Libia-Chad-Sudan; Is it save now?

[M&M Oskamp]

Hi,
We're busy planning our first africa overland trip by 4x4 and we want to end up in east-africa.The original idea was Tunesia-Libia-Egypt-Sudan-Etheopia-Kenya and so on.
I spoke to some other travellers who were talking about crossing via Chad and that it was no trouble at all.
The made me very curious and I wonder if there are people with recent info and advices?
Marco

[kitmax]

Hi Marco
You have chosen an almighty itinerary for your first Africa overland trip!
You are crossing bandit country, civil wars, minefields, beaurocracy, political crises and civil unrest at every border.
But don’t be put off! What’s new?
Libya has had a spate of vehicle hijacks recently (one oil company lost 12 vehicles last year) and they now require a minimum of 4 vehicles before they grant a visa, and demand you take a local guide with you all the way. Horrid! Check out this web site for a few hints: http://www.angelfire.com/az/azartours/visa.html
Travellers tales are usually worse than reality, and I am a great proponent for turning up and talking my way through. Patience, politeness at all times, humour and an Islamic acceptance of the ‘Inshallah’ code. “Well, maybe tomorrow, god willing… “
I never offer bribes – that’s not the way I like to make friends! Offer a cup of coffee instead, or share a tin of sardines etc. Try to speak to him in his own language…
Have patience, and be prepared to WAIT…
The ‘UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office’ give helpful, if over-protective, information. Try them here: http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel/countryadvice.asp?
The ‘Office for the Coordination of Foreign Affairs’ is also worth checking out. http://www.irinnews.org/
There are others who have more recent experience than me; keep asking around!
Good luck
Kitmax


------------------
Kitmax - Traveller
Desert Pictures at
http://www.kitmax.com/kitmax/kit03ph...velgallery.htm
homepage http://www.kitmax.com

[M&M Oskamp]

Thanks Kitmax for your advice and I will check the sites you named.
I still hope for more info from other travellers.
Regards,
Marco