1

Sent you a PM

Dave

2

You don't hear reports from tourists north of Agadez because there's been serious civil unrest (a.k.a. civil war) for a few years now. You're not going there until things improve substantially, so it's just as well to quit thinking about it. Mike chose to go and learn this simple fact firsthand rather than listen to what he was told in advance; unless you're of like mind, save yourself the trouble.

Mark

3

Skunkman, when did you make the trip? Before the current unrest (and travel was forbidden past Agadez)? During?

Mark

4

it was 2 years ago, April 2010.

The area was already quite dangerous because i met 4 Europeans during my 2 weeks stay at agadez (waiting to cross to Algeria), 3 of them had been robbed at gunpoint: 2 on the way from Algeria to Arlit (serious doubts about them being set up by the police at assamaka) and one coming from Bilma.

At Assamaka, when i was waiting to cross to Algeria, a Touareg came to me and said "you know AQMI pays 50 Millions CFA for a whity like you?"

So think twice before entering Niger this way. Massive troubles are a possibility.

5

Thanks. You must've been one of the last allowed to leave Agadez....and perhaps lucky as well.

Love that area. Hope to head back and see more of it someday, but I'm not holding my breath.

Mark

6

I guess so because that old French man (Germaneau if think was his name) who ended up being killed, was kidnapped close to Arlit exactly 2 weeks after i left the place.

I hired a driver from Agadez to the border and he made me wear a scarf to make me look as "Touareg" as possible. When we crossed Arlit he told me it was much better for my safety that as few people as possible notice that car with a european inside.

Those are the though points: Arlit and Assamaka. Those are the places were the bandits spot you and call their accomplice to wait for you in the Tenere.

Crossing the Tenere, my driver avoided the Tin-track because obviously only people not knowing the area would use it: perfect place to trap foreigners.

Even though, he spent his time looking backward to check if no vehicle was following us in the distance.

A rather alarming journey i must say....

But you're right, it was aswell the most amazing and beautiful place i've travelled in my life!

7

When I crossed N - S in 2007 I got really unfriendly looks in Arlit when I got out of the car and tried changing money at a small hardware store. A crowd built up rapidly and nobody was smiling. About this time we came back into phone coverage and several frantic messages from our wives popped up, all saying that the FCO had (the day before) issued a "don't go!" warning for the area. We had passed a couple of grossly overloaded trucks carrying many dozens of hopeful illegals heading for the Med coast and a few Landcruisers patrolling with non-too-friendly occupants.

I'm glad I did the journey, it was a classic, but I wouldn't attempt a repeat performance.

Dave

8

I also read that there is no public transport on southwards from Tamanrasset

There was in june 2010. The gendarmerie in Tam told me I had to take a guide, but after talking to the police they allowed me to just take the small bus to In Guezzam, as long as I reported to the polide there upon arrival. Gendarmes at the checkpoint at In Guezzam disaproved of my presence on that bus.

9

Well, after a bit of research it seems that I am not heading overland between Algeria and Niger (or Niger and Algeria).

Current hurdles include:

Very long waiting times at the Algerian Consulate in London, as well as their insistence on extremely detailed travel itineraries, and documents sent through from travel companies in Algeria itself. I believe at the moment this would take over a month to organise.

Very high price of flights to Niamey, no doubt driven up by the expat workers.

Very high cost of tours in southern Algeria.

The Niger authorities currently not allowing foreigners any nearer the Algerian border than Agadez.

This last hurdle is a recent development, and may change depending on the security situation. This route has been taken before, both in public transport and by overland travellers. While there is a risk of kidnapping, this is by no means guaranteed. If you are kidnapped, it seems from past precedents that your chances of release are quite high, unless you are a British citizen, as Britain seems to be the only European nation not willing to make concessions to the hostage takers. Not sure whether that's a good or a bad thing.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who helped out with information and PMs. Also, Mr Bachir Hafach, who comes highly recommended on this board, got back to me with more details very quickly after I emailed him. Contact details can be found here: www.touaregbachir.blogspot.com

Maybe next time!

10

Never say die! Political situations in Africa change all the time. You may make it in a year or so..............

Dave