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 14 Nov 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 1
Egypt to Sudan via Halaib

We are planning a trip to ethiopia and want to travel with 3 4wd from aswan via Bir Shalatain and Halaib to Port Sudan to avoid that expensive boat from Aswan to wadi halfa.
Who can inform me about this alternative???

thanx
joost
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Nov 2002
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
This borderpost (and all other land-borderpost) where closed in September this year. Pretty sure they are still closed.


Good luck,
AliBaba
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Nov 2002
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
The border definitely is closed for foreigners (though not for locals), and even travel south of Berenice requires a special permit (which, I've been told recently in Cairo, is suspended indefinitely - apparently the whole of the southern part of the Eastern Desert near the Sudan border is a closed zone).

The Wadi Halfa ferry remains the only option.

------------------
Happy Travels,
Andras

FJ Expeditions
__________________
Happy Travels, András
http://www.fjexpeditions.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Nov 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
The southern Red Sea area of Egypt is not closed but require permits that should be applied to well in advance. The permits are somewhat unreliable; last year we got permit to drive, and even go off road, for a number of Egyptians and foreigners with no problems. A week before the trip our permits were canceled with no explanation given. A month later it was open again.

Here’s a trick that might work to a certain extend. In Hurgada, get a permit to scuba dive down south. You’ll most likely to get it with no problems; the officials there are a bit more cooperative and they’re used to scuba diving. Getting permits to go off road or just visit sounds more fishy for them. Once you pass the checkpoints you’re free to venture off road if you like but better know what you’re doing

Remember people live there all along the coast almost till the Sudan border and people come and go all the time. In Egypt you can pretty much go anywhere, if you apply for a permit well in advance that is .

I know a guy who crossed the Sudan border twice last year. He’s Egyptian though, but I’ll try to get hold of him and ask him.

If you’re heading this way make sure you visit Elba mountain protectorate.

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Nov 2002
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Tallinn
Posts: 403
Hello Ahmed,

I was told in August that the military authorities have suspended the issuing of permits to all of the southern part of the Eastern Desert, including the Elba area. Has this changed ?

The border is open for Egyptian and Sudanese nationals, and occasionally with special permits some foreigners are allowed to cross (diplomats, UN, etc.) but to my best knowledge such permits are impossible to obtain for regular travelers.

------------------
Happy Travels,
Andras

FJ Expeditions
__________________
Happy Travels, András
http://www.fjexpeditions.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Nov 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Nussdorf/Attersee (Austria)
Posts: 21
Hi Jost,

pretty long time ago (1982) we made that trip from Port Sudan via Halaib to Assuan. This road is quite easy but be aware that you will be travelling through an extended military zone beginning in Assuan stretching until Halaib, with Military camps all 10 kms overlooking perfectly the coastal plain from elevated points at the coastal dunes.
Many tracks due to dense traffic of smugglers. I would not recommend to enter Sudan by this way.

All the best

Reinhart

http://www.tlc-exped.net/

__________________
www.tlc-exped.net/
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Nov 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
Hello Andras,

I don’t know what the current situation is when it comes to the southern eastern desert. As I said it changes constantly. However I’m planning to explore this area early next year so I was going to start making calls and applying for the permits in the next couple of weeks. As soon as I find the situation for foreigners I’ll post it here. If you need to ask about anything specific let me know.

------------------
A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
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


 
 

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 14:05.