I think all the above posts have answered your questions.
However I am concerned about your plans and only having 11 days from leaving and returning back to the UK.
It's a few years since I've been to Maroc but I don't think the journey times are any quicker. I'm estimating a day on the boat, another day getting across Spain then you need to allow yourself half a day crossing to Tangier, getting through customs, exchanging money and buying insurance. So double that for the return, leaves you a max of 6 days from the port and it's a long journey south to Merzouga and back.
I'd recommend taking the motorway to Marrakech, then heading to Ait Benhaddou and relaxing for a few days. There's lots of easy trails to ride around there and it's a great ride to Zagora just off the tarmac road following the palmeraie and Oued Draa. (there's also some small dunes just south of Zagora).
If you have enough time return to Tangier through the mountains.
Watch your speed on the main roads and entering and leaving towns as it's easy to be stopped for speeding.
|