Hi everyone, just back from my trip to Russia and Kazakhstan.
Entered Russia in mid-July via Vladikavkaz at 8 AM! Interview with an FSB officer and inspection of my phone.
A few kilometers later, no more GPS—this was the case in all the cities.
For fuel, some gas stations had no "benzine," especially in the cities. Diesel was more widely available, so no major issues there.
However, in Altai, fuel was harder to come by.
I decided not to go to Mongolia—big problems still persist there.
Exiting Russia for Kazakhstan, I had to endure another phone search, this one even more unpleasant.
Re-entering Russia via Astrakhan was more normal. I noticed a significant increase in closed gas stations.
Hello,
The fuel issue occurred at the end of June and the beginning of July. Currently, there aren’t too many problems anymore, and it’s even allowed to fill "jerry cans."
For GPS connections, did you use Yandex to get a proper connection?
Did you use a phone with a Russian number or one from outside Russia?
Generally, your phone will be temporarily blocked when you enter Russia for a few hours. You’ll then receive an SMS with instructions to unlock it.
It’s kind of funny—these GSM checks and questionnaires. I witnessed this, but it was for Ukrainians and/or Uzbeks. It was a waste of time at customs (a few hours), and luckily, only two people were questioned. (This was when leaving Russia.)
Best regards,
Patrick
Hello,
Actually, when traveling by bus (coach), the issue of being interrogated by a competent Russian official doesn’t happen for tourists (except Ukrainians or those from countries near the former USSR). It would be difficult to interrogate a coach with over 60 people—Germans of Russian origin, not to mention English, Italian, Spanish tourists, etc. They’d need to set up hotels near the border crossings and provide proper translators because the ones used on mobile phones aren’t reliable.
It’s worth noting that Ukrainian nationals can no longer take coaches entering or leaving Russia (unless they have dual citizenship).
Border crossings should be measured in days, not hours.
Hey, anyway on August 24th in Vladikavkaz, the situation wasn't normalized at all.
And the ban on filling jerry cans was still in place.
Regarding interrogations, several French travelers were denied entry (Mongolia/Russia and Kazakhstan/Russia).
To the point where the agency handling the visa process had to reissue a transit visa after contacting the French consulate.
Several internet outages have been reported by the Russians I met.
A sharp drop in Russian tourism in Altai (and of course Western tourism too).
Several Russians from different parts of the country and various social backgrounds told me they're fed up with this conflict.
I managed to get a SIM card without going through the "Goshosgulie" step, but it was cut off in Omsk after spending a night in a former state-run hotel.
In short, it's a country at war, and you can feel it.
Hello,
Actually, fuel availability varies by region.
I spoke with someone living in St. Petersburg—no more fuel issues, same goes for the Moscow area. The average price for 95 octane gasoline is currently 73 rubles, and it’s cheaper in Moscow.
Great job on the SIM card—it’s really hard to get one.
It seems that flying or taking a bus is easier than traveling with a personal vehicle.
For the French travelers who were denied entry, did they have an electronic visa? Because in that case, the entry point into Russia is determined when they apply.
I hope this doesn’t discourage you from your next trip to Russia—the experience is great, and sharing it is rewarding for those reading.
Best regards,
Patrick
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Hope this doesn’t put you off your next trip to Russia—the experience is great, and sharing it is fun
Customs interrogation, phone searches, no GPS, no fuel: sure, it’s a great experience and sounds super appealing. And these are real tips, not just "someone told me that."
I confirm. Personally, the cop straight-up told me they’d duplicated my entire phone... 2 hours of waiting...
The next day, the phone mount on the bike broke at 120 km/h on the highway, then landed somewhere in a potato field... it’s still there... 😏 but I think it’s gonna work a lot worse than before...
Hi, here's an article from a Russian economic magazine about the fuel shortage:
https://monocle.ru/monocle/2026/36/defitsit-topliva-20/
Since this magazine is far from being anti-Kremlin, we can assume the situation described isn't exaggerated—it might even be downplayed.
Referring to your article: Indeed, my vehicle has never smoked black as much as it did in Russia. Once I crossed into Kazakhstan, everything went back to normal.
At every border crossing, I noticed many tanker trucks registered either in Iran, Turkey, or Kazakhstan—but fewer of the latter.
Do they add water to the diesel afterward?
I haven’t been back to Senegal or Mauritania in a good fifteen years, so I imagine a lot has changed.
My trip starts in Dakar. I’ll head up to Saint-Louis, then cross into Mauritania. Drive to Nouakchott, take the track along the beach and Banc d'Arguin, then Nouadhibou and on to Morocco.
