Is HBG-Illizi practicable?

[Dr LC8]

Hi,
I'm planing to go to Algeria by bike in March and I have included in my journey the route Hassi Bel Guebbour-Illizi described by Chris Scott in Sahara Overland as "Route A2" and in a similar way by Michele Soffiantini in the Italian Algeria Polaris guide as "Les 4 Chemins-Illizi".
Unfortunatly I heard that this roue has been forbidden for security purpose after tourists kidnapping in 2003.
Is that true?
Is there anyone who's got up to date information about it?

Thanks for your help,

Ciao

Nic

[Chris Scott]

It is a great route but believe it is still closed - even with a guide.
One day they will lighten up I hope.

Ch

[Yves]

Hi,

as Chris said, it is still closed. I don't expect it to re-open in the next years because the zone is very sensitive for the petrol/gas industrie.
A direct, sealed road is planned from BOD to Illizi.

Yves

[Dr LC8]

Thanks guys for the information!
It is a shame, isen't it?

So if I want to reach Illizi through a nice pistas which route I can follow? Are via In Amenas or via Irlanene West and El Adeb Larache the only possible routes? Are those good in terms of landscape and challenging drive?
Moreover once I get to Illizi I would like to go on toward Djanet following the Illizi-Bordj El Haouas via Tarat (Chris's A3) or the "Oued Imirhou route" described by Michele Soffiantini in the Polaris guide. Is this area interdit as well or not?

Grazie again

Ciao

Nic

[Yves]

Hi DR. LC8,

>o if I want to reach Illizi through a nice pistas which route I can follow?
none, tarmac until Illizi.

>Illizi-Bordj El Haouas via Tarat (Chris's A3)
Should be allowed (when your guide agrees, bien sur)

>or the "Oued Imirhou route"
it might be impossible to take it. The heavy rainfalls in the last years took their toll. ( and again, when your guide agrees ...)

Yves

[Dr LC8]

It sounds like that you're prisonier of your guide...isen't it?

You mean that there aren't any good pistas to follow to reach Illizi? What aboute to drive along the Algerian-Lybian border from In Amenas down to Illizi? Rubbish?

Ciao

Nic

[Yves]

Hi DR. LC8,

>o if I want to reach Illizi through a nice pistas which route I can follow?
none, tarmac until Illizi.

>Illizi-Bordj El Haouas via Tarat (Chris's A3)
Should be allowed (when your guide agrees, bien sur)

>or the "Oued Imirhou route"
it might be impossible to take it. The heavy rainfalls in the last years took their toll. ( and again, when your guide agrees ...)

Yves

[Chris Scott]

A3 is a fantastic route on a bike, (see Desert Riders) even if you have to take a guide - but getting to Illizi from the border is all tarmac (via HbG) unless you go El Oued through the dunes to Fatima (hard on a bike) and then follow the dune-covered road to Deb Deb - also hard work on a bike.
In summary: the good pistes start at Illizi.

Ch

[Dr LC8]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

A3 is a fantastic route on a bike, (see Desert Riders) even if you have to take a guide - but getting to Illizi from the border is all tarmac (via HbG) unless you go El Oued through the dunes to Fatima (hard on a bike) and then follow the dune-covered road to Deb Deb - also hard work on a bike.
In summary: the good pistes start at Illizi.

Ch

Thanks Chris,
can you give me some more details aboute this route. I can't find it...maybe I'm blind!
Do you think is it hard even with a empty twin (LC8)?

Grazie

Nic

[Yves]

HI DR LC8,

>El Oued through the dunes to Fatima .. Deb-Deb
unfortunately, also this route is still closed for tourism.

Yves

[Chris Scott]

If you mean El Oued to Fatima etc, it's A1 in the book (or a similar parallel version to the east). I found it hard work leading/route-finding (in a car, no guide) but I'm told following is easier and even fun! No big dunes - just annoying small ones. A guide makes all the difference north of the El Borma road - allowing you to concentrate on riding, not nav as well.

Ch

(Ahh, it seems it is still closed - so just shoot down to Illizi then)

[Dr LC8]

Originally Posted by Chris Scott

Ch

(Ahh, it seems it is still closed - so just shoot down to Illizi then)

I batter accept that I'll drive on tarmac down to Illizi!

Thanks

Ciao

Nic