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 Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Dec 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: England
Posts: 26
Mali - Kidal security

Thanks to those who have given info to my previous questions on Mali trip. Now in Bamako. Have hooked up with a decent sounding outfit, Mali Discovery, who seem able to sort out decent value walking north of Tim. However, they say they won't do anything around Kidal due to bandits - OK just driving there, but not walking outside the town.

I've no idea whether this is because they don't operate in Kidal and so want to persuade us to stick with Timbuctou, or whether the threat is real. We have been unable to contact Cheik ag Baye at Affala Voyages, mentioned by some of you, to get his view, and don't want to travel to Kidal to find we can't then walk from there.

Discovery will take us walking to an area known as La porte du Desert and assure us that despite its name, it is up a different route to the one used by people just going out for a couple of nights in desert with crap Tuareg canp for souvenirs etc. Does anyone know La Porte du Desert who can tell us whether this is the real thing, or just the local tame "have a night in the desert circuit".

Thanks - Simon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 26 Mar 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: new zealand
Posts: 1
Be - Aware

Hi,

I am having a good scout around about Mali, current situation etc and have been reading a thread on Lonely Planet Thorn Tree/ Mali tonight.

There is quite a lot being said about Mali Discovery- you may want to check it out, as it seems travellers are warning others.

I have no personal knowledge, just thought it was prudent to alert you.

Have a great trip.


Warning - Lonely Planet travel forum
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Hi Simon,

northern Mali, especially everything north of Mopti-Gao and in particular the Adrar des Ifoghas and Timetrin area are very unsafe areas thees days. For locals the danger is mostly banditry and for tourists the risk of being kidnapped is very high. I travelled in that region between 2005 and 2007 but would not do that now, even with a good guide.
Do a search in this forum and you will find many posts about the risks there.
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Mar 2011
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,811
Worth noting that the original post is nearly 8 years old.
'Good places go bad and bad places go bust...' or however LP puts it.

As Yves says, Mali north of the river is not a place to go these days.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Mar 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,460
Why go there now? Go some other day.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Mar 2011
Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
The thread Waipai is drawing attention to is about apparently poor service from a tour operator (beds too hard, sand in the food sort of stuff) rather than the security situation.

As Yves, Chris Scott and Priffe have all noted, there's a lot more to worry about than that in N Mali.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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 06:14.