Algerian routes
 

Chris Scott
 

Hi, I have not been there myself (yet) but have you looked up Chris Scott's books or website? There are routes notes in his book "Sahara Overland" published by Trailblazer covering all the North Africa countries. His website also has up to date info.

Chris Scott's Sahara Overland ~ The book and the website

He should be able to answer any questions you have as he has been all over the sahara.

Am I correct in thinking that you must have a local guide for Algeria?

Enjoy
W!

"In Salah-Erg Mehejibet - Erg Mehejibet -Tesnou- In Ekker (In Salah - In Ekker about 200km piste)
"
We have done this route (in the reverse direction): you can do it without riding on TSH: beetween In Salah erg Mehedjibet you can take the old piste via Tadjemout, very nice place (and also the gueltas between Tadjemout and In Salah).

Between Mehedjibet and in Eker this a lot of offroad drivig with a lot of interesting places and if you have time jou can make a bigger loop in Ahnet.
RR.

"Am I correct in thinking that you must have a local guide for Algeria?"

Yep, local guide required from border to border. Apparently some get lucky and travel without a guide, but other get turned away at the border already.
I opted to take the guide...

Have fun!

Hello

Is there any way to travel from around Tesnou or In EkKer to Tassili (Tassili and Illizi is the same location?)

I’m trying to find a off road loop in that region that passes in Tesnou, Tassili, Djanet, Ideles, Assemkem, Tam

In C.S. book:
Djanet – Ideles A7 and
Ideles- Tam A11 or A8

thanks

stay west young man
 

I’m looking for some info about Tim Missao area and Erg Mehejibet? I can’t find much information about them.

Erg M is a small but high erg just west of the road 50kms north of Arak. You can only get around it. We passed there last week. There is a well on the south side.

Tim Missao is a nice spot (well, rock art) but there is now an army base nearby. Last there in 2006 coming back from SEQ. (Click for pix and new yarn).

In between is Adrar Ahnet - wells, nomads, table plateaus - all very nice right down to Tesnou area. The pink route on the map link below from Moulay via 'Sing Dunes' and a green dot to In Amguel is very nice. We did it after MoG. (Click for pix).

Strictly speaking in Algerian Tuareg lands 'tassili' means rock columns (a type of terrain, like 'erg') and there are many Tassili regions in Alg, the Tassili N'Ajjer from Amguid via Ilizzi and Djanet being the best known (Tassili Immidir is another, tassili hoggar, etc). I tend to abbreviate the N'Ajjer as 'the Tassili' which may be why you were confused. being rocky plateaux, most tassili areas have a limited number of routes for 4x4 and motos, especially the Ajjer when you consider its size.

If you have 2 weeks in Alg I would not consider going further east than Assekrem/Tefedest. The Tefedest and the west side (south of Ahnet etc) is mostly open driving on granite sands; you can make it up/go x-country more easily than in the east (N'Ajjer).

Have a look at this map and you will see some routes I have done in the last few years (since the book was published - I think a couple of the wider tracks out of In Salah were planned but not actually done). Note that the modern TS highway is not shown north of Arak on these old maps and also dont forget that the new pipeline being laid along the west side of the road limits where you can get on/off the TSH a bit, but eventually you will work your way around to find a gap/bridge.

There is another map of a 2008 bike tour I did here - possibly doable in 2 weeks out of Oran. Click back to .../dr8pix for photos. Sli Edrar is a great spot just a few km from the TSH which I spotted on my very first trip back in 1981 (pic from '86)

There is plenty to see in the west IMO, and great open driving too - not much rock/corrugations to drive on like most Hoggar and some Ajjer routes (A3) and heavy dunes like Ubari so all the better for it!

Ch

PS. I just found this tracklog from 2008 tour.

Ola Bernardo

Just a small detail...
From Almeria is impossible to get a ferry to Oran.
(You just can travel to Ghazaouet).
check by yourself at Acciona: Trasmediterranea

Just a question: any calendar for your trip? This spring 2010?

