I see there is quite a bit of information of travelers going south with vehicles from Aswan to Wadi Haifa. But what about the other direction?

1) Does anyone have information on schedules and process of putting a bike on a barge and going north?

The passenger ferry leaves on the Monday going south, most bikes make it on that boat but if too full they get put on the barge, which takes a day longer to get down. Return trip north is on the Wednesday. I have the mobile number of the guy in Aswan for bookings if you want it.


2) How is the road from Wadi to Atbara? How much sand does one have to deal with on a loaded bike?

Don't sweat it. The road is very rideable. A few sections are a bit tricky but with some slow riding and paddling your Fred Flintstone feet, you can easily make it through. In my opinion, the tricky sections are where there is an un-noticeable transition from medium speed gravel to soft sand and you don't see it until you are in it. Keep your eyes open and you will be fine. As an example, of the six or so riders that did it around the same tie, the number of offs ranged between zero and two.


3) Egypt Plates? So can I get them in Aswan? And where can they be returned?

As mentioned.

4) Is Egypt worth it or should I just try finding a boat in Port Sudan and going North this way? Anyone done that?

Yes. But in particular I coupldn't recommend northern Sudan enough. It is a backwater for only a little while longer. The ferry and bad road combine to give it a end of the road feel. This will be gone in a couple of years. Ride it while you can, and go slow, it has been one of the highlights of trhe trip so far.

I posted in the Route Planning Forum questions regarding the route from Dar to Karthoum, so for you experienced African travelers maybe you can have a look here and see what my plan is and offer any thoughts:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ia-north-33198

thanks

allan
__________________