Hello,
Is it possible to consider wild camping with young children, mainly in the Anti-Atlas? It’s not an option for budget reasons but rather a way of traveling we enjoy.
If we get the landowner’s permission and offer compensation, is it feasible?
Hi there,
I’ve done some wild camping in Morocco before, but it’s been a while!
Back when I did it, I’d camp away from villages, up in the mountains—just like in France, avoiding private land. If you camp on private property, only the owner can give you an answer... they’ll either allow it or not. Who else could decide for them?
I’ve done it many times before, but it’s been a while. Overall, it’s doable—the only real hassle was the local kids who thought it was fun to throw rocks at vehicles in the middle of the night. Pretty annoying, I must say... But maybe that trend has died down by now🙂
it’s doable, the only hassle was that the local kids used to throw rocks at vehicles in the middle of the night
During the day too! And the adults just watched without stepping in.
Plus, with wild camping, the habit of people quickly swarming the spot in large numbers... So even more reason to pitch your tent far, *very* far from villages. That’s the only way you can hope for a bit of peace.
Is it possible to consider wild camping with young children, mainly in the Anti-Atlas?
The main concern is finding water sources, especially if you camp in the southern part of Morocco since it’s mostly desert and semi-desert areas—water isn’t everywhere.
And if you want to camp or bivouac, do it as far as possible from settlements, or else ask locals if they can host you. It’s kind of an all-or-nothing situation.
There’s also the terrorist threat to consider.
In the High Atlas, two hikers were attacked by Islamists a few years ago.
Hi,
The Anti-Atlas is a vast region.
It’s still possible to find an isolated spot to set up camp.
I’ve noticed that since the pandemic, if you’re spotted, local civil authorities (caïds, etc.) and/or law enforcement may step in to ask (or demand) that you move to a non-isolated area. This could be in front of a police station, a gas station, a school, etc.
In the Rif and along the Atlantic coast, roughly from Essaouira to Dakhla, it’s pretty much systematic.
Safe travels
I’ve spent practically three months every winter in Morocco for the past 14 years. I’ve always bivouacked, only stopping at a campsite now and then to do laundry.
I’ve only been checked and asked to move on twice in fourteen years.
The reason each time:
“to avoid any risk and ensure my safety.”
The first time was by the *mokadem* of the last oasis in the valley on a small ledge along the switchbacks after Icht on the way to Tafraoute,
and the second time, while bivouacking under the two small pine trees near the roundabout in Er Rich around 11 PM, fast asleep, because I was stuck due to COVID.
No one was allowed to move, everything was closed:
No entering Er Rich, and anyway, campsites, hotels, etc.—all shut.
He made me go to the parking lot of the Afriquia gas station right next door. Then, as the “Vfisters” from back then might remember, I ended up finishing my lockdown (4 months) in the parking lot of the ZIZ gas station in Aït Khoumane, 10 km down the road.
Always because they were responsible for my safety and wanted to keep me under their responsibility.
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
So glad to be back on the forum and still admiring your gorgeous wisteria!
I remember your epic road trip during Covid so well.
Wishing you all the best
And it ended with two months at the "intra-muros" campsite in Martil, just five hundred meters from its gorgeous beach, while I waited for a Ceuta-Algeciras ticket for me and my VW, which I only got for July 27th.
An amazing adventure that taught me a lot about Morocco!!
In December 2023, I was shocked to find that my secondary campsite residence had been completely destroyed and will likely be replaced by a "skyscraper!!😉.
No issues with my bivouacs in December 2023 and on my return at the end of February 2024 on the huge seaside parking lots before Zebta.
Each time, I went to the local guard’s hut to let them know. Every time, they were adorable!!!!
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
But so much less than in France... Regarding this incident on Toubkal, there was never any proof that it was terrorists. I remain convinced that this tragedy was nothing more than a sordid affair involving some frustrated guys. Meanwhile, the terrorist threat supposedly exists on Toubkal, where authorities have imposed a guide who doesn’t even know how to use a weapon to protect 6 people, while everywhere else... no threat would exist...
This whole mess has become a huge sham, rigged by locals just to create business for guides...
Terrorist threat in Morocco? Yes, but no more than anywhere else... In fact, I’d say much less than in France.
