First Trip - Morocco
 

I've decided to take my landrover on a trip to Morocco ... to test my courage before going further afield. Can anyone offer me advice re minimising (avoiding would be better) the hassle of arriving on Moroccan soil. Having spent a lot of time there I understand the 'system', although it still catches me out ... but it would be good to be as prepared as I can be before I drive off the ferry.

Hi Liz,

Best option would be through Ceuta instead of Tangier - tax-free fuel plus no hassle at the port. Border passage is realtivly calm, handle the passport plus white form filed (for persons), then with passport stamped handle green form (for the car), glue the stamp they'll give you on the windscreen, change money at the bank and you're ready to go. No problem!

Have fun
José

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or take the ferry from Almeria to Melilla or Nador. A bit more expensive but you avoid all hassle in the north around Tangier and Tetouan. This is a very relaxed entry compared to Tangier and even Ceuta.

Peter

Hi, was in Morocco a couple of years ago wit a Cheroke Turbo Diesel. Passed through Ceuta with no problems, a lot of "friendly" locals want to "help" you. They really do, bot tend to charge you approx 30 quid. The are able to guide you through all the different offices you have to pass through.
The wau back was for us via Tanger. The customs people were extremely interested in our car until we showed up and opened up everything, then they a kind of lost interest. For me it seemed that it was more easy to get diesel than petrol all over the country. We did a round trip Ceuta-Ketama-Fes-ZiZ Gorge- Erfoud- ouarzazate-Marrakech-Essaouira-Tanger. We also did a diversion into the Todra gorge, you will be stopped if you do not have a 4wd vehicle. A very nice and warm trip in july!!!

Hi, I went in through Ceuta this Easter, and found it very easy to do. The form filling is done as described in Sahara Overland, and I think I got through in about half an hour.

Iain.

'99 XT600E
'01 XRV750

http://iain.woolley.net/Trips/Maroc2001

30 Quid!???? You're crazy! Give them some pasetas to the valude of £2, learn some Maroccon lingo, like Wagga Wagga, In 'Shallah, Menfadlik and Salaam Alaikaam, and you're ok!

But it took us 4 hours to get through Cueta border - enough time to brew a tea, smile and let Africa delite you!

Rgds,

Heyyy ... what does Menfadlik mean?

Hi Liz

Min fadlak or fadlik means please in arab.
If you want to pick up a few words just to
get along, you should buy the Berlitz arab
guide book which is quite good and convenient

good luck

Jean-Paul

Hi Liz
I'm moroccan, so I know what you're affraid of. Everything they told you here is real. You can meet cool people. Enjoy the country etc. But you may also have bad experiences with cops trying to get some money, or false guides expecting you to follow them somewhere you don't want to. So, rule nº1, never leave the raods on your own. Try to take a trip with 2 or 3 cars. It's more safe. Rule nº2, as a woman, you should know that you are visiting a country of islamic machos. Although we are not in Iran, you'd better take your husband or boyfriend (or brother aswell) with you. Rule nº3: don't dress too sexy, its not a good idea.

Maybe you will find yourself more confident after a few days. Then you can enjoy the travel, knowing how to behave depending on the places and situations.

Excuse my bad english.

Best regards

Saâd