Are we talking about needing guides for off-road only?

I would like to do the run straight down from Tunis to Djanet and back again on the black stuff this March, which I was meant to do last March (but fortunately didn't!)

Keeping a loose eye on this forum I was under the impression that things were slowly becoming more relaxed than they had been summer/autumn last year, but maybe I've been wearing my rose-tinted goggles!

Hi Ian,

>Are we talking about needing guides for off-road only?

No, guides everyware. I suppose that is to make sure that no tourist enter forbidden zones. The guide will only be allowed to follow the itinerary authorized and written into his "ordre de marche".
I like to add, that also locals face more severe restrictions actually.

Yves

>Are we talking about needing guides for off-road only?

are we talking back-packers too?

Who can tell me what is the 'normal'(or average) price for a guide in my own car in Algeria ?
If possible give the "net" price: ie all included .
Do you think it's normal to bargain , if I take the guide for more than 2 weeks ( because the guide is now needed from the Tunisian border post ).
Thanks
RR.

Hi roro,

the last time, before the "events" I had excellent guides as passenger in my car for about 25-40 € a day. But the situation might have changed. Extra was the plane ticket for the guide to bring him back home (about 30€ from Djanet to Tam)

I suggest that you try to get prices from Dz agencies and negociate your price because you can't relly on previous experiences.

Try: Ténéré Voyages Khirani Ahmed Lalmi B.P.18 DZ 30000 Ouargla/Algerien 00213 29715260/61

Yves

Thank you very much Yves for your reply ( especially for the tel.number of the guide in Ouargla )
I have asked for the price for a guide at Tasset agency in Djanet : 25 Euros for a guide without car ( I think it's not very expensive ) .
They told me this morning that the guide is not mandatory at the border post if I keep with me the letter of 'prise en charge ' where is specified the roadmap beetween Taleb Larbi and Djanet ....
It's difficult to know the truth !
RR.
PS.Are you the same Yves from french 'Sahariens' site ?

Thanks Yves, I was afraid I would need a guide even on the hard stuff.

Although reading Chris's warning posted today, perhaps it's as well to keep out anyway.

However, what would be the practicalities of using a guide if I was alone on a road-only motorcycle - would he ride pillion, or would I need to potter along with him following on four wheels? All seems a bit pointless really!

Maybe the best option now for visiting these parts is for us all to join the US army!


[This message has been edited by IanC (edited 19 January 2004).]

Hi Ian,

I see, you didn't lost your humor (join the US army...)

Now your question. I can't imagine a guide sitting on the back of your bike from Taleb Larbi down to Ain Guezzam, it would be easier to finde someone riding your bike with you on the pillion ;-)

Anyway, somebody who has lots of experience in accompaining bike tours of road is Agence Tanezrouft from Insalah. I first traveled with them in 1990, their boss is Mohammed Haffaoui haffaoui AT hotmail.com And he not only knows most parts of algerian and Tanezrouft desert but is also an excellent cook.

Please don't expect a cheep (and mediocre) service, expect something from 120€/day with his car.
His secretary should be able to understand and reply your email in english, but french is better.

Bye, Yves


[This message has been edited by Yves (edited 20 January 2004).]

Thanks Yves. All things considered, it doesn't really seem worth the hassle at present. I think I'll hit Maroc again, and hopefully things will improve in Alg given time.

I've also heard of another Italian group who went across Alg to Bordj Mokatar, Gao and back up via Agadez-In Guezzam.
No probs and no Alg guides on the way down or back (apart from In Salah convoy), but a later group in Jan was told to take a guide from
In Guezzam right up to Taleb.

Chris S