Advice needed for riding in Egypt (Alexandria to Taba)

Advice needed for riding in Egypt (Alexandria to Taba)

Author
Discussion

DaineseMan

Original Poster:

628 posts

155 months

Wednesday 12th June 2013
quotequote all
Hi,
I want to visit Egypt soon and wanted to ride my motorbike from the port of Alexandria to the sea resort of Taba where my hotel is located.
This is my route: http://goo.gl/maps/4lC0U
Can anyone advise on what the roads are like and if I am likely to encounter any problems on my journey given the current political situation.
Thanks

K50 DEL

9,333 posts

234 months

Wednesday 12th June 2013
quotequote all
Can't help you directly, but check out

www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb

Probably the ultimate overlanding forum resource.

TNW

536 posts

208 months

Wednesday 12th June 2013
quotequote all
I'd avoid going through Cairo if you can. I've been to many a country in the Middle East & Africa and nothing comes close to the insanity and danger of the roads there. No way I would do it on a bike..it's scary enough in a car.


Stu3500

101 posts

191 months

Tuesday 18th June 2013
quotequote all
I've spent alot of time working in the outskirts of Alexandria. Then been driven on the alex desert road to Cairo Airport, which is the route you've posted.

Roads are pretty poor but definitely acceptable, random holes and dirt/stones scattered about at times but as long as your careful i'd be happy enough riding them.

However, other road users are pretty horrendous. Theres no lane discipline(if theres even distinguished lanes), the drivers are total idiots and you regularly see cars coming the wrong way up 4 lane motorways, its pretty damn poor TBH. In around a dozen trips there ive seen 3 dead people by the roadside, and seen ambulances stuck sitting in traffic jams with their siren's/lights on and no one moving to let them through.

I'd definitely recommend trying to get through Cairo before/after rush hour since the ringroad becomes completely blocked up during.

Security wise, i've never had any issues. Even being there during the revolution it was ok. I was with locals who knew where to go/not go though.

At the end of the day, if your switched on, and got through Cairo at the right times then i'd be ok riding my bike on that route. Not sure how much fun it'll be though!

I hated the place TBH, Even the Egyptian who looked after me thought the best thing for Egypt was for someone to Nuke it rolleyes