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 31 Dec 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Kraków
Posts: 131
Is riding across Algeria's Ergs in daylight permissible?

I have asked Tanezrouft Agency about hiring a guide for a following route: Taleb Larbi> Touggourt> Hassi bel Guebbour>across Erg Issaouane (A2 route in "Sahara Overland")> Illizi>Tarat> Bordj el Haouas> Serouenout> Ideles> Hirhafok> Assekrem> Tam>A11> Ideles>A9> Amguid> A12 (along Eastern side of Erg Tifernine)> Hassi bel Guebbour> Touggourt> Taleb Larbi.

They said that "driving through Erg Issaouanne, Erg Tiffernine, Erg Oriental, Erg Chech, the Illizi - Tarat piste and Bordj Omar Driss - Amguid is still not permitted for tourism. But south of Illizi and In Salah there are almost no restrictions."

I know that Army Command banned vehicles from remote Saharan paths at night across 6 southern provinces. Was this ban expanded to day crossings?
__________________
www.globerider.pl
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Jan 2009
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,800
That is a great route you have put together Tomek but much of this area remains closed to tourists - long after the horse has bolted, so to speak - following the 2003 mass kidnappings which unfolded all around there.

It's not so much a list or ergs as a list of restricted places, some which happen to be ergs.

If you get to Ilizzi you could take A4 off the Fadnoun, then follow A7, and from Tourha Pass (A7/KM357) cut NW to Garet, over the top and so down to In Ecker or up to Arak for fuel via Sli Edrar (very nice rock) - or carry on down towards Ideles on A7 (also v nice run) then, south of the Green Sign, take the red track on the Mich map that hooks under the Tefedest. When clear of the hills you can curve back NW cross country towards In Ecker for fuel.
From In Ecker what we did a year ago was follow A12 to Amguid but cut off west through a nice little pass before Tidikmar to some dunes, and then work our way NW to Sli Edrar, close to the road and then up to Arak for fuel.
From In Ecker or Moulay or Arak there are several ways into the Ahnet on the west side of the TSH to bring you up to In Salah or wherever you like.
Or from Arak there is the old Hoggar piste via Tadjemout oasis and another big guelta to In Salah; a quick way of getting north not on the TSH.
Opposite Tadjemout on the W side of the TSH is Erg Mehajebat, big dunes. Accessible x-country directly west from Tadj passing a big dune.

There are some pix and a map of some of these routes here: Desert Riders Tour - Sahara 2008

I especially like the white granite sands and outcrops around Garet, Sli and Tesnou ('Elephant Rock').

There is still a lot to see and do out there, even with the restrictions. Alg is a big country.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Kraków
Posts: 131
That will do. Thank you.
__________________
www.globerider.pl
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 7 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Posts: 321
Hello

I’m now starting to make plans for my next desert route and this is a good topic to start with.

The guide in Algeria is still obligatory right? How did these fellows that when on motorcycles solve the problem? Did they wire a guide with a 4x4?

I’m aware of the problems in Niger around the Air Mountains but is there safe any to go to Tenere via Algeria? The information that I have is that there are open borders but it’s not very safe….


thanks

bernardo feio
__________________
bernardo feio (Portugal)
2.5 Land Rover Lightweight / BMW R80 G/S PD / Toyota HZJ 78
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 7 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Hi,

>The guide in Algeria is still obligatory right?
Yes

>How did these fellows that when on motorcycles solve the problem?
The guide travels by his 4x4 carrying water food, fuel, etc.

>is there safe any to go to Tenere via Algeria?
No, even driving down from Assamaka to Artlit - Agadez - Niamey is still risky (military convoy from Arlit to Niamey).

Regards, Yves
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 8 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
Posts: 321
Thanks


So if I want to travel with out paying a guide and I like desert my only chance in the north of Africa is to travel to Marrocos, Sahara Ocidental, Mauritania and Tunísia

For Libia, Algeria, Egipt I’m stuck with a guide

…and Niger, Mali, Sudan and Chad are not safe....



One more question: in Algeria beside the guide is also necessary the Tourist Police?

Bernardo Feio
__________________
bernardo feio (Portugal)
2.5 Land Rover Lightweight / BMW R80 G/S PD / Toyota HZJ 78
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 8 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
In Tunisia the guide (and a military escort) is also needed for the most of southern desert...

RR.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Jan 2009
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,800
News from Algeria

One more question: in Algeria beside the guide is also necessary the Tourist Police?

Not needed in Algeria, just the escort from border to border who can also be a guide - in your car or his own.

