Adventure Guide needed - Niger and Algeria
 

I am looking to go on a round-saharan mini-epic in December '08 and unfortunately I think I will need a guide for the Tenere, Air and Southern Algeria (if I can do this without let me know how!)

Does anyone know of a reliable guide that is willing to go off-road and get involved in a good desert trip?

Any info would be greatly appreciated, also are there any resources that can tell me exactly where I can and can't go in Algeria (beyond the Pistes mentioned in the bible and discussed in this forum)

Am I right in assuming that I do not need a guide for any of the rest of my route (Moroc, W.Sahara, Senegal, Mali, RIM)

... that is willing to go off-road and get involved in a good desert trip?
they all do, that's their job - all you got to do is pay them!
Try Chiriet in Agadez - chiriet-travel.com (French only)
For Alg you will need another agency - try tanezrouft.com

... tell me exactly where I can and can't go in Algeria
I hear the Amguid to BoD section is off limits - otherwise wherever you want or dare - a bit easier in the west (Tam) district than Djanet/illizi where restrictions need to be circumnavigated

Am I right in assuming that I do not need a guide for any of the rest of my route (Moroc, W.Sahara, Senegal, Mali, RIM)

Correct - have a great trip!

Ch

Thanks a lot for the info Chris, have just this minute finished watching Desert Riders for inspiration, the place looks awesome - it's a big shame that we will have to be accompanied as I like to go exploring.....

Thanks again for the great resources, the AMH was invaluable in getting me around the stans and siberia last year, and SH2 is confidence inspiring help preparing for my next 'great adventure'... just waiting for my michelin 741 to arrive.....

Agencies
 

"Try Chiriet in Agadez - chiriet-travel.com (French only)
For Alg you will need another agency - try tanezrouft.com"

I've tried both , last feb. and March and all was OK with them : very reliable.

"Djanet/illizi where restrictions need to be circumnavigated "

During my trip in this a zone , I'd a big surprise : our guide tell us Afara and erg Thiodaine are open for a visit (I believed it was forbidden ) ! We take half a day for Afara ( very beatiful ) but we had no tim for Thiodaine ... for next time .

RR.

Thanks for the tip Roro, have been in touch with the guides mentioned and they sound up for the trip. Pricey though, ouch! Still, you need what you need...

Next step will be getting some bikes prepped, the fun bit (if you don't include the actual trip)