|
21 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Near Wakefield, W Yorks, UK
Posts: 11
|
|
Desert guide?
Does anyone know if you need to employ an 'official' guide when wandering into the Sahara?
On our last trip we were told we needed an official guide to see us from Mahmid to Foum Zguid, and that it was 'illegal' to go without!
We're planning another trip, so wondered if others did it without a guide, and if they had any problems at the checkpoints afterwards?
We were stopped for the first time in Morocco, coming out of the desert, instead of being waved through as usual, for a 'passport check', and wonder what would have happened if we didn't have a guide with us?
Cheers,
Robin
|
21 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,483
|
|
Absolutely not required even in the Western Sahara that is still politically sensitive.
Sounds like you may have be victim to a new(ish) scam by the desert guides around Mhamid generated from the loss in business for them from wider use of Sat Navs
|
21 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Near Wakefield, W Yorks, UK
Posts: 11
|
|
Thanks for that.
I thought that might be the case, though it was a veteran Morocco traveller with us who insisted we needed one
Looks like I'll be trying to sort out Olaf's maps then, or just use a compass.
Cheers,
Robin.
|
21 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,483
|
|
The passport checks are nothing to worry about, have a look on Chris Scotts Morocco Overland website and download the Fiche Template fill this in a print a load of copies before you go, when stopped just hand over one of these with the passport so the authorities have the information they need and off you go.
The checks tend to follow a standard set of information
Where have you come from
Where are you going
Passport Number
Occupation (tip is you have an unusaula profession say your something the can understand g)h I'm an Environment Manager in Construction but that takes about 10 minutes of explaining so now say I'm an engineer and they undertand that, my friend is a freelance illustrator and says he's an artist)
Having a preprepared Fiche saves the questions and explanations
|
21 Feb 2014
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Near Wakefield, W Yorks, UK
Posts: 11
|
|
Thanks again,
My only concern was that despite 4000 miles driving in Morocco, the ONLY time we were stopped was coming out of the desert at Foum Zguid and I did wonder if it was to check we had a guide :confused1:
Now I know there's no legal obligation to hire a guide, I'm quite happy to deal with them myself next time
Cheers,
Robin.
|
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.
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.
|
|
|