PS: My friend, if you really knew what happened in 2008 in Mauritania, where nasty terrorists killed 4 French people, leading to the cancellation of the Dakar Rally (I know what I’m talking about—I was with those 4 guys 48 hours earlier in Nouakchott, and trust me, they weren’t there for a photo safari)... Terrorism is something we love to pin where it suits us...
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
PS: My poor friend, if you really knew what happened in 2008 in Mauritania, where nasty terrorists killed 4 French people, leading to the cancellation of the Dakar Rally (I know what I'm talking about—I was with those 4 guys 48 hours earlier in Nouakchott and believe me, they weren’t there for a photo safari)... We love to bring up terrorism when it suits us...
😛
...Most people love inventing such exciting lives... Reality is sometimes much more ordinary than expected... And the French aren’t necessarily all "little angels" either...
That’s not the debate, but back then Mauritania was an eldorado for quite a bit of trafficking and a prime transit country for certain profitable drugs... In Nouakchott between 2003-2007, you could find coke as easily as a mosque.
Quite a few news stories on the subject in our beautiful country this year...🤪
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
Yeah, it's true, and it's being applied to everything these days—even Mélenchon talks about "social terrorism" when he mentions Macron😎... But fearmongering is such a profitable business, and it's so well-documented by countless sociologists and psychologists... Misfortune for some always means opportunity for others. One thing's for sure: don’t hesitate to talk about it with the locals in Imlil—they’ve got a totally different perspective than foreigners who live far from all this...
There’s no comparison between wild camping in the Moroccan mountains (just watch out for dogs, really) and walking around late at night in Marseille, Paris, or Lyon when it comes to safety...
Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !
Since I find you all so friendly and helpful, I’m leaving the Anti-Atlas for another destination.
Could you share your tips for choosing 2- to 3-day stops that’ll help me make the most of the loop?
Skoura, Dadès Gorge and Todgha Gorge, Merzouga, and back via the Draa Valley.
Have a great day!
On this loop—"a little intermediate loop"—that I particularly love and do every year, in one direction or the other:
- Head up the Todra Gorge to Aït Hani, then take the 7103 toward Amellagou at the exit,
- From there, take the 7101 toward Goulmima.
A really beautiful route and the Ghéris Gorge is stunning.
Nomad camps in cliff crevices.....
The road is paved the whole way and in good overall condition, suitable for all vehicles including RVs.
Only question: there are several fords that are usually no problem to cross, but it’s still worth checking if the Ghéris hasn’t caused any damage during recent heavy floods.
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
With a 4x4, actually my grandson and his wife are giving me free rein to organize their two-week trip with their three kids (health issues are catching up with us).
After Skoura, I found a really nice place to stay for 3 days in Aït Sidi Ali or Bourk.
They’re skipping Merzouga for M’Hamid, and I’m trying to optimize the route to keep driving times between 3 and 4 hours max.
They’re no longer talking about wild camping—if you only knew how hard it is to find accommodations for 5 people!!!
Here’s the time they have: leaving Aït Sidi... on 4/12 and a booking made in Talouine on 4/18.
As for off-road tracks, I’m thinking moderation.
Hi,
Whether you're coming from Boumalne Dades or Tinghir, you can reach N'Kob via the Tizi N'Tazazert pass. The whole route is paved.
From Kelaa M'Gouna or Skoura, there are dirt tracks that meet at Tagmount.
From Tagmount, the track has been redone and widened to serve the mines.
For the first part of the journey (Kelaa M'Gouna - Tagmount or Skoura - Tagmount), the track is narrower but doesn’t require any technical skills. A GPS or map is essential because there are lots of forks in the road.
I recommend traveling the segment from the pass to N'Kob in the morning to enjoy the view in good sunlight conditions, overlooking a remarkable geological phenomenon (the Bab n'Ali cliffs) about 20 km from the pass.
You can also go all the way to Merzouga via the national road to Er RACHIDIA, then Erfoud, Rissani.....
or, without going as far as Er Rachidia, take a shortcut earlier via El Jorf and RISSANI.....
Obviously, the route through the Tazazert pass is much more spectacular and in very good condition.
About 200 km. Allow 3 hours.
