Morocco 2019

[River gypsys]

But if you don't have a scooter the campsite was perfect (well not exactly perfect)
Perhaps like Fez it will reopen when the right official gets the right amount. And talking of Sidi Kaouki I meant to post this below.

The Sidi Kaouki scam ?????/ for info
A while back I posted how the electricity in Sidi Kaouki was a bit iffy and would power everything except the fridge. @canopus posted some info and photos of the voltage regulator he had bought. Next morning like a sign from above,there was the local electrician standing on our pitch with exactly the same item he had posted about.

It worked well but cost over 500 dh and I have not had any need to use it on any campsite since.
It set me thinking.

1 Maybe@canopus is taking a cut from his Moroccan cousin who sells regulators.

2.Perhaps it was a sign from above and there really is a God

3 Or maybe some of the EHU points do not deliver the correct voltage and they know which ones they are..........presumably if the voltage can be boosted it can also be throttled back.

So each new arrival on the dodgy pitches is then offered a regulator to solve the problem Our neighbours did not have a problem with their fridge and I wish I had asked to try their socket.
SO if you have trouble with the voltage at Sidi Kaouki try a different pitch ( we had 54) before buying a voltage regulator.

Oh yeh ….................and if you do want to buy a voltage regulator.

No, the campsite in essaouira has closed for good, they are going to build a high rise apparently.

 

[Hotelman]

Can any of the seasoned Maroc travellers advise me about the road north from Quarzazate to Marrakech {N9) insofar as relatively comfortable or do we have to negotiate any difficult climbs/hairpins etc?

No nasty hairpins, great views, but some sections are ‘on piste’ , but no problems.

 

[jongood]

But if you don't have a scooter the campsite was perfect (well not exactly perfect)
Perhaps like Fez it will reopen when the right official gets the right amount. And talking of Sidi Kaouki I meant to post this below.

The Sidi Kaouki scam ?????/ for info
A while back I posted how the electricity in Sidi Kaouki was a bit iffy and would power everything except the fridge. @canopus posted some info and photos of the voltage regulator he had bought. Next morning like a sign from above,there was the local electrician standing on our pitch with exactly the same item he had posted about.

It worked well but cost over 500 dh and I have not had any need to use it on any campsite since.
It set me thinking.

1 Maybe@canopus is taking a cut from his Moroccan cousin who sells regulators.

2.Perhaps it was a sign from above and there really is a God

3 Or maybe some of the EHU points do not deliver the correct voltage and they know which ones they are..........presumably if the voltage can be boosted it can also be throttled back.

So each new arrival on the dodgy pitches is then offered a regulator to solve the problem Our neighbours did not have a problem with their fridge and I wish I had asked to try their socket.
SO if you have trouble with the voltage at Sidi Kaouki try a different pitch ( we had 54) before buying a voltage regulator.

Oh yeh ….................and if you do want to buy a voltage regulator.

Low voltage electricity is a feature of many areas of Morocco. AES fridges being the most sensitive to voltage clicking out at about 200 volts, the problem being that the constant firing and stopping of the gas burner tends to soot them up. The easiest way is just leave the fridge on gas IMO.

We re just ahead of you @webby1 on the disney one at Azrou, not sure whether to revisit Fes or not as forecast for Thursday is rain (does it always rain in Fes?) but will prob stop at the walls for a night if we do.

A lot of cameras on the road between Midelt and Azrou and yes I ve joined the club 200dh without a ticket would have been 300 with

 

[jongood]

Can any of the seasoned Maroc travellers advise me about the road north from Quarzazate to Marrakech {N9) insofar as relatively comfortable or do we have to negotiate any difficult climbs/hairpins etc?

This is the pass over the high atlas mountains?

We went over it first trip and I was OK but Sue didnt like it much, a lot of lorries and some big drops, a tale Ive heard from many people. It aint for the nervous IMO. Best day to do it is probably a Sunday when the lorry traffic is less.

The bigger issue you might have though is closure due to snow, there looked a lot of snow on the Atlas as we passed alongside on the N13 this afternoon. Last time we were here in 2016 it was roasting at Ait Benhaddou but the snow gates were closed.

