Overlander's Handbook
Trip Reports

Morocco - Mazda pickup

Who Chris S ~ website
ProfessionGuidebooks etc
Born 1960Nationality Brit
Previous travel experienceYes
This tripMorocco
Departure dateApri 2008
Number in group1 then 2
Trip duration4 weeks
Distance coveredIn Mk about 6000km
Cost of trip (not incl. vehicle)1400 euro + ferries (600e)
Best daySpinning down in Figuig.
Worst/ hardest dayPlenty, but the intercooler hose blowing off while pushing hard in Low with the tide coming was a bit scary.
Favourite placeNo-name deep canyon villages chocked with palms or ruined ksars anywhere.
Biggest headacheDoing it all alone for the first couple of weeks
Wish I hadn'tLeft it in 2WD so much - hard on the back tyres
Most pleasant surpriseThe many amazing tracks and places not on any map
Any illnessNo
Other trips plannedOf course
One overlanding tipFollow it, it's bound to end up somewhere.
Type of VehicleMazda pickup
Age/ mileage on departure59,000m 2003
ModificationsSuspension, paint, intercooler
Most useful accessoryAirbags on the back - didn't even know the leaves were broken
Mods you wish you'd doneI suppose new back springs is all it needs now.
Tyres usedFalken ATs, a bit low and wide but good on the road
Number of punctures
Vehicle's weak pointToo long and low when things get gnarly; 31mpg at best
Vehicle's strong pointIt survived and sounds fine
Vehicle problemsOE back springs broke, 1 puncture
Same vehicle again?Yes - or an auto Twingo
One driving tipPreserve the car - it's all you got!