"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)
Nous sortons de plusieurs jours de piste à AKKA, existe-t-il un hôtel (même simple), pour douche, repas etc... je suis passé plusieurs fois à AKKA mais je ne…
Un beau bonjour, Nous sommes Québécois et possèdons un Unimog transformé en Camping Car. J'aimerais me joindre a un petit groupe pour faire une traversée du…
Nous partons avec des amis sur le Maroc faire un raid en 4x4 passons par l’Espagne pour prendre le ferry a Allégiras, recherchons des points de chutes pour une…
Nous aimerions partir cet été au maroc en 4X4 en famille, en traversant l'espagne et prendre le bateau pour arriver à tanger.Nous aimerions longer la mer…
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip to Russia and Mongolia, starting from France.
Crossing the border at Poland/Belarus or Georgia/Russia—other borders seem either closed or complicated.
Tourist visas for 3 months with multiple entries.
Do you have any info on Russian companies that cover a 4x4 vehicle for 3 months, and what prices in rubles or euros you’ve paid?
Which bank did you use for expenses? (EuroMastercard and Visa cards no longer work.)
Regarding Russian SIM cards, a new system called "Gosuslugi" has been introduced. How long did it take you to get one, and what steps did you follow?
Hi,
we’re planning to visit a park again.
Could you point us toward the camps in Gonarezhou Park?
>We’re traveling completely self-sufficiently.
We love wildlife.
Thanks for any tips you can share!
JP
Hi there, we’ll be in Mozambique in early December 2026 and we’d like to travel from Vilanculos to Beira by car or bus to reach Beira airport. After that, we’re planning to visit Gorongosa National Park before flying back to France from Beira. From what we’ve heard, the road to Beira is tricky, especially at this time of year (start of the rainy season). Could anyone share their thoughts or suggest a solution? Thanks so much for your help!
Anne
Hi there,
I’m heading to Lesotho in a few days and I’m struggling to find info on the best route between Katse Dam and Sehlathebe National Park. There’s a fairly "direct" route from Thaba Tseka, but the roads seem rough, and we’re not exactly 4x4 pros. Anyone have any tips to share? Thanks!
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Mozambique in October and are looking for either a 4x4 or 4x2 rental in Maputo, or a driver transfer option to reach:
- Ponta Do Ouro
- Tofo
- Vilankulos
The idea is to be self-sufficient for sightseeing and stops while still being able to access certain lodges or beaches that require a 4x2.
Do you have any contacts, addresses, or ideas to share?
Thanks in advance,
Hello,
We're hitting the road again in 2027 to discover new countries and cultures.
Could anyone give me some tips on driving from Ulaanbaatar to Lake Baikal and the route to take?
Thanks, and safe travels to those who are setting off!
We’re planning a 4x4 trip from Belgium to Central Asia, passing through Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
For these countries, our national insurance obviously doesn’t cover the vehicle, so we’ll need to get local insurance.
Will it be a problem if the vehicle is registered under person A and the national insurance is under person B? Both A and B will be in the vehicle, and both will be listed as drivers on the insurance.
When we get the local insurance, if we again list A and B as drivers, does the order matter? Could we get stuck at the border for this reason?
Hi,
For those who’ve driven on Iceland’s gravel roads in their own or a rented Duster, could you tell me what tires were fitted on the vehicle?
Were they All Terrain tires or more "standard" ones like all-season tires, for example?
Follow-up question: if they were "standard" tires, did that cause any issues on the gravel roads and rough terrain?
Thanks so much for any info you can share.
Best,
Marc
Hi there,
I'm planning a 4x4 road trip from Darwin to Broome with a rooftop tent in July 2026.
I'd like to know if I need to book overnight stops in advance or if I can just wing it and stop wherever I feel like it?
Some evenings, we'd like to stop and make use of campsite facilities (restaurant, shop, showers, toilets).
What do you recommend?
Do I need a permit?
My rough itinerary looks like this:
Darwin - Kakadu
Kakadu - Nitmiluk
Nitmiluk - Kununurra
Kununurra - Purnululu
Purnululu - El Questro
El Questro - Mt Elizabeth - Bell Gorge - Broome
I’m planning a trip to Iceland for next July-August, with a car and tent, and I’m wondering about booking campsites.
From your experience, is it necessary or even essential to book campsites in advance, or do you always manage to find a spot to pitch your tent?
We’ll also have the option to sleep in the car without pitching the tent.
Does that give us the flexibility to stay outside a campsite for a night here and there?