Regarding the original proposed route by Tomek at the top of this thread, I was told while in Algeria recently that they may open up the Amguid track (A9) this year - and more interestingly the other tracks in that region such as A2, A12 and maybe A3.

Other Alg News:
At the airport in Tam the scanners were picking up rocks (both geological and artifacts) in the main luggage for arbitrary confiscation. They were even confiscating sand collected in bottles as a souvenir, so be warned or just leave some loose in the bag.
If every tourist in Algeria took a litre of sand, at the current rate there'll be no dunes left there in 300,000 years time.

We were off car tracks mostly but only saw one group of Lithuanians at the Camping Dassine in Tam (which has had a bit of a makeover).

Amazingly the 600-km water pipeline between the In Salah aquifer and Tam is nearly complete with a 2m-wide trench right along the west side of the TSH. This can actually make breaking off towards the Ahnet etc a little difficult (at least till the end of the year) although there are a few gaps.

At Algiers the old domestic terminal has been knocked down or reclad to match the new international one five mins walk away.

Ch

I'll put a photo report on our recent trip on the S-Files in a week or two.
Sahara Overland ~ Travellers reports
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Jan 2009
Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Oxford, U.K.
Posts: 625
[QUOTE=Chris Scott;224392]One more question: in Algeria beside the guide is also necessary the Tourist Police?
"At the airport in Tam the scanners were picking up rocks (both geological and artifacts) in the main luggage for arbitrary confiscation. They were even confiscating sand collected in bottles as a souvenir, so be warned or just leave some loose in the bag.
If every tourist in Algeria took a litre of sand, at the current rate there'll be no dunes left there in 300,000 years time."

Assuming 100 000 tourists a year in Algeria, a specific gravity of 1602 kg/cu m and no scanning devices at the airport, in 300 000 years, only the sand of a small flank of a star dune in the Grand Erg Oriental would disappear. But this would increase the local average speed of Italian drivers by a good 5 km/hr and possibly injure 2 locals and a slow camel per millenium. All in all you can see why they are being so careful in Tam.....
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Jan 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Uk
Posts: 1
Confirmation before panic

I have been planning a trip in 2010 which pretty much covers routes A1/A2 & A3 from the Sahara Overland book. From your thread it looks like all these routes are closed - Am I correct to think that?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 28 Jan 2009
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,800
Am I correct to think that?

Currently, I believe so. Dont know about A1, but A2 and -3, both great routes, are in the Illizi wilaya or department which I believe reduced access in the area following '2003' and may open it again this year.

If not on this forum, watch the Algeria page for updates.
Sahara Overland ~ Algeria visa and travel information

The southeast is the traditional area to explore but I've done a few good routes west of the Trans Sahara Highway since the book came out.
It's a bit more open and less mountainous so you can make it up as you go along, with great driving/riding and landscapes.
Map: http://www.adventure-motorcycling.co...pix/dR8map.jpg
Just finished Tom Sheppard's new book which is largely set there.

Ch

Last edited by Chris Scott; 29 Jan 2009 at 09:44. Reason: clarified
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Hi,

this week I was told, that the Erg Chech is again open for tourism, though I do not know the extent of the zone opened nor have any confirmation of someone who did it with success.
Permission for the planned itinerary must be requested 10 days before in Adrar, entry and exit must be declared. A local guide is required.

The Amguid area is still closed for tourism.

Regards, Yves
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Jan 2009
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,800
the Erg Chech is again open for tourism...


Great news but who ever goes there!?
Could that mean the Tanezrouft piste to BBM is open too?

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29 Jan 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 332
Chris,

>Could that mean the Tanezrouft piste to BBM is open too?

I do not know it yet. But don't think so because the Tanezrouft is more difficult to secure. Will investigate on this subject.

Yves
__________________
Yves
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Jan 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Poland
Posts: 6
Loop across Algeria

Dear forumers please feal free to explore photo story of our november 2008 trip at

Picasa Web Albums - Tytus

That was a great 10.000 km run covering some Chris routes. Thank you Chris for all your work (especially book) .

Best regards

Tytus
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
Riding alone oldsomeman Europe 33 23 Nov 2008 17:23
Need a riding partner for riding off road in Bolivia. gatogato SOUTH AMERICA 2 6 Feb 2008 19:42
Riding in Oman Sheikyabooty Middle East 19 13 Dec 2007 12:59
off road riding Merrie1 TRAVEL Hints and Tips 5 14 Apr 2005 05:00
Riding in Cuba PJ Central America and Mexico 3 16 Oct 2004 04:59

 
 

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 11:34.