ALL NORMAL TOUR DOCUMENTATION COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED, MANY MONTHS IN ADVANCE, THEN.....
If you are thinking of touring Morocco “Solo”, with a group of friends or with another organisation....... do your homework!
Our normal confirmation from the Moroccan Authorities was late arriving and Debbie [the other half] was obviously becoming nervous. Don’t worry I said, its AFRICA and THINGS CHANGE.
No she insisted, something is just not right! Days later the Moroccan Flag on her computer started to sway [Debbie’s way of knowing Morocco is in contact]. Six double sided pages later and all in FRENCH and ARABIC she announced sh.....................t. Moroccan Authorities have issued new criteria for those wishing to tour morocco in a vehicle [solo traveller or otherwise] and it is now required that extra documentation/proof is submitted covering anything from Vehicle Insurance, Health Insurance, AND where you are going, specific papers/files on what measures you will take to limit the impact of the environment whilst touring through/camping etc and if you are thinking about “wild camping” completion, submitting, and Moroccan Approval will need to be sought AND MUCH MUCH more............
The submission, completion of all paperwork relating to the all new criteria for touring Morocco stood out in bold stating this would take effect from FEB 1ST 2010, and our next tour leaves on the 7th ...........As always it is unclear who all this documentation is aimed at and more importantly who will it effect. Whilst Desert Detours have no problems at all, being almost alone in being totally legal, permitted, registered and licensed in Morocco etc etc.
Anybody thinking about touring Morocco either solo or in a private group please make sure you do your homework. Border control is renowned for getting it wrong and/or offering their own interpretation. It would be a shame for someone to get caught-up in a clampdown on “illegal” tour operators; it would be very expensive to find yourselves on the wrong side of the border and entry being denied!
Also, those who have read postings on various forums will see that [the aforementioned aside] the issue of “wilderness” camping, particularly along the Atlantic Coast has re-emerged. Given the way that some treat the locals, the environment and behave in general..........Mmmmmm!
But as we always say.......however or whoever you are going to Morocco with........GO....It is a fantastic destination and one that is made for Motor home touring.