 

[webby1]

1 Maybe@canopus is taking a cut from his Moroccan cousin who sells regulators.

Yeah and maybe your auntie is the Queen of Sheba. FYI there were many people suffering the same problem. The booster we bought was nothing to do with the camp site. The shop was in the town, in fact there were lots for sale in lots of shops, so my take on that, is there were ordinary households are affected.

If all you have to crib about is the cost of the booster, lets hope you don't get caught by cops with the dodgy cameras, and good luck with X ray machine when you get to Tangier Med.

I think we've had a misunderstanding here...........perhaps not enough smilies
You posted some very useful and helpful information about the voltage regulator which I appreciated and thanked you for.You posted that you bought your regulator in Zagora anyway.

I don't believe for a minute that you have anything to do with the campsite or that you have a Moroccan cousin or that it was a sign from God for that matter.

My crib was not about the cost but about the fact that I have not needed to use it since then.
Anyway we're in Mirleft now and the fridge has just this minute flicked to red, so I get a chance to use it again.

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[canopus]

No misunderstanding on my part fella.
Unfortunately you are like a lot of newbies who visit Maroc for the first time. They ask for help then suddenly they're experts.
Enjoy your hols.

 

[River gypsys]

Gosh, someone's touchy, I knew you wete only having a laugh but it takes all sorts

 

[River gypsys]

Gosh, someone's touchy, I knew you wete only having a laugh but it ta

 

[River gypsys]

We're heading for Meknes, any tips on where to park please

 

[jongood]

Guardian parking inside the walls

https://www.campercontact.com/en/marocco/marokko/meknes/19029/bab-mansour

You do need to find the right arch to go through though.

As far as I can remember the signs are for the royal palace.

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[billym]

We are on the Bob Mansoor guardian parking in Meknes now. 50 dhms. No facilities. There are about ten vans here. Sat Nav bought us straight here although I did wonder as we went through a couple of archways. It was easy.
Meknes is really interesting and very much easier than Fez.
If you want to ride a horse or pony round the square this is the place...or have your picture with an ostrich...or monkeys....or snakes...or a kick boxing bout.
The meat market was ( for me ) interesting to say the least.

 

[jongood]

We re now getting towards the end of our 4th Moroccan trip, each time we've been surprised at changes since the previous trip but the thing thats surprised us the most this time is - how much cleaner it is, so much less litter and plastic and general detritus blowing around the streets.

Guess what our first trip was only 6 years ago, since then we ve seen new motorways, upgrades to roads massive amounts of new buildings ( including decimating the clifftops at our favourite tagazhoute) buts its really shocking how fast its moving on.

Both to those guys reminiscing about trips 10 years ago and to the wannabies - its changing fast you need to come soon or it will be gone.

Its really not difficult, if the insurance company try to stiff you for a green card, change companies and make the time.

Load up camper contact and a good map, Get some air suspension, fill the MH full of beer at Algerciras and just go for it.

Jon

 

[billym]

Thanks for that info @billym ......................it's good to hear that Diamant Vert is now open as we are looking forward to visiting Fez.

As usual we are trailing behind you and we have reached Mirleft Municipal today, which is actually much better than some reviews would have you believe.

We are considering the guided tour (did you get him from the campsite) but it seems a long day and quite a large group for the price.I know how crazy Fez can be, but we are also considering an overnight Riad and just getting lost in the Medina, as I did almost 50 years ago.

By the way, we watched the Liverpool Derby last night and Carmel wants to thank you again for the Hesgoal.com link.

Perhaps we'll catch up in Spain.

I watched Brighton v Huddersfield on Saturday. Things can only get better.

Yes the tour guide was through Diamont Vert. It was a long day but for £30+ good value.
Personally I wouldn't do it on my own although it was all a bit rushed. There are miles and miles of alleyways to get lost in.

 

[Nik]

in Fes with a guide from Diamont Vert. 360 dhms.

Hopefully your guide was called Wafi who Diamant Vert organised for us. He took us around Fes and was a great guide. He also came to our MoHo the next night and gave a cooking lesson to us and some New Zealanders we met in how to make a proper Tagine. He charged us 250 for the day in Fes 0930-1930, it was a long day! and only 250 for the cooking lesson. He donated all the ingredients and we only paid for his time. That was 250 between 4 by the way.

