Ferry Aswan/Wadi Halfa damaged and out of order?
 

Hi,

We just met two travellers who took the Wadi Halfa / Aswan ferry and got stuck with their ferry somewhere close to Aswan (the ferry crashed into a rock, we were told). All the passengers had to be rescued in 12 hours.

Does anyone has accurate information about this incident and does anyone know if this ferry is just being repaired and used again?

We intend to take the ferry from Aswan to Wadi Halfa in 2 weeks, but don't know if this would be possible now. We cannot reach Mr Salah on his mobile (maybe we have a wrong number?).

p.s. we also heard that people did use the road from Egypt to Sudan, although they had to pay USD 1000. Does anyone has more information about this alternative (just in case the ferries stopped their services now).

There's more than one boat working the route so even if it takes time to repair the damaged one you'll probably still be able to take a ferry.

See the story here:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...n-way-58457-14

The road border is apparently due to open by May - "soon!". The road is apparently all finished, the immigration/customs buildings exist, but it is has not been opened yet.... It will apparently be a big ceremony when it does.

+Nobody has been able to provide any information as to the situation with foreigners crossing the road border, will we be allowed, how much?!?+

I'm guessing that the immigration/customs staff aren't permanently in place yet, hence those who apparently crossed had to pay.

There is only one passenger boat operating the route. Due to it's repair and investigation into the incident the service was cancelled a few weeks back. But everyone expected it to start again from 26th March. If it really happened - I don't know.

We are in Khartoum and spoke to mazar yesterday, the ferry will only be operational on the 18th for bigger vehicles with the barge. However he told me there is still a ferry every Wednesday and we can take the bikes on that ferry with us.

Hi, you mean to say that the next time a 4x4 can be taken on the ferry/cargo barge to Aswan is April 18th?

yip, that is how we understand it. a Dutch husband and wife is today going around Khartoum arranging for a Saudi visa so that they can ship to Saudi and drive up to Jordan instead of sitting here till the 18th.

Mazar said our two bikes can go on the ferry next Wednesday. But the barge is not going. Also the river is too low for it to off load or load cars and trucks.

He also said due to Syria there's less travellers going North to South and the barge might even travel less due to that.

Mmmm.... or the road across the border is going to open as reported elsewhere :-)

Did he mention anything about that?

Oh no.

I'm in Ethiopia at the moment but hope to be in Sudan in less than a week.

My plan is to apply for a Saudi transit visa to drive to UAE but everyone tells me I probably will be refused. I will still apply though so we'll see.

Michnus...does the Dutch couple you mention know Saudi transit visas for transit to JORDAN (as far as I know) not granted because of the security situation at border with Jordan? I'd be very interested whether they receive the visa and what there experience is at the Saudi Embassy. Do they have a website or email address?

If I don't receive a Saudi visa it looks like I could be in trouble if I must travel via Egypt as my visa for Sudan is only for 2 weeks...if there's no barge for my car what am I going to do? Can a 2 week Sudan transit visa be extended? Any idea when the next barge will go and if it's likely to be fully booked?

If there is no barge I'm sure your visa can be extended in Wadi Halfa but it would be better to give it a try in Khartoum. I guess it can be pretty boring to wait for a few weeks in Wadi Halfa :(

You might also find that two weeks might be a bit short to get the Saudi and UAE visa.
Basically it's people on motorbikes and unmarried couples that have problems getting the Saudi visa. You are alone in a car so it should be possible.

Last week there was back log of vehicles waiting at WH according to these guys ( KIWIS IN AFRICA | London to Cape Town 2012 ), and I know that at least one of these landies is still there now, with the owners in Aswan waiting for over a week... ;-(

Spanish friends last month had to wait 12 days.

It is hit and miss with extensions, a lot depends on your passport, Arabic, dress sense and who you see from what I can gather. Politely, and repeatedly, explain about the ferries and that you have a vehicle (repeat that often also) else they will assume you as a rich tourist can just take a flight out etc.

http://kiwisinafrica.files.wordpress...325-201919.jpg

m2m I am not sure how you manage to get a 2 week visa, they normally issue it for two months. That said the Sudanese are not evil people and Iam 99% they will extend it for you in Khartoum without any hassle if you explain to them the issue with the barge.
We were 5 days late with registering in Sudan after we entered which we had to do in 3 days. They had no issue with it.

