bladerunner
Registered user
This is mainly directed at those thinking of their 1st Morroccan trip:
Just back from 16 days, so for what it's worth:
We travelled Brittany ferries Plymouth - Santander. Nearly screwed up as card was used fraudulently and Brittany ferries asked for the remainder lump sum whilst I was on holiday declined by the card - and only gave 3 day's notice. So I managed to rebook but lost the nice cabin.
Failed to get dinner on way out as restaurant over booked and was unchuffed by ferry co - though ferry is remarkably quick.
Made Caceres easily and stayed at an "Alistair Sawday's Special place" which was lovely.
Sunny ride to Algeciras - arrived at 16.40 hoping for 17.30 and made 17.00 ferry! No tips given. 45 min ride for 30€. Amazed at how close europe is from Africa.
It is a good idea to separate ferry across from boarder to Morrocco - we stayed at Parador in Cuerta and made boarder by 9am Spanish time - 7am Morroccan.
Relatively easy crossing into Morrocco - gave a 10€ backhander to your man in the robes. Probably not necessary as Tim has covered the requirements very well. We were across in less than 30 mins.
Major culture shock was hoards or Morroccans trying to get into Spain at that time. Like a scene from "Children of Men". We rode through them - absolutely no hassle or agression.
Our route was:
Mecknes
Azrou
Beni Mellal (unscheduled due to severe deli belly of friend)
Marrakesh
Ouarzazate - Bikershome - well recommended
Errachida
Fez
Then mid afternoon ferry back to Spain.
All roads were tarmaced and in good condition. The 1100Rt had no problem (other than a slip on oil on the Tizi-n-ticka pass). Lead free petrol was easily available. Speaking french we were fine.
We were right in the middle of Ramadan which was not ideal - although water was easy to get, mid-day food was not available outside the very tourist areas ( Dades gorge etc). Hotels broke fast at around 18.30 but did not serve evening meal until 20.00 - slightly trying at the end of a long hungry day to see the staff sit down to eat before we could. But hey, it's their country.
We had absolutely no crime, very little hassle appart from touristy Souk areas.
Overall impression:
Morroccans are very friendly, pleased to see you. Proud refined nice folk.
The scenary was stunning - especially Errechida to Fez
The roads were better than I expected.
Anyone with any niggling fears should seriously consider Morrocco - I would definitely go again and it was less hassle than I expected.
Thanks to Tim Cullis for all the pre info.
Cheers
Simon
Just back from 16 days, so for what it's worth:
We travelled Brittany ferries Plymouth - Santander. Nearly screwed up as card was used fraudulently and Brittany ferries asked for the remainder lump sum whilst I was on holiday declined by the card - and only gave 3 day's notice. So I managed to rebook but lost the nice cabin.
Failed to get dinner on way out as restaurant over booked and was unchuffed by ferry co - though ferry is remarkably quick.
Made Caceres easily and stayed at an "Alistair Sawday's Special place" which was lovely.
Sunny ride to Algeciras - arrived at 16.40 hoping for 17.30 and made 17.00 ferry! No tips given. 45 min ride for 30€. Amazed at how close europe is from Africa.
It is a good idea to separate ferry across from boarder to Morrocco - we stayed at Parador in Cuerta and made boarder by 9am Spanish time - 7am Morroccan.
Relatively easy crossing into Morrocco - gave a 10€ backhander to your man in the robes. Probably not necessary as Tim has covered the requirements very well. We were across in less than 30 mins.
Major culture shock was hoards or Morroccans trying to get into Spain at that time. Like a scene from "Children of Men". We rode through them - absolutely no hassle or agression.
Our route was:
Mecknes
Azrou
Beni Mellal (unscheduled due to severe deli belly of friend)
Marrakesh
Ouarzazate - Bikershome - well recommended
Errachida
Fez
Then mid afternoon ferry back to Spain.
All roads were tarmaced and in good condition. The 1100Rt had no problem (other than a slip on oil on the Tizi-n-ticka pass). Lead free petrol was easily available. Speaking french we were fine.
We were right in the middle of Ramadan which was not ideal - although water was easy to get, mid-day food was not available outside the very tourist areas ( Dades gorge etc). Hotels broke fast at around 18.30 but did not serve evening meal until 20.00 - slightly trying at the end of a long hungry day to see the staff sit down to eat before we could. But hey, it's their country.
We had absolutely no crime, very little hassle appart from touristy Souk areas.
Overall impression:
Morroccans are very friendly, pleased to see you. Proud refined nice folk.
The scenary was stunning - especially Errechida to Fez
The roads were better than I expected.
Anyone with any niggling fears should seriously consider Morrocco - I would definitely go again and it was less hassle than I expected.
Thanks to Tim Cullis for all the pre info.
Cheers
Simon
or prices have risen substantially - cost us about 150 euros 2-up one bike open return. (45mins one way, 2 hrs retirn for some reason)
arrived a 'phew' days after ramadan
