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.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 52
Famine in Niger: Security?

Famine in Niger is apparently getting worse. This is of course first and foremost a terrible disaster for the victims. So forgive me if I must also ask: does it pose problems for travelling in Niger? Increased security risks? Recent information from the ground is highly appreciated.

__________________
Cheers!
Michiel.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Porto, Portugal
Posts: 258
Hi Redhouse,

Hunger in Niger is most evident in the southern regions. When traveling through the country last year, I did not notice that it would constitute a security issue. In the south, we camped several times close to villages and the reactions were as normal as it would be expected. But the only tourists we meet here were always making long runs to avoid camping in the wild.

However, it will strike your eyes (and your heart) to see hunger children, virtually no basic water supply system (for instance, in some villages drinkable water is only available from 250ml plastic bags and it is chemically treated), etc., etc.

Personally, I consider Niger a rough country for holydays. Last year I was at work and in some occasions it was hard to deal with the situation.

José
__________________
Desert Crocodiles of Mauritania: http://cibio.up.pt/crocodilos/en
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Jul 2005
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
Funny how it has just hit the news today. I have heard there have been clashes over food distribution in Agadez - food being flown in from Libya - all a result of last year's locust plagues across the Sahel I believe.
The desert regions are less directly affected because they are pretty barren anyway, but they may be last in the chain.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Aug 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Redcar
Posts: 18
I was in Agadez at camping Agadez last year when the locusts struck. It's amazing how many there were. At the campground, they were eating everything and the locals were going mad trying to kill as many as possible.

We drove to Amezri in the mountains and we went through at least 50 miles of solid locusts.

It's something else to see and you can understand how much destruction they can cause.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Aug 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: belgium
Posts: 34
one should ask yourself if travelling as a tourist in a famine struck country is the best of choices.......
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Aug 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Maine, USA
Posts: 22
The whole of Niger is not under famine conditions. There is food available, is it just far too expensive for subsistence farmers and their families to afford. As a tourist, your money will be greatly appreciated, as you can afford to eat and will pay desperately needed cash for supplies, etc. You will not be competing for food with starving children. There will undoubtedly be more begging, more requests for donations. With all the foreign aid personnel, the security issues are likely to be better, as the government will not want any more negative publicity. Remember, this is a climate and insect related famine. These people are peaceful and will go back to their homes and families. This is not at all like Darfur where violence has forced harsh conditions into refugee camps full of famine. You will be assisting the Nigeriens if you continue on your touristic plans.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Aug 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Posts: 52
KevinMC: My ideas exactly. Just wanted to check for info on the situation.

I have been in Ethiopia and seen famine there. It can be very confronting. But then I ask myself: Would it be better for these people if I stayed away, blissfully unaware of the situation, and spent my money on the Costa del Sol in stead? The answer of course is no.
__________________
Cheers!
Michiel.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 10 Aug 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: belgium
Posts: 34
whatever......
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


 
 

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 15:05.