7Likes
-
3
Post By TheWarden
-
1
Post By TheWarden
-
3
Post By TheWarden
|
18 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
|
|
Return to the Western Sahara
A summary of our trip this year
After my first trip in 2011 I wanted to get back down to the Western Sahara again, but not an area I felt comfortable in as a solo vehicle. So when a friend decided to join us the route planning started. None of my gps maps have a lot of detail in the WS so a lot of trawling google earth was used. Ideally I wanted to get to Dahkla bu in reality this would be too much for my annual leave entitlement so a route less far south was devised.
3 of us took the Portsmouth to Santander ferry on the 4th October, me driving the Landcruiser and friend no2 in a £1500 Isuzu Trooper, getting into Spain we drove hard stopping for the night near Caceres. The following morning was an early start trying to get into Morocco Sunday night. A quick check on the second vehicle revealed no oil which caused some concern and a debate about it turning back or carrying on. We carried on getting to Carlos for ferry tickets for about 4pm. With tickets purchased we hit the ferry and a very smooth entry into Morocco. First night was at Hotel Deamland in Fnideq. Unfortunately the insurances boothes were closed when we arrived so the following day we popped back to get cover before driving down to El Jadida. Isuzu driver was still concerned with oil consumption and had diagnosed a worn turbo oil seal. This then evolved into a wild goose chase in Casablanca trying to find an Isuzu dealers, NEVER, EVER drive through Casa unless your insane. We finall arrived at Hotel Palais Andoulous in El jadida. We had stayed here several years ago and is a real gem. The hotel is an old merchants summer palace and fantastic zellige and stucco work is everywhere you look, plus there is/was a bar. It really needs some tlc but it's cheap and central so did us for the night. From El Jadidad it was a lovely drive along the coast to Essaouira.
P1060418 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Algerciras at night
P1060464 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Heads, Essaouira
We've been visiting Essaouira for 13 years now and it's like a second home so we have a couple of nights here and catch up with friends. The towns still one of my favourite places in Morocco despite the tourism effects over the years.
From Essaouira we took to coast road to Agadir on our way south. A stop in Agadir for supplies at Marjane turned into a few hours when we found an Isuzu Dealers and tried to get a turbo oil seal. The staff were great but had never seen a Trooper and couldn't get parts. But they did get a Turbo specialist to pick us up and takes us back to his shop.
Aziz Aboudhak runs www.turbo-motors.net in Agadir GPS N30 25.247 W -9 34.117 gsm 06 61231904
Great guy and a fully trained and authorised Garret,KKK, IHI etc dealer well worth bookmarking if you need turbos or repairs in Morocco.
We had planned to stay the night at Fort Boujerif, but the time taking in Agadir with the Isuzu cost us a few hours so it was looking unlikely we'd get there so we decided to head to Sidi Ifni and review the situation there. Once there we decided to press on to Bou Jerif, doing 20km or so on piste in the dark. Our first off road for the trip.
P1060486 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Street Art - Fort Bou Jerif
Many of you will have guessed our next route choice by where we stayed, having been defeated by tide times in 2011 this year I really wanted to drive the Plage Blanche (route MO1 from Morocco Overland) This year the tides were perfect with low time at 12:30. After a quick visit to the old fort we set off for the beach
P1060500 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
The drive was fantastic and I'll definately do it again. The exit at Fort Aoreora was very sandy a defeated my efforts to get through so we headed up the oued a few km to an alternative route before rejoing the route as planned.
P1060542 Panorama by Trackasylum, on Flickr
P1060552 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
That night we stayed a Ksar Tafnidilt overlooking the Draa Valley north of Tan Tan. Nice place but we got swarmed by mosquitos so camping wasn't that enjoyable
|
18 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
|
|
From Tan Tan we took the road down to Mseid and thenn a piste running roughly south eventually meeting Route MW6 Assa to Smara, the first section wasn't fantastic but much more fun than taking the R101 to Smara
This part of Morocco still has a lot of relics from the conflicts with the Polisario
P1060587 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
The Morocco/Western Sahara Border
P1060593 Panorama by Trackasylum, on Flickr
First Wild Camp
P1060614 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Things were nice and dry at the Lakes so spent a long time taking videos on my new Gopro
P1060645 Panorama 1 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Large herd of camels appeared out of the haze and we spent some time chatting to the owner, well more sign language and a mix of 4 languages
P1060662 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Exiting the lake via the old spanish road theres new tarmac from KM270 all the way into Smara, skirting north of Hawza and the military base. We arrived in Smara just after lunch and stocked up on supplies ready for the 2 day run across to the coast
|
21 Dec 2013
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
|
|
After wild camping outside Smara we had a 2 day route sw towards the border then west to the Atlantic at Boujdour. After telling my companions how remote it was we passed our first local land rover about 100km on from Smara and regulary saw herders in the distance.
