MOROCCO (SAHARA) IN THE SUMMER???? - Horizons Unlimited

**estanislau** · #1 20 Jun 2002

Hi. I'm planing to make the 1000Kms route in southern Morocco covered by "Sahara Overland" in the begining of August on a 4X4 vehicle. I would like to get your opinion on the mater: is it totally crazy??? Is the heat berable???

Thanks and pardon my horrible english!!!

**fireboomer** · #2 20 Jun 2002

Having been in Merzouga, Tata, Guelmime,... end of Mai and already finding it really hot I would think it is a better idea to go in wintertime. You might actually enjoy the trip more.
I should point out went on a bike and not in a 4x4.

**camiel** · #3 20 Jun 2002

Do let me know how you get by in Morocco. I'm planning to do the same route during the 2nd half of August (in a darkgray TLC)...
Camiel

**kitmax** · #4 20 Jun 2002

Hi estanislau
(Morocco in Summer?) <<is it totally crazy??? Is the heat bearable???>>
No, it is not crazy, and the heat is bearable.
If it gets too hot, head for the hills of the Anti Atlas (Foum Zguid direction)
It won’t get as hot as Saudi Arabia, and Brits live and work there every day of the year.
Take care to check out your vehicle.
I suggest:
Remove top and bottom hoses and flush the radiator until it runs clean.
Then back-flush from the bottom up :
Then flush the engine block in the same way – you’ll be surprised what grot you’ll find living in there!
Renew ALL water hoses, and keep the old ones for spares.
Replace the fan belt and take the old one as a spare.
If your 4x4 is over 5 years old, fit a new thermostat – a cheap precaution.
I drove in these parts of Morocco (with the help of “Sahara Overland”) last Nov/Dec
A few of the comments on my website may be useful
Check out http://kitmax.com/ and select 'Morocco Off-Piste', November 2001 on the index (home) page
Bon Voyage
Kitmax
PS I loved your ‘orrible English – keep it coming…

------------------
Kitmax - Traveller
Desert Pictures at
http://www.kitmax.com/kitmax/kit03ph...velgallery.htm
homepage http://www.kitmax.com

**estanislau** · #5 20 Jun 2002

Kitmax,

Thanks for your advice. I found it very useful. I've visited your web page and found it excelent! I didn't yet seen the "vehicle prep" part, but will in the next few hours. Your trip story is very well written (I don't know if I could do it on my own...).
Regards (from Portugal, by the way

)

estanislau

**Renato Braz** · #6 22 Jun 2002

oi!

tás é doido... em taouz (um pouco a sul de merzouga) disseram-me que a temperatura em julho/agosto pode chegar aos 50º... uma brasa não te parece? e não te esqueças que as oportunidades de um mergulho fresquinho não vão ser muitas...
pra mim a altura ideal para marrocos é qualquer uma menos o verão!

saudações!

Renato B.

ps- sempre bom ver um portugues por estas andanças!!!

**estanislau** · #7 24 Jun 2002

Renato,

Pois...de facto, também não me parece a melhor altura. Porém, não consigo marcar férias noutro período do ano. Pesem embora as dificuldades, não estás interessado em juntar-te à caravana??? Até agora, contamos já com dois jipes.

Abraço.

**camiel** · #8 24 Jun 2002

Guys,
Please ... this is an English language forum. Your English is really not all that 'orrible and it would be a shame if your useful contributions are lost to those who do not master your wonderful language (including myself).

Cheers,
Camiel

**estanislau** · #9 24 Jun 2002

Camiel,

You are absolutely right. It was not very educated of us to speak/write in portuguese. Basicly, Renato told me that I must be crazy for going to the desert in August and I replied asking him to join the team!

Regards.

**camiel** · #10 25 Jun 2002

Estanislau,
That's most kind of you! Like yourself, I was very much impressed by Kitmax's wonderful website and will go - despite the heat.
Perhaps I'll see you there!
Camiel

**Renato Braz** · #11 25 Jun 2002

Sorry guys...

could't resist to write in portuguese.
wont happen again : )

saude (portuguese for cheers)

renato b.

**estanislau** · #12 26 Jun 2002

Camiel,

Why don't you come along with us???

Regards,

Estanislau

**camiel** · #13 26 Jun 2002

Thanks for the invite. Would be good fun I reckon! As for timing, I've unfortunately got a tight and rigid schedule (leaving Amsterdam 17 Aug, must be back 1 Sep).
Send me an email if it might tie in with yours and we can arrange to meet up somewhere.
cheers,
Camiel

**bernardo feio lightweight** · #14 5 Jul 2002

hi estanislau

you will be be leaving witch 4x4?

If you are really thinking of going to marrocos in summer forget the sahara and just go to the Atlas. You wont regret!!! We can send you a few excellent tracks in the atlas...

"renatito"

are he still thinking of going to marrocos in the middle of august? :-) :-) :-)

regards from portugal
bernardo feio
lightweight