South of Sudan, still a NO GO or possible by now?
 

For a while it seems that it has been fairly quiet in the South of sudan as far as i see it, the dutch ambassy advises against travel in that region but dous so in the east as well. Darfur is a no go for sure.
I wonder if it would be possible to plan my trip (start in 7 months, sudan around february 2008) for entering sudan in the south, riding up to wadi halfa and then riding towards Ethiopia.

So, where there any recent travel's to/from the southern region and especialy anyone who crossed the border from either Kenya or Uganda in to Sudan?

Any info apriciated!

Hi Steve, I'm in Addis now, heading north. I met an Italian rider in Awassa who had just come through Sudan without any problems. I'll be entering Sudan in a week and will try to update you when I reach Khartoum. H.

Hi Hook, great if you can give some first hand experience by then!
Do you know what route the Italian rider took? did he came from the south?
I dont suspect any problems in the east or north exept from a little hassle on getting the Visa and photo permit :)

Happy riding! I'm a bit jelous that your there and i have to wait, work and prepare for oneother 6 or 7 month's :cool4:

Hi Steve, I'm sorry you're not here myself- but it's worth your wait! I just told someone else today that I'm finding it hard to keep moving north- I just LOVE Africa and the thought of leaving here isn't very appealing. The Italian did the same route I'm doing, Wadi Halfa- Khartoum, via Dongola. In other words, following the Nile south of Wadi Halfa. I was lucky enough to meet the Sudanese ambassador to Ethiopia. He got me a visa in less than 24 hours and has invited me to Sudan as a guest of the State and his family. Good luck to you. Hope to share a nice Dutch beer with you someday! H.

Not much luck at the ambassy but hope arrises from reading the net.

Quote:
To and from UGANDA
http://lexicorient.com/sudan/t.gif
Somewhat better connections between the Sudan and Uganda, with buses doing the 200 km between Juba and the border posts, in addition to the lorries. But as for Zaïre, civil war in southern Sudan, as well as unrest in northern Uganda are factors you have to consider seriously.


I would just really like to hear from someone who has done this lateley by own transport and there impression of safety.

Hey Steve, funny you should mention this. I just had drinks yesterday with a Canadian fellow named Tim. He's searching for oil in southern Sudan. He and his team are located south of Bentiu. He told me this entire region was cooling off as many folks had already been killed off. His team operates in a large area in the Sudd. They are accompanied by heavily armed guards due to on-going security issues. He advised against travelling in this region alone. He said that while it wasn't as bad as the Darfur region, certain areas were bad indeed. I think you're better off entering at Gallabat. Whatever you do, ride safe. Hook.

Hey Hook

Sounds like youre having a good time there.

I am filling out the forms for my Sudanese Visa right now and Im hoping to get it from the embassy in London.

In case it fails I would be grateful for any help you can give me with some of youre good contacts

Stay on touch

Gary

Indeed Gary- I'm having a heckuva good time! Addis is a cool city. I'm still here because I'm trying to buy USD. Be advised, the banks here cannot sell USD/Euros- bummer. There are no ATM's in Sudan and credit cards don't work either. Some banks charge as much as 30%(!!!) commission on traveller checks. Having come up through Kenya (an expensive country that drew down my USD supply) I am now trying to build up my USD supply for the Sudan. A fellow up in Canada threw a tantrum when I mentioned how much $$$ I carry. Suffice it to say, bring enough $/Euros. I'll be glad to offer any support within my means. If you're denied a visa for Sudan, I know someone who can write you a letter of invitation in Arabic- I could then fax it to you. He holds some sway in Sudan. From what I hear though, getting a visa in your home country is the way to go. H.

Hi Hook, great info!
I would try to hook up with one of those convoys and head towards safe ground before i continue alone.
The fact that you mentioned that is confirming that those convoi's at least exist, which is great news.

5 eye's, I will follow you on every lettre you type when you are on the road :thumbup1: (you mentioned in the other topic to do about the same route as i'm planning to do.)

Hi Steven, I think you might have misunderstood one of my posts. I know of no convoys riding through southern Sudan- only through the northern parts of Kenya and a few other areas. The extreme south of Sudan is still hit and miss. Chances are you'll have no problem- chances. My experience has been that the more beat up areas of the world are often the friendliest. Run into the wrong group of khat-chewing-heavily-armed teenagers and things could turn ugly fast. There is a reality here, none of us should ignore it. Ride safe, Hook.