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 Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

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


Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



Like Tree8Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Jul 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
Route from Smara to Zag (Western Sahara)
Hello guys,

I have been adviced to ask here. We are going to take a road trip on a rented car in Morocco and Western Sahara. One direction will be along the coast (Marrakech -> Dakhla) and the way back will be from Dakhla -> Smara -> Zag -> Assa -> Tata -> Ouarzazate -> Marrakech (Approximately). I've learnt from forums that we should focus on route from Smara to Zag.

What should we consider and what should we be aware of on this route? If we have a map of the route and 4x4 rented car, could be there any problems? Especially with getting lost or something else?

Some people say that it's a bad idea to go there but many people like this route and say that it's ok.

PS: Do you have, somebody, experiences with renting 4x4 car in Marrakech? We have a little budget.

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,472
Zag is off limits to Tourists as far as I know. The road out from Smara to Zag is one of the old Spanish roads from the days of their interest in the WS.

In 2013 the road had a fresh coat of asphalt when we joined it at roughly 27° 7'51.89"N, 10°51'19.57"W. Probably just upgraded for the military running out to the Berm a bit further East.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Jul 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWarden View Post
Zag is off limits to Tourists as far as I know. The road out from Smara to Zag is one of the old Spanish roads from the days of their interest in the WS.

In 2013 the road had a fresh coat of asphalt when we joined it at roughly 27° 7'51.89"N, 10°51'19.57"W. Probably just upgraded for the military running out to the Berm a bit further East.
Thank you for your answer. What do you exactly mean by Zag is off limits? I didn't find any information that tourists are forbidden to go there or that there is too dangerous. In fact, we would just go through, if necessary, without stopping by. I'm asking because I didn't find anything on google.

In fact, I've read about possible problems on the route between Zag and Smara but not in Zag.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,472
About 6km east of the coordinates I posted above you will reach the end of the Moroccan WS and the Sand Berm. I suspect the army will not let you travel any further east than the berm.

I also believe that the road from Assa to Zag is closed for tourists
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Jul 2016
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,079


You might be better going Smara to Assa (red route) and then south to Zag on the green route per the map above that I previously posted on TA. Zag is the location of the more northerly red fuel cans symbol.

The military will turn you back if you get too close to the berms.
__________________
"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)
Last edited by Tim Cullis; 6 Jul 2016 at 12:34.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 Jul 2016
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 5
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post


You might be better going Smara to Assa (red route) and then south to Zag on the green route per the map above that I previously posted on TA. Zag is the location of the more northerly red fuel cans symbol.

The military will turn you back if you get too close to the berms.
Thanks, I saw your map but I have been confused by the red route. It would be ok for us to go red route but I can't see it anywhere - on google maps or satellite so I'm not sure if we will know which way we should go. If the route is clearly see (so we can't get lost (especially because of mines)), we will go this route. We don't need to go to Zag at all but I though that there are only two routes (Smara -> Zag .... or Smara -> Tantan ... ).

PS: What's the elephant icon on the map?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Jul 2016
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: ireland
Posts: 72
Hi

We used that route in March 2016 and did not have any problems ...
we met military on two occasions when we further south and east of your route and a long long way off road

See our Facebook Dublin Dakar

Good Luck
Maurice
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

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

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...

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 14:20.

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