Best Saharan country to visit?

Morocco is definitely the desert location to go these days - and probably the safest. It's a real shame about Algeria though, as I reckon it's even better.

What about Libya ... anyone been there?

A shame? What do you mean?

I would not beleive all of the hype about Algeria being dangerous...the police and military are extrovertly helpful, the people seem sound (you dont get the hasslers which tourism brings like you do in Morocco). You do need to be a little careful, there are some areas which are better to avoid and travelling in certain parts is risky and frowned upon by the authorities (you will be told to go no further by manned checkpoints if you attempt it - we ended up camping in a military storage facility, which was interesting). Yes there is a risk in Algeria, but I reckon statistically if you compare it to any UK City, it is probably safer in Algeria!

In terms of desert, as in miles from nowhere, long stretches of open desert, Algeria is superior to Morocco. Also, the sand dunes in Morocco are dwarfed by the ones in Algeria. Not saying Morocco isn't fantastic though, because it is - great deserts, open planes, mountain areas (partic like mountains with no tracks ) and of course the coast line - but you don't get the same sense of "in the middle of no-where" like you do in Algeria.

I have not been to Libya, but would like to, but is widely considered to be more dangerous than Algeria, and like Algeria, you will need to be accompanied by a guide unless you stick to a designated route (which if I remember is pretty much scoot in and out affair to get to the next country type thing)

Have a few words with Kevin Beech his website is http://www.4x4-travel.co.uk/

He has got a few trips to Tunisa/Libya under his belt


For first overland trips (does this apply to you Tom ) Scandinavia is a good place to consider


Brendan

Yep, know of Kevin's website. Packed full of information, just how we like it!