Traveling the Tanezrouft/Algerian visa

[Treeclimber]

I have a pretty good idea of the responses I'm going to get off this one, but does anyone know if it is getting safer to travel the route tanezrouft. Kidal, Tessalit, Borj Mokhtar, how difficlut is the piste? I plan to fly out of Borj Mokhtar, do I still need a guide to meet me there? Anyone who as actually BEEN THERE in the last year? Of course I will also need an Algerian visa, I think I have figured out the process but does anyone know if I can even cross the boarder there?

[ursula]

hi
James Tagelmoust did this route last winter, if you speak french just ask him all about it:
jv74@wanadoo.fr
and http://www.mali-tour.com read "Assistance ONG..."
Ursula

[This message has been edited by ursula (edited 23 March 2006).]

[Yves]

The Tessalit - Bordj Mokthar crossing is the more risky one regarding robery compared to Tin Zaouatine. But escorted from Badi it should be ok.

Border Crossing is possible at Bordj Mokthar.

The piste Kidal - Tessalit is not difficult, easy for a 4x4 or bike during dry season. I travelled Gao-Kidal-Aguelhock-Asselar-Gao in 01/05 with Algerian friends.

Attention: you will not get the visa for Algeria in Mali (or Niger), they only issue visa in your country of residence.

All best, Yves

[This message has been edited by Yves (edited 23 March 2006).]

[Treeclimber]

How does it all go on the visa application? Should I be mentioning that I plan to enter from Mali?

[Yves]

Hi Treeclimber,
you have to enter the border crossing you will enter Algeria on the visa form.
And an agency will have to confirm that they take you "en charge" with route and schedule. The agency will fax directly to the ambassy/consulate.

Yves

[roro]

Thanks fror these infos .
Yves , did you travelled with Badi in 2005 ?
I'm planning a return trip from Mali to Algeria next autumn/winter and I'm lookin' for a experiences about that .
thanks for your replies .
RR .

[Treeclimber]

Okay... I've been in contact with James Tagelmoust and he's telling me that Bordj Mokhtar is the crossing to make, not tan. I have been reading on Kidal.info and tessalit.info but can't seem to find any news on the banditry in either area. Yves, where have you found out what you know about Bordj Mokhtar?

[Yves]

Hi Treeclimber,
you can thrust Badi, when he sais Bordj is ok - then do it.

An Italian group had been robbed last November spending the night between BM and Tessalit. They were probably followed by the bandits from the border, they lost about 5000 EUR - info is first hand.

@roro: I travelled with my friends from Algeria, they run the agency Tanezrouft voyages in In Salah.

Yves

[Treeclimber]

Thanks Yves, this is reassuring, I have been corresponding with James (Badi?)a little bit now and it seems like I am finaly starting to get some solid info on this. Now I just need to work out the visa! Has anyone gone the route of booking a hotel, or is it better to go though an agency, experiances?

[roro]

Thanks Yves for your replies .
I think that , for a return trip ( ie. from Mali to Algeria ) it's better to take a guide from Mali ( only for logistic reasons ).
I'm wrong or not ?
RR.

[Yves]

@roro,
>I think that , for a return trip ( ie. from Mali to Algeria ) it's better to take a guide from Mali

I think yes, but you will have to change the guide once in Algeria.

Anyway, I would consider to compare prices, an Algerian Agency could as well send somebody to pick you up in e.g. Gao. My friends in Algeria advise against the Bordj Mokthar crossing and prefer Tin Zaouatine.

Yves

[ursula]

hello Yves
is there an official borderpost at Tin Zaouatine where one can do all the border formalities? Or do you need to go to Tamanrasset for?
Thanks - Ursula

[RayT]

We were advised against crossing via Tanezrouft / Borj before we travelled. once we actually got to Tam (via InGuezzam & Niger) we found there we several guides who told us there was no problem.
If you hunt around you will be able to find one ( or contact me and I'll put you in touch with one ).
Do make sure you are aware of the risks of doing this route , your guide will not jump in to help you if a bunch of armed guys appear from nowhere , also this route is long and not as well marked as other easier routes.

Ray

[Yves]

Hello Ursula,

at Tin Zaouatine you will find a full blown border post with customs and police.
You do all formalities there. But your travel permit (in Algeria) shall mention the exit there, I know of one german who was refused to exit despite being acompained by a guide (don't know which agency).
Yves

[roro]

Hi Yves
I see you know very well the border's posts beetween Mali and Algeria .
We are only one 4x4 and returning from Mali i.n November .
Do you think the piste from Kidal to Tam is OK for one vehicle ?
My plan was from Gao to Adrar through Tanezrouft : it's Ok for one vehicle but it seems more risky .
Thanks for your reply .
RR.