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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
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Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Trans Sahara Routes.

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  #1  
Old 17 Dec 2009
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Driving an American car through Sahara

Hi guys,

I'm planning to cross the Sahara (Morocco-Mauritania-Senegal-Mali) in February in a Toyota 4runner with Californian number plates. I'm a Swedish citizen and my friend is American. I've read the reports about the recent kidnapping and am a bit concerned. I'm fearing that we'll be a more likely target because we drive an American car.

First of all: Do you think there's a reason for concern or am I being paranoid?

What do you think about covering up the part of the license plate that says "California"? (Here's what a CA plate looks like: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/63/20...750214.jpg?v=0) I presume terrorists are not savvy enough to recognize it then?

Would it be possible to remove the number plates altogether or mount Swedish plates from another car on it? I realize this would be an issue at border crossings, but would it also be a problem at checkpoints along the way?

Thanks for any advice!
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Old 17 Dec 2009
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I would suggest just getting some plain "UK style" number plates made up.
Number Plates - Show Plates - Custom Plates - Bike Number Plates - Online Plate Builder

As long as the numbers match your paperwork, you should be ok
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Old 17 Dec 2009
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BYT gave a very good answer, Alternatively perhaps a signwriter ( they make machine cut signs now) could make one up for you ?
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Old 17 Dec 2009
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There's good plate manufacturer with lot's of different background options including Swedish. showplate.se - Personliga skyltar
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Old 18 Dec 2009
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i wouldn't drive even if i got paid!!!!!



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