You will first have to apply and get a Jordan visa in Khartoum, it will take around two days. Then apply for the Saudi visa in Khartoum and obtain a travel permit to Port Sudan. That one is for free and take a few hours.

roamingyak.org, we will speak to mazar tomorrow again, I will get more info then for us.

The reason why my visa for Sudan is only 2 weeks not more is that I made the mistake of applying in Addis Ababa not in Nairobi or elsewhere. The Sudan Embassy in Addis Ababa will issue only transit visas for 2 weeks not tourist visas unless you have booked with a travel agency and have the papers to prove it.

Yes, I will have to visit the UAE embassy in Khartoum first (I'm heading to UAE then Iran, which I received a visa for in Nairobi) before going to the Saudi Embassy.

"roamingyak.org, we will speak to mazar tomorrow again, I will get more info then for us."

OK, but it seems he will lose a lot of money if and when the road opens for us, so it might be in his best interest to 'fudge' things a little.... ;-)

Ferry and barge in action and huge sortage of fuel in Egipt
 

Hi

Thanks Carlos, that is a very helpful post.... ;-)

Carlos, good to hear you made it. We missed you somehow in Wad Medani. As luck would have it my bike broke again in Khartoum in 45degree heat in the middle of traffic and we are stuck here now for a few days waiting for parts.

Where did you get the 3day Allien immigration stamp?

Hi!
 

HI!

We got to Wadi in 3 days so we make all the paperwork there! Magdi is the men :)

Hope u get your motorbike fixed, we re trying the Libia visa now, and with good faith since we re Visa pros these days :)

Have a good trip!

Chers

Carlos

It is a bit of a confusing story this ferry in Wadi. Today overlanders landed and their cars from Aswan will be here tomorrow.
Mazar said the next car ferry is only the 18th and that people must book place on the ferry before that time, going North or South.

Same apply for cabins on the ferry, if not they would just sleep on the deck.

We are currently in Egypt with our car and intend to travel to Sudan. Mr. Salah informed us by e-mail that the ferry from Aswan to Wadi is out of order. As we heard a lot of confusing stories about the ferry from Aswan to Wadi, we would like to know if anyone has a recent experience with the ferry. We know that there has been an accident with the ferry, but also read that there are still some barges/overlanders that cross the lake.

If there are other travellers who want to go to Sudan and/or have information about other possibilities to get there - another barge or by road - we would appreciate it if you could let us know! We read that the road between Egypt and Sudan would open in May, but we do not have any other information. Our e-mailaddress is jenmlandcruiser2012@gmail.com. Thanks!

Does anyone has recent information about the ferry from Aswan to Wadi Hafa? We will be in Aswan in about 5 days and do not really have the intention to extend our overlandtrip in that city...

According to Mr Salah there are a lot of problems with the car ferry, and there is no further schedule for next weeks... The solution would be to rent a large barge (for 20,000 EP) or to have the road to Sudan opened (also for a large amount); for both options we would need to gather many overlanders, so please let me know if you have the intention to take the ferry to Wadi Hafa soon!

E-mail me at anacondor123 at hotmail . com

Hi Anacondor

We will be coming from the North, Aswan to Wadi Halfa and wondered if you guys would be looking to share a barge on the 23rd April? By the looks of things the ferry should be up and running by then?

Cheers
Mike

Hi Mike,

I do like to share a barge, and I understand from Jorisv that he is also willing to join. We need either a small barge or more overlanders, given the considerable costs.

Do you have any further recent information?

No, I just spoke to Mr Salah and he was pessimistic over the issue.

We have a 4x4, I haven't seen any other overlanders to far. If you include us then would that be 2 or 3 vehicles?

Do you have an Egyptian number?

