Morocco and beyond this winter 06

scorch · 01-22-2006, 03:57 PM

I am trying to prepare for this trip this coming winter. Anyone up for this besides me.

What places should I see while I am in the area? Anything I should know about staying safe etc.. I hear Morocco is fairly safe, and many Portuguese from the Algarve go there.

Any help with be appreciated. Reason to post this in the Europe forum is because I am a european citizen and would like to know the regulations required to cross over. How much does it cost to carry a bike on the ferry? etc.

Slimie · 01-24-2006, 05:26 AM

Scorch
Have you seen this thread?

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115626

Might help, or you could ask the same questions.

Cheers
-Simon

Winterbiker · 01-24-2006, 06:43 AM

I´ve been 4 times to Marocco. If you ask which places you should go my answer is: Go to the south. The desert is incredible, beautiful and all the other words, I don´t know. Accomodation is cheap, for about 10 Euro you´ll get a room with breakfast in a hotel, even in the cities. Gasoline is no problem in the north. South of Tan-Tan you get no unleaded fuel.

Good luck

Winterbiker

scorch · 01-24-2006, 04:35 PM

Thanks Slimie for the link.

Winterbike, how much does it cost to cross over to Morocco? I assume you didnt fly in.

Will I need knobbies? Or will my bike with regular street tires work well?

Do I need to exchange money before getting to morocco, or do they use the euro as well?

Anyone know if there is a mapsource software for it. I cant seem to get any detail other than major roads. :)

Thanks

Frank Warner · 01-24-2006, 04:54 PM

Go to http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/

There you have several choices;

click on the Bulletin Borad (Hubb) - then select the Sharan Travel Forum.

Click on Trip Planing - and select from carnets to insurance.

You can spend a lot of time there.

Winterbiker · 01-24-2006, 11:00 PM

@scorch
I didn´t fly because I´m from Germany and I did it all on the road towards and back. Bringing the bike to Europa, what I think is much cheaper than bringing the bike to Marocco. The ferry boat from Spain to Marocco is leaving about every 2 hours and costs about 50 Euro. In Tanger you have to go through the customs, what is a long procedure. The Bike is written into your passport. Also at the customs you have to change money. In the big cities it´s no problem paying hotels with credit card, also there are banks for changing money. Roads are mostly in very good conditions. In the south of course there are many unpaved roads. Normally the first stay is in Meknes, what is about one day easy driving from Tanger. Than most Marocco drivers cross the High Atlas and drive down to the desert, the Grand Erg (Erfoud). Than you have the choice going east to the coast, southwards or again north to Agadir (Tourists only). Mostly one of the last stations is Marrakesch, the most beautiful town. It´s a must to drink a Cafe au Lait at the France Hotel, directly on the great place "Djemma el Fna".
Fuel is the same price as in Europa, about 1,20 Euro.
South of Tan-Tan you don´t get unleaded fuel, so if you have a BMW with catalysator, you have to remove it.
However, now I go to the Elephant Rallye, about minus 10 Degrees Celsius outside, may be much more in the night. Hope, I´m back on Monday

Winterbiker

Jeff Munn · 01-25-2006, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorch

I am trying to prepare for this trip this coming winter. Anyone up for this besides me.

What places should I see while I am in the area? Anything I should know about staying safe etc.. I hear Morocco is fairly safe, and many Portuguese from the Algarve go there.

Scorch, we need to meet. I live down near Newport News. Rode a K75S from Germany to Morocco in 2002. Street tires, camping gear. Ferried from Algecieras to Tangier. Would go back in heartbeat. I kept a journal and it is posted here.

Too much stuff to post here. There are 45 minute ferries and 4 hour ferries between Spain and Morocco. Customs is a zoo, but oh so much fun. The people are wonderful and once you get south of the northern border towns, the country is amazing. Unleaded gas is not a problem. Hell, I used a credit card for almost every fill up.

PM me if you want to get together. I still have all my maps too. I'm departing for Panama on 2 Feb, so we may have to meet after I get back in early March. You have got to do this trip.

scorch · 01-26-2006, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Munn

Scorch, we need to meet. I live down near Newport News. Rode a K75S from Germany to Morocco in 2002. Street tires, camping gear. Ferried from Algecieras to Tangier. Would go back in heartbeat. I kept a journal and it is posted here.

Too much stuff to post here. There are 45 minute ferries and 4 hour ferries between Spain and Morocco. Customs is a zoo, but oh so much fun. The people are wonderful and once you get south of the northern border towns, the country is amazing. Unleaded gas is not a problem. Hell, I used a credit card for almost every fill up.

PM me if you want to get together. I still have all my maps too. I'm departing for Panama on 2 Feb, so we may have to meet after I get back in early March. You have got to do this trip.

Hey Jeff, we definatly need to meet. I am still reading your reports, really great stuff. You have been pretty busy.

