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North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

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


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Trans Sahara Routes.

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  #31  
Old 26 Jun 2023
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Some of the worst mozzies I've ever encountered were about 100km north of Laayoune, but that was fairly close to a water source. Usually not a big problem and the strong winds can help keep them away when camping.

Plenty of scorpions around so always look carefully before packing up if you've left anything out overnight. For the most part they just hurt, a lot, but non lethal unless you have an allergy.
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  #32  
Old 26 Jun 2023
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My goal is to keep this trip as simple as possible; especially gear wise. Keeping it light, keeping it simple. I’m aiming to fit everything (apart spare fuel & water) in my g+g aluminium panniers. You mentioned an interesting point about laying on the tent rather than in it. Doesn’t a small/cramped tent feel like a furnace? How cold can I expect it to get in the evening and later on? Originally I had planned to take a hammock/tarp setup instead of a tent; to elevate myself from the creepy crawlers. However, after careful consideration I don’t think trees are that common in the desert haha. What about the snakes & scorpions, I’d appreciate information concerning the frequency of encounters, where I’m most likely to see them and when.
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  #33  
Old 26 Jun 2023
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You’ll be lucky to see any snakes, they tend to keep away from people. Scorpions are a bit more frequent but not a huge problem.

Just check underthings when you pack away camp.

Overnight temps in September and October will be fine usually but weather patterns have been crazy the last year. April we regularly saw temps in the mid 40’s but overnight was averaging around 20. The historically averages seem out last autumn and this spring.
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  #34  
Old 27 Jun 2023
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Got it. Did you carry an anti venom tool for your trip? When temperatures start to get that high did you notice your bike act differently? To mitigate the effects of heat on my bike & myself, I plan on travelling in the morning.
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  #35  
Old 27 Jun 2023
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Never carried anti venom. Although snakes and scorpions are around with a bit of care you can keep the risk of a bite/sting very low.

The majority of scorpions in the region are non lethal to healthy adults. During lockdown in 2020 3 people on he campsite were stung and although they said it hurt at lot they were fine.

If you see a snake just keep a safe distances.

I travel in a 4x4 so cant help with heat effects on the running of a bike
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  #36  
Old 27 Jun 2023
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As said creepy crawlies are a much over-rated worry compared to the many other potential perils, though they are more active in hot months like Sept/Oct.

As long as the road is good, just keep riding up to 40°C or more. What is the alternative, especially if camping? If the bike gets hot, slow down.
Riders often under-value this. Less rpm = less heat. Better for the tyres too.
If the bike gets very hot, park into the wind with the engine running.
In fact keep the engine running when making short stops (or until the fan stops).
I've found a Trail Tech temperature gauge is a good idea for desert biking.
Establish a normal reading on cylinder heading or water hose - then you know what very hot is and if you should do something about it.

When I suggested laying on the tent I was hinting to not bother bringing a tent at all. Use a ground sheet, good air mat and make a headboard/windbreak for your head with your panniers. A much more agreeable way to camp in the desert, providing it's not windy.
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  #37  
Old 27 Jun 2023
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You've been sharing some gold nuggets with me!

Pretty much answered my question concerning the heating issue. There's not much one can do to avoid it when temps get high, but knowing how to monitor and act accordingly is where it's at.

I could potentially rock a ground sheet, air mat and tarp setup; using the motorbike (sidestand facing away) as support. I would carry an extra bivy bag for wind. The tarp would be the "piece de resistance". Of course it would serve for sun protection in the afternoon but big enough to be used as and planted as a tent. What are your thoughts about hammocks? Will there be enough opportunities for me to plant it between trees or does the lack of these justify the weight reduction?

Do you recommend a place where i can grab a temp gauge?
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  #38  
Old 28 Jun 2023
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
That said, I would use a roomy 2-person tent with crossover poles so it stands up by itself in places where there is no nice grass and soft earth for secure pegging. Something like the Hubba Hubba or it's many knock offs so you can fit all your clobber inside overnight.
I have a Hubba Hubba (2 man tent) for when travelling solo and a gear shed that I can attach to the end if travelling with a friend. It packs up real small and I take it on most African trips in case I am caught out.

Unpacking from the last trip I found I had packed the gear shed, not the tent. Just as well I hadn't needed it.
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  #39  
Old 28 Jun 2023
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Many riders consider hammocks, few actually end up using them.
Best suited to rum adverts and the jungle.
Look for a moto temp gauge on Ebay - there must be loads of Trail Tech knock offs.
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  #40  
Old 28 Jun 2023
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Got it. I also had a question about food and cooking. I won't be staying in any hotels, but, i definitely will be eating out everyday. I'll only be cooking meals for a late night snack or when the area is remote and eating out isn't an option. Considering packing a camping stove with gas takes up a considerable amount of space would making a fire be appropriate? What are the rules around this?
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  #41  
Old 28 Jun 2023
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No rules against fires in the desert. The problem is finding anything to burn.
If by gas you mean 'camping gaz' then you'd be much better off with either a bike petrol stove like coleman featherlite or a trangia burner dish + an 'X' stand. Weighs next to nothing but slower; buy alchohol from pharmacies.
Both will benefit from windbreaks.
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  #42  
Old 29 Jun 2023
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I’ll see what I can find; thanks! Fires In the desert, ok! But what about fires in Mauritania or Maroc?
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  #43  
Old 29 Jun 2023
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Talking
Photos follow:
1- Consider one of those-
2-Then you can follow your nose in the morning to find local bakers -
3-But not too much when you need a loo... a stick is useful for making your own hole in nature- better than this IMHO
4-Fresh food ( meat) if you've the stomach and a sharp knife
5-My tent ...before it 'disappeared'...
6-and the aftermath ... great until the skies opened up and my 'bedroom' turned into a swimming pool - I froze until sunrise- lesson -take a lightweight tarp and a pair of nylon 'tent peg bags' to fill with sand ( or sand pegs!) - and a syntetic sleeping bag ...and yes there was a small pank of wood under my sidestand.
Last edited by Toyark; 6 Jul 2023 at 16:39.
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  #44  
Old 30 Jun 2023
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and if you break down, a hand full of dollars will get you transport. 1$ and 5£ are best.

Fires can be magical but best keep them very small or better still, leave any wood for locals. If you find camel dung, that burns too and leaves an interesting aroma
Last edited by Toyark; 6 Jul 2023 at 16:39.
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  #45  
Old 30 Jun 2023
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Was this in maroc or mauritania? I'm contemplating not bringing the stove and instead taking bits and bobs to make fires. Only concern is drawing any unnecessary attention. What are the rules and regulations on brining knives? Pocket knifes ok? No bixed baldes?
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