Hi,
I’m planning a road trip in the Middle Atlas, starting and ending in Fez and heading down to the south of Midelt, the Assoul Massif.... We’ll be traveling with two small 4x4s.
I’m looking for detailed maps of this region that include small roads and tracks.
Last year, we had a fantastic road trip in the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas using Erfahren maps, but unfortunately, they don’t cover the area we’re interested in this year.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Dominique
We’re planning a 13-day family road trip in Morocco this July, with six people in a Toyota Prado 4x4 (renting in Marrakech).
We’ll alternate between bivouacking and small hotels/riads depending on the stops.
Here’s the planned route (in this order):
Marrakech
→ Ouarzazate
→ Draa Valley
→ Zagora
→ Erg Chegaga
→ Lake Iriki
→ Foum Zguid
→ Tata
→ Tafraoute
→ Aït Mansour
→ Tiznit
→ Mirleft
→ Taroudant
→ Back to Marrakech
Our goal:
Atlas Mountains + desert + dunes + plateaus + valleys + a bit of coastline.
We’ll cover about 1,700 km in total.
We’re planning:
Bivouacking in the Chegaga/Iriki area
Flexible for the rest (booking the day before or same day)
Sand gear: traction plates, compressor, tow strap, roof rack
Questions:
Is the Zagora → Chegaga → Iriki → Foum Zguid crossing in July doable on our own (single vehicle, no guide)?
Are there any truly technical or risky sections between Chegaga and Iriki?
Does the overall itinerary seem manageable in 13 days without rushing?
Any suggestions for great bivouac spots or particularly interesting stops along this route?
The points on the route are provisional overnight stops. Some spots will include two nights in the same area.
We’re used to off-road driving, but not yet in the Moroccan desert.
Thanks in advance for your feedback and tips! 😊
Good evening
I could use some advice 🙂
Our trip to Namibia is planned for June/July 2026.
We’re struggling a bit with timing and choosing activities for the part of the trip between Sesriem and Brandberg.
Day 1: Sesriem to Mirabib
Day 2: Mirabib to Swakopmund – visit Swakopmund, overnight in Swakopmund
Day 3: Sandwich Harbour – overnight in Swakopmund
Day 4: Kayaking with the seals + the living dunes – overnight in Swakopmund
Day 5: Moon Landscape, Henties Bay + Cape Cross – overnight at White Lady Lodge in Brandberg
Does this itinerary seem realistic to you? Is Cape Cross really worth the trip? If I had to choose between Cape Cross and kayaking with the seals, which would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Hélix
My son and I are heading to Georgia this summer to explore the High Caucasus (Svaneti, Kazbek, and Tusheti regions). For this, we’re planning to rent a 4x4.
However, the rental agencies we’ve found prohibit driving on the tracks to Omalo (Tusheti) and/or Ushguli (Svaneti).
Do you know of any agencies in Tbilisi (local and reliable) that allow rented 4x4s to drive on these tracks? If so, which ones?
Hi everyone,
I’m starting to plan an itinerary for September 2027 focused on Zimbabwe and Zambia. I’d love to visit Gonarezhou National Park—I see there are two sectors: the Mwenezi Region in the south and the area around the Runde River in the north. Should I cover both sectors or just focus on the northern region?
For the parks along the Zambezi River, is it better to visit Mana Pools on the Zimbabwe side or Lower Zambezi on the Zambia side?
Thanks in advance for any tips on the parks in these two countries.
Have a great day, everyone.
We’re spending 18 days in New Zealand from 05/04 to 05/21, arriving in QUEENSTOWN and leaving from AUCKLAND.
Any ideas for a road trip that covers the highlights of both islands but only changes hotels every 3–4 nights?
Thanks.
For our trip to Georgia in July, I’d like to rent a 4x4 starting from Tbilisi.
Do you have any rental companies to recommend?
The traditional rentals like Hertz, Avis, etc. seem way overpriced compared to local companies—what do you think? Are they properly insured?
Has anyone here tried Geo Rent Car, Auto 4 Rental, or Sur Price?
Also, I’m looking for info on the condition of the Ushguli–Lentekhi track—is it passable?
Hi everyone,
A well-prepped 4x4, a travel plan across Africa in stages since I’ve got kids to see regularly and work to earn a living.
