Travel between Atar-Tidjikdja and beyond

[2Wheels]

Hi everyone,

I will be cycling to Accra from Morocco in Nov this year and am rather confused as to how I can make it accross the desert between Atar and Tidjikdja. Obviously bicycle is impossible, but what about by camel. Ive searched the forums half to death but have found no info on crossing this part of the desert by camel. I'd love to put myself and my bike on a camel(s) and trek accross this part of the Sahara.....Does anyone have any information on this? I would be truly gratefull to anyone who could pass on any info.

Thanks very much in advance,

Tony

[ursula]

hi Tony
"Hommes et Montagnes" from France have this camel trek
in their programm, 18 days!
http://www.hommes-et-montagnes.fr/pa...voyage_web.htm

As they are very nice, I am sure, they can help you with information
who to contact

Ursula



[This message has been edited by ursula (edited 16 July 2005).]

[Chris Scott]

Hi Tony, next time you're in a bookshop look at p.264-269 of my book - it's a great description of a bunch of beginners cameling from Atar to Nema (via Tidj) - there's plenty more on camel practicalities there.
One thing: camels are load carriers (including your bike) - you usually walk with them.

Also check out Travels in Mauritania - Peter Hudson (see .../books on my sahara website) same route, 15 years ago - still in print.

Overall, it will be much simpler chucking pushie in the back of a pick-up

Chris S

------------------
Author of Adventure Motorcycling Handbook 5 and Sahara Overland II

http://www.sahara-overland.com and http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com

[2Wheels]

Hello,

Thankyou for your prompt replies, your replies are quite a relief as they are both positive. I will certainly check out your book Chris, I've been reading a lot of travel and history books on West Africa for research purposes and am always looking for recommendations, so I might even buy it!

Ideally though, I'd like to travel through this segment of my trip the traditional way, If I were to do an organised tour I would have to arrange it when I get there as I will be flying from London to Malaga and cycling from Southern Spain, so timings are all up in the air as it were.

Anyway, thanks very much for your advice/suggestions, and I will carry on with my research, of course any further advice will always be greatly appreciated!

Kind Regards,

Tony

[Chris Scott]

I dont think Ursula was suggesting you join an c tour, but that you may want to contact H&M so that they might put you in touch with - or organise for you - a local guide who will camel you to Tidjikja (Route R10 in the book). A set date would not be so vital this way.

Chris S

[ursula]

chris is right, HdM was meant just for contacts to a serious guide with good camels.

Here is also another adress in Chinguetti
(Atar - Chiguetti = tarroad)
tendeweja@chinguetti.info

ursula