Tunisia, Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Ghana Route
 

Hi All,

I am in the process of planning a trip starting in the UK, going through France, Italy (ferry from Genoa) to Tunis and then down through the Sahara via Algeria, Mali, Burkina Faso and into Ghana. We are looking at a departure date of October 2010 and a 5 week expedition. A map of our intended route is here:
Sahara 2010 - Google Maps

Obviously there's much talk of terrorist activity etc around parts of Mali and Algeria due to recent events. Having only done the Atlantic crossing before it's difficult to know what to expect, but I am considering doing a recce in November between Timbuktu and Tamanrasset, and back to give us more of an indication.

Has anybody done the more remote parts of this route recently? Any advice would be greatly appreciated, either through this forum or email direct.

Many thanks!
Tom

Hi There
I wondered how you are progressing with your planning? I am planning this exact route for travel in january 2011.
Not sure if you have been on the sahara overland website, but they update frequently - they have just loaded info about a murder last month on mali/niger border.

Anyhow...am very keen to chat and maybe compare planning notes?

Avoid north Mali
 

Hi Vickey,
As things stand now I would not be rushing to cross the Sahara via Mali or even Niger. You can catch up with all the grim news on the Sahara HUBB forum or here:
Sahara Overland News (the page you mention I think, though the execution of the French hostage was on Saturday and it was nearer the Alg-Mali border east of Tessalit).

Chances of running run directly into AQIM are low in north Mali, but chances of being spotted by a sympathiser or someone looking to make a quick buck by passing your description and route to them - less unlikely. While AQIM have hostages they are protected.

Me, I would plan to cross the Sahara via the relatively boring Atlantic Route and sleep easier. No expensive escorts needed that way either.

Chris S