Ceuta to Fes

[Tonibe63]

Three of us Moroccon virgins are off to Spain next week and then onto Morocco via Algeciras and Cueta. We are looking at an overnight stop before going on to Fes but I am a bit concerned about the stories of The Rif Mountains.
So is it safe to overnight in Tetouan and then continue on next day via Chefchaouen, Ouazzane (nice looking green road) and onto Fes or are we best overnight in Asilah/Larache and ride next day via Ksar-el-Kebir, Ouazzane and onto Fes?
I've read Tim's Moroccan Knowledge thread about his experiences in the Rif Mountains but they have been towards the Ketama area and we are not going that far East.
Any help much appreciated.

Cheers-tony

 

[MrIFan]

don't bother with Tetouan, carry on down to Chefchaouen, a much nicer place to stay and explore for the evening Oh and perfectly safe in that region. The problems don't start until you get further east.

 

[(RIP) petcul]

don't bother with Tetouan, carry on down to Chefchaouen, a much nicer place to stay and explore for the evening Oh and perfectly safe in that region. The problems don't start until you get further east.

+1

 

[bladerunner]

If you overnight in Cueta you can cross early into Moro (usually Moro 2 hours behind) and can easily make Fez in one hit.

Cuerta to Tetouna is dual carridge way!!!

Tetouan to Chefchaouen to Ouzzane all lovely and we had no problems, onto Fez no worries.

enjoy

 

[Steptoe]

If it's any help Fez is 193 miles from the border at ceuta.

 

[sheramuta]

We were Moroccan virgins until last month. We heard all sorts of horror stories about what might happen, such as drug dealers throwing dead babies in the road to make you stop, car drivers swerving and taking you out as you overtake, all sorts of eye problems because of the dust, don't drive the coast road A1 its so dangerous. Its all rubbish. The only tip worth taking any notice of is don't drive at night. That was scary. And don't let your mate drink water out of the jug in the bathroom. Its for arse washing. He had a very nasty stomach bug after that. The big cities can be a nightmare because of the amount of traffic and the touts wanting to show you round or take you to a hotel in the hope they can get money out of you. We didn't hang about long in Fez, there was too much hassle. Meknes was much nicer as was Rabat. Try stopping in the smaller towns. You and your bikes will be a centre of attention for the locals. And try plenty of the local food. The snails in the souks are particularly good. You'll have a great time.

 

[sheramuta]

I didn't actually answer your question. Tetouan is safe enough to stay in but not a particularly nice place from what we saw. It depends what time you cross into Morocco. It took us over 4 hours and a near international incident to get through on a Friday. We finished up riding in the dark and stopped at Tetouan because we had no choice. The road down via Chefchaouen and Ouezzane was great, especially in the mountains. Its impressive how fast the local taxi drivers go on those roads in 20 year old Mercs

 

[Farmboy]

stayed in Hotel Malaga in Tetouan ( its on the left halfway through the town it was Ok ish and at 25Euros for 2 with secure bike parking it was good enough, but we only stayed there because we got into Morocco at 5pm and Pete needed Insurance the next morning.

We did Tetouan to Midelt the next day easily enough.

There is a top Campsite in Chef at the top of the village on the hill, lovely surroundings and sign posted from the bottom of the hill, We stayed there on the way back when we did Merzouga to Chef in one day for which my arse has never forgiven me

 

[Tonibe63]

Thanks for the replies all very helpful.
Not sure what time we will get a ferry and clear customs but we hope not to have to stay in Tetouan but it's good to know a fairly safe place if needed. All sounds good about our intended route so lets get going.

ps. nice tip about the arse jug