Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 2 Jul 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 42
Motor tours in Algeria

This is hopefully a easier question that posted here recently..
A solo Yank living in Italy with a GS bike and just got Chris's new Sahara overland book! Planning a 6 month africa tour and would like to start it off with a bang.

are motorcycle 'tours' available in southern algeria for those with a bike, coming thru Tunisia (via ferry from Genoa). I'm not after slipping thru the cracks, but want to see it before me and my bike ship home. Or is it so rare it is always independently organized?

And if this doesn't pan out, is south western Libya off limits for independent travel? i've read that its perhaps not so hard to drive west to east along the coast road (tourist visa available i think) but that's not that interesting except for Leptus magnus

Jim
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 3 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
Can't picture where aharar is right now but if I understand you correctly, there is a slow rocky route north from northwest of erg tio through the tassili onto the east-west erg isa route. Never done that bit but I recall one of the 2003 groups were caught on this route.
Once on the erg east side there is another rocky track east over the jebel via erg amastane to ain el hadjadj well and the well known 'graveyard piste' to ilizzi - but that is long closed afaik, since 2003 grabs all happened in that area.

As for tarat piste, even short cut down imirhou I would have thought not permitted nor a good idea. They are still trying to smuggle arms out of Libya, towards north Mali I imagine, or maybe northeast alg.

Still, with the open areas Yves described I still think you could do a good tour, as long as you can get off the tsh well before tam.

I recently read a book from the early 80s where the guy was told off for off piste driving which was then also interdite. I suspect it was always forbidden but they just turned a blind eye and of course could not police it anyway. And it's not like you can drive off piste that far in SE alg before you hit a track, that is part of the appeal there.

Ch
Thanks Chris for your reply.

Oued Aharhar is going NE from Afara with some pretty (I presume, never go along this oued) villages :Tamera,Ifata,Armar. You can see it on IGN map.
But our guide (M.Jaffar) in 2009 told me that there is another track going from Tamedjert to Illizi and is authorized (he said).
And it is this track that I'm lookin for....
I think this is not the rocky track you are talkin about (but not sure) and may be another one more in the east: from Tamedjert, following Oued Ifernikene, then Oued Samene (cf IGN 1/1.000.000) toward the track along Issaouane then Illizi.
About Imirhou, an agency in Djanet told me it's open now...
If anybody have other infos they are very welcome.
About visas, the Algerian consulate in France told me that I can have it within 14 days with only the "prise en charge" (invitation letter) from an Algerian agency: same procedure as before, the only thing who have changed is the price!
RR.
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 4 Jul 2012
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
Back at the desk, I see Aharhar now. Never been up there but came down the rocky piste from the '1560 junction' off the main road in late 2002 (also in 89). Ended up near Tazat. Didn't 'know' about Afara then - should have had a look around.

2002 I also followed the owed that runs north of Amrar coming in from the main road to the east, but I turned north for Oued Samene. It's possible there was a junction which also lead south to Amrar valley, so coming up via Amrar (assuming it's possible) you could then turn east along this piste and join the highway just below the big Inhadja Kli switchbacks.

Following the easy track and heading up towards Oued Samene watershed that time, I got far enough (this point - the house icon) to establish then (this was pre Google maps) that there was a rideable track from the watershed vicinity. We were planning to moto down Oued Samane from the north on Desert Riders a few months later.

The other month I was looking again at this area on Google and found the Oued Ifernikene track you mention. You could say it's a continuation of a track that I know people have done, coming from Imirhou (or Tarat) along Oued Edefil, east side of the road. And if Imirhou is open then why not, but I get the feeling since Libya changed, this whole area is a bit hot. It occurred to me that should Libyan arms smugglers get round Tarat (army base in view of Libya border), they could follow the piste to Imirhou, Edefil, over the road for Ifernikene and from Tamadjert and out onto the plains - one of the few back ways through the Tassili N'Ajjer AFAIK.

