Mali - Algeria trip

[Lacinko]

Hi all,

Im planning trip in january 07 from Bamako to Algiers via Gao, Niamey, Agadez, Assamaka- In Quezzam, Tamanrasset and In Salah.

I would like to receive some suggestions and opinion about this trip, especially:

- Is it feassible to make it in 12 - 14 days
- Can you recommend name of the agency in Tunisia, which can arrange reliable guide from In Quezzam to Algiers?
- We are group of three cars travelling together. Will one guide with his own car agree to guides all cars, or do we have to book 2 guides.
- How is the diesel and water supply in In Quezzam - Ghardaia region, should additional 4 jerry cans ( 20l each ) per vehicle be sufficient for that journey?
- would you recommend to obtain Algerian visa in advance or getting transit visa in Agadez is sufficient
- any other suggestions?

thanks guys in advance for your help


Laco

[Yves]

Hi,

14 days is just feasable, tough you will not have time for sightseeing nor delays. (Ain Guezzam - Algiers min. 4-5 days).
21 day would be relaxed.

1 guide travelling in one of the three cars is fine. You don't need 2 guides neither a guide with car.
You will need the guide north of In Salah too!
In theorie you would be free to circulate without guide in the north - but not in practise, so you need the guide from border to border (confirmation required to get the visa)
If possible get the Algerian visa at home (not possible at Bamako), the transit visa is only valid 7 days and the procedure might cost you 1-3 days in Agadez.

Fuel supply in Ain Guezzam is unsure, you should have enough supply until Tam. From Tam north < 400km between fuel staions. Water is no issue, < 400km intervals.

>- Can you recommend name of the agency in Tunisia ...
It has to be an Algerian Agency, see references in this forum.

All best, Yves

[Yves]

Hi,

>What do you mean you don't need a guide in the north of Algeria? Is this true? >Can you explain more?
No, I have no personal experience travelling outside the south. And regarding the currently increasing terror activities in the north I have no motivation to try it out.
Yves

[Lacinko]

Thanks Yves, just one more question.
You said that there is no fuel supply in In Quezzam . Where is the last place to get fuel in Niger before border crossing and first place to get it in Algiers? How far are those places from each other?

Laco

Thelast place where you can fuel is Assamaka, right on the border. It's coming from Algeria, so you pay smugglers price - less than in Niger, more than in Algeria. Getting fuel in In-guezzam is a problem indeed, however, if you're entering Algeria drive to the gendarmerie with your guide and get a permit to fill up. That's what I did april 2006

[Yves]

Hi Lacinco,

I said, fuel supply is unsure - that does not mean there is no fuel. moro is right.
In Africa you allway should have enough fuel for the next but one fuel station.

After Ain Guezzam the first place is Tam. Have a look on the excellent Michelin Map - or in Chris book.

All best, Yves

[Toyark]

In Africa you allway should have enough fuel for the next but one fuel station.
My fuel tank=80 litres diesel & I carry 6 jerries of 20 Ltrs

Yves is wise- maintain water and fuel safely and carrying a length of hose doesn't take much room and comes in handy when there is no electricity...and only drums available!