Thank You.
Rui Pedro
Castro Verde - Alentejo

Just a small detail...
From Almeria is impossible to get a ferry to Oran.
(You just can travel to Ghazaouet).
check by yourself at Acciona: Trasmediterranea


Hi Bernardo,

Or you can do Alicante to Oran and book through Southern Ferries - SNCM Ferries, Trasmediterranea, Comanav, Tunisia Ferries, Algerie Ferries


My trip has to be postponed once again and the next few weeks will show how things pan out. I have to be out of Europe latest 11 March so if the necessary things fall into place I'll get to Algeria probably on 10 March.


Enjoy the planning - it can be a large part of the actual journey!

Hello

Thanks to all for your comments!

Chris: I will analyse your suggestions carefully and I will come back to you. You are recommending to leave Hoggar for another expedition and concentrate in the region east Tam with more sand and less rocks?


Rui Pedro: olá! I mean Alicante not Almeria! But as Gottoride mention Almeria-Ghazaouet could be a good option! (We are planning to leave in April)

Gottoride: thanks for the idea Almeria-Ghazaouet! Did you tried this way?
Planning is one of the more interesting parts of the journey and for sure the most stressful and exhausting part of it! When I finely leave home I relax and enjoy!

If any one is interested we could make a small group to cut the expenses.


Bernardo Feio

You are recommending to leave Hoggar for another expedition

Actually I am suggesting leave Tassili N'Ajjer for another time (or take 3 weeks in Alg). Most people want to at least visit Assekrem in the Hoggar which is close to Tam.

Has anyone actually done Alicante-Oran this winter yet?
I suppose its only a boat between 2 ports but it would be good to have a description/costs/facilities of how it all was compared to the better known routes.

btw, if anyone is going to Alg soon with Tanezrouft Agency, they want a stack of cheap Decathlon flip-out tents taken out and will take the cost off your fees.

Ch

OK, I will PM you with details. Fouad wants 20 so you better have a good story for Customs!

Added later: Actually the tent is much cheaper in the UK right now so still looking for a Brit for the job.

Ch

Gottoride: thanks for the idea Almeria-Ghazaouet! Did you tried this way?

Hi Bernardo,

No, I have not tried the route - it was in my original planning but I could not find a shipping company that was open for bookings. So, I finally decided on an Alicante - Oran ferry with bookings open a month in advance on Southern Ferries - SNCM Ferries, Trasmediterranea, Comanav, Tunisia Ferries, Algerie Ferries
It seems I will now only get away early in March so I'll only be able to report on that crossing in about two months...

All the best!

Olá Bernardo
Hi Chris
Hi Gottoride

I was at Almeria port last September, looking for a ferry to Algeria. Now I have one ferry ticket to Ghazaouet for 2nd March. I will go alone in my GSA 1200. I think it´s cheaper than Alicante. The price to cross to Algeria is 88,33 € for one person and 330 € for the motorcycle. For me Ghazaouet looks fine, even better than Oran. Smaller city and closer to Tlemcen, the gate to my western oasis route: Ain Sefra, Taghit, Beni Abbes and Timimoun. Maybe I'll stay a few days at Taghit and Timimoun...

Rui Pedro
Alentejo - Portugal.

Hi Rui Pedro,

I'll be about 10 days behind you on a similar route - perhaps we'll see each other. Which ferry company did you book with for Almeria-Ghazaouet?

Kobus

Hi Gottoride,

I booked with Acciona / Transmediterranea, the spanish operator. It seems to be the only company is this crossing. All the rest of the ticket-offices were closed in Almeria. You will travel by car or motorbike? The departures from Almeria are once a week, all tuesdays by midnight, to arrive at Ghazaouet in the early moning, at 7.30-8.00 AM. The returns are all wednesdays, by 14.00. If you travel one week after, I can wait for you at breakfast time near the harbour. Looks possible...


Rui Pedro
Alentejo - Portugal

Thanks, Rui Pedro!

I have a ticket from Alicante to Oran which I have to reschedule and have arranged that the compulsory guide meets me in Oran, so I'll probably not go to Ghazaouet. However, there's more and more interest locally (South Africa) to travel through the Sahara, so the info will be passed on.

Thanks again!
Kobus

Chris,
Heading out from home (UK) 20th March, meeting Faoud or colleague 28th March - any use? 2 Landies so maybe 5 tents each? Let me know.
:clap:

From Chris S: Thanks Sandinmytoes - tent delivery is sorted. Ch

ferry prices to Algeria Feb 2010
 

Talking about ferry routes and prices to Algeria, I just got a leaflet from Southern Ferries in London with these prices, all low season returns for 1 car, 1 pax, 1 seat.

