Report Africa 2009
1. Zadar, LDZD - 22.01.2009 - 455 NM - 3:13
With two days delay according to very bad weather conditions we are finally on our way to Africa. In the afternoon we strolled through the historic center of Zadar and indulged in old reminiscences.
2. Constantine, DABC - 780 NM - 6:19
We had long discussions with Brindisi Radar to get a new routing as Eurocontrol wanted to send us to Siberia. So we saw Naples and the Vesuv before Tunisia welcomed us with 50 kts headwind and severe ice. This bad weather followed us till Algeria and we were forced to an immediate descent. Only with police escort we were able to get to the hotel. The town and its surrounding is beautiful with many bridges and canyons.
3. Ghardaia, DAUG - 335 NM - 2:40
Algier Radar didn’t want to let us land at Ghardaia as the visibility was below minima. Nevertheless we landed on our own responsibility because we ordered AVGAS in advance which we need to reach Niamey. In the morning we did a sightseeing tour through Ghardaia town and finally afterwards we flew to Tamanrasset.
4. Tamanrasset - DAAT - 810 NM - 4:39
We flew in low level over the desert until Tamanrasset which was great fun. So finally we reached our hotel at 8:00 p.m. The day after we drove with a 4 WD over dirty roads to the Hoggar Mountains. There’s a stone desert wherever you are looking. The last way we did mountain climbing to reach the Eremitage du P. de Foucauld at an altitude of 2780 where we had a spectacular view out from the heart of the Hoggar Mountains.
Tamanrasset is larger as we thought. But even here at the end of the world greetings from China. You find everything including furs. Who shall buy all these goods?
5. Agadez, DRZA - 27.01.2009 - 400 NM - 2:47
With a last flight over the Sahara we reached Agadez/Niger. So we have flown completely through Algeria from the North to the South. In Arlit we saw an uranium mine which shined in brilliant colors. Agadez mainly consists of clay buildings as well as the famous mosque which was erected over 400 years ago and which is the town’s landmark. You are meeting proud Tuaregs but mainly at the camel- and goat market. Presently, actually since 2006, no excursions are allowed outside the town because weapons and drugs are smuggled over Dakar and Kenya to Europe. We were the only white persons in town.
6. Niamey, DRRN - 29.01.2009 - 405 NM - 2:52
This was a boring flight over the African savannah. Sometimes we discovered typical villages. Since our last visit in Niamey in November 2003 people and traffic are doubled. What this means should be aware to everybody. What is still left is the colorful typical African flair.
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