What's it like to travel in Morocco currently?

[casperfelix]

Fuddy and I are going to Morocco in early May and I was wondering if anybody had been there in the last few weeks: And if so what their views are over the country's stability given what's happening in North Africa at the moment. In short, would we be advised to go or not?

Also, in the hope we aren't going to be put off our trip, if anybody else wants to join up with us they'd be welcome.

We plan to ride up through France and Spain from either the 30th April or 1st May. Then spend the best part of a week or more in Morocco and return on, I think, the 12th from Santander. We don't intend to beat any endurance records and just want to enjoy the ride and places we visit along the way. We don't intend to camp.

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

I spoke with a friend of mine in Morocco just over a week ago. He said that things are fine there, it was only Casablanca and Rabat that were experiencing the troubles. He said ‘they’ are always protesting there.

Oh, if you’re riding UP through France and Spain on the way to Morocco, you’re going the wrong way

 

[oblertone]

Well ...

... the latest Scoots trip should be just about clearing the bottom of Morocco about now, and haven't reported any problems other than dodgy exhausts; mind you they've not reported much at all

 

[Tim Cullis]

The King has effectively headed off further protests in the short term at least by the announcement of constitutional reform.

If Morocco is deemed safe enough for Charles and Camilla at the end of this month, I think you might be OK.

The advice from the Foreign Office is that if you see a demonstration you shouldn't join in. Or words to that effect.

 

[bladerunner]

I'm there in 4 weeks.

No worries. There was no hint of revolution last time, the king seems quiet popular.

 

[bodge it]

We were there last week. Down around Ouarzazate and all around that area. No problem at all, infact there's more problems in Woking High Street.

 

[KarltenM]

If Morocco is deemed safe enough for Charles and Camilla at the end of this month, I think you might be OK

or it could be a plot

 

[dazzer]

more take to the streets last weekend.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110320/wl_nm/us_morocco_protests_1

 

[LiquidLAN]

The Tourega Rally starts there this weekend. Can't be bad if its still running.

 

[casperfelix]

more take to the streets last weekend.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20110320/wl_nm/us_morocco_protests_1

Thanks for the comments guys. Have decided to postpone this trip for the time being. With the unrest that was already around added to by Britain, France and America bombing the shit out of Libya (which I just get the feeling won't be viewed by the Arab population as our politicians see it): It seems prudent to go another time when things are more settled again.

 

[Tim Cullis]

That's a shame, given it was totally peaceful demonstations and mainly in towns that visitors don't go to...

But then I guess some tourists were put off visiting London by watching the violence of the student demos.

I'll be in Morocco for a month from mid May.

 

[Steptoe]

But then I guess some tourists were put off visiting London by watching the violence of the student demos.

A more realistic example would be visitors being put off from visiting Edinburgh due to the student demos in london.

 

[Wapping]

I'll be in Morocco for a month from mid May.

That's enough to put most people off

 

[dazzer]

Thanks for the comments guys. Have decided to postpone this trip for the time being. With the unrest that was already around added to by Britain, France and America bombing the shit out of Libya (which I just get the feeling won't be viewed by the Arab population as our politicians see it): It seems prudent to go another time when things are more settled again.

I'm still going down there for 3 weeks in April.

it's a hell of a lot safer than riding through Bradford on a Night.

That said ... I will make sure I'm out of there before Tim arrives and goes upsetting the Locals.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247165



Have a great Trip ... Dazzer

ps Tim. There will be 3 of us . all ex forces so if we BUMP into them We will pass on your Regards !!!!.

 

[Pelleren]

Just got back

I have just got back from Morocco, well arrived back 7th April. No issues, saw two protests but they were almost party like, no aggression, party like atmosphere. Moroccans are very friendly and seem to be appreciating and taking advantage of the situation in Egypt, Tunisia, Libya etc. General security situation probably better than the UK!

 

[Tron]

Fantastic Morocco

Just back from 2 weeks in Morocco. Been through mountains, deserts & cities, absolutely no problems at all. Great place, very welcoming people.
Seemed very quiet, I think the disturbances in countries further east are keeping some of the tourists away.

 

[PeterMW]

Rif mountains

Just returned on the 16th April from a tour of northern Morocco and the people are very friendly and the gendarmerie extremely polite. However we were warned by the police not to stop in the Rif mountains as it is a hash growing area and somewhat unlawful, and it was a bit primitive but the greatest risk you will face is from other road users and potholes. If you are a female and have never visited a muslim country before you will find the overwhelming male dominance a bit off-putting. Yes, we actually ate in the restaurant that got blown up but I've had my share of flying glass and bomb blast in London and Ireland and you get used to it after a while. Risk assessment - less dangerous than the UK in terms of personal violence; a lot less in terms of theft but high risk in terms of other road users who believe that Allah has planned their destiny. If you are touring, consider how the locals might react to a group of bikers. You will be better received on your own or with a tiny group. Beware scooter touts trying to find rooms for you/tour guides/ carpets etc around Fez and Marrakesh. Don't hesitate to ask the police as their courtesy and politeness has been exceptional. When approaching the French frontier from Spain, the Guarda Civil are very hot on motoring offences sadly because groups of bikers have turned some of the passes into a racetrack with little respect for other road users. UK bikers have a very bad reputation in this regard, so please behave yourselves - and if you do get hauled up, begging for mercy works!!!!

Don't let the odd bit of terrorism put you off from visiting countries - you are just playing into extremists hands who want to sabotage the tourist economy on which this country depends.

 

[Deleted account W]

I've had my share of flying glass and bomb blast in London and Ireland and you get used to it after a while.

Really? I'm glad I live somewhere else then as I'm sure I couldn't do that.