I’m looking for some info on administrative formalities, permits, visas, etc., regarding:
- Crossing the Senegal-Mauritania border at Diama (I’m in a car)
- Crossing Banc d'Arguin
- Exiting Mauritania at Guerguerat and entering Morocco
For my 60th birthday (yes, I’m jumping the gun a bit!), I’m starting to plan a self-drive trip to Tanzania (in June).
I also considered Zimbabwe but I’m worried it might be a bit chilly at night in June.
I’ve revisited an itinerary I’d thought about before, tweaking it since I’ll have more days to dedicate to this trip. Still no big northern classics for the same reasons as before (too expensive, too crowded, too many tour operators).
Here’s what I’ve got so far:
(Arrival/departure from Kilimanjaro Airport)
Night 1: Arusha
Night 2: Arusha
Night 3: Lake Manyara
Night 4: On the way to Iringa (any ideas???)
Night 5: Iringa
Nights 6–8: Ruaha NP
Nights 9–10: Mikumi NP
Night 11: Bagamoyo
Nights 12–15: Beach
Nights 16–17: Lushoto
Nights 18–19: Mkomazi NP
Night 20: Toward Marangu – eastern Kilimanjaro
Night 21: Western Kilimanjaro
End of trip
All your ideas, tweaks, info, and suggestions on this route are welcome!
I could move one beach night somewhere else if needed.
Also, if you have a car rental company to recommend or thoughts on the bandas rented in the parks, I’m all ears!
Finally, what are the roads like in Ruaha in June? The rental company I’m looking at seems to allow this park with a small 4x4. (Off-limits: Serengeti and Natron)
Hi,
We're heading to Chile in a month and have rented a 4x4 pickup with a camper cell to travel part of the Carretera.
The Ioverlanders site is really ideal for planning the route, with info on lots of things and especially on spots where you can park for the night.
I found a site about ongoing roadworks on the Carretera, Planifica tu viaje. When I look, it seems there are tons of roadworks, sometimes with roads closed for several hours or at least alternating traffic, which really extends travel times.
Has anyone recently traveled on Ruta 7 and can give us some "real" info?
Thanks in advance!
Céline
I’m in the middle of planning a round-the-world 4x4 trip spread over 2 years, covering around 70 countries. Unfortunately, using a vehicle poses some challenges when it comes to moving between continents (e.g., the Bering Strait). After lots of research, consulting books, maps, and making countless phone calls, I still can’t figure out how to get from Russia to Alaska via the Bering Strait (access via the Road of Bones to Magadan and then continuing above Anadyr).
So, I’m open to any recommendations, tips, or contacts to find out if it’s possible by boat or any other means.
After 40 years of traveling in Morocco, I want to explore a new area by 4x4—the Western Moroccan Sahara, which I don’t know very well.
I have plenty of tracks and itineraries, but I’d love some info to help me decide on the best route:
Part 1:
I want to do the ASSA - SMARA crossing. Basically, I have two options: the first follows the Draa River and goes through M’SIED, and the second is much further south, passing through LABOUIRAT and heading straight to SMARA.
If you have any details on road conditions, driving restrictions, etc., I’d really appreciate it.
Part 2:
SMARA - BIR ANZERANE - DAKHLA – here, I also have two routes.
The first heads west from Smara toward Sidi Kathari.
The second goes east from SMARA and gets pretty close to the border at one point (about 10 km away).
Both routes meet up about 150 km later and are nearly identical from there to BIR ANZERANE and DAKHLA.
Hi,
For next summer’s vacation, I’m thinking of returning to the Sahara after visiting Tamanrasset and the Hoggar, which was stunning—not to mention the Tuareg hospitality.
I’d like to explore the sandy desert this time since the Hoggar was 80% rocky.
So, I’m wondering which city I should prioritize if I want to go there in late July–early August for the landscapes, extreme heat, and guides offering 4x4 and camel treks. Also, if there are any recommended guides for those in the know and a decent hotel.
I’m torn between Djanet, In Salah, Adrar, Ghardaïa, and Timimoun.
I’m of Algerian origin, so no visa or other formalities to worry about.
Thanks.
Hello, I’m preparing for a Tunisia-Algeria road trip.
I need to know if we can cross the Sahara to reach Djanet and Tamanrasset by road freely,
After that, obviously off-road in the desert with a guide.
What do the authorities say?
My trip: northern and southern Tunisia, a stroll in the desert.
Crossing the Tunisia-Algeria border via the Taleb Larbi customs.
I’ve already done this route through an agency, but this time we want to do it on our own.