I am worried about customs. I was reading some reports on Horizonsunlimited and they said that morocco is really bad with thieves and pick pocketing. Did you experience any of that?

We need to meet up and talk about this trip. I guess it will have to wait until you get back.

Cya later

crusader · 01-27-2006, 09:32 AM

Do you know this german guy met in Zagora oct 2005 ?

scorch · 01-27-2006, 02:39 PM

How long would it take to go from Morocco to Egypt and back? Now that would be a cool ride. Who be in?

Jeff Munn · 01-27-2006, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scorch

How long would it take to go from Morocco to Egypt and back? Now that would be a cool ride. Who be in?

Distance as the crow flies from Casablanca to Cairo is over 2200 miles. I have dream of riding a circumnavigation of the Mediterranean, starting in Germany, down to Turkey, southwest thru Israel to Egypt, then across to Morocco, and back into Spain. If you wanted to do that, we need to seriously talk. Hitting 3 continents on one trip would be way cool. I would seriously rearrange my life to make that happen.

scorch · 01-27-2006, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Munn

Distance as the crow flies from Casablanca to Cairo is over 2200 miles. I have dream of riding a circumnavigation of the Mediterranean, starting in Germany, down to Turkey, southwest thru Israel to Egypt, then across to Morocco, and back into Spain. If you wanted to do that, we need to seriously talk. Hitting 3 continents on one trip would be way cool. I would seriously rearrange my life to make that happen.

I'll be your Huckleberry.

Thats about a 10,000 mile ride. Really ambitious. I am definatly in on this.

Id have to meet you in Germany. Lets do it.

Fanum · 01-27-2006, 04:05 PM

It'll cost you about 80 UKP to cross from Algeciras to Cueta- the prices you'll be quoted initially at the ferry terminal are negotiable, like everything in Morocco.

Once you're out of the border area (Cueta is a Spanish Enclave- it'll take you a copuple of hours to clear but don't buy any insurance, just make one up in WOrd and print that out ;) ) head towards Chefchouan...some nice hotels and a good campsite up on the mountain.

After that, find some small roads in the Rif mountains (head towards Zoumi) and then cross to Fes and Meknes, and do the Tizi 'N Test pass (it's absolutely awesome) then either head towards Agadir, Boujdour and Tan Tan for desert or go back up the southern side of the High Atlas and to the Todra Gorge.

Erfoud and the big cathedral dunes at Erg Chebba are a must-see as well.

Hotels will cost you around 20 euros a night, and nearly everywhere accepts Euros for payment (you don't want to be changing much for Dirhams as you can't take them out of the country)

Morocco is a pretty safe place, as long as you can chill about the bumpsters and beggers....the people are very friendly and there's everything from Roman remains, BErber citadels, lakes, mountains, deserts, tarmac and unlimited trail riding.

I'd be happy to pass on any more info if you need anything specific, but do go- it's a fantastic country.

snoopy · 01-31-2006, 01:05 PM

I'm planning now to go on the 31st March for around 15 days. I've got the route planned. I was going with 4 others but they can only get work leave for the 18th so if I don't meet anyone who's willing to tag, then it'll be on my own. Anyone fancy it then?

Snoop.

scorch · 01-31-2006, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snoopy

I'm planning now to go on the 31st March for around 15 days. I've got the route planned. I was going with 4 others but they can only get work leave for the 18th so if I don't meet anyone who's willing to tag, then it'll be on my own. Anyone fancy it then?

Snoop.

here are some pics to get you a bit excited. I of course think neos photography is amazing.

my favorite pic

01-22-2006, 03:57 PM	#1
scorch ^OP Poser Joined: Mar 2003 Location: Burtonsville, Maryland Oddometer: 3,319	Morocco and beyond this winter 06 I am trying to prepare for this trip this coming winter. Anyone up for this besides me. What places should I see while I am in the area? Anything I should know about staying safe etc.. I hear Morocco is fairly safe, and many Portuguese from the Algarve go there. Any help with be appreciated. Reason to post this in the Europe forum is because I am a european citizen and would like to know the regulations required to cross over. How much does it cost to carry a bike on the ferry? etc. __________________ www.ninja250forum.com - do more with less scorch screwed with this post 01-22-2006 at 04:07 PM

01-24-2006, 04:35 PM	#4
scorch ^OP Poser Joined: Mar 2003 Location: Burtonsville, Maryland Oddometer: 3,319	Thanks Slimie for the link. Winterbike, how much does it cost to cross over to Morocco? I assume you didnt fly in. Will I need knobbies? Or will my bike with regular street tires work well? Do I need to exchange money before getting to morocco, or do they use the euro as well? Anyone know if there is a mapsource software for it. I cant seem to get any detail other than major roads. :) Thanks __________________ www.ninja250forum.com - do more with less

