Sahara Crossing.

[alcord]

I will leave South Africa the end of October travelling to Malta. Can I drive from Sudan directly to Libya and cross the Libyan border at Al Awaynat? Is travelling allowed in that area if their is a road and what about mines?

If not, what would be the next shortest route exluding Egypt?

Any replies would be highly appreciated.

Regards
Alan Drodskie
alcord@freemail.absa.co.za

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Land Rover, the legend says it all...

[GWJ]

There is a 'track' leading north from El Fasher to Kufra via Uweinat. It is definitely not a route you should attempt alone, it's a good 1500 kilometres without fuel/water. To my knowledge, there are truck convoys passing each way twice a week, you should join one of those.

Up till recently the crossing was only permitted to Libyans & Sudanese, but recently travelers have been permitted to continue legally from Kufra to Sudan - I don't know if this is true in reverse. You definitely need to get confirmation when you receive your Libyan visa.

Other than bureucratic difficulties, and the long stretch, the track itself is quite easy, no major obstacles along it's course (though quite soft for most of the way in the upper Sudan - expect doubled fuel consumption!). There are definitely no mines along that way.

I've heared (but have no firsthand info) that the security situation in the Kordofan is quite bad, especially around Mellit north of El Fasher, but then again there have been no reports of any travelers being harmed.

[sebbie]

The Libyans may refuse your application for a visa if you let them know you intend to cross south of Koufra . And even if you get a visa there is chance they will send you back 100s of km to El-Fasher . Anyway , very intresting , that this border is suddenly open for travellers . Can anybody else confirm this ? Thanx seb.