Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Morocco
London to Morocco London to Morocco
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Morocco Topics specific to Morocco, including Western Sahara west of the berm
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 2 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: england
Posts: 79
London to Morocco
hi,

Just making plans to go to morocco from London, got 16/7 days for the whole trip in the Xmas hols- now just need to convince my dad.

Can any one give me rough trip costs?

I was thinking of just blasting through France and Spain in 2 days and then the rest of the time in Morocco. Hoping to be camping as much as possible but a few nights in big morrocan cities.

Will be around 5000 miles, which is 20 tanks of petrol for my Africa Twin= £500 at UK prices.

is £500 enough for all other costs? £1000 sounds to good for a two week break or does it sound fine. I plan to do stuff cheaply- eating at local places or cooking for my self

any advice is welcome
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Oct 2010
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
I was thinking of just blasting through France and Spain in 2 days

Easier said then done I reckon in mid-winter, even on an AT unless you really go for it. You will end up pretty ragged, even if the weather is good. Last time in Nov I was just half a day ahead of snow covering the north sierras of Spain.

... camping as much as possible but a few nights in big morrocan cities.

I would say forget camping and all the gear it requires. Spend €15 a night for half-board in basic rural hotels. Will leave you with more energy to ride the pistes in the day (if that is the plan). Pick one, or just leave the cities for another time, IMO.

is £500 enough for all other costs? £1000 sounds to good for a two week break or does it sound fine.

I doubt £500 will be enough, but a grand should be plenty.

Why not fly down and rent a bike for a week off Loc 2 Roues in Marrakech or Bikerhome in Ozt? That will cost the same or less and be less of an endurance test. It's Xmas after all!

Have a good trip.

Ch
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Oct 2010
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
Definitely echo what Chris wrote. If road conditions are good you are talking about three extremely long days each way, but travelling to meet deadlines, especially with the short winter daylight hours is dangerous and you had better allow four.

It's best to take the ferry to Santander to miss out France but they may not be running over Christmas.

Much of central Spain is at altitude and will be literally freezing--you need heated grips + handlebar muffs, heated jacket + gouchos. If you do decide to try it, check out overnight temperatures for places like Valladolid before you set out.

As for winter camping anywhere, it's a long time of darkness to be cooped up in a tent.

I have experience of renting from loc2rues and an XT660R will cost around £500 for a week, so you could fly into Marrakech, spend a few days being a 'foot tourist', then head out for a week.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Oct 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: england
Posts: 79
Just had a look on the rental page, honda xr650 for £400 seems good value.

will look further into this as the long trek cross france and spain doesnt seems that good to me.

Thanks for the tips
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Oct 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: poole dorset
Posts: 148
Hi dmitrij, im heading to Morocco on the 1st november if your interested, leaving Plymouth to Santander then cross Spain as quickly and safely as possible, im hoping to get to Algerciras on the morning of the 3rd where im meetinng an Italian chap for a ten day tour of Morocco, you welcome to join us if possible, if not i will let you know how we get on. Im a bit concerned about the weather at this time of year as Chris and Tim have said it cold be pretty damn cold.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Oct 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Wales
Posts: 12
Hi Jim, Two of us are thinking of doing the same too but have similar concerns about the weather. Have you come to any conclusion on your travel plans yet.

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Oct 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: poole dorset
Posts: 148
Hi Paul,
Yes ferries are booked im off on the 1st Nov. I'm extremely concerned about the weather as its already snowing in the High Atlas mountains and some passes i believe are already blocked. I may have to seriously rethink the trip and maybe put it off till spring time (although this will be a last resort) as everything is in place to leave on the 1st. When are you thinking of leaving, and from which port? i would be happy to have company.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Oct 2010
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Hi J

If you find that the Atlas mountains are too cold for comfort etc, and you've booked your ferries already, change your trip to coastal roads (Essaouira etc) and low lying areas.