01-27-2006, 02:39 PM	#10
scorch ^OP Poser Joined: Mar 2003 Location: Burtonsville, Maryland Oddometer: 3,319	How long would it take to go from Morocco to Egypt and back? Now that would be a cool ride. Who be in? __________________ www.ninja250forum.com - do more with less

01-27-2006, 04:05 PM	#13
Fanum Moto-Morocco Meister Joined: Apr 2003 Location: This green and pleasant land Oddometer: 1,184	It'll cost you about 80 UKP to cross from Algeciras to Cueta- the prices you'll be quoted initially at the ferry terminal are negotiable, like everything in Morocco. Once you're out of the border area (Cueta is a Spanish Enclave- it'll take you a copuple of hours to clear but don't buy any insurance, just make one up in WOrd and print that out ;) ) head towards Chefchouan...some nice hotels and a good campsite up on the mountain. After that, find some small roads in the Rif mountains (head towards Zoumi) and then cross to Fes and Meknes, and do the Tizi 'N Test pass (it's absolutely awesome) then either head towards Agadir, Boujdour and Tan Tan for desert or go back up the southern side of the High Atlas and to the Todra Gorge. Erfoud and the big cathedral dunes at Erg Chebba are a must-see as well. Hotels will cost you around 20 euros a night, and nearly everywhere accepts Euros for payment (you don't want to be changing much for Dirhams as you can't take them out of the country) Morocco is a pretty safe place, as long as you can chill about the bumpsters and beggers....the people are very friendly and there's everything from Roman remains, BErber citadels, lakes, mountains, deserts, tarmac and unlimited trail riding. I'd be happy to pass on any more info if you need anything specific, but do go- it's a fantastic country. __________________ Too dim to insert anything witty or clever here

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01-24-2006, 05:26 AM	#2
Slimie Beastly Adventurer Joined: May 2004 Location: East Debon Oddometer: 1,057	Scorch Have you seen this thread? http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=115626 Might help, or you could ask the same questions. Cheers -Simon

01-24-2006, 06:43 AM	#3
Winterbiker Sidecarist Joined: Jan 2006 Oddometer: 255	I´ve been 4 times to Marocco. If you ask which places you should go my answer is: Go to the south. The desert is incredible, beautiful and all the other words, I don´t know. Accomodation is cheap, for about 10 Euro you´ll get a room with breakfast in a hotel, even in the cities. Gasoline is no problem in the north. South of Tan-Tan you get no unleaded fuel. Good luck Winterbiker

01-24-2006, 04:54 PM	#5
Frank Warner Traveller Joined: Mar 2002 Location: Sydney, Australia Oddometer: 6,593	Go to http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ There you have several choices; click on the Bulletin Borad (Hubb) - then select the Sharan Travel Forum. Click on Trip Planing - and select from carnets to insurance. You can spend a lot of time there.

01-24-2006, 11:00 PM	#6
Winterbiker Sidecarist Joined: Jan 2006 Oddometer: 255	@scorch I didn´t fly because I´m from Germany and I did it all on the road towards and back. Bringing the bike to Europa, what I think is much cheaper than bringing the bike to Marocco. The ferry boat from Spain to Marocco is leaving about every 2 hours and costs about 50 Euro. In Tanger you have to go through the customs, what is a long procedure. The Bike is written into your passport. Also at the customs you have to change money. In the big cities it´s no problem paying hotels with credit card, also there are banks for changing money. Roads are mostly in very good conditions. In the south of course there are many unpaved roads. Normally the first stay is in Meknes, what is about one day easy driving from Tanger. Than most Marocco drivers cross the High Atlas and drive down to the desert, the Grand Erg (Erfoud). Than you have the choice going east to the coast, southwards or again north to Agadir (Tourists only). Mostly one of the last stations is Marrakesch, the most beautiful town. It´s a must to drink a Cafe au Lait at the France Hotel, directly on the great place "Djemma el Fna". Fuel is the same price as in Europa, about 1,20 Euro. South of Tan-Tan you don´t get unleaded fuel, so if you have a BMW with catalysator, you have to remove it. However, now I go to the Elephant Rallye, about minus 10 Degrees Celsius outside, may be much more in the night. Hope, I´m back on Monday Winterbiker

01-27-2006, 09:32 AM	#9
crusader Gnarly Adventurer Joined: May 2005 Location: europe Oddometer: 159	Do you know this german guy met in Zagora oct 2005 ?

01-31-2006, 01:05 PM	#14
snoopy Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2005 Location: Newcastle UK Oddometer: 265	I'm planning now to go on the 31st March for around 15 days. I've got the route planned. I was going with 4 others but they can only get work leave for the 18th so if I don't meet anyone who's willing to tag, then it'll be on my own. Anyone fancy it then? Snoop.