I am planning to ride from Zurich to Capetown from October to March. Basically I planned to cross Syria but this seems now to be impossible or very difficult due to the political situation. Does anybody know how I can get me and my bike to Jordan or Egypt easily and not too expensive?

The ferry to Haifa is an option but I am looking for an alternative without visiting Israel (problems with Israel stamps in passport).

Best thanks
Maatle

We are planning a similar route the other way and decided to go through Iran, OK the carnet is a pain, but we hope it will be worth it. Recent reports say Syria is open, but probably only for a quick daylight trip through, not sightseeing, Rob

We are also planning from Switzerland (Geneva region) to ride to Egypt via Syria and Jordan in October-November this year.

The reports from people on the ground that we have read in the past days and weeks state that Syria is safe but authorities are not letting people in who they suspect are journalists or have 'fancy' camera equipment and could be a 'risk' to the stability of the government (read regime). I'll post links when I find them again.

We plan on travelling through both Syria and Jordan to get to Egypt so keep us posted and we'll do the same.

__________________
TurboCharger + Francois (our BMW R1200gs) '07
www.riding2up.net, blog.riding2up.net

hi all
i think your best way is to ship your bike /car to Alexandria ,Egypt
and you fly
i copied and paste here a topic from H - U members
We are currently in Egypt and looking for alternatives since the easy option Visemar ferry from Alexandria to Venice was canceled. The route through Syria from here looks closed for now. Friends have failed to get visas from Cairo.
The only reasonable option we have found is shipping with a cargo container from here to Europe. There are many boats leaving Alexandria to various destinations.
I am using a company based in Alexandria to organize and assist with transportation. They also have people that will help travelers complete the paperwork (traffic attourney, number plates etc). Best thing is that they are conversant in English. I am due to ship out the 23rd directly to Southampton, takes two to three weeks in total.
The person that I am using and details for her are

Mrs Nashwa EL Hossary
Export Dept. Manager
export@smarina.com
Marina Shipping agencies
Tel: 002-03-4863647
Fax: 002-03-4856941
Mobile: 0129136600

I'm in contact with Ms Nashwa from Marina Shipping. Here's the quotation I got this week-end to send from Alexandria Old Port to Southampton (among quite a number of options):

P.O.L : Alexandria old port.
Destination: Southampton (GB).

LAND ROVER DEFENDER 110 SW from 2006
Vehicle is in perfect condition.
Weight (kgs): 2020
Length (mm): 4639
Width (mm): 1790
Height (mm): 2021

- Rate : Ocean freight : Euro 250/Unit + BAF 40% = Total : Euro 350/Unit.

- L.THC : Approx. L.E 300/Unit.
- Telex release fees (If requested) : L.E 30 Per B/L.
- Custom clearance for shipper's care & expenses.

- T.T : Approx. 2 Weeks.

- Vessels Sailing Schedule - Alex/ Southampton :

Kindly note The required docs as follows :

1-Shippers ID Or Passport
2-Shipper’s Driving License
3-All Car’s Relevant Docs ( Trip Ticket , License, ….etc)
4-Full Name , Address and tel no. for both Shipper and Rcvr ( To Be Written in the shipping Declaration )

Remark :
-------------
-The Car must be delivered to Our Port in The morning of The Vsls Arrival Day
-Time arrival Of Vsl is subject to variation without prior notification

I'm expecting details to ship RoRo to Venice later today, hoping to post details soon. They also will take motorbikes onboard for those interested.

also i heard but not sure that vise mare will start to work by sept. or october hope its true
i may also do a motorbike trip starting from Egypt - Sudan - Ethiopia or even more south
so perhaps we meet up
if you want any help from Alexandria you can ask
cheers all

Just been checking this route over on "Travellers Advisories-Safety etc." and it seems, as I suspected that this route through Syria is safer than most of us believe. I'm off to SA in October with two others and the difficulties of getting to Egypt are a pain. I felt that the problems in Syria were almost definitely localised and reading the threads over on the above section it would appear to be the case. I was sure that Syria would be OK and on HU member claims to have been there 3 times in the last 3 weeks and had nothing but a good time. Apart from any changes over there, I'll be recommending this route to my trip partners.

Hi all
Many thanks for your good advises.
We have now decided to cross Syria on our way from Turkey to Jordan. It seems to be safe. A friend of mine will do the same route in a few weeks. He will document his experiences on his webside: www.freedom-on2wheels.com.

Currently I am waiting for my Syria visa. Hope to get it soon.

Best regards
Maatle

just checked the site freedomon2wheels and see that same mistakes have been made on planning routes.

As ı understand, these routes are planned on computer without any up to date knowledge about,

1-safety of the roads
2-places worth to see
3-biker friendly places to stay
4-gasoline prices
5-free camping places
6-local bikers clubs
7-and bike festivals where you will be hosted free.


Hope you plan your routes after having current information about the countries you are planning to visit.

For Turkey, dont hesitate to send your questions to our club, and/or give a call to get your free maps and brochures.

Or mail us
1-your entrance and exit border gates.
2-duration of your stay here.
and get your best route within a few days.

Wish you all the best.
zeki.

__________________
Mehmet Zeki Avar
''Borderlines divide countries,HU friendship finds a way to reunited"
https://www.facebook.com/mehmet.avar.12?ref=tn_tnmn

Hello,

i think Harry knows quite a lot about the places he want to go.He got his infos from the wüstenschiff forum.I have been in contact with him.I told him his bike is very heavy for this trip.I drive also a GS 1200 ADV and i think for this trip a XT 660 would be better.

Regards

Mike