Crossing Egypt with diesel engine

[Piotr]

Hi,
I'm preparing a quite long trip and would like to drive through Egypt from Jordan ( ferry from Aqaba) to Lybia. Is it possible ?
How about diesel engine ? My LR has it.
Now I'm collecting information about possible problems. May I ask for piece of advice ?

br,
Piotr

[Chris Scott]

As far as I know, diesel engines in Egypt are no longer a problem as they were a few years ago. The borders are of course complicated - a good account here.

For Libya, all you need is a visa. It can get expensive.

More info here and here.

Ch

[Piotr]

Hi Chris,
thank you for reply.
I know that Libya is a not big problem (was there in 2008 - hope nothig has change for worst).
Could you tell me about safety on the road from Algeria through Mali, Mauritania to Morocco or alternatively from Algeria through Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania to Morocco ?

br,
Piotr

[Chris Scott]

Piotr, I have not been this way for a while but according to recent reports it seems you may get robbed in north Niger between the Alg border and Agadez (much worse this year, be you tourist, NGO or local).

While via Tessalit (Mali) there is a chance you may get kidnapped or robbed. (very few tourists going this way now). AQIM have been based here for a while.

If it was me I would go via Niger and hope for the best. I get the feeling there is more possibility of things improving in north Niger sooner than in north Mali, but this may not happen.
There was a recent report by some Australian bikers going the other way.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-algeria-50692
An informal convoy between Assamaka and Arlit does not seem to ensure safety, though the military convoy down the road to Agadez may be more serious. You're only really in the clear once well past Tahoua.

Mauritania I think is OK - they seem to have responded as well as they can to the kidnappings last year.

As is becoming common practice in parts of the Sahara, it pays not to announce your intentions (route/schedule) too widely, though if you turn up at In Guezzam it's fairly clear where you're going next.

Ch

[manfredschweda]

1.1 Egyptian Pounds, is 15 cents (Euro) a litre, no Prob been there in March