No, we haven't got an Egyptian number, only sattphone and our Dutch mobile. But see my e-mail address above. If you give me yours, I can send our phone numbers, so we can at least send sms's if useful.

Guys don't give up on the idea of a "public" barge going. The tactic of trying to get westerners to hire a private barge is not a new one.

We came north last year on a barge booked and paid for by an overland company on the basis that there wouldn't be a barge otherwise. We sublet a space from them. They were hoping to pick up some other overlanders waiting at Wadi to share the cost. Funnily enough there was no-one else waiting at Wadi because a barge had gone the day before sweeping up all the other traffic. Then to add insult to injury they sold a space on the barge the overland truck had paid $2000 for to a late arrival and wouldn't hand it over.

If there is other traffic for the barge it will go.

Thanks for the positive remarks. Today Salah told me that the problem is that the water level is dwindling and therefore Wadi Halfa port does not allow small barges (...), but only the big barge. We will never ever pay 20,000 EP or even a share of it insofar that would extent the regular fee.

Again: anyone who intends to take the ferry south in about 1-2 weeks, please let me know.

Got our bikes cleared today, total cluster**** this Egyptian registration thing.

We have asked around and the story is the barge is broken, or from another source the Nile is too low as it is the beginning of the spring. Fact is the barge is only going to go to Wadi on the 18th.

The local fixers have gone the route of renting a private barge to help overlanders out. It is way more expensive though.

Any body has contact details for Salah?

Takourny at gmail.com
+20 (0) 1283160926

Any news on the Ferry
 

We are in Alex now, playing the waiting game to get our Landy through customs. Does anybody have some recent news about the ferry or next planned date of departure from Aswan?

Cheers
Hentie

Any News??
 

Hi Guys,

We are setting of from the UK in July and should probably be in Aswan an ready for the ferry in early August. Dose any one have an update on the ferry issues and any ideas what else works?

Many thanks
Gemma and Bryn

2doafrica 2doafica.com 2 do Africa

We are in Luxor now and should leave for Aswan later this week. This is the latest we have:

The small barge still runs as normal but can only take bikes as the water level is to low to of load heavy vehicles in Wadi. For cars and trucks you have to rent the large barge at about 20000LE. So need to team up with other travels or it will be very expensive. So far we have seen very little overlander traffic in Egypt, well very few tourists in general compare to the past. We have now managed to team up with 3 other cars but we had to delay our departure to Sudan by at least a week. It looks like there will be some local tractors also going down so it should work out ok, In Shallah...

If you are in a car or 4x4 dont bargain that you can use the normal weekly service, it might change in the future especially if the water levels return to normal after the rainy season further south. The passenger ferry still runs on the normal schedule

Hentie

The new road border at Wadi Halfa linking Egypt and Sudan was due to open in May but has been postponed to September (Presidential elections in Egypt at the moment). I got this from Siddig Gasselmed in the Tourist Ministry in Khartoum who seems very much on top of things.

The London to Cape Town Rally in January got special permission for right hand drive cars and the visa requirements needed an "umbrella organisation" in Saudi (the Motor Federation assisted here), but it was a long and tricky process. There is no transit visa, only Business Visas.
Driving with someone who is not a relative or married is impossible.

I have heard that things are getting worse with the Aswan - Wadi Halfa ferry.

I have spoken to Salah a couple of times. A couple of weeks ago, he said that the large barge would be leaving Aswan for WH on 21st May and that there was a group of people waiting in Aswan. Today he said that this sailing did not happen, and that the situation is now uncertain.

Does anyone have information on the current situation please?

My wife and I are currently living in Cairo and planning to drive Cairo to Cape Town, leaving mid July 2012. It would be good to hear from anyone who has travelled south recently, or is planning to do so in the near future.

I think there are basically two options at this stage:

a) asking around with the overlanding companies like Kumuka and the like whether they have space on the big barge they are renting for their trucks

b) creating a list of who wants to travel which direction what date etc. in order to get 4 to 6 cars together to rent the big barge oneself.

