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 2 Jan 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California
Posts: 10
Is Timbuktu Safe?

Hi, I have been going to Timbuktu nearly every year since 2005, first to the music festival, (which should be starting this week) then to explore the desert. Last time I was there in 2009, I was told it wasn't safe outside of the town. Now there are numerous travel alerts warning of an Al Qaeda branch (AQIM)from Algeria in the Sahara. Has anyone been to Timbuktu recently? What is the vibe in town and is it safe to be there? I was planning on going in February.

Thanks,

Elisabeth
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Jan 2011
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
I would say it's right on the border of the risky area to the north, or more realistically, in it.

Brit FCO map
French 'FCO' map
(both from November)

MBM's camp is thought to be not far to the north of Timbuktu, around Arouane.

Last two months seemed quiet - before that it was not. Of the kidnapped 7 group up north, no word.

So much depends on how you comport yourself there, how you dress and how you arrive (ie: not in a small plane...) and what language you speak there. And if you've been there before - who you know.
Keeping a low profile is best, and though you may blend in better than some, a picture-taking American (if that is your nationality) would be quiet a prize.

The current worry is that while AQIM may not know who is in town, the longer you hang around the more chance a hard-up/desperate local with a grudge may grab you to hand over for a quick buck.

Ch

Last edited by Chris Scott; 2 Jan 2011 at 20:29.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Jan 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: California
Posts: 10
Thanks Chris- With all of my gear, it is hard for me to keep a low profile- though I am fluent in French and know Mali quite well, I am a Californian. Having traveled there many times, I do know people. But after reading your post, it is probably best to wait on returning to that region. It could be years before it becomes stable again.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
There will be a good number of westerners in the area for the The Official Website of Festival Au Desert | Essakane, Mali | Jan 6-8 2011.
There is a lot of talk about security and the Malian President a.k.a. ATT is attending for the first time, meaning there'll be lots of it.
I don't think hanging around after the festival would be a good idea.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Jan 2011
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,801
A blog from Tim about a week ago. Only skimmed it but all seems fine, security wise.

Day 63 to Tombouctou 54kms N16 46'911 W 003 00'837 - GetJealous.com Free Travel Blogs

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
If your speculation in another thread is correct about the reason why the last five hostage takings has been in Niger/Mauri, Mali may be perfectly safe for kidnappings.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Jan 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: the sahara
Posts: 21
Strangely, there've been very little kidnappings in Mali. It's only conjuncture, but it seems that AQIM prefers to kidnap in Niger. I spent over 6 months in Kidal, I've crossed the borders between Mali and Mauri multiple times, and never had a problem -- there's speculation about a mutual avoidance, i.e. the tribes, like Ifoghas in Kidal, don't bother AQIM so AQIM doesn't take action in their area...then again, there's not loads of foreigners around.

Bottom line, whether or not it's safe is not a question that can reasonably be answered. If you want 100% assurance you will not be kidnapped, you shouldn't go. Kidnapping is just a possible reality that we deal with in that part of the world.

Chris
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Jan 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Eumundi, AUS
Posts: 81
Just saw this:
Paris évoque "un risque imminent" d’enlèvement au Nord Mali

Paris évoque "un risque imminent" d'enlèvement au Nord Mali - Temoust.org | Le portail du peuple touareg berbère Kel Tamasheq

or in english...
Paris evokes "an imminent hazard" kidnapping in northern Mali

PARIS - The France fears "an imminent hazard" removal of its nationals in the North of Mali, said Wednesday the Foreign Minister Michèle Alliot-Marie ten days after the kidnapping drama by Al Qaeda for two young French in Niger.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Jan 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
More than that, they have made even south Mali an orange zone which has infuriated many since the risks are probably small south of the river.
[France-Diplomatie-Ministère des Affaires étrangères et europeennes] MALI
They have advised against French travelling anywhere between Mauritania and Sudan.
Obviously they don't want the risk of having more people kidnapped after the last disaster.
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Timbuktu-Gao Alex Rubtsov North Africa 6 24 Jun 2008 17:45
Lisboa / Timbuktu 8340SU North Africa 5 5 Apr 2008 14:42
Gao to Timbuktu Tunde North Africa 1 10 Feb 2008 19:09
To and from Timbuktu JSerpa North Africa 14 24 Mar 2006 22:09
uk to timbuktu chrisue sub-Saharan Africa 1 2 Jul 2005 18:30

 
 

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 10:33.