I have a long time ambition to spend 7/10 days in the Sahara -
sometimes sleeping out. I do NOT want to join a group but hire a
jeep/drive/guide who will provide all the tents etc., I need advice on
which area of the Sahara is the most practical (yet unspoilt) to visit
and through whom I might arrange such a trip.

Let me point out some of the best known tour operators with whom you
can arrange such a tour.

Desert Divers:
One of the well known companies around egypt is Desert Divers which is
run by a bedouin who can arrange just the type of safari that you
mentioned. The website address is http://www.desert-divers.com/

Heritage Tours 
Based in Morroco, the tour operator can make a personalized trip for
you to the sahara desert.
http://www.heritagetoursonline.com/
http://www.heritagetoursonline.com/sahara.html

Turtle Tours
Can provide you with a custom made journey into sahara desert. One of
the better companies around.
http://www.turtletours.com
http://www.turtlewill.org

Travel in Style
The company is popular for its independent tours to Morocco and
Tunisia with licensed and highly experienced guides.
http://www.travelinstyle.com/

Wings Group:
Run by a local egyptian, they can arrange an independent tour of the
sahara desert for you.
http://www.wingsegypt.com/
http://www.wingsegypt.com/en/about/index.asp ( independent tours )

Also check out http://www.aspectsoftunisia.co.uk/wigmore.html

I think the best place to get precise information on the best part of
sahara desrt is to go to http://www.lonelyplanet.com.
Other choices are http://www.fodors.com

Visit http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/africa/morocco/
Another useful page is http://www.meta-guide.com/eh/mg-eh.htm

Some useful articles on sahara journeys are:

http://travel.independent.co.uk/africa/northern/story.jsp?story=932
http://www.ebrowntravels.com/sahara_intro.htm
http://travel.independent.co.uk/africa/northern/story.jsp?story=331782
Search terms used:

"desert adventures"
"desert safaris"
"morocco tour operators"
"sahara adventures"


Hope it will help you.
Regards,
leader-ga

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Clarification of Answer by leader-ga on 31 Oct 2002 12:34 PST

The following pages provide further information on sahara desert:

http://www.chez.com/nef2/English/Topeng.htm

http://www.savvytraveler.com/show/features/1998/19980815/bestof5.shtml

http://www.chez.com/nef2/indexeng.htm

I will try to provide more information if i come across something useful. Thanks

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Request for Answer Clarification by traveller191-ga on 31 Oct 2002 14:08 PST

Most helpful ... and as I have reported ... stunningly quick reply.
Anything more you can come up with will be VERY mich appreciated. I
shud add I am located in London, England.Many thanks for your help ...
keep it coming!

Best...
Traveller191

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Clarification of Answer by leader-ga on 31 Oct 2002 17:53 PST

Hello:

Thanks for your comments. Found something really interesting. I would
like you to consult two companies that specialize in individual
customized nomadic journeys.

Nomadic Thoughts:
They can work with you to come out with any type of adventure travel.
http://www.nomadicthoughts.com/
Also visit this section of the site:
http://www.nomadicthoughts.com/page5.html

Nomadic Travel:
Based in Uk, the company can assist with individually tailored
itineraries.
http://www.nomadictravel.co.uk/

A very useful page for a saharan adventure is located at:
https://answers.google.com/answers/main?cmd=threadview&id=94353#a

Other tour operators that you might want to look at:
http://www.egypttours.com/
http://www.sagatours.com/ or visit
http://www.sagatours.com/customtourform.html

Best Regards,
leader-ga

Most promt and helpful ... will follow up the advice. Stunningly quick service!