Secure parking in Morocco?

[Gregorius]

Hi all...

I'm still planning the trip to Maroc in October, but it looks like I'll be driving down solo with 2 bikes in the van/trailer. Rob will be flying down and we'll meet up somewhere. Now, here is the question:

Does anyone know of secure parking in any airport served town for a van and trailer? Ideally I'd like it to be somewhere we can use as a base for the trip - we're planning to do as many of the M routes as possible/enjoyable.

As I'll most likely drive down a week in advance of Roberto, I'll probably have a few days by myself to arse around, do a recce or find out how easy it is to fall off a 950S in sand... is the other bike likely to be safe in the van? It has side windows which I'll probably black out but I'd appreciate any feedback or knowledge.

Cheers

Greg

[El Aleman - Jens]

Hi Greg,

I was in Morocco more than 10 times and I think it will be difficult for you to cross the border alone with more than one bike. I don´t know if they let you through. I would leave the car+trailer in Spain and your friend should fly there.

I know a nice hotel close to Malaga Airport/ Tryp Hotel Guadalmar(5 min), you find the telephone on the web, If you spend the 1st and last night there, perhaps you can park there. Malaga has a good connection everywhere.

Taking the ferry I would pick it in Algeciras to Tanger. Little bit more expensive than Algeciras - Ceuta, but less complicated. You do nearly all the paperwork on the boat and then just leave the port.

Border Ceuta/Morocco for beginners more difficult.

Good luck - Jens Fantastic country!!!

[FreeCaRveR]

Did it last year

1 car,trailer carrying 3 bikes.
dropped of the trailer in Almeria (good underground garage in the centre,guy lives in there in a trailer and payed 100€ for almost 3weeks)
from almeria you can hop on the ferry to Mellila,easy crossing there.

[Tim Cullis]

BA has stopped flights into Fes, so as far as direct flights are concerned I think you're limited to Marrakech (BA, Royal Air Maroc, EasyJet) or Agadir. OK, Casablanca maybe, but who wants to go there?

For importing the bikes you'll need V5s for both bikes, plus a letter from the owner of the other bike authorising you to be transporting it into Morocco. A copy of his air ticket showing he's flying into Morocco might also help (and if that doesn't work, a couple of hundred dirham should do the trick).

When you arrive in your chosen town explain the problem about secure parking to the manager of the hotel and he will undoubtedly be able to help you. If that doesn't work, ask a policeman--they are incredibly helpful.

Alternatively Malaga is cheap from the UK, and Jens is right about Tanger, it also means you can take the motorway to Larache and miss all the congestion and roadworks around Tetuan.

Tim

PS: last trip write-up http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134454