P1060689 Panorama by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Desert signpost
P1060722 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Standing stone in the Quartz Fields
Said hello to this little fellow
P1060758 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
This one was a cub and not at all bothered by us, Mum did her best to lead us off. Later that afternnon we saw another group in the dunes were we wild camped
P1060766 Panorama by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Lunch Stop
P1060805 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Wild Camp
|
16 Jun 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 2
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWarden
After wild camping outside Smara we had a 2 day route sw towards the border then west to the Atlantic at Boujdour. After telling my companions how remote it was we passed our first local land rover about 100km on from Smara and regulary saw herders in the distance.
P1060689 Panorama by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Desert signpost
P1060722 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Standing stone in the Quartz Fields
Said hello to this little fellow
P1060758 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
This one was a cub and not at all bothered by us, Mum did her best to lead us off. Later that afternnon we saw another group in the dunes were we wild camped
P1060766 Panorama by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Lunch Stop
P1060805 by Trackasylum, on Flickr
Wild Camp
|
Hello,
I am , with some friends, working for preparing a new distribution atlas of Moroccan mammals.
Do you remember, at least approximatively, the location of the picture of fenec fox?
Any other observation of Mammals is welcome too!
Thanks
|
16 Jun 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
|
|
Hi,
Most of my photos are geolocated and if you go into the Flikr site you'll be able to see them on a map.
As well as the one in the photo we also saw another group a few hours later near the photo of the fire.
I'll post the exact GPS coordinates when I get home.
|
12 Jul 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
|
|
realised I've left you guys hanging with the rest of the trip report!
In the mean time here's a video of the full trip
Return to the Western Sahara - YouTube
|
19 Jul 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Wiltshire,UK
Posts: 288
|
|
A great thread, keep it coming.
nice to see some more or less standard vehicles, not festooned with sand ladders, roofracks, spotlights and more spotlights.
|
20 Jul 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
|
|
Thanks, both trucks were standard except my landcruiser has a slight suspension lift on the rear. The trooper coped well but had several oil leaks
For almost all of our trip reliability was more important than looking cool. Only for a few kms coming back north could we have done with a little more ground clearance
Last edited by TheWarden; 21 Jul 2014 at 20:39.
|
21 Jul 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
|
|
But, but how do you manage without checker plate and winches and snorkles and roof tents and STUFF
Love it. I like the whole anti prep thing. Buy a couple of cheap trucks with a mate and just do it. As long as your not on your own you'll be fine
Loved the video too btw
|
21 Jul 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
|
|
Hey mine wasn't that cheap but yes much cheaper than your average overland truck. Kinda of a Long story but I've bought the same cruiser twice.
2nd time was £3750 knowing the rear axle needed work after my first trip to the WS. £300 at the local engineers and the axle has been repaired and every mount strengthened. Put some new rear shocks, Moroccan 2" Lift, some bushes on it, new diff lock actuator 2nd hand alternator and some tyres and it's done me 3 trips and a 4th this October is almost booked.
Added a CB decent stereo and a sleeping platform so probably owes me less than £5k. OK it has had repairs in Morocco every trip but I think I could sell it now for what I paid for it
The Trooper was even cheaper at about £2k but we wouldn't take one again over a Toyota 4runner or prado.
|
21 Jul 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
|
|
Cheap is relative term!
Cheaper than one of those 30k 'must have expedition prepared' jobbies
read some of the 4*4 mags or books and you could believe its impossible to do it like you have, fine effort
Hard to go wrong with a Yota
Last edited by moggy 1968; 21 Jul 2014 at 22:23.
|
21 Jul 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,481
|
|
I have got a full length roofrack now to blend into thee crowd a little more at the civilised camp sites. Picked up a new frontrunner rack £150 on fleabay.
Now it makes me want to fill it up with stuff but the standard stealth approach is nice.
|
21 Jul 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: UK
Posts: 1,232
|
|
Evolution not revolution, it's the way ahead
Good buy that, nice price.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|