Morocco 2019

[jongood]

Really enjoyed our few days in Le Relais Marrakesh and an overnight in a Riad enabled us to really enjoy the night activities.......................by no means as much hassle as I had expected and experienced many years ago.

Others do report having problems but I would not let that put you off..........the same way the negative posts about Morocco itself have not put you off visiting. Overnight tomorrow at Les Oliviers in Ounara mainly to fill up with water (I think we'll give the Berber market a miss @billym..............though they were also cooking sheep's heads in the Jemma El Fna. Then on to the coast and further South.

Met a guy on the site here who forgot to get insurance at Tanger Med and is really struggling to get cover for 4 weeks. He has been searching and telephoning around Marrakesh and I said I would post on here in case anyone had any ideas.......other than make a list next time.

There are a few Allianz offices in Marrakech, the first time we bought the scooter over I insured it with one of these, it was expensive ( cant remember how much) but I had the confidence that Allianz should be OK if the worst happened

 

[webby1]

Thanks for that info @jonegood............................it might really help.................and also for him to know people are trying to help.

 

[jongood]

Hasnt anyone noticed that the time is different here this year?



I was really surprised yesterday to arrive and be told we were still on Spanish time. Apparently the King has decided that they will stay year round on GMT+1 as from Ocotober 2018, seems very sensible IMO would be better for UK to do the same.

Jon
In rainy and overcast Asilah but heading south

 

[Hotelman]

Hasnt anyone noticed that the time is different here this year?



I was really surprised yesterday to arrive and be told we were still on Spanish time. Apparently the King has decided that they will stay year round on GMT+1 as from Ocotober 2018, seems very sensible IMO would be better for UK to do the same.

Jon
In rainy and overcast Asilah but heading south

Yes the king changed the rules only a few weeks before they were due to change, causing a little bit of chaos, especially for the airlines, swmbo is flying out and in to Marrakesh a few times with Ryanair and has had lots of ‘time change emails ‘

 

[PhilandMena]

Hasnt anyone noticed that the time is different here this year?



I was really surprised yesterday to arrive and be told we were still on Spanish time. Apparently the King has decided that they will stay year round on GMT+1 as from Ocotober 2018, seems very sensible IMO would be better for UK to do the same.

Jon
In rainy and overcast Asilah but heading south

Overcast but warm here in Sidi Ifni.

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[PhilandMena]

Some information about Camping Tamharouch you may find of interest. I predict this will be the best campsite in this region when the work is completed.
In the first picture you can see the main campsite road from the middle tier camping lane to the entrance. On the left newly planted palm trees and a building under construction which will be occupied by masons ( Well that's my french translation !). Behind that and by the entrance gates is a large building which will have a large restaurant on the ground floor, Also under construction. The second picture shows this building and in the extreme left corner of the picture is where the Swimming pool will be built. (third picture). Looking down the right hand side of the main campsite road from the middle tier towards the entrance gates are the apartments and like the other buildings work is currently ongoing. (4th & 5th pictures) and finally some work ongoing on the front with new palms planted and more colourful plants to be put in shortly. There is also Guardian accommodation and an unofficial Mosque on the site for all the workers and staff to visit during work. The guy in Reception gave me a tour of the buildings and told me it was expected to take 6 years (My interpretation) to complete all the development work.

 

[horshamjack]

Some information about Camping Tamharouch you may find of interest. I predict this will be the best campsite in this region when the work is completed.
In the first picture you can see the main campsite road from the middle tier camping lane to the entrance. On the left newly planted palm trees and a building under construction which will be occupied by masons ( Well that's my french translation !). Behind that and by the entrance gates is a large building which will have a large restaurant on the ground floor, Also under construction. The second picture shows this building and in the extreme left corner of the picture is where the Swimming pool will be built. (third picture). Looking down the right hand side of the main campsite road from the middle tier towards the entrance gates are the apartments and like the other buildings work is currently ongoing. (4th & 5th pictures) and finally some work ongoing on the front with new palms planted and more colourful plants to be put in shortly. There is also Guardian accommodation and an unofficial Mosque on the site for all the workers and staff to visit during work. The guy in Reception gave me a tour of the buildings and told me it was expected to take 6 years (My interpretation) to complete all the development work.

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They’ve not done a lot since last year, gonna take a lot more than 6yrs at this rate, agree will be nice when finished? but it went up 30dh in a year god nows whstbthey be charging in 6

 

[billym]

We stopped a night at camping Imsouanne . Loved it there until the dogs started barking in the early evening. They shut up at sunrise. The campsite man reckoned there are 24 wild dogs living just outside.
But we did make a friend.( and met some funsters)

 

[TerryL]

Hi all, been off grid couple of days but now all sorted out. Crossed to Tanger-Med yesterday with four others with discount off Carlos plus his usual "present". This year it's a bottle of fizzy rose and a packet of biscuits! Despite it being unused for 22 months the guy at Maroc Telecom in Assila managed to regenerate my sim card, although it took a few hours for Maroc Telecom to catch up. Now down the coast at Dar Bouazzar south of Casablanca for couple of nights to catch up.

