overlanding to Uganda
 

Hi all,

I live in Uganda and would love to drive here from the UK. I'm considering either Europe-Jordan-Egypt-Sudan-Ethiopia-Kenya-Ugandan or down through Spain and across north Africa to Egypt. Does anyone know if the road around Lake Nasser is now open or is the ferry still the only option?

Or is there another route (avoiding Egypt) anyone can recommend? Any estimates on how long it would take?

A Toyota Landcruiser would be the ideal car to bring as they're very well regarded over here. I'd like to spend 4-5K on a decent one and so would like fully comp insurance. Can anyone recommend a company that would do this?

The road conditions over here are poor but I'd be doing very little mud and guts off-roading once here (I intend to import it officially) so am looking for a decent road car. Can anyone recommend a particular Landcruiser model?

Thanks,

Rich

Easy alternative route is from Jordan, into Saudi Arabia on a transit visa, down to Jeddah and across to Port Sudan. You only get about 3 days on a transit visa but plenty have people have done it. You will probably need to have your Sudanese Visa sorted in advance in order to get the Saudi visa so they know you can exit. Another alternative may be to go on into Yemen and cross from Yemen in Djibouti. Don't know how safe that is to do in current climate but we met a Czech couple who had come that way when we were doing Trans Africa.

In terms of Landcruiser, you would probably be looking at an 80 series for that sort of money as the best option.

This may a bit of an overland myth but I heard that a man and woman weren't allowed to transit Saudi unless they could prove they were married. Is this true?!

I can't prove it as we're not married.

I believe its true, don't know as haven't gone through Saudi yet. Certainly heard issue raised on a number of occasions including hearing of people getting fake marriage certficates to try and get round it but don't know if they would still pick up on the different passport surnames.

Hi Rich,

I’m not sure what route you are taking through Europe but if your overland trip takes you through Transylvania be sure to come and camp with us. We are based in the village of Ojdula in the foothills of the Vrancea which make up part of the eastern Carpathian mountain range. We are on route for one of the most spectacular crossings of this range which then continues all the way to the Danube Delta and beyond. Most of our visitors and guests are on overland trips to Africa, Asia and Australia by motorbike, 4x4 or motor homes. You can read about previous visitors experiences with us on their way to Africa, Asia and Australia by following the link below:-

Overland Travellers

We offer secure camping in our large garden - shower and toilet - local travel advice - supplies - use of our garage for running repairs and maintenance - maps - advance postal point for collection of mail and parcels - BBQ facilities

Best wishes

Paul

Spain to Egypt is not an option, there is no boarder crossing fro Morocco to Algeria, the obvious route is France (Marsielle to Tunis) or Italy (Genoa to Tunis) if you go further south in Italy you'll find the cheapest crossing, apparently.
Libya can/could be a problem, the situation keeps changing, and Egypt requires a large Carnet, and them there is, of course, the Aswan ferry.
I'm planning on doing UK to Kenya in the future so I'm constantly aware of the changes and associated problems.

I'm not an expert though by any means,
Kevin

Possible problems in Saudi Arabia
 

Hi all
I've heard enough to be convinced that you need to be married to a lady if you're travelling together. My big question is: What is the story with Saudi Arabia only allowing RHD vehicles through their borders?

Any info is welcome?c?

By the way, what about travelling seperately into and out of Saudi? It only 3 days anyway. You won't be missing much apart. Maybe check out the possibility of trains from Jordan to Jeddah, put the little Miss on the train and off you go! Makes for a very romantic meet on the Ferry.... Think Titanic type love story... or maybe not...:eek3: What am I saying?

Saudi Arabia
 

Hi

Frends of me passed Saudi arabia on a fake marriage cert. with a LHD last year. They got the visa in Addis in 24 hrs, no problem.

Nou we want to leave Holland, in 2 weeks with a ambulance to Uganda. Getting a SA visa from this side seems to be a lot more difficult. We are bussy to get a Saudi transit visa for 6 weeks but no resulds yet.
There is a ambassy of SA in Amman, have someone got his visa over there?

We Also learned from a red cross aid worker the situation in sudan is getting worse? Have someone just passed there?

Thanks
Frank

1) Think you girlfiend will find it impossible to get a visa as a single female. Only option of travelling separate would be for her to miss Saudi altogether. Maybe fly from Jordan to Sudan.
2) Sudan has problems in the news due to southern politicans being arrested and protests in response to this. May calm down quickly or could become something. Khartoum and the east used to be okay even when there was trouble in the south so may not be a problem.
3)Alternative would be to transit Saudi into Yemen then cross to Eritrea or Djibouti. Met a Czech couple in Ethiopia who had done this and said no problem. However Saudis in news for fighting rebels on Yemeni / Saudi border so don't know how easy to cross.
4) Think you will find it much much easier to get a visa in a local country than trying to source in Europe.