First-timer in Morocco M1-M13 routes

[Michal44]

Hi everybody,
I’m planning “traverse of the Moroccan Sahara” this Autumn (Sep/Oct ~ 1 month) on XT. I’m going to follow mainly M1 - M12 routes - described in Chris Scott’s Sahara Overland and as cheap as possible. Is it possible to do this (from Ceuta to Tan Tan and back) not stopping at hotels, slipping only in a tent ? I’ve never been to Africa and don’t know if it is possible and safe.
Michal

[braindead]

Hi

The routes you are looking at my wife and I did in XT 600 at Christmas and though most are not techincal they would be a serious undertaking on a bike in summer without any support the time of yera you are gooing it will be cooler, but traveling alone on your first trip is risky IMHO. The routes are quite well trafficed so reasonabley safe though you will have high water requirements if it is warm / hot and riding at night in that areas is suicide.

The tracks are very rocky and rough, see link to photos of M3- http://groups.msn.com/UKTenereOwners/charliesaharatrip.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=1 94

The routes as you can see are rocky and a fall could be serious if you are on your own.

As for camping we took a tent and out away from the villages in the south camping is not a problem at all. though there are very inexpensive places to stay as well, about 10-15 euro for a room.

The north will be less easy to camp but stealth camping will see you fine if you stay clear of the bigf cities and go either down the Beni Melli route or easterly to Ericheda

Great country you will have a wonderful time.

Charlie



[This message has been edited by braindead (edited 21 March 2005).]

[Michal44]

Thanks
I saw the photos. I was impressed, routs look really isolated. Did you meet any tourists, any problems with fuel (fuel stations)?

[braindead]

Hi

If oyu are riding a xt with a larger tank 22 litre you will have little problems. Fuel is available all over the place. Yes the routes are remote and thats why I suggest you team up with a car or an other bike for the rough bits. Purely for safetys sake. Mobile phones work well out there but there is no wone to call. If you need help with a bust bike etc in the southern end of Morocco get hold of Peter at Wilderness wheels though their site is down they are in Quarratte.

Its a great place to explore just take someone else with you if going off road. You should post in Travellers wanted for people you could link up with.

Good luck

Charlie

[Tim Stiles]

Ive just returned, (2cv van) petrol is easily available virtually in any small towns, camping fine (therotically with permission, but, hell, who owns a dry river bed?)and basic provisions/bread/water etc in any small town. Accomodation very cheap too, so why camp? Tim