For those yet to cross, an update on the new Customs/Immigration, specifically importing temporarily your vehicle(s). After disembarking follow the large exit signs then join the line(s) for "Temporary Import of non-Moroccan Registered Vehicles" and get yourself parked up under the canopies somewhere - it's still chaotic! Then you need to visit a Customs Office (there were 2 in operation when we came through) with your V5 and passport. The officer inputs your details then you return and wait with your vehicle. After a while (we waited about half an hour) a Customs man will come to "inspect" you and if he's happy with your answers he'll give you a single piece of A4 which is your import document - don't lose it! We did see a couple of vans being searched. From docking to getting to the bureaux de change was about an hour and a half.

There is no change to the procedure for personal immigration - you still do it on the ferry. I'll get around to updating my guide article in due course.

We did a quick check and found there was some difference in the rates offered by the various exchange places - we used Credit Agricole and got £1 = 12.28465 dirhams using sterling notes, commission free. They will of course change euros as well as a range of other currencies and there are cash machines as well.

And finally, as @jonegood posted, Morocco time is now on permanent GMT + 1 hour, no "daylight savings" changes twice a year. Unfortunately this information hasn't yet got through to the satnav companies who are still working on GMT.

Right, I'm now going to get some planning done and see if I can catch up with the rest of you.

Travel safe folks!

 

[TerryL]

Duplicate post, iffy mifi connection.

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[webby1]

Welcome @TerryL and thanks for all your information (and others) that have helped us to travel to Morocco this year.

One thing to add to your update is to make sure that after your details have been inputted that he actually prints out your sheet and puts it into the waiting pile.................OTHERWISE........the uniformed customs man will never actually arrive to inspect your vehicle........I know this to be true

 

[PhilandMena]

We stopped a night at camping Imsouanne . Loved it there until the dogs started barking in the early evening. They shut up at sunrise. The campsite man reckoned there are 24 wild dogs living just outside.
But we did make a friend.( and met some funsters)

View attachment 280384

Ha! Ha! A donkey with flip flops!

 

[Hotelman]

Some information about Camping Tamharouch you may find of interest. I predict this will be the best campsite in this region when the work is completed.
In the first picture you can see the main campsite road from the middle tier camping lane to the entrance. On the left newly planted palm trees and a building under construction which will be occupied by masons ( Well that's my french translation !). Behind that and by the entrance gates is a large building which will have a large restaurant on the ground floor, Also under construction. The second picture shows this building and in the extreme left corner of the picture is where the Swimming pool will be built. (third picture). Looking down the right hand side of the main campsite road from the middle tier towards the entrance gates are the apartments and like the other buildings work is currently ongoing. (4th & 5th pictures) and finally some work ongoing on the front with new palms planted and more colourful plants to be put in shortly. There is also Guardian accommodation and an unofficial Mosque on the site for all the workers and staff to visit during work. The guy in Reception gave me a tour of the buildings and told me it was expected to take 6 years (My interpretation) to complete all the development work.

View attachment 280253 View attachment 280254 View attachment 280255 View attachment 280256 View attachment 280257 View attachment 280258 View attachment 280259

 

[horshamjack]

@River gypsys do you happen to know when the Almond Festival starts this year ? tia

 

[canopus]

https://www.moroccopedia.com/almond-blossom-festival-tafraoute/

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[webby1]

I've not seen anything on here so I thought I'd pick your brains for some views on drinking the water in Morocco.

We filled up at Asilah and after it had been through the filter jug we used it for hot and cold drinks.

As I mentioned before, Le Relais in Marrakesh was the first place to specifically state that the water was not suitable for drinking and after tasting it I believed them.

So we looked forward to filling up at Les Oliviers ,but were again told it was not suitable for drinking. Now I don't know whether this is because the mineral content might upset our delicate European tummies or whether it really is unsuitable. It tastes OK and I'm sure it is the same water we would get in a hot drink in a cafe and not even filtered.

I have looked at various government sites that seem to indicate tap water is generally safe, especially if filtered and in hot drinks,but I would be very interested in views on here and what others drink .......................... apart from the alcohol of course.

 

[Hotelman]

SWMBO thinks the local water even when boiled doesn’t make nice ‘tetley’ tea, however bottled water does. As for the water normally, the locals drink lots of mint tea, and don’t suffer, maybe the sugar is to get rid of some of the taste

 

[horshamjack]

Cheers Ken I read that earlier today, but it has no mention of the dates, My local source says it’s starts on 15th ?
Maybe @River gypsys can help?

@webby1 We only use the local water to wash, or boil veg etc, we buy bottled water for drinking Tea/Coffee cheap enough

 

[PhilandMena]

I've not seen anything on here so I thought I'd pick your brains for some views on drinking the water in Morocco.

We filled up at Asilah and after it had been through the filter jug we used it for hot and cold drinks.

As I mentioned before, Le Relais in Marrakesh was the first place to specifically state that the water was not suitable for drinking and after tasting it I believed them.

