About gping from Assa to Smara
 

Hi everybody!

I wanted to go by asfalt with a 2wd small car from Assa to Smara (via Zag and Mahbes),

Anybody can confirm that N17 is in that condition?

Also I read something about mines... My idea is sleep in the middle of nowhere close to the road, could be dangerous? Also i would like to walk a bit some interesting areas also close to rhe road (look for some herps in aljibes, waterholes)...

And finally, but maybe this one should have been the first question, do the military forces let you do this way as a tourist?

Thanks!!!!

Road is closed from Zag via Mahbes. You will not get past.
The only all-asphalt way to Smara from Assa is via Tiglite, up to the N1 via Aferkat, down to Tan-Tan and from there to Smara via Abteh N14.
No great issues with military here, maybe bring a few fiches.
Mines are not really an issues either until way further south in WS.

Thanks Chris! Much appreciated.

Maybe I go a little further,Tiglit to Aoint Ighoumane (I think also asfalt), sleep there in a hotel, and then go to N1 heading north (cause I think via west to Tantan directly could be a difficult road for my car, right?)

Do you know if there are fuel sellers in Tiglit or Aouint Ighoumane? And any hotel in these villages?

Thanks!

Pretty sure no gite in Ighomane or Tiglite. Or so basic it's invisible.
the road from Tiglite N is actually nicer than Igho north.

West of Ig both ways to the N1 probably too rough in places for a car.

Every village shop will have fuel by the bottle or know where to find some.
But in a car its not so far from Assa stations.

Thanks! But is it possible by asfalt or no sand road going to Igho from Tiglite, right?

Or maybe I will head north to Aferkat, as you suggest. Thanks again!

Yes asphalt goes all the way to Igho, then one road goes south – great drive over the Draa channel and Jebel Rich but ends back at the Draa in a desert valley near Ain Delouine. Amazing civil engineering effort – purpose unclear.
Other way goes north towards the N1. Less scenic.
Straight on west is Route F3. Needs clearance.