Road conditions on Tunis - Tamanrasset - Agadez ?

[pierresas]

I'm planning to take the trans-saharian with my girlfriend, maybe 2-up on a 1150GS, maybe each of us on a 650 Dakar.

How is the road? Is it tarmac or hard trail all the way? Or can we hit soft sand and very rocky trails that would make it impossible or really not recommended to travel 2-up on a bike?

Thanks

[Chris Scott]

I'd avoid the trans Sahara Highway from Ghardaia down to in Eker due to convoys and bandits. Go Hassi M, Hassi bG and either Amguid In Eker (easy but lonely piste) or down to Illizi and Djanet (all tar, great ride) and then across to Tam 500km hard piste, mostly.
Route details in the book or at .../updates

From Tam to Agadez I dont know lately. It will start with broken tar and soon turn to sand

You will enjoy the dirt much more on the Dakars. It's mostly sandy

Chris S

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Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com

[montana traveler]

Hi,
I traveled that route in June of this year northbound.I was on a KTM which was perfect as there was a lot of soft sand.Two up would be out of the question unless you enjoy crashing and pushing.I found a taureg traders truck and crossed with them...It made it a great experience.There were no military convoys in Algeria but the police in every town really kept an eye on you...insisting that I camp at the station for my wellbeing and feeding me!It was a memorable route.Good Luck