Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Morocco
Tent camping Tent camping
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



Like Tree19Likes
  • 1 Post By badou24
  • 4 Post By Peter Girling
  • 2 Post By Chris Scott
  • 2 Post By tony johnston
  • 3 Post By badou24
  • 1 Post By badou24
  • 2 Post By TheWarden
  • 2 Post By Chris Scott
  • 2 Post By Peter Girling

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Jun 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Montreal,Canada
Posts: 42
Tent camping
Hello All,

In my planning to (eventually) head to Morocco,I have been trying to work out if tent camping is a thing at the organised camp areas.

If you travel by motorcycle with a small tent,can you stay at most of the campgrounds? Or are you only able to wild camp (where possible or permitted/acceptable).

For those of you that have been, what are the tent pitches like? reasonable large or quite small ?(corded like firewood?).

I do plan to use some of the smaller hotels as well, but at this point having additional information is always good.

Thanks

Paul
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 8 Jun 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: midlands uk
Posts: 247
its not worth camping.............
Hotels are cheap
campsites are grim
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Jun 2021
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
There are plenty of good campsites. Motorcyclists are welcome and if you're outside the main tourist season, you'll have plenty of room.

Here's hoping we can all return soon,

Peter
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Jun 2021
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
Down south from my experience I'd agree with badou.
I'd sooner wild camp (with likely visits by the curious) or aim to stay in the scores of inexpensive hotels from €15-25 half board.
Meet the locals, have a good wash, feed, recharge and sleep.

No probs with space or welcome for motos, but the campsites I recall are just car parks or similar cleared patches of wasteland more suited to rooftent car camping.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Jun 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: granada,spain
Posts: 352
The best way to experience southern Morocco is to wild camp.I have a fully rigged Defender designed for this.However,if you are on a limited time on/offroad tour then small hotels and good campsites will probably suit better with the odd night in the desert.
We are usually in Maroc for 1 or two months and some time on one of the good campsites is social and fun:we are not complete hermits yet but as we get older we are working on it
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jun 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: midlands uk
Posts: 247
Think there is confusion in the CAMP !!
Wild camping and camp sites in a motor home is fine !
But.................
if you have had a hard day in the saddle ( motor bike ) you dont really want to pitch your tent on hard rough ground , when you can "hotel it " for about £9 !
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Jun 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: UK
Posts: 448
BTW don’t book your hotel on sites like booking.com before you go as you’ll be charged European rates.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Jun 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2011
Location: midlands uk
Posts: 247
Quote:
Originally Posted by Flipflop View Post
BTW don’t book your hotel on sites like booking.com before you go as you’ll be charged European rates.
I have never pre booked a hotel in Morocco , You can always find one .
I always start looking about 4 o'clock ,
Always get parking sorted for bike first. then view room .. then barter ! Cheapest was 40 dr in atlas ..most 80/120 dr. most ever paid was 200 dr
Keith
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Jun 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
Worth noting that like all accommodation in Morocco, hotels and campsites vary in quality and price, expensive doesn't always result in good quality and vice versa.

A lot of campsites will have rooms to rent that can be exceptionally good for the price. The rooms at Camp Serdraa, for example, are better than hotels at 3x the price.

If you camping in a ground tent you'll find that most campsites are set up for the campervan brigade with hard standing pitches. You'll be best off with a self supporting tent and a good mattress if you use these regularly

Its getting harder to find good budget hotels at the lower end of the pricing range every year unless you have fairly low standards.

Cheapest I've paid was 30dH in Smara but in all honesty it was the worst hotel I've ever stayed in and the police cells we were offered looked much more comfortable
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Jun 2021
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,934
Quote:
Cheapest I've paid was 30dH in Smara but in all honesty it was the worst hotel I've ever stayed in and the police cells we were offered looked much more comfortable
I tried that place. It was so bad they asked me to leave in shame ;-)
I've since heard there is a normal hotel on the road in.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Jun 2021
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
They wouldn't let us use the cells at the police station in Ain Benimathar near the Alg border, they were so shudderingly awful.

It was very late and very dark and they insisted we camp across the road in "le jungle". Woke up to find we were camping on a roundabout.
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Jun 2021
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris Scott View Post
Down south from my experience I'd agree with badou.
I'd sooner wild camp (with likely visits by the curious) or aim to stay in the scores of inexpensive hotels from €15-25 half board.
Meet the locals, have a good wash, feed, recharge and sleep.

No probs with space or welcome for motos, but the campsites I recall are just car parks or similar cleared patches of wasteland more suited to rooftent car camping.
Hey Chris

What's it like to wild camp half way through MS6, are you likely to be visited by the curious down there?

What's the best response protocol, offer to make them some tea in my trangia?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Jun 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,484
MS6 is a busy route in normal times so very liekly to see people. Quite well populated with locals.

That said I've not been visited by anyone along the route when wild camping. But the locals are good at appearing out of nowhere. I always try and select a discrete camp spot to minimise the possibility of a visit. If I do get a visit its just part of the experience
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Jun 2021
Contributing Vendor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Northumberland, UK
Posts: 558
As Mark says, tuck yourself out of the way, well away from obvious signs of habitation. Aim to get at least few hundred metres off the main track. If you've got a tent, don't erect it until it's time for bed, then it's easy to move on if you have to. Make a cup of tea and see what happens.

Usually, it's kids that will find you. Generally they'll stand at a distance and just watch you, the bolder ones will approach and hang about for a biscuit. It's up to you if you want to share food or water.

In years of travelling this route, we've never felt threatened or even uncomfortable. We've had several impromptu games of football that usually end in chaos & loads of laughing.

happy trails,

Peter
__________________
Atlas Overland - Specialist adventure tour company providing off-road holidays for 4x4 enthusiasts in Europe and North Africa.
Tours to Morocco, Iceland, Arctic Circle, Portugal, Alps, Pyrenees, Eastern Europe, Corsica, and UK weekend tours.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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
Finding Freedom...World Wide Ride saralou Ride Tales 3565 4 Weeks Ago 18:23
For Sale X-Trail 2010, 159.000km, 4x4&2x4, incl. Columbus Rooftop Tent in Chile PaulBenesch Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 4 Oct 2018 22:15
China ADV Riding TBR-China Ride Tales 566 1 May 2018 10:49
For Sale: Tent, Sleeping Mat & camping cooker in Bolivia or Chile Franzi TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 8 Aug 2017 16:04
For sale - roof tent - as new - u.k. Cheshire uk_vette TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 12 Nov 2013 11:28

 
 

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
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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 19:06.

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