Crossing the Sahara Dessert

[mcheaiteli]

Hi everyone,
I will be crossing the Sahara desert starting 4th of February this year. Sahara Dreaming Has the map of the route i will be taking.

I was wondering if i could get your opinion about any health tips and advice for these kind of crossing around this time of the year.

Thank You

[Haakonbj]

I did most of this trip, from Niamey and north through Niger and Algerie to Tunisia in 2007. The driving up to Agadez is not so difficult, but its long and the road conditions can be a challange. In the north you will not see much people in between citys. Be aware of the few crazy bussdrivers, they might come a lot faster than you expect.

From Agadez up to Arlit is ok, but hardly any people around, and the traffic is scarce. From there across the borders to Alegeria, a litle more difficult. No road, only tracks in many directions. Head west out of the mining town, and look for the route marking. From the Niger border to Algerian border there is no road either, so bring a compass or a gps.

I guess you have a guide waiting for you at the Algerian border? There is a new road after the bordertown in Algerie, when I was there it lasted for about 100 k. After that it was dessert wit many possible routes going all the way to Tamanrasset. Bring food, water, snacks and basic medisin (eyedrops with and without pencilin) If you dont need it, locals will

Sahara is a big and beautiful :-)
Med mc rundt Middelhavet

Good luck

Haakon

[mcheaiteli]

Hi,
Thanks for sharing the links very helpfull and thanks for the tips!! I had totally forgotten about eye drops on my list. The expedition will be done with Public transport, what is your opinion about this? Another thing is im not sure how much really changed down there since 2007 but i was told that a few years ago they requiere military escort and permission from governments before you are allowed to cross Algeria and Niger. Do you have any idea about this?

I really envie you for having done this trip. You're my hero hehe!!

[pecha72]

Originally Posted by mcheaiteli

any health tips

Considering the recent developments on that region, it could be a very dangerous, and maybe also impossible route, at least on a ´western´ passport (especially the Sahara part).

But I´m not an expert. I´d advice to consult one, before you go. Good luck!

[Haakonbj]

Hi,
Thanks for sharing the links very helpfull and thanks for the tips!! I had totally forgotten about eye drops on my list.

Originally Posted by mcheaiteli

The expedition will be done with Public transport, what is your opinion about this?

Another thing is im not sure how much really changed down there since 2007 but i was told that a few years ago they requiere military escort and permission from governments before you are allowed to cross Algeria and Niger. Do you have any idea about this?

I really envie you for having done this trip. You're my hero hehe!!

This belongs in a another forum i think, and there are people more up to date on this question than me. But when this is said, you are right about times with millitary escort and stuff, and in my opinion nowadays, specially after the killings in In Amenas, public transport would be very difficult. In general, public transport through Sahara (north of Niger and Algeria) are scarse (there is a buss between Niamey and Agadez). In Algeria you need a guide, so if at all possible you would have to manage your way to the Algerian border (not an easy stretch) and meet up with Guide an a car there.

I wish you all the best

Haakon