Algeria-Niger

[GD_SPb]

In feb'08 our tea (10 person, 5 cars 4WD) want go from Alg to Nig. Easy way is the way from Tamanrasset to Agadez. But we want go from Tamanrasset to Djanet and then go to Niger (Madama and then Agadez).
Some questions:
1. Is our way possible?
2. Is in Djanet fuel (benzin or diesel)? In In-Ezzane? In Madama and around?
3. Is check-point on the Alg-Nig border around In-Ezzane?
And
4. Is Lake Chad in Niger interesting?

[Chris Scott]

1. Is our way possible?
In Niger you may have problems following your intended route

2. Is in Djanet fuel (benzin or diesel)?
Yes

In In-Ezzane?
No or not for tourists - best to avoid In Ezzane I hear

In Madama and around?
Probably not. Seguedine maybe, Dirkou for sure.


3. Is check-point on the Alg-Nig border around In-Ezzane?
No one goes this way - best to check out of Djanet, take the regular balise route (or close to it - there is nothing on the actual border apart from an oil drum) to Chirfa in Niger and check in there (assuming this route is possible)
If you want to try to get to Madama across the plateau go via Zouzoudinga well in Niger before Chirfa, not via In Ezzane and Salvador Pass - then check in at Madama and hope they are cool about it. But this whole area is a bit risky I hear.

4. Is Lake Chad in Niger interesting?
Well, it is not desert and it's not much of a lake either...

Ch

[GD_SPb]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

But this whole area is a bit risky I hear.
Ch

Do you say about area Around Madama or all Nord-East of Niger?

[Chris Scott]

Madama will be safe as it is a checkpoint on the Libya-Dirkou route but either side, while being interesting, is not a place where any people go. A few years ago Tubu bandits used to hide out in the Djado plateau - there is a small risk of mines that they left - and last year the kidnapped Italians were kept in this area (well, east of Madama, Tchigai, I believe).

Better to go direct Djanet to Chirfa unless you know better - or even just explore off piste in Algeria (or Libya). Lots to see and no risk

Ch

[GD_SPb]

Thanks

[Yves]

Hi,

Exit at Djanet to Niger is actually not permitted by Algerian security forces, only at Ain Guezzam - and for a good reason. Currently insecurity reigns in NE Niger and new landmines were reported in Air.

Yves

[roro]

In Feb. 07 we tried to cross Alg/Niger border beetween Djanet and Chirfa and it was no possible .
So we choosed Djanet-In guezzam (avoiding Tam) and it was very interresting a beautiful ( lot of things to see ) .
Have a nice trip .
RR.

[GD_SPb]

The following some questions:
1. Whether I can find 1 guide on route Tamanrasset-Agadez or I should take 2 guide (1 in Algeria and 1 in Niger)?
2. Whether I can travel to the south Agadez without a guide?

[Haakonbj]

I believe that after Ain Guezzam you are on youre own. First the stretch to Assamakka, border of Niger, then east to Arlit. There is nothing along the pist, except quite a few car scellets. Bring GPS, and follow the biggest track. That should take you straigt to Arlit. There is also a long desert stretch to Agadez. Dont miss a fuelstation, and bring enough water :-)

They dont require a guide in Niger

Also bear in mind what Yves said about the current situation in Niger


Cheers
Haakon