But Spain will be cold, for sure. Large parts of it are on a high plateau, tho' that's not obvious when you ride there. You can do it but will you enjoy it? If you can cancel your ferry, take the flying option? Anyway, Ryanair has said that they will stop being a cheap carrier in the future, so seize the day!

Let us know what you did....
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Oct 2010
Tim Cullis's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
Quote:
Originally Posted by jim lovell View Post
I'm extremely concerned about the weather as its already snowing in the High Atlas mountains and some passes i believe are already blocked.
Where did you hear of that? I'm on the edge of the Atlas at the moment and whilst the temperatures at altitude are dropping low at nighttime I haven't seen any snow and the amount of rain (that could cause snow) has been minor.
__________________
"For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Oct 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Wales
Posts: 12
Hi JIm,

Thanks for your reply, but we have decided to put Morocco on hold for the moment and are looking at different options/destinations.
I hope you will post a trip report, just a matter of interest what bike are you using.
Good luck and please let us know how it all goes, especially the Spanish bit.

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 14 Oct 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: poole dorset
Posts: 148
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
Where did you hear of that? I'm on the edge of the Atlas at the moment and whilst the temperatures at altitude are dropping low at nighttime I haven't seen any snow and the amount of rain (that could cause snow) has been minor.
Hi Tim, someone has posted on Adventure Bike Rider that its snowing in the mountains and some passes are blocked, i believe they have a contact in Morocco who has advised them of this.
Will you still be around Morocco at the beginning of Nov Tim?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 14 Oct 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: poole dorset
Posts: 148
Hi Bartfire, i taking my v-strom 1000 and sticking to the blacktop as much as possible, i will do a write up when i get back mate. Cheers Jim
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Oct 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Wales
Posts: 12
Hi again Jim,
I would have been on a XT660R which is a bit more windy and tiring than yours, I think you will be fine on your DLK. By coincidence I have been looking at DL 650's as a replacement for the XT and making a "Thin Strom". How do you rate your DLK, have you done any green laning at all ??
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 15 Oct 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: poole dorset
Posts: 148
I really like the Strom as a touring road bike, i have only been down a gravel track with it which was quite smooth i wouldnt want to do more than that without some serious mods to save the engine, oil cooler etc from getting wrecked.
I've always greenlaned on my wr400 and 450, im thinking about getting a DRZ400 as an adventure off road bike when i return from Morocco and maybe plan a trip across Russia at some time.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 15 Oct 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Wales
Posts: 12
I have a DRZ too which I use for green laning, went to the Pyrenees Two years ago on it, it was OK but the bike has two problems which are well documented. One is the seat(a fairly easy fix) and the other is the close ratio gearbox. I have found a thread on the DRZ forum from a guy in the USA who used a set of third gears and flipped them to give a top gear 18% higher than stock. If only Suzuki had made a wide ratio box it would be a great adventure bike. My XT is not bad but the single cylinder vibes can be wearing in long road sections, I would really like something like this Untitled Document based on a 500cc twin, much smoother yet with enough power.
Sorry, I seem to be getting of topic.
Paul



What you want is one of these, Paul. I am getting one made.
Last edited by Chris Scott; 15 Oct 2010 at 19:38.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
4600 miles in 2 weeks? London - Tukey - Greece - Italy - London UKTomo Europe 11 8 Feb 2009 17:26
London - Morocco - April 6th to 29th MostlyHarmless Travellers Seeking Travellers 3 24 Apr 2008 11:45
Motorcycle trip Jan 2007 London - Dakar - London (±2months) pixelart-design Travellers Seeking Travellers 17 23 Jun 2005 07:12
London to Morocco/Tunisa March '04 Geoff van de Merwe Travellers Seeking Travellers 17 22 Apr 2004 05:11
London to Morocco and back in 2 weeks (advice sought) PaulJ North Africa 30 29 Apr 2003 19:51

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:03.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top