Preparation & planning

• Research the 'known faults' for your vehicle, and address them after comparing various experts' recommendations.
• 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).
• Professional underbody inspection especially transmission, driveshafts, axles, wheels, brakes, steering, suspension, exhaust.
• Professional engine bay inspection especially water pump, radiator, alternator, starter motor, manifold, belts, hoses, battery mounts.
• Quality mud-terrain or all-terrain tyres in good condition, definitely not retreads, deflators for airing down and a portable compressor for airing up.
• Fit underbody protection only if you have to, it adds a lot of weight which puts increased strain on the transmission and drive-train.
• It's a good idea to carry a fire extinguisher, make sure it's secured tightly.
• Spare parts and fluids, as appropriate for your particular make of vehicle.
• Plus the following: hoses, jubilee clips, baling wire, large cable-ties, fuses, bulbs, belts, duct tape, WD40, nuts & bolts, tyre valves etc.
• Breathalysers, warning triangles, hi-viz jackets and headlight deflectors are required in most of Europe. You must also have a casualty grade first aid kit.
• Carry a reasonable selection of your most commonly used tools.
• Your vehicle must be equipped with a CB radio, in proper working order.
• A 20L jerry can of diesel, mounted on the outside of the vehicle.
• Recovery gear including strops and shackles, and a good shovel.
• Inspect your engine bay, undercarriage and the condition of your tyre sidewalls, at the end of each day's driving.
• 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.
• Inspect your undercarriage and the ground under the vehicle every morning, to check for any oil, water or fluids leaking.
• 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. Do not tamper with factory fitted systems.

Documents

• Passport valid for at least 6 months after your return, with any visas you require.
• Vehicle registration document.
• Letter of permission if you are not the registered owner.
• Driving license.
• Visa for Algeria. We will obtain this for you, included as part of our service.
• Ferry tickets. For Morocco and Western Sahara we will obtain this for you and provide you with it at the pre-start briefing, during the evening before day 1. For Algeria this is included in the tour fee and is emailed to you in advance.
• Debit and credit cards, remember to advise your bank in advance.
• European vehicle breakdown and recovery insurance.
• Medical insurance including repatriation.
• European health insurance card.
• Inoculations as recommended by your GP, ask them also to prescribe a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Destination map(s), it's good fun to mark up the route at the end of the trip.
• Temporary vehicle import document for Morocco and Western Sahara. We will process this for you, and provide you with it at the pre-start briefing.
• Third party insurance (green card) for Morocco and Western Sahara, available from some UK insurers or purchased at the port of entry.
• Keep handy in the vehicle a list of important contact numbers.

Equipment

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