Hello, I have a question for any experienced North African adventurers. I am planning this summer to buy and old Land Rover or similar with a friend and drive overland from Britain through France & Spain, ship over the straits and boogie on into Morocco.

Myself and my friend are both keen trekkers and instead of booking an organised tour, we are thinking about heading out into the Atlas mountains to get some miles on the shoes under our own steam.

Does anyone have any advice to offer? I'm looking for ideas on maps for planning treks, where we can stay whilst we're trekking - is it possible to camp? Where can we pick up supplies in the middle of nowhere? What are the rural roads like? Are there good access points for treks in the mountains that can be reached even if we don't have a 4x4? Does Morocco sell diesel fuel commonly? Do we need any special documents to bring a car into and out of the country? What's the security like when it's there? Will it get nicked like nobody's business? Anything I've missed that might be important?

Are we being complete idiots???

Thanks,
Joe

"... it is here that you leave your last footprints on the track, but not your last memories..."

Hello Joe!

Briliant idea, do it! We loved Morocco and the Atlas a lot! There is a lot of camping oportunities, you can pick up luxury supplies in all the bigger cities, but basis food stuff everywhere, there's lots of good access points for treks in the mountains everywhere (ask locals), diesel is easilly found, except the green card (insurance no need for extra stuff, security is ok outside the big cities, I think!

To me you'd be complete idiots if you didn't go, it's such a beautiul landscape and the Morocons are very very friendly people (easier to find off the beaten track)!

Bye

Linda

Hello,
If you are still interested in trekking in the mountains of the High Atlas.Just write me an e-mail to:benami_aziz@hotmail.com or call me on 0021268663225.I can give you all information you need because I am a treks organizer in Taliouine.
Regards,
Aziz Benami

Joe, it sound like an awesome trip. I'm planning on going there myself next february, so I've looked at some travel guides. Here's what I have to say:

"Let's Go" guides has a great book out on Spain and Portugal, which also includes Morocco on a shorter chapter which in my opinion is still very helpful. Take a look at their "suggested itineraries", they give you at least 3 or 4 trips ranging from 2 weeks to 3 months, telling you what places to visit and when to go.

You may also want to check the Rough Guide's "First Time Around the World". It has helpful hints on budget travel in general, and devotes a chapter to different forms of transport. They recomend "The Adventure Motorcycling Book" for documentation and preparation of trips such as the one you are planning.

This is what the Moroccan National Office of Tourism has to say about traveling there by car:

There is no particular formality required of motorists. However, selling a vehicle or leaving it as surety are prohibited.
Insurance is compulsory. Obtain a green card before your departure or at the frontier. For caravans, trailers and motor boats, a customs certificate or triptych is required. You are advised to obtain an international camping and caravanning passbook. Cars, caravans and mobile homes are not allowed to stay in Morocco more than 6 months.

Check out their website: http://www.tourisme-marocain.com/english/indexen.htm

Have Fun!

JP