3 years after the original attempt, the Bailey Sahara Challenge (2) was finally happening! When I was first contacted about going on the trip, it was just over 18 months ago. That trip was due to take place in March 2022, but was cancelled due to Morocco not being open fully after the pandemic.
I certainly didn’t expect to get the call again from Bailey when the Sahara Challenge 2 preparations began.
What is the Sahara Challenge?
If you’re not familiar with Bailey of Bristol’s epic trips, they have done 4 previously. The East to West challenge in Australia, a trip to the Arctic Circle, the Bristanbul run from Bristol to Istanbul, and then the first attempt of the Sahara Challenge in March 2020.
The idea is to show that there are no limits on where you can take your caravan or motorhome – only your imagination! It also highlights the capabilities of Bailey’s leisure vehicles.
Picking up where Sahara Challenge 1 left off
This epic adventure starts where the first attempt was cut short, in Sagres, Portugal. The trip is 2,735 miles long, driving to the Sahara Desert and then back to base in Bristol. A core team from Bailey will take part in the whole trip, from 10th March – 2nd April.
In addition to the Bailey team, various industry experts and personalities will join parts of the trip. I was invited to join the second half.
Flying Solo to Morocco
I was given the option to head out to the Sahara Challenge a couple of days earlier than my original date of the 24th March. Due to delivering talks at the Harrogate Warner Show, I stuck to the original dates. This did mean flying out to Ouzarzate on my own though.
I can’t lie, as exciting as the opportunity was and as much as I was looking forward to it, I was also incredibly nervous. But I was also looking forward to challenging myself, working through the nerves and really pushing myself to the next level.
Selling up to go travelling in a motorhome was the scariest thing I ever did. It also turned out to be the best thing I ever did. The Tash from before this lifestyle would never have dreamed I would do that. So I couldn’t let this opportunity pass either.
How do you pack light for Morocco?
Having got used to always having my home with me for the last 4 years, it was a shock having to actually pack. Not only that, having to make sure I was within the weight limit and being restricted on items I could take on the plane!
As I had to catch 2 flights, I wanted to try and keep luggage to a minimum. I wanted to go hand luggage only and thoroughly researched size and weight limits for Royal Air Maroc. I also fell down a very large YouTube rabbit hole, watching lots of different packing videos. Mostly from people that backpack, learning different techniques for folding clothes.
It was actually quite interesting and did really help me maximise my packing space. I also used packing cubes to help this process, thankfully they came free with my travel backpack.
I didn’t manage hand luggage only, partly due to the Sahara Challenge trip kit I was sent. Also, not quite knowing what the weather might do or what social events might happen proved difficult for an over thinker. I got incredibly close though, with just one backpack for hand luggage and my new travel backpack in the hold. It was fantastic, it definitely made being mobile easier, not having to wheel a suitcase around.
Flying to Morocco solo
I didn’t realise I was nervous about flying. Reflecting now, I don’t think I am, I think it was more the airport processes. I was so proud of myself once I landed in Casablanca. That was one flight done, one more to go. All of my research and planning had definitely helped me tackle the first stage of my Sahara Challenge.
I was so glad I had downloaded some tv programs and books on to my iPad before I left. It made the 3 hour wait for my connecting domestic flight much more manageable!
What I wasn’t prepared for, was the domestic flight to be on a tiny, propellor driven aircraft. When we got the bus form the terminal and I heard commotion, I didn’t twig what it was about. Then a man opposite me started making the cross sign on his chest. Thats when I turned around and saw the tiny plane. I guess I wasn’t the only one not prepared for that!
Arriving in Morocco
I made is safely to my final destination, Ouzarzate. Somehow I managed to have a row all to myself on both flights as well so that was awesome.
What wasn’t awesome was being held up at passport control. I had made it all this way on a 10 hour journey and suddenly, it looked like I wasn’t going to make it any further! The man at passport control was quizzing on where I had come from, where I was going, what my job was and asking me questions about my ‘domain’. I answered best I could but he didn’t seem satisfied. Eventually he rolled his eyes and let me through.
Only for me to get stopped 3 feet later by another officer guarding the doorway to baggage claim. He was leafing through my passport, there seemed to be a problem with the stamp I had received at the booth.
He went back with my passport and eventually after more huffing, I was allowed through. Phew!
I still don’t know what that was all about but I was grateful to be through and collecting my bag. I took what felt like my first breath all day when I looked out the front door of the tiny airport to see John Rawlings smiling and waving at me.
Success! I had officially made it to Morocco and on to the Sahara Challenge!!
My first 2 nights would be spent in a hotel, until the other media guests departed the trip and freed up space in the Motorhome. That didn’t mean I had any time to stop though, my first day in Morocco would be anything but quiet!
Brilliant blog Tash. You did so well to handle the fear and excitement. Can’t wait to read about the next leg of your adventure.
Aww thank you! xx