Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa > Sleep and Eat, North Africa
how to find a good camp spot how to find a good camp spot
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Sleep and Eat, North Africa Sleep: Hotels, B&B, rest stops, wild / free / bush / organized camping, helpful people, rest stops etc.
Eat: Restaurants, markets anywhere to get food.
List COUNTRY FIRST in the subject to make it easier to find.
Threads are sorted Alphabetically, NOT by date.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree5Likes
  • 1 Post By TheWarden
  • 2 Post By Tim Cullis
  • 1 Post By TheWarden
  • 1 Post By dunz

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
how to find a good camp spot
Through out my travels i'll be wild camping whenever i have the opportunity to - how do you pick a good campsite? Do you camp in remote or populated areas? Behind rocks, under trees or not? Facing the wind? North, south, west or east? These are the sort of questions I would appreciate clarification and guidance on. Experience is the best teacher, but hey, figured i would leverage this amazing forum once again. Thanks, Leo.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Jul 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
First point is understanding the rules

In Morocco and the WS Wildcamping is prohibited on beaches and in national parks. If its private property you need to owners permission first.

Then the normal common sense wildcamping process, away from roads and villages etc, preferably out of sight and leave no trace you were there.

Wildcamping used to be tolerated along a lot of the coast line except between Essaouira and Sidi Ifni where is has been tightly restricted for 20 years or so due to problems with hoards of campervans. Recently there is an increase in reported smuggling operations so there has been an increase in reported problems camping along the coast.

Otherwise I have no really hard and fast rules for finding a wildcamp spot. I normally start looking around 2hours before sunset but often find its a case to camping where you are before the day light is gone.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
Morocco you suggest deviating from the main road and finding a "remote and hidden area" or what about asking around with the locals for a spot? WS get off the main road, not towards the coast and go in land to set camp? What about the rock formations built by fisherman by the coast; are those ok to set camp behind? And Mauritania same deal as maroc?
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Jul 2023
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
No matter where you are, some chancer will likely come along, claim you are on his property and ask for money.

I only camp in really remote areas where there are no hotels, so I find a track around sunset, then branch off that and go really offroad, and set up camp *without lights* in the last light before full dark. No noise, no lights, otherwise you will be 'Berber TV' for local kids.

However... if I remember correctly you are going in September, and that's rather hot for camping IMO.
__________________
"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
  #5  
Old 13 Jul 2023
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
Quote:
Originally Posted by dunz View Post
Morocco you suggest deviating from the main road and finding a "remote and hidden area" or what about asking around with the locals for a spot? WS get off the main road, not towards the coast and go in land to set camp? What about the rock formations built by fisherman by the coast; are those ok to set camp behind? And Mauritania same deal as maroc?
Yes get off the main road and look for somewhere, asking locals can be an asset as well although your more likely to have some company.

Inland has a higher chance of not being disturbed. The are coast guard posts along the coast who will notice you. Sometimes they will be fine with you camping or ask that you camp near their post, other time they will just tell you you cant camp.

Following my normal routine I've only ever been disturbed by locals a handful of times in the last decade. Only time I haven't set up camp until the sun has set is if I keep looking for perfect spot and run out of time. Certainly never worried about lighst after dark. This spring I wildcamped for 45 nights and only once did we have a visitor and that was a less than ideal spot. Turned out to be a great guy tough. cr

Hotels in the WS away from Laayoune and Dakhla can be a bit basic and sometimes worse than camping in my experience
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Jul 2023
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: france
Posts: 44
Moved my trip to mid october; i can "avoid" the heat.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
wild camping

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
Job quit, house sold, time for a round the world trip! (Started during a lock-down) The_Feral_Traveller Ride Tales 35 27 Aug 2021 09:43
London To Australia - The Non Direct Route Rixxy's Ride Tales 77 8 Jun 2015 15:59
not all those who wander are lost | two earthlings ride around the world Rockwell Ride Tales 84 7 Dec 2014 15:23
Turkey by Moto 2013 EMBEE Ride Tales 3 22 Apr 2014 15:44
Egyptian around 30 states Heeso North America 6 13 Nov 2011 02:06

 
 

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 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. 11-14
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

 
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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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!

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 21:12.

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