• Marseille to Alger, Oran, etc from £316 ("short stay special")
• Alicante to Alger & Oran from £388
• Almeria to Ghazaouet and Oran from £330
• Mars' or Genoa to Tunis from £405 ("Escapade special offer")

With a high/long car, a cabin and more pax I'm sure these prices could easily double.

hth

Ch

Djanet to Tam A6?
 

Sorry, are we allowed to post links to youtube?

Just curious to know, does the route in this video appear to be the A6 as detailed in Sahara Overland, or has the driver taken a different route?

YouTube - iDrive in the Sahara Desert Tamanrasset

Hi
I think this movie is a mix of different routes, It starts and ends with a view of the orientation table at ASSEKREM and mix tracks Hoggar and Ajjers

Eric

Here some videos of our trip last november :

http://www.t-cap.info/articles.php?lng=fr&pg=4289&mnu_modecol=W

Thanks Eric I enjoyed watching some of your videos. Makes me want to get out there right now! Thanks again.

Hi everybody,

Great thread, good information, thanks to all. I'm also planning to cross Algeria in early June this year. I will enter from Libya, follow the coast line and then take the ferry from Ghazaouet to Almeria. How long in advance do you think I should book my ferry ticket? I don't want to stuck in Ghazaouet. Also do you know how much it will cost me to get a guide from border to border - if Algerian officials force me to do so?

Thanks again and have a safe ride

Hi
According what I knew, the border between Libya and Algeria is closed for foreigners, you have cross through Tunisia.
To be confirm

Eric

Hi all,

sad news: the link Djanet - Tam is now really closed for tourists, the Gendarms are instructing the guide and are enforcing the block. Exact reasons are not given. I would not expect a reopening before summer.

Whoops, my bad! I totally forgot Tunisia. No more posting before coffee in the morning. I'm planning to stick to the coast road all the way from Alexandreia to the Ghazaouet due to security concerns.

Oh, that is sad indeed. What could be the reason??? And what areas are still open? Is there a site (other than the HUBB) where one can find updated and correct information for Algeria?

Could they have closed the route because of the Trans Sahara Rally that is due to go through there in less than 2 weeks time? Their itinerary shows they will be crossing between Djanet and Tam. If the security is being taken as seriously as the rally orgaisers are suggesting, maybe they have closed it in advance in preparation? Hopefuly thats all it is, otherwise this is really sad news.

Trans Sahara Rally 2010 - Google Maps

Good point Dave…

…or eventually they received some treats from AQUIM. A rally is always a “good” thing to call attention…

Point Afrique Flights to South Algeria
 

Hmmm, something else might be going on, I just saw this on Point Afriques webpage:

Maurice Freund Le patron de Point Afrique Maurice Freund est confronté

^^ Hmmm, cant seem to post the text....basically saying that Point Afrique is having trouble with its flights into south Algeria because of 'intelligence' issues.

Anybody have an idea what is happening?

Mho
 

I dont think they would close Dj-Tam piste to 'clear the way' for that banger Rally unless they have a budget equal to TSO. If it gets in I suspect that rally will be escorted fast down the TSH and out into Niger asap.
Djanet-Tam has closed mysteriously before over the years while other pistes remain open and Alg is a big country, but this could all be a bigger deal in the deep south.
Just as well it's at the end of the season.

Ch

Regane to Bidon V
 

Hello

Does any one have experience in going south from Regane to Bidon V and then turning East to TAM?

I think that there are some pists from Bordj Badji Mokhtar to TAM but I don’t want to go further south then Bidon V. (By the way is it possible do this nowadays?)

I have not done exactly this but terrain wise there is not much to stop you turning east at Bidon V or anywhere around there; it's all wide open as long as you have the fuel.

Right now I am not sure whether it's possible - the border area is closed AFAIU. Cutting SE further north through Ahnet of via In Ziza would be more interesting and may be allowed too.

Ch

So you would suggest go S from Regane (N6) and then after 250-300kms turn SE and passing between Ahnet and In Ziza. (off piste) in the direction of Tam?

Looks like an interesting option since will pass the small erg south Ahnet.

