 |
|
26 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 14
|
|
|
Morocco for beginners
Hi, first post on here. I'm heading off with the wife to Morocco on our maiden trip to foreign lands. I'm just after a wee bit of advice about a route. We've only got 10-12 days in Morocco itself, but were hoping to make it to the sahara, since we were so close to it.
We're not aiming for the middle of the desert obviously, but is it possible to get there and back in this space of time. Also, what is the best map for this, as all the ones Ive seen stop a bit further north, around Sidi Ifni. None say where the sahara starts so how do we know how far we need to go south.
I hope this makes sense. Any advice welcome. Thanks in advance.
|
26 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Alt Penedes, Barcelona
Posts: 130
|
|
|
Hi,
Get yourself a copy of "Sahara Overland", lots of good advice, many routes and a good reading with English sense of humor.
good luck !
|
26 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Posts: 116
|
|
|
Hi,
Do the classic Merzouga-Zagora. It's a beautiful and easy piste and will give you an ideia of what the desert looks like. If you've got the time, do also the Zagora-Foum Zguid or Zagora-Tata piste. Also the Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga, it's a must see in Morocco.
|
27 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Logie Coldstone, Scotland
Posts: 70
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kingjeff
Also, what is the best map for this, as all the ones Ive seen stop a bit further north, around Sidi Ifni.
|
On our trip we had the 742 Michelin Morocco sheet and the Rough Guide Morocco Map. They both had their uses, but we generally found the Michelin map to be more accurate.
The two routes described above were probably the highlight of our trip. We did a traverse of the Todra/Dades gorges en-route to Merzouga - well worth it if you have the time.
Enjoy your trip!
__________________
Fraser
|
27 Aug 2007
|
 |
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
|
|
|
Have a look through the GS Knowledgebase in my signature line.
Much of the Sahara is stony desert (hamada). There's hardly any sand dunes in Morocco, just a bit at Mhamid south of Zagora and a larger section called Erg Chebbi south of Erfoud.
The Michelin 742 map is as good as it gets and covers all of Morocco plus Western Sahara. Your best bet on route planning is to read the guide books, decide where to visit and then connect the places using as many as possible of the green-edged (scenic) roads on the Michelin map. My personal favourites are the Middle Atlas around Azrou and the Anti Atlas around Tafraoute.
Once you are out of the north of Morocco, on non-mountainous roads you can make better average speeds than the UK due to the low intercity traffic volumes. But don't get suckered into too many miles per day; leave lots of time for exploring otherwise your memories will just be of the tarmac.
Tim
__________________
"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)
|
27 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 14
|
|
|
Hi all,
thanks for all the replies. All very helpful. I've got a map just now but it isn't as good as the Michelin one, so I'll get one of those asap. Only thing I'd like now is a wee bit of an idea about possible distances. For example, how long, or how far, is it between Merzouga - Zargoza.
I know its one of these things I should just try out but due to the limited time I'll have over there, I'd like some clue to plan the whole route. I promise I'll help others out when I know relevant stuff. Thanks again.
|
28 Aug 2007
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
|
|
|
Given that it's your first trip to Morocco, if you are riding two-up I suggest you don't try major pistes unless you are an off-road god. Merzouga to Zagora is about 150 miles--the equivalent of London to Sheffield riding cross country through a desert.
My personal recommendation for a 'newbie' tour of around 12 days would be
- enter via Tanger
- motorway to Larache
- inland to Meknes and El Hajeb
- Azrou (stop)
(this route so far is suggested for road safety whilst you get used to Morocco and it's a quick way to get through the less interesting bits of northern Morocco)
- Midelt, Errachidia, Erfoud (stop)
- Tinerhir, Todra Gorge, Boumalne, Dades Gorge, Ouarzazate (stop)
- Ait Benhaddou, Tizi 'n Tichka, Marrakech (stop)
- Asni, Tizi 'n Test, Igherm, Tafraoute (stop)
- Guelmim, Sidi Ifni (stop)
- hug the coast north to Essaouira (stop)
- Marrakech, Demnate, Cascades d'Ouzoud (stop)
- Azilal, Bin-el-Ouidane, Khénifra, Sources l'Oum-er-Rbia, Ain Leuh, Azrou (stop)
- Fes (stop)
- Volubilis, Chefchaouen, Tanger
Tim
__________________
"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)
|
28 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 14
|
|
|
Hi again
Thanks for that Tim. To be honest I had a bit of an idea we were aiming too high. I'll have a wee look at your suggestion. All the places the wife wants to go to are on there so that might do for our first run. Thanks again.
