Ouarzazate region

[Endurodude]

Over the summer months, I am travelling to Morocco and back in a 5 week period, going down through France and Spain. There's much I'd like to see and do in Europe as well, so I've allocated 2 weeks for Morocco. Probably not enough, but I just want a flavour of the country, with a view to a more extended trip another time. When I get to Morocco, I'm heading down the coast to Casablanca, and then inwards to Marrakech. I'm taking a day to get to Ouarzazate. I've seen / read about many interesting places around this area (Dades gorges, Zagora, Todrha gorge to name a few) and I was wondering what might be best to see / do if time were limited? I'd quite like to wild camp whilst in this region; any particular recommendations? I'm gradually then heading north to Fez and back to Tangier.

Any suggestions about this particular section of the country are most welcome for a noob to the area!

[uknomad]

Hi,

I've only been to Morocco 3 times and all less than 2 weeks at a time, and really enjoyed it, it's great Country.

Your right to see the Dades and Todra Gorges, Draa valley to Zagora but having been to Zagora, I would choose to go to Merzouga and Erg Chebbi and then come back up to Midelt, Fez and Chefchaouen.

Or go Zagora to Merzouga on sealed roads via Alnif or use MS6 from Chris Scott's book. As we found out on the first trip, to do all that in 2 weeks and enjoy it, is a struggle even in a 4x4.

We've only used campsites so far. But it's such an easy country to get around in and the people are very friendly, enjoy it.

Cheers Mark

[NightAlp]

Hi Endurodude,
good Idea to visit Morocco ;-) I visti it two times. One by bike and one by rent a 4x4 Both make fun and is possible. You can go offroad but it isn't nessesary. Year the book from Chris Scott "Morocco Overland" is very helpful. also the open GPS map from GPS Vector Map Morocco.

From all what I hear was the coast very touristic, but I didn't stay there. ErbChebbi near Erfoud is very nice and a "must see" Todra and Dades also. I stay at Casablanca ... yeah big city but not so interesting, I more like Marrakech. Ait Benhaddou near Ouarzazate is amazing. one of the oldes typical citiy of morocco and setting for many movies.
Ouzoud Falls near Marrakesh are nice to see too.

The hint "Zagora to Merzouga on sealed roads via Alnif" is grate, I do it twice good road easy to go.

I think enough for the first ;-) feel free to ask if you want to know more.

regards NightAlp

[Trix]

I'd leave out Casablanca and the coast , head straight through the middle over the mountains and through the cedar forest its stunning then head to Erg Chebbi and make a loop to ouarzazate taking in the dades and todra on route . It can be done easily in two weeks ,( ive done it ) but three would be better .

[Mr Jaunt]

Be mindful of the weather during the summer months, very mindful.

There's some very good threads on here re heatstroke (not exhaustion) as 40 degrees plus wont be uncommon in the summer.

[TheWarden]

The current forecast for Marrakech is to hit 40 this week and south of the Atlas will be noticably hotter than this. Bare this in mind when planning your trip. Certainly anything south of the Atlas will be very hot over the summer.

Generally the Coast and the mountains will be much cooler over the summer months when you plan to visit.

Ouarzazate has a good amount of sites to see in the vicinity, Ait Benhaddou being a must visit, the film studios are ok. Otherwise the town itself doesn't have much to offer. The Dades and Todra Gorges would make a good dray trip but probably better fitted in between Ouarazazate and Erfoud/Merzouga. The Todra is best at sun rise so would be an early start to see it at is best.

I'd suggest doing the Tizi n Test Pass from Marrakech to Taroudannt as a must do route through the Atlas, allow a leisurely day. The Tizi n Tichka, from Marrakech to Ouazazate is a busy road and not quite as stunning but has the advantage of being able to visit the Glaoui Kasba at Teluet and dropping down to Ait Benhaddou before finishing the day in Ouarzazate.

Another great route through the High Atlas is to follow the road up from the Todra Gorge to Imichil before dropping back down to the North side. The road is now tarmac all the way and a breathtaking journey.

[Endurodude]

Thanks for all the replies so far; I'm going to be spoilt for choice!

I'm going to be careful re temps. I read with sadness (last year, I think?) about the toll high temperatures can take. Unfortunately, if I don't go in he Summer, I'll have to wait until I'm retired! That's around 23 years off! No thank you!

Any other route suggestions would be gratefully received.

[Tim Cullis]

Bearing in mind the sun in Morocco is far stronger than the UK, 32ºC is about the limit of comfort. Once it's over 36ºC it's a bit too hot for biking, in which case keep to the mountains or the coast to get the cooler air. Places like Imilchil in the High Atlas rarely exceed 30ºC.

Most bikers seem to keep to the busy main N roads, and also plan huge distances, neither of which are a good idea (IMHO). If you want to cover ground quickly, e.g. Tanger to Marrakech, use the motorway network, otherwise slow down and bumble around on the quiet side roads.

Plan to drink 4 litres of water per day and keep your sugar and salt intake up (mint tea and peanuts are served to travellers for a good reason).

[Endurodude]

Originally Posted by Tim Cullis

Most bikers seem to keep to the busy main N roads, and also plan huge distances, neither of which are a good idea (IMHO). If you want to cover ground quickly, e.g. Tanger to Marrakech, use the motorway network, otherwise slow down and bumble around on the quiet side roads.

Bumbling sounds like a winner. Although it's my first time there, and there's quite a few things I want to see and do, whilst in this particular region I want to take things easy. No one's said anything against wild camping, so I assume as long as I use common sense, there's no problem?

[Tim Cullis]

Wild camping is fine in the mountains, forests and semi-arid regions, i.e. where nobody is using the land for cultivation.

I prefer not to let people see where I camp so I only start looking very close to sunset, by which time most locals are herding their sheep and goats back to base. I then go offroad, or off piste, and stop way out of sight. You've then got about 20-25 minutes from actual sunset to almost dark to set up your camp without using a torch (which might attract guests).

If you are found by a local the next morning he might try to blag some money off you for camping on 'his land', but I never give money away to anyone who hasn't helped me in some way.

Most formal campsites in Morocco are oriented towards 'camping cars' (French for motorhome) and have rock hard ground. A freestanding tent is ideal for both very hard and very soft ground as it doesn't need pegs.

[Endurodude]

Originally Posted by Tim Cullis

I then go offroad, or off piste, and stop way out of sight. You've then got about 20-25 minutes from actual sunset to almost dark to set up your camp without using a torch (which might attract guests)

Thanks. I'm going to follow Austin's two-track rule from the HU DVD's. I appreciate the help and advice.

I'm also wondering how much money to take with me. I normally spend around €35 a day in Europe, and this covers fuel and food. I've never been to Morocco, and wonder how much I might need (roughly) per day for fuel, food and lodgings?