We have done the Adrar-Regane piste in December and we had to join the military convoy. We stoped at bidon 5 to change the military vehicles but I don't think they would let you go on your own in any other direction then the one where the convoy is heading (to Bordj ...).

Regards,
Tomaz

Hi,
to avoid travel with Gendarms escort you have to leave the Wilaya Adrar.
Frequent practice is to drive east until the oasis Akabli and enter the Ahnet there.
Much more pistes exist than documented on maps and guide books.

We worry too much?
 

According to my friend in Djanet there was one week when the route to Tamanrassett (only) had to be done with gendarme escort, No reason given. Now back to normal, and they're fully booked 'til the end of April.

Algerian routes closed...
 

Hi! In Tamanrasset now, got back from Assekrem at noon. Entered Algeria at Oran from Alicante (Spain) and had compulsory police escourt with flashing lights and sirens from Oran to Tiret and the next day all the way to Ghardaia. Then only accompanied by guide, signed in at Gendermerie along all the way to Reganne and then easier going to Tamanrasset along the Old Hoggar road.
Met a dutch couple and two German walkers at Assekrem last night who said that since the previous day yet another park was closed to tourists. The route from Reganne to Bordj Mohktar is still closed and since end of Feb (apparently) also the the route from Djanet to Tam. Bummer! Really wanted to see Djanet but would have meant having to back-track to Ghardaia...
Best to check with local agancy about route closures. Will see what i can find out today/tomorrow in Tam before leaving for Niger.

Safe riding!
Kobus

If well I understood you settled of visas in Europe and you sailed out of Alicante to Oranu. Without no earlier organising the guide. The guide attached to you in Ghardia. That is earlier you didn't organize the guide?

Regards
Bartosz

Good luck Kobus and be sure to keep us posted how you are doing.

Algerian Guides, police escourts & ATMs
 

Hi Bartosh,

I had to have an invitation from an Algerian guide agency as a prerequisite for being granted a visa, applied in South Africa. Ian Chappel, also on HU, is currently travelling with me and the same was required from him, applying for the visa in England.

There was no chance of leaving Oran port or even getting through customs before our guide showed up. Afterward we had to keep waiting for "just 5 more minutes" for the police escourt to show up. They arrived 2 hours after we were done with Customs & Immigration.

The guide agency applied for permits from the police for the routes we chose. Some were granted, some were not because thjose roads were closed for tourists.

We followed the police vehicle and the guide followed us, all the way to Ghardaia. Even when Ian tried to draw money from an ATM in Oran there were three cops and a guide looking over his shoulder (I suggested he should destroy the card!). By the way, don't rely on any kind of ATM processing your transaction. The VISA ATM's at Oran port and the Sheraton Hotel in Oran were out of order and the one at Ghardaia airport was out of cash. In Tamanrasset an ATM accepted my VISA card, went through all the motions asking how much and from which account but then could not process the transaction.

The Euro-Dinar exchange rate hovers around 80 dinar for 1 Euro. You'll get about 72 dinar cents for 1 US$, about 10% less than what it should be I think.

In shops they generally show two 'extra' zeros, in other words indicating the price in cents and it can at times be a bit confusing. Sometimes they'll write out eg. 100 dinar but in actual fact mean 1000dinar so it seems even the locals are a bit confused about the numbers.

Everyone had been exceptionally friendly and we have never felt unsafe in Algeria. There's a police presence at every town and the Gendermerie are all over the place so Algeria's main roads are pretty well checked at every town/city. But all very friendly.

Let me know if you have any other specific questions. I'll post if I can get any definite info re currently closed routes tonight or tomorrow.

Hi Gottoride
Thank you for infos. I was strongly thinking about trip to Algeria this year, but at the end I turned in another direction.
For 2 weeks I will start to Iran and then back through Armenia and Georgia.
I was last year in Libia and my wife said: stop with this sand for one year.
I also think that Iran is good direction. Fact that today we can go there but we never know what will be tomorrow with this country.

Once again thanks, keep us inform, and safe riding

Bartosz

Hi again.

two weeks ago I had near the same situations. I never used the ATM machines. From the hotels receptions I got 11,400. DA for 100 euros. The guy told me that with more time you can reach 12.000 DA for 100 euros (2-11 March 2010), but always far away from the banks! By the way: who believes in banks, today?. That´s right, they make some confusions with the zeros! The green gerdarmes were very friendly, but you feel better riding alone. Things are very flexible.