Colin.
|
30 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Bournemouth
Posts: 89
|
|
|
Hi Colin you don’t say on your post when you are going
I’m doing my first trip to Morocco in just over a week so if we are out there at the same time we could try travelling together safety in numbers and all that
I’m Booked on the ferry from Portsmouth to La Havre Saturday 8th September
We hope to go over to Morocco on Friday 14th sept and make our way round via Larache, Azrou Casscades d Ouzoud, Marrakech, then back along the Dadas valley
We have to be back in Spain by 26th Sept so my wife can get her flight home
If this doesn’t fit in with you have a Safe trip
Bob
|
30 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 14
|
|
|
Hi Bob
unfortunately we're not heading off until the middle of october. Ferry is booked from Plymouth to Santander, so a nice wee run through Spain before we get over the water to Morocco. Arrive on the last day of Ramadan, if I'm correct.
Looks like you're doing some of the route we plan doing so let us know how you get on if you could. Have a great time and keep safe. Cheers.
Colin.
|
30 Aug 2007
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: London and Granada Altiplano
Posts: 3,124
|
|
|
Adding a bit more flesh to my earlier comments. Plus more detail in the GS Knowledgebase...
Azrou is a friendly little town, Hotel Cedars is in the middle, alternatively try Hotel Panorama, or Gite Ras El Ma on the Ifrane road out of town.
If you only have time for the Todra OR the Dades, do the latter. Ride all the way to the top (maybe 20 miles), it's like a mini Grand Canyon.
Check out BikersHome in Ouarzazate. Zineb creates great food and does a mean pizza. Do all of your souvenir shopping at Bazaar Rabab--the best fixed prices I've seen in Morocco.
Tizi means pass. Tizi 'n Tichka is best done south to north, and Tizi 'n Test is best done north to south, which is why the suggested route goes that way.
In Tafraoute check out the chicken, almond and prune tajine at the L´Etoile du Sud (Star of the South) restaurant.
If you go near Taliouine, try Auberge Souktana.
Tim
__________________
"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)
|
31 Aug 2007
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: gone for a spin
Posts: 269
|
|
|
me too
send you sms soon tim. i'm about to change my number so i'll wait till i've done that,will be arriving there on the 9th oct though and not as previously suggested.
hi colin. i'm arriving in morocco on 9th oct and travelling 2'd up also for about 3 wks there, it's my first time there also and if you want to meet up no probs.gonna try meet with tim also to pick his brains on info.
|
31 Aug 2007
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 14
|
|
|
Tim, why dont you just come along and be our personal guide. Seriously though, all the advice is really welcome. The route you suggested seems a good one and we'll follow it, but will miss out 1 or 2 legs just to give us a couple of free days off the bike. I reckon we'll be grateful for that. Probably stop for 2 nights in Marrakech and Fes. See how it goes.
Kevin, I think we get to Morocco around 12th october, but would be happy to meet up somewhere if our routes coincide. I'll pm you nearer the time and get some details.
Ride safe.
Colin.
|
3 Sep 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Lisboa, Portugal
Posts: 116
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kingjeff
For example, how long, or how far, is it between Merzouga - Zargoza.
|
Two easy days or one long day. My advice is to stop at the midle of the piste and stay at "Auberge Marabout" (N 30 38 429 W 04 45 040). Very very cheap (2,5€ per night, per person!!!) and very very friendly.
|
|
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
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™ 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!
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.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
