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North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

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Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Trans Sahara Routes.

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  #1  
Old 27 Aug 2007
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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.
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  #2  
Old 28 Aug 2007
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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
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  #3  
Old 28 Aug 2007
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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.
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  #4  
Old 28 Aug 2007
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Hi
I fully agree with Tim, he gave a good tour to have a good idea of Marocco, the only matter I see, You will want to return soon in Morocco

Eric

French : Deux 400XR au MAROC
English : http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201472
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  #5  
Old 30 Aug 2007
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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
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Old 30 Aug 2007
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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.
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  #7  
Old 30 Aug 2007
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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.

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Old 3 Sep 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kingjeff View Post
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.
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  #9  
Old 3 Sep 2007
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Originally Posted by NCR View Post
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.
I agree, I didn't sleep there, but we stop for eating there, it's true the guys are very friendly and the tajine kefta is good and the water is fresh.
Eric
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  #10  
Old 17 Sep 2007
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I guess this is aimed principally at Tim, since he knows the route, but any advice welcome. Like I said before, the route Time suggested will basically be the one we follow. Is this mostly tarmac. Currently got Conti's on my V-strom, but think I'll need new ones before we go. I normally use Bridgstone BT020's (021's now I believe). Can I assume these will do the job nicely. No intention of doing any off-roading unless I need to, since Ive never tried it before, and we'll be 2-up.

Colin.
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  #11  
Old 19 Sep 2007
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same route
will be doing the same route thereabouts colin. (why you called kingjeff if your name is colin?) but adding and subtracting a few bits. gonna be crossing to cueta though and following the back roads to azrou as i spend my life on motorways! can also wait and cross together if you like? i'm easy as i'm giving up my job here and going back to sunny wales! so there's no rush as you can imagine.
will pm you my new phone number when i get it on the28ish oct and then we can arrange a meet or maybe ride a few days together.
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