Morocco question - Ketama...avoid?

[DanLewis]

I am planning on going to Morocco in May on my bike and I am looking at possible routes out of Ceuta to Fes. One possibility is via Ketama, however I have heard to avoid the town/area due to bandits and hassle from the local constabulary. This would be a real shame as I heard the route is great.

Anyone got any recent firsthand experience?

Thanks for any replies.

[Chris Scott]

Not first hand but I heard of a biker recently who got chased by some guys in a Merc on this road.Like all the guidebooks say, it really is not worth it - if you go there you are askig for it. I think the 'bandits' (actually hash mafia) ARE the local constabulary...
There are plenty of other great routes in Mk.

Chris S

[gozell]

Hello,

Drove solo through Ketama around November 2002 and do remember some dudes trying to sell me some dope, ignored them but still folowed me some time with ther car. Nothing scary, they didnt try to run me of the road or stuff like that. In the end they just gave up following me.

Katama doesnt have much going for it, give it a BIG miss and hang around in Chefchaouen for a bit and head south towards Quazanne.

Hope this helps.

[BikerT]

Am off to Morocco in May also am I right in thinking that there is no need for visa there??

[Blue Sweeper]

There will be fourteen of us leaving Ceuta on the 6th May on route to Fes. You are welcome to tag along, if you leave on the same day.

If you are a European National/British you do not need a visa for Morocco.

[This message has been edited by Blue Sweeper (edited 31 January 2004).]

[BikerT]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Blue Sweeper:

Thanks Blue.
Not sure yet of dates but there is a good chance if not where you heading, maybe meet up somewhere. There are 2 in my group (small)
First time in. Tried last year but didnt have all paperwork. Better planning this time. We wanted to go through Algeria, Tinisia and up to Italy. Algeria does not seem a wise place to be at mo!!
Thanks again.Have a good trip.
BikerT

[Blue Sweeper]

BikerT,

Yup getting across the border at Ceuta means crossing palms with silver. You need:

Passport
Bike registration documents (V5)
Bike Insurance
Driving License (both parts if new type)
Green Card (but this can be purchased at border)

We will be leaving early, want to get to the border when it opens, as it can take 2hours or more with the paperwork.

Fourteen bikes in the group, will take some processing!

Maybe see ya there then.

BTW you cannot get into Algeria from Morocco. We are heading for Fes, Erfoud, Ouarzazate, Marakech, Meknes and then back to Ceuta.


[This message has been edited by Blue Sweeper (edited 02 February 2004).]

[Woodsrider#1]

Hi,
are you going off road?
The route from Midelt into the Atlas is fantastic. Leave Ifrane in AM to Midelt, Through Cirque de Jaffar, overnight in Hotel in Tounfite or there is an Auberge further along the route to Tagoudit. Head up into hills, follow winding valley down and up and down towards Imilchil. When you hit the Blacktop again turn left for Agoudal and stop at the Auberge on the right at the egde of the village. Small guy with a limp runs it, he is great and cooks a good omelette. Leave Agoudal and head for Todra (stop here overnight or press on) where you can stick to the blacktop again to Erfoud or take another piste to Alnif and blacktop to Rissani. Some good hotels with pools around here. Ride out for a play in the Grand Erg Chebbi. A couple of long pistes below to Zagora and Foum-Zguid. I want to go back........

Alec

[Tim Cullis]

Woodsrider

The thread you are responding to is dated 2004, so it's a bit late to ask questions. LOL

Also... the new tarmac road from Agoudal through Todra was wiped out by flooding in early November. Agoudal may or may not get electricity again before the snows start.

Tim