Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Helmut Koch - Vivid autumn colors in Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch
Vivid autumn colors in Canada



Trans Sahara Routes.

Like Tree121Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Moossou, Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire
Posts: 285
New border: Algeria (Tindouf) – Mauritania (Bir Mogrein)

It seems that they've opened up the Tindouf border into Mauritania

https://sudhorizons.dz/en/featured-n...row-in-tindouf

Between Tindouf and Zouerate! This will make things interesting!!!

Last edited by Chris Scott; 6 Sep 2018 at 15:01.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 19 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,461
someone should ask for Alg visa and give it as entry point
Leaving Mauri should not be a problem
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Aug 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: London and all over West Africa
Posts: 678
News article here showing footage of the border opening:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqPg3S76naE
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Aug 2018
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,875
Well spotted. That should annoy Morocco, especially if it cuts through the PFZ (Tifariti, etc) on its way to Bir Mogrein, as current pistes do.
Hard to think it will be open to tourists.
Tindouf area never was, even in the good years.
Fyi this book describes taking that route in the late 50s in a Ford Zephyr.
Attached Thumbnails
New border: Algeria (Tindouf) – Mauritania (Bir Mogrein)-the-forgotten-path-1.jpg  

New border: Algeria (Tindouf) – Mauritania (Bir Mogrein)-newmanmap.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Sep 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,461
As a response from the Sherif, Morocco plans to open their own crossing to Bir Mogrein.
From Guelta Zemmour, only 90 kms or so away as the bird fly.
https://www.yabiladi.com/articles/de...tre-maroc.html
This should cause an upset, as it cuts across Polisario territory.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Nov 2018
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 10
So potentially you could nip out of the bottom of Morocco, short Transit through Mauritania then up into Algeria
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Nov 2018
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,875
Would make a great road trip but highly unlikely Alg entry/exit will be allowed to tourists.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Nov 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: F
Posts: 856
That's the problem indeed!

RR.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 3 Nov 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Oxford
Posts: 32
The current apparent pragmatism regarding borders - and I have been party to several conversations this year in Atar and Chinguetti about the Bir Moghrein route - is driven by commercial interest and afforded by a relative thaw in political circles.
Any need DZ sees to promote tourism will be surely be strictly shepherded ( or actually just herded!) along existing corridors that are well known to all for the last couple of generations. This is unlikely imho to change in our lifetimes. Of course for an Algerian definition of "lifetime" one need look no further than the Presidency.
For the more adventurous tourist, laden with fuel and fiches, Mauri' is the playground without rival at present, and Atar and Chinguetti are as good as you need for a base. I met a Swiss guy, brilliant photographer, soloing around the Ourane of Adrar, way beyond Guelb el Richat, in his trusty old Patrol. Because he can. And why not?
Who on earth would want to have the grief of Algerian or Moroccan border guards when there is relative freedom in Mauri. Ok, it's a bit further away, so just be a bit better organised!
Salaam
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 3 Nov 2018
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,875
I agree RIM is the best (only?) place to BYO and DIY in proper Sahara with 4x4, and the long schlep down WS coast could be greatly eased via Bir Mogrein entry.
But I think all those who did the central Sahara in the good years are a bit spoilt.
I would sooner continue exploring Alg and Niger with agency escorts – were that possible.
To me the topography for cruising the desolate plains and crossing occasional ranges just isn't there as it is in central Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Nov 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Oxford
Posts: 32
Topography is an interesting and relevant back-beat to travel but only one factor of many, imho. As ever I, as with so many others, bow to your greater experience of exploring the region. Yet to mention only Algeria and Niger seems amiss even if they have superior topography to the wilder domains of Mauri'.

Ever since I first began research on the Sahara and this took me to the journals of Heinrich Barth and Gustav Nachtagel with their travels in the 1870's there seems to have been a dearth of Westerners in the ranges of Ennedi and Tibesti. I recollect the Mercedes story, leaving Faya on a Friday and of course Ginge Fullen climbing Emi Koussi the highest peak in the Sahara, but little else.

There is a natural fixation for Western overlanders and 4x4 raiders to think only in terms of what is directly reachable from the coast of the Maghreb, and naturally, Tchad is somewhat distant. I suppose the other limiting factor is that whilst we are slaves to the machine of Mammon, with spouses, sprogs, mortgages, and elderly parents, such epics as achieved by our 19th Century heroes, plus more latterly Thesiger and the intrepid Fullen can only illuminate our dreams.