So we looked forward to filling up at Les Oliviers ,but were again told it was not suitable for drinking. Now I don't know whether this is because the mineral content might upset our delicate European tummies or whether it really is unsuitable. It tastes OK and I'm sure it is the same water we would get in a hot drink in a cafe and not even filtered.

I have looked at various government sites that seem to indicate tap water is generally safe, especially if filtered and in hot drinks,but I would be very interested in views on here and what others drink .......................... apart from the alcohol of course.

Best not to drink local water and stick to the bottled stuff which is freely available and cheap as chips. Some Funstets in the past have used magic pills and some have filtration systems fitted to their vans. Some will take a chance and drink the water and be ok others will be using Imodium and shitting through the eye of a needle at a thousand yards. On both my previous visits to Morocco I have had to take Imodium and so far on this trip, have not. The attack when it comes will probabbly be when I'm surrounded by fellow Funster enjoying beer o'clock and suffer from what i think is jusy a bit of excess gas. followed by......... Well let your imagination do the rest. It's a great way to break up a party and numerous relationships.
......... I shit you not.

 

[TerryL]

Generally if it comes out of a clean tap it's okay - we've used it for 4 visits so far and have had no issues (pun intended!). That said we do not drink it directly, bottled water is so cheap it ain't worth the risk, but it seems okay boiled for tea/coffee etc. In fact I've just enjoyed a nice cup of Tetleys...... err just a minute.............................

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[River gypsys]

@River gypsys do you happen to know when the Almond Festival starts this year ? tia

I haven't seen anything about it so I'll ask and get back to you,

 

[River gypsys]

I've not seen anything on here so I thought I'd pick your brains for some views on drinking the water in Morocco.

We filled up at Asilah and after it had been through the filter jug we used it for hot and cold drinks.

As I mentioned before, Le Relais in Marrakesh was the first place to specifically state that the water was not suitable for drinking and after tasting it I believed them.

So we looked forward to filling up at Les Oliviers ,but were again told it was not suitable for drinking. Now I don't know whether this is because the mineral content might upset our delicate European tummies or whether it really is unsuitable. It tastes OK and I'm sure it is the same water we would get in a hot drink in a cafe and not even filtered.

I have looked at various government sites that seem to indicate tap water is generally safe, especially if filtered and in hot drinks,but I would be very interested in views on here and what others drink .......................... apart from the alcohol of course.

We never drink the water that's been in the tank, we have filled water bottle from clean tap but it still tastes a bit wrong ,so we stick to buying drinking water for hot and cold drinks and cooking, my Imodium issues start if I have the milk in coffee or chocolate , not sure if it's goats milk but whatever it's not for me

 

[Hotelman]

Generally if it comes out of a clean tap it's okay - we've used it for 4 visits so far and have had no issues (pun intended!). That said we do not drink it directly, bottled water is so cheap it ain't worth the risk, but it seems okay boiled for tea/coffee etc. In fact I've just enjoyed a nice cup of Tetleys...... err just a minute.............................

I normally just drink Kronenbourg !!!, but have hit a recent crisis, on the Hull ferries kronenbourg were sold in 500 ml cans, now only 450ml......but the same price

 

[canopus]

Almond Blossom Festival, Tafraoute
February 22 to 25th,2019

Between the Marakech marathon and the Marathon des Sables

https://www.moroccopedia.com/morocco-festivals-calendar/

 

[horshamjack]

Almond Blossom Festival, Tafraoute
February 22 to 25th,2019

Between the Marakech marathon and the Marathon des Sables

https://www.moroccopedia.com/morocco-festivals-calendar/

I read same thing Ken and don’t think it’s correct, I googled it this morning and those were same articles, last few years it’s been mid march,
Will see what @River gypsys relays back,
At los barios at mo ferries cancelled tomorrow due to high winds forecast.

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[jongood]

We re in le relais right now, lovely day 22c and bright sunshine all afternoon, lovely.
Really quiet though - not even half full, never seen it like this before.

Yes water is really bad even when boiled - maybe thats keeping the French away? F FLT's

Whats going on here? its replacing what ive typed with Forklift Trucks Oh Please! - Deal with that then!

 

[jongood]

btw 5 litres water on site 20Dh same in Marjane is 8Dh RB's

 

[Hotelman]

We re in le relais right now, lovely day 22c and bright sunshine all afternoon, lovely.
Really quiet though - not even half full, never seen it like this before.

Yes water is really bad even when boiled - maybe thats keeping the French away? F Fork Lift Truck'sView attachment 280598

Whats going on here? its replacing what ive typed with Forklift Trucks Oh Please! - Deal with that then!

Just realised that in previous years we’ve had a voucher for a free ‘cocktail ‘ at le relais, not this year,..,,,. But no great loss ......

 

[webby1]

@jonegood go wild and step outside the campsite.........the shop opposite sells the same for 10dh.......as we found out on the last day.

 

[Hotelman]

Does the little stall outside the gate sell water?, also we got great fruit and veg on site from the man with a donkey and cart. Great value and great to help the locals as opposed to the marjane.

Thought so ..,,

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