Then heading down to Djanet for eight to fifteen days in the desert with Mouloud, a local guide.
Direction Tamanrasset: road and tracks, the mountains of the Assekrem, the Hermitage of Père de Foucauld.
Return via the Trans-Saharan Highway.
Visit to northern Algeria, then back by boat from Oran to Spain.
Dates: late December to mid-February.
We’ve got plenty of time.
If another crew is interested, we’re already two vehicles.
Looking forward to your replies.
Hi there,
We’ll be traveling in January 2027 in a 4x4 with a rooftop tent with our three kids, from Johannesburg to Cape Town. We’ve already booked several campsites in national parks (Golden Gate / Mountain Zebra / Addo Elephant / Garden Route).
We still need to reserve the stretch between De Hoop Nature Reserve and Cape Town. Any suggestions?
We’d love to stay around Cape Town for 5 days to explore the wine route, the peninsula, and do some hikes in Table Mountain.
Any camping recommendations? Or, on the contrary, places to avoid?
Also, we have 2 nights left near Wilderness National Park / Knysna. Any recommendations?
Thanks so much for your help!
We’re planning a long-term trip starting in April with our 4x4, beginning in the USA.
We’re still looking for car insurance that covers Canada and the USA.
We’ve read quite a few forums, but we’re hoping for some help (from fellow travelers).
Hi,
we’re planning to visit a park again.
Could you point us toward the camps in Gonarezhou Park?
>We’re traveling completely self-sufficiently.
We love wildlife.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
JP
Hi there, we’ll be in Mozambique in early December 2026 and we’d like to travel from Vilanculos to Beira by car or bus to reach Beira airport. After that, we’re planning to visit Gorongosa National Park before flying back to France from Beira. From what we’ve heard, the road to Beira is tricky, especially at this time of year (start of the rainy season). Could anyone share their thoughts or suggest a solution? Thanks so much for your help!
Anne
Hi there,
I’m heading to Lesotho in a few days and I’m struggling to find info on the best route between Katse Dam and Sehlathebe National Park. There’s a fairly "direct" route from Thaba Tseka, but the roads seem rough, and we’re not exactly 4x4 pros. Anyone have any tips to share? Thanks!
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Mozambique in October and are looking for either a 4x4 or 4x2 rental in Maputo, or a driver transfer option to reach:
- Ponta Do Ouro
- Tofo
- Vilankulos
The idea is to be self-sufficient for sightseeing and stops while still being able to access certain lodges or beaches that require a 4x2.
Do you have any contacts, addresses, or ideas to share?
Thanks in advance,
Hello,
We're hitting the road again in 2027 to discover new countries and cultures.
Could anyone give me some tips on driving from Ulaanbaatar to Lake Baikal and the route to take?
Thanks, and safe travels to those who are setting off!
We’re planning a 4x4 trip from Belgium to Central Asia, passing through Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
For these countries, our national insurance obviously doesn’t cover the vehicle, so we’ll need to get local insurance.
Will it be a problem if the vehicle is registered under person A and the national insurance is under person B? Both A and B will be in the vehicle, and both will be listed as drivers on the insurance.
When we get the local insurance, if we again list A and B as drivers, does the order matter? Could we get stuck at the border for this reason?
Hi,
For those who’ve driven on Iceland’s gravel roads in their own or a rented Duster, could you tell me what tires were fitted on the vehicle?
Were they All Terrain tires or more "standard" ones like all-season tires, for example?
Follow-up question: if they were "standard" tires, did that cause any issues on the gravel roads and rough terrain?
Thanks so much for any info you can share.
Best,
Marc
Hi there,
I'm planning a 4x4 road trip from Darwin to Broome with a rooftop tent in July 2026.
I'd like to know if I need to book overnight stops in advance or if I can just wing it and stop wherever I feel like it?
Some evenings, we'd like to stop and make use of campsite facilities (restaurant, shop, showers, toilets).
What do you recommend?
Do I need a permit?
My rough itinerary looks like this:
Darwin - Kakadu
Kakadu - Nitmiluk
Nitmiluk - Kununurra
Kununurra - Purnululu
Purnululu - El Questro
El Questro - Mt Elizabeth - Bell Gorge - Broome
I’m planning a trip to Iceland for next July-August, with a car and tent, and I’m wondering about booking campsites.
From your experience, is it necessary or even essential to book campsites in advance, or do you always manage to find a spot to pitch your tent?
We’ll also have the option to sleep in the car without pitching the tent.
Does that give us the flexibility to stay outside a campsite for a night here and there?
