Preparation & planning

1. Research the 'known faults' for your vehicle, and address them after comparing experts' recommendations.
2. A well maintained and recently serviced 4X4, with low-range gearing. The service must include all filters (air, oil & fuel) and all oils (engine, gearbox, transfer case, differentials).
3. Professional underbody inspection especially transmission, driveshafts, axles, wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust.
4. Professional engine bay inspection especially water pump, radiator, alternator, starter motor, manifold, belts, hoses, battery mounts.
5. Quality mud-terrain or all-terrain tyres in good condition, definitely not retreads, deflators for airing down and a portable compressor for airing up.
6. Fit underbody protection only if you have to, it adds a lot of weight which puts increased strain on the transmission and drive-train.
7. It's a good idea to carry a fire extinguisher, make sure it's secured tightly.
8. Spare parts and fluids, as appropriate for your particular make of vehicle.
9. Plus the following: hoses, jubilee clips, baling wire, large cable-ties, fuses, bulbs, belts, duct tape, WD40, nuts & bolts, tyre valves etc.
10. Warning triangles, hi-viz jackets and headlight deflectors are all required in most of Europe. You must also carry a casualty grade first aid kit.
11. Carry a reasonable selection of your most commonly used tools.
12. Your vehicle must be equipped with a CB radio, in proper working order.
13. A 20L jerry can of diesel, mounted on the outside of the vehicle.
14. Recovery gear including strops and shackles, and a good shovel.
15. Inspect your engine bay, undercarriage and the condition of your tyre sidewalls, at the end of each day's driving.
16. It is good practice to blow out your air filter after a day of dusty driving, and obviously check oil and water levels at the same time.
17. Inspect your undercarriage and the ground under the vehicle every morning, to check for any oil, water or fluids leaking.
18. You do not need to modify your vehicle, but uprated suspension (for strength not lift) is absolutely the single best investment you can make to your vehicle.

Do not over-prepare your vehicle. Weight is a killer; not just fuel, but increased strain on the whole driveline and transmission.

Documents

1. Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return, with any visas you require.
2. Vehicle registration document.
3. Letter of permission if you are not the registered owner.
4. Driving license.
5. Ferry tickets.
6. Debit and credit cards, remember to advise your bank in advance.
7. European vehicle breakdown and recovery insurance.
8. Medical insurance including repatriation.
9. European health insurance card.
10. Inoculations as recommended by your GP, ask them also to prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
11. Destination map(s), it's good fun to mark up the route at the end of the trip.
12. Temporary vehicle import document for Morocco and Western Sahara, full instructions are included in our tour info pack which is provided at booking.
13. Third party insurance (green card) for Morocco and Western Sahara, available from some UK insurers or purchased at the port of entry.
14. Keep handy in the vehicle a list of important contact numbers.

Equipment

1. Sleeping bags and a tent, we recommend a quality canvas roof-tent, which has been well secured to the roof of the vehicle.
2. If using a ground tent, you will need mattresses or camping stretchers, and a heavy-duty groundsheet.
3. Remember we'll be camping in the wild some nights, so consider your lighting requirements when preparing.
4. Camping chairs are a necessity and so too is a basic travellers picnic kit, for the cutlery and crockery you will need.
5. Shovel, loo paper, plus the usual bathroom necessities and creature-comforts, wet-wipes and a shower towel.
6. Consider one of our comfortable canvas toilet stools, for the nights we are camping out.
7. Camera and binoculars.
8. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and suitable protective clothing and footwear, as appropriate for the terrain: sandals and boots or trainers.
9. You will probably appreciate having insect repellent.
10. It's worth bringing a selection of outdoor clothing to cover all eventualities.
11. Carry your own snacks and drinks for the longer spells in the car, these can regularly be purchased in the larger villages and towns.
12. Bottled water is widely available, but carry plenty and avoid dehydration by drinking it frequently.
13. Ensure that you carry enough water to be able to do your washing up etc on the nights we are camping wild.
14. If you like a few beers in the evening, bring them along sensibly packed out of sight. Buying alcohol in Morocco is possible, but it is an expensive exercise.

Booking a tour or expedition entitles you to 5-10% discount off all our 4X4 expedition equipment. Browse our 4X4 equipment to see if we can help with your requirements.