Would be interested to go from Wadi Halfa to Aswan on 28 November 2012 (that used to be the regular Wednesday sailing day up North).

Greetings
Achim

Hi

we are a couple and she is is riding her own bike and we are not married ... so, Saudi Arabia is no option for us :( and we have to take the ferry from Assuan to Wadi Halfa

@ Achim

what if you get a group together, thats only for the barge (trucks, cars and bikes), right ?

What about the passenger ferry ?

What costs we are looking at ?

If I remember right, the trip 1 Person & 1 motorcycles was about $250.- .... so how much today, if possible :(

Lots of ???? , sorry :helpsmilie:

What about to extend the visa and just sit & wait for a regular ferry .... the Red Sea is not bad for hanging loose, right ?

frustating .... :funmeterno:

Thanks for suggestions and all the best
Thomas

PS: is there an option to force the officials to reinstall the ferry service or open the road to Sudan ?

Hi Thomas,

as much as I know the big barge is around 20,000 Egyptian Pounds which should equal 2,300 Euro or 2,850 US-Dollar. That means that even with some four vehicules it is considerably more expensive than the regular ferry.

But from what I read and heard so far, there are a number of serious questions:

1) Is there any schedule for the big barge or can one hire it just any convenient day?

2) Has anybody heard anything about recent movements of the regular ferry (both the passenger ferry and the small barges)? How many of the ferries and barges are actually running given the recent mishaps?

3) Will the operators have any interest at all to get the "normal" barges running again? I guess it is a much better business for them to rip travellers off by forcing them to take the big barge.

4) How many travellers are actually in need of the ferry crossing these days?? Here and in other fora there does not seem to be much movement at the moment.

Greetings
Achim

I have just talked to Mr. Salah and a Swedish traveller in Aswan:

1) The small barges are still not running. He was talking about the big barge only!

2) Mats, a Swedish overlander on the way to Cape Town then called back, telling me that even the big barge will only arrive next week - meaning that even if you are willing to pay this ridiculous amount you might have to wait for at least several days if not weeks!

Greetings
Achim

Hi Achim

indeed, these are bad news :funmeterno: .... I follow the same issue at ► Wuestenschiff - Das Sahara-Forum ◄ and somehow it gets worse, right !?

The big barge costs almost $ 3000.- and how many trucks, cars, etc. fit on this ?
And what about the passenger ferry, is it running now ... :confused1: ?

Maybe, until Oktober/November this is going to work normally again ... Inshallah (IBM)

Thomas & Andrea

https//www.miles-to-ride.com

I know this is kind of a long shot ... but, what if we put the motorcycles on a dive boat and head south from for example Port Safaga / Marsa Alam to Port Sudan :confused1:

OK, the CdP is not stamped and deposit for the plate is gone ... what else to consider doh

Could this work somehow .... ? :helpsmilie:

Thomas & Andrea

https//miles-to-ride.com

Safaga is a exit port ... Maras Alam not ...Dive boats do travel south but rarely dock at Port Sudan.
Private yachts do this trip, and for sure it could be possible, but not easy... check 'el gouna' or port garlib.
cheers
bier

In November the new road will be OK ... (Inch' Allah)

RR

What is happening now to the ferry?
 

Can anyone please let us know the situation with the crossing. Is the barge now working again or are people still having problems. We plan to get to egypt in september.

Hi Windleys. I've been following this thread for while 'cos we are due to head south through Egypt in Sepember as well. Seems the ferry will be a suck it & see. If a private boat is solution then we should stay in touch, re: sharing something.
Cheers, Ben

Hi Benmbutler
 

Hi Ben
Thanks for the reply. Yes it will be great to keep in touch. We are planning to leave the UK in August and cross to Egypt in September via Mersin depending on the political situation. What are your plans? We hope to be in our Landrover. How are you travelling? What do you think about the heat in September? Please send us your contact details.

Good luck with the planning.
Colin and Diana

Aswan to WH July 2012
 

We are still planning to travel south from Cairo mid July, so will have to try our luck with the ferry.