I’m leaving in November for about a month with the goal of reaching Senegal via Mauritania. I’d love to share this trip with someone who wants to discover Mauritania and a bit of Senegal... and also experience life on board a 4x4 in the desert or bush, sometimes sleeping in the vehicle or in hostels/small hotels for comfort. I want to share this rediscovery because two’s better than one!
Just traveling, exploring, and living! !
I’m planning to explore Argentine and Chilean Patagonia for a month in December 2019.
I’m looking for a rental company (or several) that offers single-cab 4x4 pick-ups with a fitted camper cell for two people. I’m specifically after a vehicle with an indoor shower for extra comfort ;)
So, no vans—at least not from the rental companies I’ve seen so far.
While browsing the forum, I came across the Chilean rental company Holiday Rent. But do you have any recommendations for Argentine rentals?
Because, if I can’t return the vehicle in the same city as pickup, I’d prefer—and it’d likely be cheaper—to at least return it in the same country.
I’m traveling through Argentina and Chile (as well as Paraguay and Uruguay) with a 2019 Toyota Hilux Euro 6. Could anyone tell me if the local diesel is suitable for its engine, or if I need to take any special precautions (like adding an additive, for example) for these countries?
I’d also like to know if driving at high altitudes is possible, and up to what elevation—or if I should worry about the vehicle going into limp mode?
If that happens, what should I do?
Hi there,
Can you tell me if the road between Zagora and M'Gouna is easy or difficult for a 4x4? How much time and how many kilometers should I plan for? I’m traveling in May.
Thanks!
Hi there,
My trip to South Africa is starting to take shape.
However, I'm struggling to figure out the route through Kruger Park. I can't seem to find the information I need about getting around.
Coming from the south, I plan to arrive on Day 1 in the early afternoon at Malelane or Crocodile Bridge.
Do some shopping in Malelane (or Crocodile Bridge main area) and stay overnight outside the park.
Leave on Day 2 at 5 AM for the park. Explore the southern part of the park.
Stay overnight around Skukuza or Lower Sabie. (We don’t want to stay in one of the park’s big camps. We’re looking for a lodge around 200 €.
Head out on Day 3 for a self-drive safari, maybe as far as Orpen.
We’d like to stay in a private reserve on nights 4 and 5.
We’re not sure which one or how to get into a private reserve. Do we need to exit Kruger Park?
On Day 5, we’d like to leave to visit Blyde Canyon (on Day 6).
I’m planning to leave Morocco for the summer but want to leave my 4x4 there to avoid exceeding the famous 6-month limit. I’d like to park it in one of the two Spanish enclaves (Ceuta or Melilla).
Does anyone know of people or companies that handle long-term parking (preferably secure) in either place?
Once the car is parked, what’s the best way to get back to France using public transport?
Is the nearest airport Tanger from Ceuta?...
How do I get there easily, etc. etc.
hello! I’d like to go to Kazakhstan and rent a fitted 4x4 locally so I can drive off-road trails and sleep inside the vehicle... could anyone share some local rental company addresses, please? Thanks! !
I'm about to rent a self-drive 4x4 in Mongolia. Has anyone heard of GOBI.RENT?
Otherwise, do you have any tips for checking this company since there's no info on their website (e.g., registration number on the RCS)?
I’m finalizing my trip starting from Namibia.
When I arrive in Divundu, I’d like to head straight to the Khwai area early in the morning to one of the campsites in the Khwai Development Trust. Is the drive doable with a good 4x4 in a day?
We’ll spend 2 nights in Khwai, then 2 or maybe 3 nights in the Moremi area (Third Bridge/Xakanaxa/Mboma) before heading back to Maun to wrap up our journey.
Is that too much time to spend in each place?
We’d also like to do one or two boat excursions in the delta. Any suggestions for the best options and operators?
Thanks in advance for your tips and advice!
Best,
Patrick
Hi everyone,
I’m planning to explore the western part of Madagascar from May 1st to 5th, specifically to visit the Tsingy. I’ve heard different versions about the road conditions and access to the Tsingy during this time, so I’d love to hear from people who’ve actually made this trip during this time of year.
Have you traveled from Morondava → Tsingy between May 1st and 5th?
Was the journey doable and safe?
Did you have access to the Grands Tsingy, or just the Petits Tsingy?
Thanks so much for your feedback—it’ll really help me get a clearer picture! 😊
Also, if you have any recommendations for reliable and experienced driver-guides, I’d love to hear them.
Thanks again!