![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
5 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 28
|
|
Two week trip to Morocco in December
Hi,
I've planned a two week trip in a 4x4 to Morocco from 22.Dec to 4.Jan.
The plan is...
Tanger to Marrakech, stay in Marrakech for 4 days
Marrakech to Foum Zguid
Foum Zguid to Mhamid
Mhamid to Merzouga, stay in Merzouga for 2 nights
Merzouga to Outat El Haj
Outat El Haj to Fes, Stay in Fes for 2 nights
Fes to Tanger
I would've loved to have done Gorge Dades and Todra as well but I am tight on time
What is your opinion of the itinerary vs timeline for this time of the year? In my mind this is a pretty relaxed itinerary giving me a few days to enjoy the desert and the cities. Your thoughts?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
6 Dec 2015
|
![Tim Cullis's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar15097_3.gif) |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,083
|
|
I've just arrived back in Spain after a couple of weeks in Morocco in my little Panda 4x4.
If you are planning to cross Lac Iriki for the Foum Zguid to M'hamid link you'll need a GPS and some waypoints as the routes are not at all clear. Experience in sand would be useful!
The routes from M'hamid to Merzouga are clearer but you may hit problems crossing the very wide sandy/rocky bed of the Rheris river by Rhemlia and one option is to avoid this by heading north via Foum Mharech
__________________
"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)
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
6 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Midlands UK
Posts: 144
|
|
Thats a lot of miles. Why 4 days in marrakech ? A trip to Marrakech is easyto make other times of the year. An extracday or two in less accessible places might work better. Just a thought.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,461
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark hadley
Thats a lot of miles. Why 4 days in marrakech ? A trip to Marrakech is easyto make other times of the year. An extracday or two in less accessible places might work better. Just a thought.
|
+1
I tell the family when they wan't to stay in a comfy place "one day more here means one day less in some really remote place later on".
Then we compromise.
Marrakech is just a budget flight away.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 28
|
|
Believe you me guys I wouldn't stay in Marrakech for more than 24 hours but the family wants what the family wants
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Midlands UK
Posts: 144
|
|
You dont seem to have much contingency in that plan. Does it matter if you are 2 days late?You could do Marrakech at the end to give you four days contingency. And it really is a lot of miles!! You may all want a rest part way through.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
7 Dec 2015
|
![davebetty's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar44554_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Shropshire
Posts: 220
|
|
I think that that might be a bit too much, Tangier to Marrakesh is a long day in itself, even if you start out first thing!
You might find the pistes will require a very steady touch which time constraints and a family in the vehicle might not help M Hamnid to Mesouga is a very long day and you need to be prepared to stop the night if you get held up.
add in a few more days to the traveling and I'm sure you'll have a great trip.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
8 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Midlands UK
Posts: 144
|
|
If you have not already done so, look up the miles for each day. I see when it gets dark. I don't know what others think, but driving on motorways (Tangier to Marrakech) after dark seems safe, but other roads are not, I've been tempted on occasions, and afterwards looked back and thought how foolish.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
8 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 28
|
|
Two week trip to Morocco in December
Plan is to gun it from tangier to Marrakech. I'm gonna have to put my foot down and limit Marrakech stay to two days. This way I'll have two day contingency. Current daylight is limited to 7am - 5pm. I will definitely add 2/3 more days to the trip. Thanks for the input!
Second contingency is to drive straight to Fes from Merzouga, no detours
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
8 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,474
|
|
Some thoughts
Tanger to Marrakech - This will be a very long day, allow 8-10hours plus time to negotiate Marrakech Traffic and find your accomodation
stay in Marrakech for 4 days - You can knock out most of the sites in 2 leisurely days,use the other 2 to make more of the rest of the journey
Marrakech to Foum Zguid - another long day but great drive. Stop at Teluet and Ait Benhaddou
If it was me I'd do Marrakech to Ouarazazate stopping at Teluet and Ait Benhaddou. Then south to Zagora before heading across to Merzouga. You'd miss Erg Chegaga but you'll still see dunes in Merzouga
Zagora to Merzouga is possible in a day but add a wildcamp and another half day and it'll be much more relaxed.
From here I'd be tempted to head to the Todra Gorge and the road upto Imichil and then to Midelt. Tar the whole way and with some snow stunningly beautiful
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
8 Dec 2015
|
![Tim Cullis's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar15097_3.gif) |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,083
|
|
Tanger to Marrakech is not difficult on the motorways. A couple of days ago I drove from El Jadida to Tanger Med. We set out at 0815 and arrived just in time for the 1335 ferry. Just over five hours. Didn't speed at all. There's extensive roadworks where the authorities are building a southern 'rocade' around Rabat, but otherwise easy to maintain a steady 110-115 kph speed.
It's about 90km less from El Jadida but then we were heading for Tanger Med rather than Tanger which is another 45km.
We then crossed to Algeciras and drove another 380km to the other side of Granada.
__________________
"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)
Last edited by Tim Cullis; 8 Dec 2015 at 16:31.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
9 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 28
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheWarden
Some thoughts
Tanger to Marrakech - This will be a very long day, allow 8-10hours plus time to negotiate Marrakech Traffic and find your accomodation
stay in Marrakech for 4 days - You can knock out most of the sites in 2 leisurely days,use the other 2 to make more of the rest of the journey
Marrakech to Foum Zguid - another long day but great drive. Stop at Teluet and Ait Benhaddou
If it was me I'd do Marrakech to Ouarazazate stopping at Teluet and Ait Benhaddou. Then south to Zagora before heading across to Merzouga. You'd miss Erg Chegaga but you'll still see dunes in Merzouga
Zagora to Merzouga is possible in a day but add a wildcamp and another half day and it'll be much more relaxed.
From here I'd be tempted to head to the Todra Gorge and the road upto Imichil and then to Midelt. Tar the whole way and with some snow stunningly beautiful
|
I like the idea, thanks. I'm gonna plan it in my Basecamp and see what it looks like. Seems like 2 days in Marrakech is a real possibility
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
9 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 10
|
|
The Tanger - Marrakech day will be the day you arrive by ferry?
Did you schedule 4 hours at customs/border?
Fes to Merzouga will also be a long day, but possible.
A few days ago i wrote some recommendation for accomodation in Fes, Marrakech and Merzouga in this thread:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ntribute-39077
Have fun, will be a great time.
Try to get in touch with the locals, especially around merzouga and erfoud. Very nice people!!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
9 Dec 2015
|
![Tim Cullis's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar15097_3.gif) |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,083
|
|
I've never, ever, encountered a delay of four hours.
The easiest crossing is Algeciras to Tanger Med and the cheapest ferry is normally Acciona Trasmediterranea. Passport control is done on board the ferry, so look for a queue by a desk and join it.
Plan on the ferry leaving at least 30 minutes later than scheduled, plan on the crossing taking longer than stated, plan on delays on unloading, then allow 45 minutes for the customs.
__________________
"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)
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
9 Dec 2015
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 270
|
|
And watch out for speed cameras! The highways are swarming with cops - stay within the limits and avoid the delays! Entering and leaving towns also often have cops waiting to catch you speeding up too soon before leaving the 40 zone.
Drive safe and enjoy the trip,
Simon.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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!
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.
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.
|
|
|