Advice on Spain to North Africa ferries.

Hi, we are looking into extending our planned list of bike trips to watch the European rally raids to include the 2007 and 2008 Lisbon Dakar rally.

Although I have no problems with mainland Europe logistics north Africa is a different issue as this is new to me. All our trips run from the UK via Portsmouth to Santander with Acciona so it seams logical we stick with Acciona to cross into Africa too.

Has anybody had any personal experience with Acciona on the following routes:
MALAGA >MELILLA
ALMERIA >NADOR
ALGECIRAS >CEUTA

or with Farrimaroc
ALMERIA >NADOR

I have also been told to avoid Ceuta due to political and beurocratic issues!.. anybody agree/disagree with this?

thanks
Jenna

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I've never had a problem with Cueta, prefer it to Tangiers. I've no experience of Nador or Mellila.

Do allow an hour or two though for paper shuffling at the border depending upon how busy it is.

Never heard of Acciona but I have done al the above routes over the years; they're either quick and cheap or longer and more expensive so just take your pick, they all get there. Ceuta is I suppose the busiest and I think the immigrant aggro had died down there. Tangiers can be intimidating but not last I heard. Melilia or Nador was mellow but may be on the wrong side for you.

Ch

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Morocco Overland 4 (2025) • Trans Morocco Trail

Almeria to Nador a year ago by bike. Excellent! On arrival an official handed me the customs form, and told me what to fill in. There was no-one about really, it was a breeze. The ferry got in at something like 6am, so it was ideal and deserted. It was dark though (December time), and well, you know the dangers (un-lit pedestrians and animals...).

I've done the Tangier crossing a few times, so I know the issues and hassles there.

Doug

Algeciras / Ceuta just turn up and buy a ticket, Boats seem to arrive and depart all day and only a couple of hours apart. Watch out for the 'friendy helpers' as you approach the Spain/Moroccain customs as you exit Ceuta, just ignore them. Found the customs and police most hepful at the border on both sides, checked through to Morocco very quickly, and the same upon return (2004)

lol... 'friendy helpers' i think this was part of the issue that i was advised not to go through Algeciras / Ceuta as a first time trip (remember this is first for me and the poeple on the trip probably)

The rally starts on African soil from Nador so it seamed logical to do the same, this year the route looks like....
Stage 3: Nador to Er Rachida (Morocco) 672 km
Stage 4: Er Rachidia to Quarazate (Morocco) 639 km
Stage 5: Quarzazate to Tan tan (Morocco) 819 km

at this point it could make sense to head to Dakar and pick up the last two days from there giving the group a chance to rest and play if they want..
Stage 6: Tan Tan to Zouerat ( Mauritania) 792 km
Stage7:Zouerat to Atar (Mauritania) 521 km
Stage 8: Atar to Nouakchott (mauritania) 568 km
..rally rest day..
Stage 9: Nouakchott to Kiffa (Mali) 874 km
Stage 10: Kiffa to Kayes (Mali) 333 km
Stage 11: Kayes to Bamako (Mali) 705 km
Stage 12: Bamako to Labe (Guinea) 872 km
Stage 13: Labe to Tambacounda (Senegal) 567 km
Stage 14: Tambacounda to Dakar (Senegal) 634 km
Stage 15 Dakar

Its also a posibility i guess that you could follow the route as far as Nouakchott and then run down to Dakar via the coast road? thus chopping out those monster kms in later stages, and making it an easy ride back home up the tarmac.

Hi Chris ( my hero) think the Acciona Transmediterranea Ferries were called Mediterrian something not so long ago?

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