Im sure all these new road will do some good for the people of these areas, but it will be a great loss to bikers. The Khartoum to Wadi Halfa route was always a challenge and I am very sad to hear I wont be able to do it again...
Damn progress!

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"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire

the lad to help you in Wadi Halfa if you need anything is called Magdi and his number is 0121730885. he is an uncle of the famous Midhat in Khartoum. very helpful.

and Jim , happy christmas mate

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Life is for Living - so Live

Yeah, in my twenty years of travelling around the world, I have seen this happen over and over. I am still jealous of the backpackers of the '60s who got to "discover" Nepal, Afganistan, Bali ect. I feel fortunate to have experienced this part of Sudan and so many other places before they became easily accesible. As you say, it's probably best for the local people in the long run, but I'm with you.........damn progress!

George,

Well, as it is Monday the 24th you are on the ferry already so any additional advice won't be much good

In case you missed the ferry due to the inherent unreliability of your TT or your alarm clock , as mentioned above, the road is pretty easy to find your way down and the conditions are ok - for a desert road - so having expectations of it being much worse is not a bad thing. If you break down between Wadi and Abri it could be a day or two before someone comes along. After that, the traffic picks up.

There is a Greek guy in a bus swapping his motor about 40 km outside of Wadi and he has been there for about a month or so getting parts and shurttling back and forth.

Having said that, if your bike acts up in any way during the ride, you are in isolated and pretty barren country. The concern on people's faces when their bike unexpectantly cuts out in the high temps is very evident, and rightfuly so.

For anyone riding it in the future, stick to the Nile the whole way. There is a straight route on the GPS that heads straight to Kerma through the desert on the last section. We rode along the Nile as per the Michellin maps and it was some of the most scenic of the trip. There are some amazing camp spots about 10km before Kerma. Stay there and then ride down to catch the ferry in the morning. Once you get near Kerma and onto Dongola, there is a lot more civilization and camping takes a lot more looking around for the great spots.

The paved roads are coming indeed. The northern villagers were wonderfully genuine and sincere in their kindness and hospitality, I hope that this remains unchanged by the "progress" which will no doubt make it's way there with the introduction of the super highway and more visitors.

Cheers.

Which route did LWD take?

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Thanks
Joe

They took the easiest possible route, diverting at times to areas of thick sand (for photo opportunities only). I believe their doctor, advisor and manicurist insisted on this course of action so we cant really blame the boys...

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"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire

IS that correct? or are you taking the michael?

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Thanks
Joe

Just a cheap shot Joe..

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"If we don't find something good at least we will find something new." Voltaire