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip in the Middle Atlas, starting and ending in Fez and heading down to the south of Midelt, the Assoul Massif.... We’ll be traveling with two small 4x4s.
I’m looking for detailed maps of this region that include small roads and tracks.
Last year, we had a fantastic road trip in the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas using Erfahren maps, but unfortunately, they don’t cover the area we’re interested in this year.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Dominique
We’re planning a 13-day family road trip in Morocco this July, with six people in a Toyota Prado 4x4 (renting in Marrakech).
We’ll alternate between bivouacking and small hotels/riads depending on the stops.
Here’s the planned route (in this order):
Marrakech
→ Ouarzazate
→ Draa Valley
→ Zagora
→ Erg Chegaga
→ Lake Iriki
→ Foum Zguid
→ Tata
→ Tafraoute
→ Aït Mansour
→ Tiznit
→ Mirleft
→ Taroudant
→ Back to Marrakech
Our goal:
Atlas Mountains + desert + dunes + plateaus + valleys + a bit of coastline.
We’ll cover about 1,700 km in total.
We’re planning:
Bivouacking in the Chegaga/Iriki area
Flexible for the rest (booking the day before or same day)
Sand gear: traction plates, compressor, tow strap, roof rack
Questions:
Is the Zagora → Chegaga → Iriki → Foum Zguid crossing in July doable on our own (single vehicle, no guide)?
Are there any truly technical or risky sections between Chegaga and Iriki?
Does the overall itinerary seem manageable in 13 days without rushing?
Any suggestions for great bivouac spots or particularly interesting stops along this route?
The points on the route are provisional overnight stops. Some spots will include two nights in the same area.
We’re used to off-road driving, but not yet in the Moroccan desert.
Thanks in advance for your feedback and tips! 😊
Good evening
I could use some advice 🙂
Our trip to Namibia is planned for June/July 2026.
We’re struggling a bit with timing and choosing activities for the part of the trip between Sesriem and Brandberg.
Day 1: Sesriem to Mirabib
Day 2: Mirabib to Swakopmund – visit Swakopmund, overnight in Swakopmund
Day 3: Sandwich Harbour – overnight in Swakopmund
Day 4: Kayaking with the seals + the living dunes – overnight in Swakopmund
Day 5: Moon Landscape, Henties Bay + Cape Cross – overnight at White Lady Lodge in Brandberg
Does this itinerary seem realistic to you? Is Cape Cross really worth the trip? If I had to choose between Cape Cross and kayaking with the seals, which would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hélix
My son and I are heading to Georgia this summer to explore the High Caucasus (Svaneti, Kazbek, and Tusheti regions). For this, we’re planning to rent a 4x4.
However, the rental agencies we’ve found prohibit driving on the tracks to Omalo (Tusheti) and/or Ushguli (Svaneti).
Do you know of any agencies in Tbilisi (local and reliable) that allow rented 4x4s to drive on these tracks? If so, which ones?
Hi everyone,
I’m starting to plan an itinerary for September 2027 focused on Zimbabwe and Zambia. I’d love to visit Gonarezhou National Park—I see there are two sectors: the Mwenezi Region in the south and the area around the Runde River in the north. Should I cover both sectors or just focus on the northern region?
For the parks along the Zambezi River, is it better to visit Mana Pools on the Zimbabwe side or Lower Zambezi on the Zambia side?
Thanks in advance for any tips on the parks in these two countries.
Have a great day, everyone.
We’re spending 18 days in New Zealand from 05/04 to 05/21, arriving in QUEENSTOWN and leaving from AUCKLAND.
Any ideas for a road trip that covers the highlights of both islands but only changes hotels every 3–4 nights?
Thanks.
For our trip to Georgia in July, I’d like to rent a 4x4 starting from Tbilisi.
Do you have any rental companies to recommend?
The traditional rentals like Hertz, Avis, etc. seem way overpriced compared to local companies—what do you think? Are they properly insured?
Has anyone here tried Geo Rent Car, Auto 4 Rental, or Sur Price?
Also, I’m looking for info on the condition of the Ushguli–Lentekhi track—is it passable?
Hi everyone,
A well-prepped 4x4, a travel plan across Africa in stages since I’ve got kids to see regularly and work to earn a living.
I’m leaving in November for about a month with the goal of reaching Senegal via Mauritania. I’d love to share this trip with someone who wants to discover Mauritania and a bit of Senegal... and also experience life on board a 4x4 in the desert or bush, sometimes sleeping in the vehicle or in hostels/small hotels for comfort. I want to share this rediscovery because two’s better than one!
Just traveling, exploring, and living! !