If there is anyone else travelling from Aswan to Wadi Halfa around then, please get in touch.

Dougal

hello,
we are planning to take the ferry half/late august from wadi halfa to aswan. we need to bring our motorbikes too. is it necessary to hire the large barge for that or is it possible to bring the motorbikes on the passenger ferry....?

hope somebody has an answer
thanks in advance

We should be at Aswan mid - end Aug 2012 wanting to catch the Ferry to Wadi Halfa. If anyone else will be there at the same time, get in touch.
Sounds like we're gona have to club together and get enough travellers for the barge.

I can't see the road opening or the standard ferry up and running before then :thumbdown:

Good Luck!

We'll be making our way through Europe when you're struggling to find a ferry.
Could you post the details once successful? :helpsmilie:

Hi Colin and Diana,

When in August do you guys leave?
We're leaving on 16th July so it sounds like you'll be a few weeks behind us.
We're planning on catching the Mersin Ferry as well, might see you at Aswan.
We'll be the couple really fed up on waiting for 2 weeks and all out of beer :rofl:

Regards,
Bryn and Gemma

Hi all

We are hoping to take the ferry from Aswan to Wadi Halfa in late October. It would be good to keep in touch with others that are heading the same way at a similar time.

Our email address is abiandgerry@hotmail.com

Abi and Gerry

You can take the motorcycles on the passenger boat and don't have to wait for the cargo barge. We did it from Wadi Halfa to Aswan just a few months ago and could take both our bikes on the passenger ferry. But it looked like there is only room for maybe two or three bikes. They are stored just at the entrance and effectively block the door while the ferry is underway.

We are expecting to be at Aswan round 20 juli 2012 for the x to Wadi Halfa
(4x4 6m) any info about Ramadan scedule?
Atte

Hello Atte,

We are also hoping to travel Aswan to WH around 20th July 2012, also 4x4 (Defender).

Last time I spoke to Salah, he said the schedule would not change in Ramadan, but here in Egypt you never know for sure!

It is per previous posts, the barges are not running to a schedule, so negotiation will be required!!
I suggest we should get together to share the cost of a barge?

We currently in Cairo. Where are you now?

Dougal

Aswan/WH
 

Hi Dougal,

We are now in Cairo, for our Etiopia and Sudan visa, hopefully we are in Aswan around July 20.

Any fuel(diesel) problem on the way to Aswan? Are You taking the west Sahara route via Bawiti?

Atte

Hi Atte,

We are also in Cairo - I have sent you a private message.
Hope to catch you soon,
Dougal

Update Wadi - Aswan
 

We just used the ferry from Wadi Halfa to Aswan on the 11-12 July. Very crowded both ways so book in advance through local fixers if you want a cabin. The barge was also fine but from Wadi leaves 1-2 days later than the ferry so you'll have to trust someone to load your baby (in our case a bike) We used Mazar (the fixer on Sudan side) and he's a really nice and honest guy.
We paid ~550 Sudanese Pound for 2 persons and one motorbike (the rate was 5,6SDp for 1USD). The price from Aswan to Wadi is higher.

Cheers,
Ionut

Hi is there anyone waiting to cross from aswan to wadi at the moment?
We are in cairo and are planning on heading for aswan tomorrow and are expecting to arrive hopefully saturday afternoon.

Try to be there on Saturday morning as you need time to get everything fixed for the ferry leaving "normally" on Mondays.

Greetings
Achim

Anyone in Aswan
 

Hello,

We are in Luxor at the moment and heading south today (9/11/12) to Aswan. We are hoping to get the ferry in the next week however have not booked anything yet. If anyone is around then it would be great to get in touch.

Our egyptian phone number is 01064881007

Johnny and Lizzie

We are also looking to head through Egypt this week to Aswan but are a little behind you (and will be travelling slower.) If you manage to find a fixer to help you book your boat then please could you let us know as we are trying to get something booked. We would probably be looking to get on a boat on the Monday the 19th we think- although still waiting for our vehicle in Alexandria!

Our Egyptian number is 01098132608

Thanks

Nick and Rich