Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Morocco
Route from Smara to Zag (Western Sahara) Route from Smara to Zag (Western Sahara)
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Morocco Topics specific to Morocco, including Western Sahara west of the berm
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Like Tree8Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 6 Jul 2016
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,169
The red route is similar to Chris Scott's MW6 route. The northern end is a bit different, otherwise it's an accurate tracklog rather than just point to point waypoints.

The elephants are neolithic rock paintings. The one directly on the red route is a bit iffy, the one to the north is Aouinet Asguer paintings. The swimming icon is a swimming possibility (if there's water).
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Dec 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Posts: 126
updates on this route?
Hi folks,
I'm looking for the latest on this route. I'm planning around trip Marrakesh - Smara - Marrakesh for this januari. Have seen some notes on the route via Assa getting paved. Since were traveling with a 2wd Dacia, i'll need a safe option but woul like to avoid going up and down the r101 from tan-tan.

Any update or suggestion welcome!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Jan 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 5
Update on route
Hi,

Just took this route the day before yesterday.

The route from Assa to Labouriate is now tarmac. From there to approx. 27.842824, -10.543551 it's graded dirt road, I believe called 'tôle ondulée'.

The N19 just south of the dried lake is now also tarmac. It's possible to do Assa -> Smara in one day (I did)

The rest is piste, be careful as it's very easy to get lost on one of all the sub-pistes (i did a couple of times). GPS way points is the way to go.

I believe Zag and Al Mahbes are both off limits to tourists, but I haven't tried to go there. I have this info from a retired gendarme who was kind enough to invite me to his family's house for tea and dinner.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Jan 2022
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: nederland
Posts: 2
Possible
Does anyone know if it is already possible to make it from Assa to Amara in a 2wd car? We would like to make the trip but i can't find a road between those places. Google gives a road but in the satellite view, we can't see a road.

So is it possible to do it with a 2wd on a tarmac/dirt road? And if so how do i know where to go?

And what about the military, is the situation better than a year ago?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 17 Jan 2022
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,995
Route MW6 Assa Smara (405km but no more that 150km of dirt) is sealed as far as Labouriat, and I believe from there a good track continues west (not done it).
MW6 turns SW soon after Labouriat, all doable with good clearance but I think the small sandy gorge at KM256 may be hard work (may depend on rains).
It's only a short sandy section so I suppose you could dig and push our way across.
The descent soon after to the chott will require good clearance. South of the chott join the Zag-Smara road.
Or you could turn west on MW6 at the KM222 crossroads and work your way N and W back to Mseid. Not really a direct route but nice to be in the desert for a night

I find Bing Maps are often clearer in the desert.
Compare here.
Attached Thumbnails
Route from Smara to Zag (Western Sahara)-screenshot-2022-01-17-09.37.48.jpg  

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Jan 2022
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,501
The track west Chris mentions, takes you across to Mseid, its fast and smooth until is drops down of the plateau into the valley.

A 2wd would make it ok, cant see there being any major changes in the last couple of years.

From Mseid theres a few options to get across to the Tantan = Smara road, the ones I've done would be hard work in a 2wd with low clearance. 2019 we did pick up a newly constructed piste for few km, it isn't shown on OSM maps and I haven't been back to investigate further.

As mentioned the road from Zag via Mharbes is off limits and you will get turned back.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Jan 2022
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Slovenia
Posts: 59
Quote:
... if it is already possible to make it from Assa to Amara in a 2wd car?
Done that three times in last four years with MB Sprinter RWD without any special modifications ... so possible, QED.


As others have said, most of the piste is straightforward end easy, however some relatively short sections can be challenging. Not so 4WD, what you need is a reasonable clearance on a vehicle and at least a bit of feeling for driving.


Here are some pics and comments from 2018:
Harmonija obstoja obstaja: Piste Assa - Smara
__________________
I'm just a soul whose intentions are good
Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood ...
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
desert, morocco, morocco overland, western sahara

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Western Sahara (and some more) in 17 days 8340SU Morocco 18 19 Jan 2020 20:50
Security Situation Western Sahara / Mauritania EdoubleD North Africa 25 11 Mar 2019 11:47
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 07:38
Return to the Western Sahara TheWarden 4 Wheels Travel Reports 12 21 Jul 2014 22:35
London to Cape Town, November 2012 Tfoy97603 Travellers Seeking Travellers 56 4 Sep 2012 16:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:12.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top