POSSIBLE?

Another off-road truck ventures through the dangerously narrow passage bordered by rocks to get to Plage Blanche. I hurry ahead to film the breathtaking scene. When I think about imitating this with our Terra Love, I feel queasy.

The Plage Blanche is a well-known destination for off-road enthusiasts on the Atlantic coast of Western Sahara, or in politically correct terms, the Moroccan Sahara. Due to its isolated location and impressive sand dunes, it attracts many adventurers who want to explore the rugged landscape.

For two days now we have been standing on one of the most beautiful and impressive pitches of the last few months, just a few meters from the narrow access road to the beach. From here, we have the opportunity to observe off-road vehicles of all sizes trying to cover up to 170 km on the famous beach.

However, the area also harbors considerable dangers, especially from the tide, which is often underestimated. Tides on the Atlantic coast can fluctuate greatly, and when the tide rises quickly, it can trap vehicles that are too close to the water or in a dip. But that’s not the only challenge, it’s also difficult to navigate. In the vast sand dunes and uneven terrain, it can be problematic to determine the exact position to the coastline, which is why many drivers are unaware of how close they are to the high tide line.

Many off-road riders are tourists or visitors who are unaware of the specific dangers of the Plage Blanche. There is usually a lack of local information or maps marking the dangerous zones. Apart from that, the weather conditions can be extreme. Strong winds drive the waves unexpectedly high, which can further increase the tide. It is therefore strongly recommended that you find out about the tides and weather conditions before setting off along the Plage Blanche, take sufficient safety precautions and, if possible, travel in groups so that you can support each other in an emergency.

Before we even think about taking our Terra Love on the temptingly beautiful but treacherously dangerous beach passage, which sees a number of vehicles fall victim every year, we first walk a few kilometers along the beach to get an impressive overview. Even though you can often be alone on this route, we are lucky enough to see some off-roaders driving over the mostly hard sand and through the outgoing waves of the Atlantic.

Watching the drivers here, it seems that the fun of driving over sand and salt water outweighs the damage that salt water causes, especially to the bodywork and chassis. Bolts and other fastening elements can also rust and come loose, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the vehicle. It should not be forgotten that salt water can penetrate the vehicle’s electrical systems and cause short circuits. Salt can also corrode plug connections and cables, leading to malfunctions. Mechanical damage is also possible, particularly to the brake pads and discs, which reduces braking performance. The exhaust system can rust and leak, and bearings, axle joints and other moving parts can be damaged by salt water, leading to increased wear.

The worst thing is if salt water gets into the engine or gearbox, which can cause serious damage as lubrication is impaired and causes corrosion of internal parts. Salt water can also clog the air filter and damage the cooling system.

But despite these challenges, there are numerous reasons why this adventure can be worth the effort and potential damage, as driving over sand and along the sea offers a unique and incomparable driving experience. The expanse of the horizon, the wind and the close proximity to nature create unforgettable moments. Plage Blanche impresses with sparkling water, endless sandy beaches and unspoiled nature, which forms a picturesque backdrop.

For off-road enthusiasts, the appeal lies in the challenge of mastering difficult terrain. Driving on the Plage Blanche requires driving skills and technical knowledge, which brings a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. We find it interesting that such adventures often create a strong sense of community. Overcoming challenges together and sharing experiences bonds the participants and creates unforgettable memories. Such experiences also promote personal growth by strengthening problem-solving skills and self-confidence.

With the right preparation and caution, a lot of damage can be minimized. Regular inspections and maintenance after such trips are crucial to prolonging the life of the vehicle and avoiding major repairs. Ultimately, the pleasure and sense of freedom that such rides offer outweigh the potential damage to the vehicle. The unique experiences and the beauty of nature make the adventure at Plage Blanche an unforgettable experience that is worth many a risk.

On the way back to our Terra Love, Tanja and I talk about whether we should dare to do this tour too. Tanja thinks the risk of damaging our vehicle is disproportionate to the fun. So I scouted the difficult entrance to the beach again. Our question to you: Would you drive this route with a large motorhome like ours?

Setting up camp for a few days here on the cliff directly on the unique Plage Blanche dune beach – one of the most beautiful and deserted beaches in the world – is a special experience that we will never forget. It doesn’t matter whether we have driven on the beach with our Terra Love or not.

We enjoy the dusk, the view over the seemingly endless Atlantic Ocean and the sound of its powerful waves, which end their long journey ashore with a muffled splash. The view of the magnificent sand dunes, consisting of fine, light-colored sand, also known as the little son of the Sahara, and the impressive sunset add to the magical atmosphere.

Just as the sun touches the horizon, there is a knock on our cabin door. Three soldiers greet us. “Your passports please,” they say kindly and take pictures of them with their cell phones before wishing us a good and safe night…