A quick note about Iran: I was there in 2005, alone and using public transports. Very nice, without any problems at all. One of my best experiences was a night train journey from Teheran to Esfahan. Please Bartosz, do yourself a favour: visit Esfahan.

Gotoride: thanks again for your important post. Soon I want to return and visit Tamanrasset. Maybe next October... All your informations are very important. Safe ride, my friend!

Rui Pedro Tremoceiro
Portugal

Algeria Closed Routes
 

Talked to Tahat Tours (tel +213 29 34 99 61 / +213 661 67 94 09, fax +213 29 34 99 61), based in Hotel Tahat (Tam), this morning about route closures: Everything south of Tam is currently closed to tourists and everything between Tam and Djanet. The east and west is open and also the north. According to Tahat Tours.

However, a group of 40 (yes 40!) 4x4s (Globetrotter "Taureg Raid") arrived here last night from Djanet and finished the hotel's beer supply much to Ian's dismay :-). They were escorted from the north of Algeria all the way to Djanet by police and army according to a lady who spoke some Anglais. It took them 6 days to get here (including 3 days due to a breakdown) so they would have been in the now-closed zone already when it was closed three days ago according the Dutch couple we met at Assekrem. Seems they were lucky.

From Tam to Ain Guezzam you currently have to be escorted by your guide and stay on the main road (tar) which runs through the closed-to-tourists zone.

The Globetrotter group's guide seemed to think that it was dangerous to go to Niger at the moment but there were a few Algerians we met at In Salah whom I saw again at the Nigerienne Embassy/Consulate applying for visas two days ago. They didn't seem worried at all. Embassy was closed earlier today so I've not been able to get info re convoy militaire between Assamakka & Arlit yet. It's Friday so they may possibly remain closed - then I'll post at earliest opportunity in Niger about what we found.

BOTTOM LINE: you get contradicting info depending on where you ask. It seems like some form of escourt is the order of the day in the north, from Oran eastward. Perhaps less formal & restricted if entering at Ghazaouet.

Later!
Kobus

PS. Just met photographer, originally from Paris, who has been living in Tam for 15 years and speaks good English. According to him the police/army/gendarmerie became aware of a local guide (couldn't/wouldn't tell me from which agency) conspiring to kidnap tourists just over a month ago - the whole group was caught. He cited that as the reason for current tight security, armed escourts and closed routes.

This topic is becoming a very useful tool to help me, and some others, to plan an Algerian route. (As usually around this forum!!)

Thanks to all and please keep feeding it with fresh information…
:thumbup1::thumbup1:

Totally agree, this latest information is much appreciated. Thanks very much. Looking forward to news on Niger. Have a fun and safe jorney south to Agadez.

Hi folks, I returned from Algeria 6 days ago. We did off pist from Djanet to Tam and later toward Ahnet region. We met some Gendarmerie posts but mainly close to villages. Quite friendly though. We had info that gendarmes did not allow to pass the border between willayas but with enough zig-zag we avoided remote posts in the desert. All in all, despite info about restrictions it was quiet and safe. The only problem was hot wind from Niger ;-)

Cheers

Jarek

With a guide it is not difficult to go offpiste Djanet - Tam without seeing a single gendarme (unless you are unlucky).
Interesting info, Kobus. Keep it coming and good luck with Niger!
Btw, I think you should get at least 100 Dinars for the euro?

Kobus

PS. Just met photographer, originally from Paris, who has been living in Tam for 15 years and speaks good English. According to him the police/army/gendarmerie became aware of a local guide (couldn't/wouldn't tell me from which agency) conspiring to kidnap tourists just over a month ago - the whole group was caught. He cited that as the reason for current tight security, armed escourts and closed routes.

I think this discrete PS by Kobus deserves a bit more prominence. If it's true it will explain the reaction of the police/army/gendarmerie and takes away the enigma of why Algeria has appeared to be in the 'eye' of the storm' since 2003.

