February
 

Hi all,

Here's a question which, I'm sure, has been answered 100 times already.

I just got an automated e-mail from HR saying that I've got 22 days of leave to take before the end of the tax year. Not sure how I achieved this, but here...

So I was thinking about heading over to Morocco in February.

Now, I've got a Deauville. I've never ridden off-road properly (an "experience day" at an off-road track doesn't count, I don't think). I've never been to Morocco. I don't have lots of money to spend. I don't speak Arabic, and my French is limited to "Bonjour, comment ca va, je ne parle pas Francais".

On the plus side, because of my job, I've travelled extensively around the world as a journalist - working not playing, so I should be able to deal with most stuff life throws at me.

I don't intend to ride like a maniac. I'm no off-road hero. What I want to do is ride a bit, stop to take photographs, then ride a bit more; repeat as needed.

I would be grateful for any advice on:
- Whether I'm mad contemplating Morocco in late Feb
- Whether you guys think I should ride the Deauville down there, or hire something more "off-roady" in Morocco
- What routes you think would work for a beginner like me

Thanks!

It has been asked a lot. But here's number 101 :palm:
*Use the search function, top right of every page
*Click the advert at top middle of this page or visit Morocco Overland ~ the website for the book and buy the book. Lots of route descriptions...
*Visit Morocco Knowledgebase
*For a free gps map: GPS Vector Map Morocco

Feb is a great time. A Deauville will ride the ever expanding Moroccan tarmac network just fine.

Feb is a great time for a Morocco trip, temps are reasonable, snow is still on the mountains and the almond blossom out.

IMHO its also one of the best times for photos.

Get Chris Scotts book for route planning. In terms of which are best for you and on a bike I'm not sure as my experience is in a 4x4. But I would reccomend you decide roughly what you want to see and where you want to go and look for Routes the meet these requirements.

I've been travelling morocco wodely for over 10 years with english and a little arabic to get by on and had no problems. Where you can't speak the language sign language and good humour will get you by but you can normally find someone who speaks english now.

For a first time visit I would take in
Marrakech
High Atlas via the Tizi n Test pass and/or Route MS2 from Morocco Overland (all tarmac now so easy if snow free).
Essaouira
Taroudannt and then get down through the Anti Atlas towards the desert edges along the borders towards Zagora etc.
The N12 Desert Highway is mostly tarmac from Figuig all the way to the Atlantic and has some stunning scenery

Thanks guys - bought the book, so just about to immerse myself in studying...