celebrity endorsement
 

Hi folks,

Obviously now the vehicle of choice for the desert... Ennahar Online - Ban on import and marketing of « Toyota Station » vehicles

Latest from FCO re Morocco (they SO want to join the EU!)-

"If you are involved in a minor accident, you should complete a 'Constat Amiable' form, to be signed by both parties. The blank forms are available upon arrival at the Tangier port from the insurance company booths, or can be purchased from tobacconists in all cities."

I strongly recommend these. If you have a prang they're great for diffusing a tense situation. Just fill in your side, they fill in theirs and you each send off a copy to your insurance companies. (If you get a payout from a Moroccan insurance company please contact me quoting the code "Yo mamma!" and we'll match their payout)

FWIW form attached


Happy trails,
Jojo

More news:

the coastal road between Tetouan and El Jebha is now an off road track. They are improving the road and there is lot of dust and mud.

The camping site at Cala Iris does no more exists. They are planning an beach resort there. So if you want to see it as a virgin beach, don´t be late.

Also Playa Quemado camp site at AlHoceima is closed but police tell me that is alowed for camp there with security but whitout any services.

The Rif is wonderfull in spring time.

They are talking about doing this project in Cala Iris since at least 4 years, so don't worry it will take lot's of time until they start doing it.
Just be aware there: there was a guy which wanted to give me as a gift a beautiful marine plant which he later told other moroccans it was full with hachis.
I think that probably he would have phoned the police afterwards in order to extort me.

I think this things only happens to the Brits! It´s a joke.

I´ve been for a week at the Rif and no one has offer me ilegal substances. Out of the road between Bab Berret and Ketama I have never been disturbed by haschis sellers and people is so affable and helpful.

I am not 100% sure that it was full with hash. But the conversation they were having (in rifeño) had lot's of times the word hashash pointing and giving the plant.
BTW, it is very good news that there are no dangers now on the Titwan-Alhoceima road. Taking the expensive ferry to Melilla is no longer necessary if one goes to the Nador-Saidia area: just cross in Ceuta or Tanger Med and then drive to the east through Ketama.
When I went 1 month ago, I took the ferry Málaga-Melilla: 240 euros for one person and one car:cursing:: a real theft. I thought that driving through Ketama was very dangerous and wanted to avoid it at all costs.

Yes, the coast road is completly safe, by the way there are little militar post each few km. on the road.

Do you mean the road which goes through the village of Ketama or the one that goes through El Jebha?

No, look at the map. Green line is under works, absolutely hell. Red line is good road with three strips in big slopes. Last week I did Melilla-Ceuta in seven hours with an old atmospheric Nissan Patrol

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/5572/dibujoqet.jpg

Good place to stay near "Corniche Rifaine"
 

Hello,

I've done this trip last year, all the way along the coast from Tetouan to Saidia (algerian border). Nice beaches, but sometimes difficult to find places to sleep. Try a "Refugio de Montaña" near Oued Laou beach, runned by a portuguese: www.caiat.com
It´s a good local help.

Rui Pedro Tremoceiro
Alentejo - Portugal

Thanks Rui Pedro,

last week that information would have been very useful. I look for a place for camp or camping site but all where closed until summer. Finally I stoped at Ibis Hotel near Ceuta frontier...