Ch

But, is it true? That is the question. And with Algerian authorities it's always difficult to know the truth even many years after....
Others questions: Is Tin Reroh and Tim Missao authorized know?
And what about the Djanet-In Salah route?
RR

Hi roro,

>Others questions: Is Tin Reroh and Tim Missao authorized know?
closed, but practice is not consistent

>And what about the Djanet-In Salah route?
closed, only possible with Gendarms escort at the moment

Taghit to Timinoun?
 

Hello

Does any one have experience in the crossing from Taghit to Timinoun?

Is it similar to Ubari or Merzouk crossings?

I have not done it but I looked into it recently and I would say it's easier then Ubari and certainly what I know of Murzuk (where there is little choice) if you follow the obvious line on GEarth: directly east from Taghit and then south down that 'oued line' to Timi or the road.

I was told that this way there are a few cordons to cross but it's no drama.

If you go direct through the dunes it can be has hard as you like - not my cup of tea ;-)

Send us some photos

Ch

Regarding the red quote above, I've heard that locals in Tam report that the 3 or 4 people arrested in town (not on a tour AFAIK) had been found innocent and were released.

Looks like the gendarmes may have been over-zealous, which is reassuring for us.

Ch

Hello

I’m planning to do the first part of the pist Tam – Ideles – Amguid from CS book. What kind of terrain should I expect till Amguid? And how long do you think that I will take in a slow and old LR?

thanks

ps: I think that I will again travel to the Sahara in the summer!

"What kind of terrain should I expect till Amguid? And how long do you think that I will take in a slow and old LR?"

I've done the route from Thiodaine to salt mine,crossing Tefedest,In Ecker then Tam in 2 days (last October) with my LR 110 300TDI.
I know it's not exactly what you need but this route is crossing the one you're planning and the terrain between Ideles and Amguid (East of Teffedest) should be the same than between Thiodaine and Tefedest: Not very hard without too much rocks or sand.
May be it's not the same just before Amguid where I think there some dunes and/or soft sand.
IMHO 4 days max will be ok for your old LR.
Hope it will help.
RR.

In 2008 we drove from Garet El Djenoun, south on Tefedest East to Ideles and on to Tam in a LR 109 2A in 2.5 days. We arrived in Tam around lunchtime on day 3. We took it really easy and did not drive late on any days. Garet El Djenoun is not Amguid. From Amguid may be quicker because the really slow bit in the route I described is through the lava fields north of Ideles. From Amguid you can hit the tar road north of Ain Ecker more quickly than through Ideles if you needed to. But the Tefedest is lovely....

Just back from a short trip to Tam. I was surprised by the number of independents there at the moment - for the first time many more than fly-ins to Assekrem. We saw 10+ vehicles coming from Assekrem to Tam in one morning. Most were Italians - a whole gang of matching G wagons + a separate group of LRs and Tojos, also from Italy.
Daytime temps in Town were 36+ and night about 24. Wind was strong westerly at Assekrem (16m/s) but there the max only reached 24. Days start very dusty with vis < 10km but the wind blows the dust to a clearer vis by sunset. All seemed calm in town - even a new bridge over the river. Locals are pleased about the 4 hrs it takes to the border now.

Might have spotted Bernado leaving Assekrem in the lightweight (can't be many around) + one KTM following (not for long....).

Yes, it's him!
 

Hi Richard,

Yes, it´s him. The portuguese LR Lightweight!
If the picture was taken last wednwsday, 5th May 2010, it´s him!
He was near Asekrem that day, followed by the dutch KTM biker.

Rui.
Portugal



PHOTO: Bernardo's 1977 LR Lightweight at my front door on the way to Algeria!

Hi Rui -
thanks for the news - yes it was 5 May!
Its a fine looking machine that lightweight - a LR that is missing from my fleet of 3. There's still a bit of room in the driveway......

Hi
This Lightweight is impressive. Very good condition, nice details because it was an ex-army car.
My only Land Rover experience was a 1978 Serie III 109 diesel 3 doors. In 1998 I visited Scotland for camping during 4 weeks and stopped at Solihull on the way back to Portugal. I sold it in 2001.

Rui
Portugal

About the Lightweight
 

Let me share with you other pictures of this "desert rider vehicle".

Nice details...

:clap:

What a destroying pist from Assecrem to north!

Where were you Richard?

(Later I will create a topic about our trip to Algeria)