The ultimate off-road guide to crossing the Sahara

🚙 Matlu → Oasis of Siva: The ultimate cross-country guide to crossing the Sahara This mysterious 300-kilometre route that connects the Mediterranean to a desert oasis is North Africa’s hardest self-driving experience – World War II military highways intersect with flowing sand dunes, Bedouin camel teams swoop out your car window, and you’ll touch the true soul of the Sahara in the 8 hours when cell phone signals disappear altogether. 🗺️ Core route details Total route length: 320 km (only 1/3 is paved road) Duration: 7-9 hours (including stay) Elevation Change: Sea Level → Dune Area (+180m) → Siva (-15m) Segmentation Road Book: 1️⃣ Matlu-Qara Oasis (160 km) - South along "Military Highway 60" through the southern flank of the Alamein Battlefield - milestone: ▫️ 45km: Abandoned British Army Radar Station (climbable) ▫️ 92km: Black Volcanic Rock Area (The British Patient was filmed) ▫️ 130km: Qara Oasis Refill Station (the only gas station) 2️⃣ Qara Oasis - Great Sand Sea (80 km) - Turn into pure desert road section, need to switch four-wheel drive mode - Key coordinates: ▫️ N29°12'45", E25°33'10": WWII crash wreckage (P-40 fighter) ▫️ N29°04'11", E25°47'33": Moving Dune Observation Point (best photo shoot 1 hour before sunset) 3️⃣ Great Sand Sea - Siva (80km) - Crossing the crescent-shaped sand dune complex, coconut groves appear when approaching Siva - Hidden landmarks: ▫️ 5km before Salt Lake: Underground underground river outcrop (can be filled with natural spring water) 🔧 Pre-trip preparation list | Vehicle | Toyota Land Cruiser/Nissan Patrol (Chassis Raised Version) At least 2 cars to travel, with 2 full size spare tires | Navigation | Garmin GPSMAP 66i (with Sahara Offline Map) Paper map + compass backup | survival | 20L drinking water/car, military compressed dry food, first aid kit (with anti-snake venom serum) | Protection | Sand mask, satellite phone, high frequency radio - Visibility <1 m during sandstorms Vehicle modification suggestions: - Install desert tires (tire pressure reduced to 1.0-1.2 Bar) - Installed front winch (capacity ≥4.5 tons) - Carry aluminum sandboard (more resistant to high temperatures than plywood) 🛣️ Three challenge sections 1. ``Eye of the Devil'' Sand Wo District (37 km south of Qara) - A series of sand pits, need to maintain a speed of more than 40km/h to prevent car sinking - Technique: Follow the front tire marks, direction fine-tuning magnitude <15 degrees 2. ``Blade Line'' Side Slope (N28°59'16''E25°41'22'') - 35° inclined sand slope, the body is suspended on one side for 200 meters - Law of Survival: All passengers move to the uphill side, disabling braking 3. Flowing Sand River Bed (15 km close to Siva) - The surface is hard but actually loose, need to use tree branches to explore the way - Trapped car self-rescue: dig sand until hard bottom is seen, sand board inserted at 30° Communication code: - Waving a red bandana = asking for aid - Double flash of car lights three times = hazard found ⚠️Itinerary taboos - Absolutely forbidden to leave the track for more than 50 meters (there may be unexploded bombs underground) - No entry into the Dasha Sea section after 3pm (night temperature drops sharply to 5°C) - Encountering a single-peaked camel team must put out the fire and give way (sacred right of the Bedouin) 🌌 How to play in the secret realm on the way War Archeology: Use metal detectors near radar stations to find medals (relics of the British 7th Armored Division are common) Starry Sky Camping: The granite platform at N29°08'09" E25°44'27" is a certified stargazing spot by the International Dark Sky Association Fossil Hunter: There are a large number of marine life fossils in the mountains west of Qara oasis (specimen <5cm can be taken away). There will be an epiphany as your wheels roll over the former supply line of Rommel’s Corps, washing away the yellow sand on the shores of Siva’s salt lake – this desert has never been conquered, he has only graciously allowed you to pass through.