Africa is being carved up once again, especially by the Chinese, for all the natural resources. So long as there is also not the concomitant development there will be security vacuums and pockets of terrorism. The desert is almost impossible to police. Governments awash with mineral profits do not need tourists presenting themselves as targets. We dream.....

My perspective is now different; I go to work in Africa, to settle, and eventually retire there. For most others, the Sahara is a place to visit as it has been for me for a decade. Why? Most folk are just visitors, they may be especially adventurous, as with your crossing of the Djouf - a rivetting read on the S-Files if ever there was one! - , but they go home. Often adding nothing. It is a great indulgence and sometimes insulting. As became the case with the Paris-Dakar.

I think many Africans see Western tourists as just another aspect of colonialism - and that in turn is not simply Europeans but many others from the Beni Hilal and Beni Hassan to the Chinese and Brazilians today.

The Bir Moghrein route may live with me for the rest of my days passing as it does through the Adrar, where I am buying a home. Who knows, perhaps we shall see a resolution of the Western Sahara impasse with perhaps a degree of autonomy and self-determination and consequential peace and prosperity, plus yet another border crossing into Mauri' - in my lifetime, and yours Chris! Insha'Allah.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Nov 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Oxford
Posts: 32
Probably more a reference document for most, unless you are interested in the Machiavellian machinations that eventually evidence on the ground. I mean the ground where Chris has recently trod, and others may choose to visit. I'll be living there, insha'Allah.

https://httpsahel-elite.com/2018/11/...across-africa/
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Nov 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,461
What has Algeria to offer Mauretania, except for oil, corruption and instability?
Nothing, really.
OTOH, there are 150 Moroccan trucks racing down to Nouakchott and beyond every single day now. They make up a lot of the traffic on the Route de Noadibou.

Algeria has been using the Polisario for decades to exert some influence in the Western Sahara. Now they are falling behind as Morocco is extending its power through AU membership, banking, trade, investing all over Africa. Something will change in the not so distant future - look at Ethiopia/Eritrea - although it may not be as peaceful.
The author is mistaken when he is suggesting that Algeria would assume responsibility for north African security - the Algerians have refused to act beyond their borders since independence, and they still do. When asked to cooperate in resolving the Mali crisis, they refused to come to talks or collaborate in any way where every other country and political entity in the region was present. From the Security Council.
http://www.un.org/ga/search/view_doc...=%20S/2018/581
page 4:
"5. In addition to its visits to Mali, the Panel also visited Belgium, Burkina Faso,
France, Mauritania, the Netherlands and the Niger. Visits proposed by the Panel to
Algeria in April and June were not accommodated."

Last edited by priffe; 29 Nov 2018 at 21:08.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29 Nov 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,461
That's a marvellous move, Bud, Atar has much to offer. I realized you can use it as a base and make excursions for many months going on new tracks every day, just in the vicinity.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Nov 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Oxford
Posts: 32
I have been offered, and accepted, a post as National Director of an NGO focussed upon durable development. Initially, this will be largely based in NKC with increasing visits to projects "en brousse". Eventually, I hope to back off from day-to-day work, continue with some project visiting, proposal and report writing, but retire to Chinguetti, where I am buying my home. Atar is merely a place to go for stuff not available in Chinguetti, I have never really fallen for the place. Doubtless, I shall have an increasing amount of time for exploratory forays on the pistes of the Adrar, and there shall be zrig, dates, and tea awaiting you should you be passing I am also in no doubt that should you simply ask for the Englishman, I will be found!
Zoubir el Inglizi
Reply With Quote
Reply


LinkBacks (?)
LinkBack to this Thread: https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/north-africa/new-border-algeria-tindouf-mauritania-95755
Posted By For Type Date
Frontière Algérie/Mauritanie - Casa Trotter This thread Refback 9 Mar 2020 09:21

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride saralou Ride Tales 3473 24 Jan 2024 02:40
Complete Central America/Mexico/Colombia Border Crossing Information sellheim Central America and Mexico 30 6 Mar 2023 23:33
Comprehensive Guide To West Africa - Without Carnet Wanted sub-Saharan Africa 48 17 Jan 2020 21:50
Border crossings and bribes West Africa Oneroadoneworld.com Trip Paperwork 0 17 Nov 2017 18:08
HondaVsTheWorld Alaska to Argentina on HOnda C90 SPDilley North America 3 9 Dec 2012 18:04

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:11.