Melilla down to Erg Chebbi

[Lost John]

Planning a little jaunt into Morocco next April and just wondered if anyone has entered through Melilla and headed pretty much South towards Erg Chebbi. I have been to Morocco twice before but when there on the bike last time never get much further south than Fez. I want to get into real desert, any advice please. I will have about 7 nights

 

[The Other PaulG]

There's a great little hotel below the road on your left as you enter Missour, which is a relaxed day's ride from Melila and it's then another easy day through Errachidia and right into the Erg.

P

 

[walrus]

Did it this September 3 days. Night crossing to Melilla was a good night's sleep. Melilla to Fez, Fez to Imilchil, Imilchil to Merzouga. All a bit over 200 miles a day. We came back via Marrakech and crossed from Tangier Med. Maybe you could do it in two long days if you don't go via Fez. Those who know more than me will advise I am sure.

 

[Lost John]

Thanks guys, sounds good if we can get down there in two days then have a couple of days out in real desert camping wild.

Last time we went in through Ceuta, the locals were pretty pushy in the North but more friendly further South, is it the same using this route?

 

[Lost John]

Walrus, what was the immigration like, much of a wait?

 

[walrus]

It was a chaotic mess. We filtered to the front and parked up. No shortage of local experts willing to act as guides. Assuming it is your first time as it was for us. Step one, window one: show your passport to get a number written in the back. Step two, window two: show number in your passport and your prefilled bike import forms to get approval. Step three retrace your steps to a man sitting under a parasol to get a rubber stamp which you can show to the man on the gate and enter Morocco. Took at least 45 minutes. Huge crowds of pedestrians going in and out carrying duty free goods from Melilla and dodging police. OK once you're through though, easy road, well signposted.

We stopped in Melilla for breakfast before tackling the border to allow some of the ferry traffic to clear. I'd go that way again though, it was an experience

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[walrus]

Just seen it's not your first trip so it should be one window fewer

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[Tim Cullis]

I'd encourage you to have a look at Figuig if you think you have the time.

 

[Lost John]

Thanks guys, useful information.

Tim, Love the photos of Figuig, give me some advice please as i know you practically live there, we want to go into remote desert areas, are we best going for Erg Chebbi or have you any other hidden jems you can share. Been there before so not worried about the place, love the people (in the small villages, cities not the same) and intend to camp wild where we can as we did last time.

Will have around 7 nights there.

 

[Lost John]

Just seen it's not your first trip so it should be one window fewer

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Walrus, are you saying they accept the number i have from last time? Better go and have a look at my passport

 

[walrus]

I think that's how it works. Tim will know.

 

[Steptoe]

Walrus, are you saying they accept the number i have from last time? Better go and have a look at my passport

Same number

I even carried the same number over to my new passport