It is notable that there are no tracks visible up Oued Samene. From our small experience riding it (a few km), it would be extremely hard work if not impossible in a car - boulders or very fine river sand. We also suspected from maps at the time (and now from sat) that there is a cliff face right on the watershed (somewhere here) high enough to stop vehicles - although you could maybe get round it on the plateau either side. All way too 'Camel Trophy' for me.
A good place to ask is Wüstenschiff • Forum anzeigen - Maghrebstaaten und Nordafrika
All the old Alg pros are there.

Reply to Jim:
Sorry to have to tell you the 2004 Sahara book is fast becoming a remembrance of things past.

Quote:
Or is it so rare it is always independently organized?
Yes, AFAIK. I last did one there in 2008 and don't know of anyone doing them now - maybe in Europe.

SW Libya is surely off limits right now. No news from the south does not mean good news. Tourists visas are now only for fly-ins at the airport, and even the coast transit seems a bit of a rat run. That is all they allow atm.

Make your plans in Alg, notwithstanding the restrictions of closed areas. I get a feeling they are not so rigid and once you're in there (with a suitable guide) you can feel out to the edges.

Ch

Last edited by Chris Scott; 4 Jul 2012 at 13:59.
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 6 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
Back at the desk, I see Aharhar now. Never been up there but came down the rocky piste from the '1560 junction' off the main road in late 2002 (also in 89). Ended up near Tazat. Didn't 'know' about Afara then - should have had a look around.

Ch
Thanks a lot Chris for all these accurate infos!

I'm sure you know AFARA: a beautiful plain East of THiodaine. And Oued Aharhar is coming down (or going out?) this plain.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
It is notable that there are no tracks visible up Oued Samene. From our small experience riding it (a few km), it would be extremely hard work if not impossible in a car - boulders or very fine river sand. We also suspected from maps at the time (and now from sat) that there is a cliff face right on the watershed (somewhere here) high enough to stop vehicles - although you could maybe get round it on the plateau either side. All way too 'Camel Trophy' for me.
A good place to ask is Wüstenschiff • Forum anzeigen - Maghrebstaaten und Nordafrika
All the old Alg pros are there.
Ch
I think I'm going to give up Oued Salene , Too much "camel Trophy" for me too!
Thanks for the German site .... but unfortunately I don't speak German!

I will try to see what it's possible/authorized to do in this area and ...Inch'Allah

RR.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 26 Jul 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
Getting algerian Visa

Hi,

I'm trying to obtain this visa.
I've received the invite document from the algerian agency and also the same document stamped by the Algerian direction of Tourism.

I've gone with these 2 documents (and all the others items required) to the algerian consulate in Lyon (France) and they said that the agency must the same invite document to the MFA in Alger.. and then this MFA will inform the Consulate... (if they are OK to give us our visas).
I've told the Algerian agency about that but mau be they have already sent the document to MFA.
Not so easy and the result is not guaranteed

Do you know if some people have got their visas with this procedure?

RR.
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 27 Sep 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Salo
Posts: 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by roro View Post
Hi,

I'm trying to obtain this visa.
I've received the invite document from the algerian agency and also the same document stamped by the Algerian direction of Tourism.

I've gone with these 2 documents (and all the others items required) to the algerian consulate in Lyon (France) and they said that the agency must the same invite document to the MFA in Alger.. and then this MFA will inform the Consulate... (if they are OK to give us our visas).
I've told the Algerian agency about that but mau be they have already sent the document to MFA.
Not so easy and the result is not guaranteed

Do you know if some people have got their visas with this procedure?

RR.
Hi RR, did you get your visa and did you made your trip in Alg?
I obtained visa from Stockholm and waiting for answer to know where shall I go from Finland with my bike. My final destination is Barcelona for winter, but liked to make a roundtrip down to Palermo-Tunis-Alger-Spain. Have an accomodation invitation from a individual person in Algier with all stamps needed.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 10 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
Yes , I've got it but it was in October 2012!!!
Good trip but not so easy due to a lot of controls and forbidden zones
RR
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 16 Oct 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Salo
Posts: 13
I got my 30 days Algerian touristvisa today, but my Green card for bike is valid only in Tunis not in Algeria. Can I get insurance from Tunis and Algerian border for the bike?
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 16 Oct 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Hi,
>Can I get insurance from Tunis and Algerian border for the bike?
yes you can.
In Algeria it is even enforced, no "green card" is valid for Algeria.

