things to improve.

Yemen just doesn't make the news because there isn't enough oil there, but it is probably the worst victim of the 'arab spring' BS, even more so than Libya.

All of which is a terrible shame as it would be a fascinating destination.

Thank you guys.
It seems like a dead end.
I'll see the possibility to re-arrange the route so I will get less killed while chasing my dream.

I will consider the cost of shipping the bike vs actually getting the expensive CPD to go across Egypt.
I know the situation there is far from stable, but I think there are still corridors that can be crossed and it would mean a lot to me to go through that incredible country.


Safe ride everyone!

Marcio when do you depart from South Africa on your ride -- if you're still planning to go that is, given the Egyptian carnet.

I'll be riding north towards Egypt from South Africa starting September 2015.

What mess is that?

I must have missed it, or are you referring to the thousands of km of beach filled to capacity with deck chairs and lounges occupied by overweight pink-skinned Europeans and Russians. If that is it, then I have to agree with you. It is a frightening scene.

Bad enough early in the season, but can you imagine it at the summer peak.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-B...2/DSCF4391.JPG

One thing that keeps us guessing every day, is which Turk is going to treat us to a random act of generousity

Iraq and Yemen like said above are a no go, unless you want to end your trip =(

I agree, whats wrong with Turkey, I would steer clear of the south borders near Syria and Iraq but other then that unless im missing some news enjoy it.