North Africa tour operators?

[Michaelh]

I am an American and I am planning a trip to go from Tunisia, across Libya, thru Egypt, into Sudan and continuing South. I will be required to have one in Libya and it seems highly encouraged to have one in Egypt as well. Can anyone recommend some good tour operators? Thank you.

[ilesmark]

By all means check the current situation (and I am willing to be corrected if it has changed more recently or if the rules are different for US citizens), but I seem to remember reading somewhere you don't actually need a guide for Libya if all you want to do is drive the North Coast road and are able/willing to do it within 7 days, although I think you may still need the services of a travel agency to organise the visa.

As regards Egypt, unless you want to go anywhere remote or a specialised archaeological site, you can get by without a guide.

[Michaelh]

If I do not need a guide that would be great. I have emailed one guide asking for details and I am currently awaiting response. Thank you for the response.

[Squire]

You shouldn't worry about getting a guide in Egypt, not needed but get your papers right. Careful with the carnet deposit (8x the value). Guides can be hired in most points of interest for touring the area.

Highways will take you from A to B easily, and then rural road without too much difficulties or confusion. Road signs in English have appeared here and there during the last year though driving remains.. let's say.. not a relaxing activity, top vigilance needed. You don't need a guide to read road signs.

You probably already figured that traveling this part of the world from May to September is really hot, I mean deadly hot. Take into account the holy month of Ramadan in planning your trip, this year it falls in August. In any case remember Egyptians enjoy the Mediterranean Sea during the summer so expect high demand for accommodation and a limited offer.

Riding a bike? If so plan ahead and carry with you (or send yourself in advance) replacement tires and maintenance parts. Very difficult to find in the country and further down South. Good luck!

[Michaelh]

Thank you for the advice. Can you give me some more details on the Carnet for Egypt? Do I need to have 8 times the value of the bike in cash? Whatever I give them when I enter I get back when I exit right? I have read quite a few peoples posts about the high costs, but no one has really explained the transaction.