Happy travels, Yves
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 16 Oct 2013
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
'Assurance frontier' easy to buy at Taleb Larbi Alg border - in an office next to immigration (though I have not been this way for many years).

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 28 Oct 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bilbao
Posts: 56
I was last week in the North of Algeria

Hi.

I've just returned from a little trip to Northern Algeria.

Algeria - Visa, North/South travel, etc.-imagen2.jpg

Four weeks after asking the visa at the embassy I got it. I asked a tourist visa just for eight days and this helped me convince the officials at the toll in Oran I had no intention to get to the South.
People agreeable and very helpful everywhere. Lots of police controls but no problem at all.

Regards.

Basauritik mundura... motorrez: Norte de ARGELIA en moto

Last edited by ondoibili; 29 Oct 2013 at 00:38.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 16 Dec 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1
Cycling in North Algeria

Hello!

I am from a dual Irish/British national living in London and am planning a rather long cycling trip, one leg of which is to be from Tangiers to Tunis. I am aware of the border being closed between Morocco and Algeria so intend on taking the ferry to Spain and back again. I will be carrying my own tent and plan to use it in Northern Algeria, following the coast (i.e. away from the dodgy desert).....I am trying to figure out how to do this as I'm aware of the need for hotel bookings for your whole trip.

I have considered booking a hotel in a port city for the duration and then only using it for 1 night - I see other people have mentioned this and I would be keen to hear if it worked.

I am also speaking to French friends of mine who might have Algerian friends/relatives to see if they could write a letter to the consulate saying I'd stay with them. Anyone have experience of this?

Thanks,

Dave
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 17 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
Quote:
Originally Posted by ondoibili View Post
Hi.

I've just returned from a little trip to Northern Algeria.

Attachment 10856

Four weeks after asking the visa at the embassy I got it. I asked a tourist visa just for eight days and this helped me convince the officials at the toll in Oran I had no intention to get to the South.
People agreeable and very helpful everywhere. Lots of police controls but no problem at all.

Regards.

Basauritik mundura... motorrez: Norte de ARGELIA en moto
Great! but 8 days is very short!
Do you think that 15 days will be OK (about visa).
And with a car? (only to visit Northern Algeria).
Where have you slept? Hotels? BivoauacS?

RR.
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 17 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
My pals in Djanet say they can come and pick me up on the border and we can drive down south no problem. I am not so sure. Perhaps I will get a chance to try it this season.
Of course most areas are closed for tourists. Waiting to hear about the plateau.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 18 Dec 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
Quote:
Originally Posted by priffe View Post
My pals in Djanet say they can come and pick me up on the border and we can drive down south no problem. I am not so sure. Perhaps I will get a chance to try it this season.
Of course most areas are closed for tourists. Waiting to hear about the plateau.
It's true only if you have a visa! And to have a visa you need an "prise en charge" by an agency in the south....and at the consulate when thay see you are going down south, to get it can be very long, or never.
I've tried it one year ago: More than 2 monthes to get the visa and just a few days before ferry's departure!

RR
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Adventure Travel Film Festival Australia - Bright Vic 24-26 Feb 2012 Adventure Travel Film Festival Australia HU Travellers Meetings - Australia 23 28 Nov 2012 06:04
West Africa visas - 2011 experience africano sub-Saharan Africa 12 7 Apr 2012 13:39
Algeria Travel Agent Recom. nick13 North Africa 2 26 Feb 2012 09:31
Morocco travel info-- visa, green card. jimmyboris Morocco 7 14 Jan 2012 19:16
Latest updates from Algeria TurboCharger North Africa 2 6 Dec 2011 14:26

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:17.