Safe to go?

[nevil280659]

Hi
I wondered whether anyone has any second thoughts about travel to Morocco after the recent attack in Tunisia?

Cheers

Nev

 

[Fanum]

Nope.

But if you are, you probably aren't the sort of person who will enjoy it anyway

 

[brut33]

I was in the High Atlas back in the day. Walked from Imlil to Assarag via the the summit of Jebel Toubkal. Fantastic people in the interior. They couldn't be more friendly and helpful. I would think if you avoid the cities and resorts you will be ok. Consult the Foriegn Office re the recent tensions and risks for an up to date summary.

 

[Gossy]

Travel by night, don't speak to any strangers, keep any wires and crimps out of sight and you'll be fine.

 

[nevil280659]

Just askin!

Don't make assumptions from the question though, I've been around a bit and part of my good karma has been bought about by asking sensible questions regarding risk and political instability. I learned the hard way, in Kenya, in jail!

 

[Camel Toe]

Was there in May and found the people to be really friendly , couldnt do enough for ya......going back in Sept / Oct but will avoid Marrakech..Casablanca and Rabat.
You dont need those places anyway......Atlas and south for me......and maybe bullet proof vest..!!!!

 

[Decster]

Not such thing as Karma.

But I dont think you will be at risk in Morocco, yet, especially if you are on the move travelling from place to place.

 

[nevil280659]

Thanks for the input folks, thinking of October.

N

 

[Gnits]

I'd still go back, great place!
I thought I heard somewhere that the Berbers were never too keen on the Arab 'invaders' anyway but I could be very wrong there.

 

[Tim Cullis]

Security in Morocco is extremely high at the moment with very obvious presences of police, gendarmes, troops and auxiliary forces. For example, the small Catholic Cathedral at Oujda has a permanent guard of six armed police.

There's some media stirring stories going around this week about Moroccans recruited by Da'esh (ISIL/ISIS/whatever) for fighting in Syria, but that's true of the UK as well.

You could conceivably hit problems if you went looking for trouble in the bidonvilles of Casablanca, but I can't see anyone doing that. Otherwise the risk areas are those with loads of numpty tourists, so if you are really concerned, maybe avoid Marrakech and Fez.

 

[Corp.Clinger!]

Hi
I wondered whether anyone has any second thoughts about travel to Morocco after the recent attack in Tunisia?

Cheers

Nev

I'm organising my annual ride again this year at the end of October. Last years ride(for 3 weeks) did not incur any problems. Bearing that in mind I don't have a problem returning. One person coming from Scotland to join us got spooked for whatever reason and bailed out.That of course is his call. He'll miss a wonderful route and a wonderful time. I'll be chilling with a few Berber friends in the middle of nowhere,not far from the Algerian border....Can't wait.

(If you want to ride in October,anyone is welcome to tag along....my guiding is free,I speak French and can keep you right with what's usually required. Other than that enjoy it if you go!! )

All the best




.

 

[(RIP) Tunneruk]

Just askin!

Don't make assumptions from the question though, I've been around a bit and part of my good karma has been bought about by asking sensible questions regarding risk and political instability. I learned the hard way, in Kenya, in jail!

Don't take it to heart fella, Bills knowledge is at the top end of the useful scale, his assumptions however are usually right at the other

 

[Jacal]

It's not the "Moroccan's" you have to bother about, it's the extremists, same as Tunisia were the the atrocity happened!
If there's a possibility of a terrorist attack in Britain, then I'm sure the risk's are higher over there....So you weigh the risks up, take advice and make your own mind up.
Would I go ? Yes and as I did the last time I was there, I would take care.

 

[ButtonMoon]

Good question and a useful post !

I was there in April this year and met up with John Bailey for a pint or two (reply 6), I found Morocco one of the friendliest places I have ever been, with the most respectful people. I had no scares or worries and I'd defiantly go again. Looking to go back in Oct this year but still got my bike to pay for so might be next year April again. I was there 4weeks just over and the only place I'd advise to stay away from is Ketama in the Rif, it's not worth the visit and if you stop you get hassled to buy dope. I did go to Fez and Marrakech which I enjoyed but I don't feel the need to go there again.

I was in Morocco for only three hours, rode into a small town, bought some bread (love that flat bread), cheese and water to snack on, spoke to the shop owner and a couple of kids, ate my food waved goodbye and off I went, about 20 mins later a brown Merc is close behind me waving my to stop, the car comes parallel with the bike and as I look to guy inside is waving my phone at me. I'd dropped it as I got on the bike, some kids found it and a couple of locals decided to find me. I offered the money but they refused, shook my hand and left.

now read this and make you own mind up where is safer when you are alone:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/...-him-to-die-in-south-shields-street-1-7176378

 

[Monsieur]

Intelligent question Nev and one that needs to be considered in these days of death and destruction around most corners.
My daughters went to Marrakesh a few weeks ago and encountered no issues - though they spent 90% of their time sat by the pool in their all-inclusive hotel

I'd love to go to the country but I'd be put off be the heat at this time of year.

 

[nevil280659]

Dates??

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

 

[ButtonMoon]

For me I'd say March or April depending on where you go. Up in the north the coldest I got was 15c during the day, hottest was 38c in Zagora. Read everything Tim Cullis has written I did & it set me up great.


Sent from Space

 

[Corp.Clinger!]

Intelligent question Nev and one that needs to be considered in these days of death and destruction around most corners.
My daughters went to Marrakesh a few weeks ago and encountered no issues - though they spent 90% of their time sat by the pool in their all-inclusive hotel

I'd love to go to the country but I'd be put off be the heat at this time of year.

Yip...heat is a killer especially if you're not used to it for a while before hand. The cooler months make it more enjoyable for sure.

 

[Corp.Clinger!]

Good question and a useful post !

I was there in April this year and met up with John Bailey for a pint or two (reply 6), I found Morocco one of the friendliest places I have ever been, with the most respectful people. I had no scares or worries and I'd defiantly go again. Looking to go back in Oct this year but still got my bike to pay for so might be next year April again. I was there 4weeks just over and the only place I'd advise to stay away from is Ketama in the Rif, it's not worth the visit and if you stop you get hassled to buy dope. I did go to Fez and Marrakech which I enjoyed but I don't feel the need to go there again.

I was in Morocco for only three hours, rode into a small town, bought some bread (love that flat bread), cheese and water to snack on, spoke to the shop owner and a couple of kids, ate my food waved goodbye and off I went, about 20 mins later a brown Merc is close behind me waving my to stop, the car comes parallel with the bike and as I look to guy inside is waving my phone at me. I'd dropped it as I got on the bike, some kids found it and a couple of locals decided to find me. I offered the money but they refused, shook my hand and left.

now read this and make you own mind up where is safer when you are alone:

http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/...-him-to-die-in-south-shields-street-1-7176378

That is indeed a typical heart warming experience of Maroc,where normal people have very little compared to Europe etc but do whats right........and all too typical of the scummers from other countries who have it all.

Great you had a good experience.

 

[richardbd]

Intelligent question Nev and one that needs to be considered in these days of death and destruction around most corners.
My daughters went to Marrakesh a few weeks ago and encountered no issues - though they spent 90% of their time sat by the pool in their all-inclusive hotel

I'd love to go to the country but I'd be put off be the heat at this time of year.

My daughter just came back from Marrakesh last week. No problems at all and had a great time...