@jongood loved the pics of you and Sue at the gorges. That's us next year. Only been out of Morocco for a few days but missing it already. looking forward to next January and our travels there now. Inshalla.
Safe travels to all in Maroc.

 

[PhilandMena]

We're heading for Meknes, any tips on where to park please

Here you go.
N 33.89069, W 5.56422
N 33°53'26", W 5°33'51"
This is Camper Contact Guardian parking 4 Euros per night. We have used it ourselves on more than pone occasion and It's a perfect location.
Right behind your motorhome when you park up is an underground prison that held up to 3000 prisoners, you can visit by paying a small fee to the guy in the hut on the square. Across the road, through the pillars and on your immediate left (less than 100 mts from your van) the Sultans Tombs. Jump in a horse and carriage , plenty about and visit the Sultans stables. He had 1000 horses stabled there with 3 attendants for each horse. The main square is a 5 minute walkaway and the souk entrance in the bottom corner of the square, be prepared to get lost. At night all the stall's appear with fast food. etc, etc, etc, etc, A magical place and one you will feel very comfortable in. Do not miss Volubilus on your way out. Enjoy.

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[River gypsys]

Here you go.
N 33.89069, W 5.56422
N 33°53'26", W 5°33'51"
This is Camper Contact Guardian parking 4 Euros per night. We have used it ourselves on more than pone occasion and It's a perfect location.
Right behind your motorhome when you park up is an underground prison that held up to 3000 prisoners, you can visit by paying a small fee to the guy in the hut on the square. Across the road, through the pillars and on your immediate left (less than 100 mts from your van) the Sultans Tombs. Jump in a horse and carriage , plenty about and visit the Sultans stables. He had 1000 horses stabled there with 3 attendants for each horse. The main square is a 5 minute walkaway and the souk entrance in the bottom corner of the square, be prepared to get lost. At night all the stall's appear with fast food. etc, etc, etc, etc, A magical place and one you will feel very comfortable in. Do not miss Volubilus on your way out. Enjoy.

Thanks for that, now, our van is not liking the piste roads so, we were planning on going to chefchouan from there after volubilis, are the roads bad ? Should we just miss it 5his year and head for tangier med

 

[jongood]

Thanks for that, now, our van is not liking the piste roads so, we were planning on going to chefchouan from there after volubilis, are the roads bad ? Should we just miss it 5his year and head for tangier med

Volubilis is about an hour north of Meknes more or less on the way to Chefchaouen, well worth a couple of hours IMHO. Wonderful mosaic cisterns and an almost intact triumphal arch.

 

[Nik]

we were planning on going to chefchouan from there after volubilis, are the roads bad ? S

We did this route last week and the roads are perfectly OK.
I would recommend getting a guide at Volubilis. You can walk it on your own but you will miss so much. Our guide cost 200 Mad, you pick them up once you have bought your ticket at the booth. He showed us so much, many mosaics we might have missed and Hercules's penis! He also showed us lots of the local plants and flowers including picking and eating wild asparagus which grows all over the site but you need to know where to look.
Enjoy anyway.

 

[Busman]

e were planning on going to chefchouan from there after volubilis,

Volubilis

Thanks for that, now, our van is not liking the piste roads so, we were planning on going to chefchouan from there after volubilis, are the roads bad ? Should we just miss it 5his year and head for tangier med

If you go to Volubilis get a guide at the entrance. It's a great place loved it

 

[billym]

Well we drove from Meknes to Chefchouan today. We did not stop at Volubilis. It was a long slow drive and certainly would not say the roads are perfectly ok , in fact I would say poor.

Our van is old. Maybe that is the difference.

Getting to the campsite was almost impossible for us. On one road up we very very nearly didn't make it as it was so steep. It would have been a nightmare if we hadn't made it. Others here had the same issue. I believe there is an easy way in but don't know where.

We took a bit of a wrong turn in the Rif mountains looking for a picnic site. Having been warned about drug dealers we came across these guys proudly holding up a dead mongoose.
Takes alsorts I guess!

@Nik
Our guide was Wafi and he charged each couple 360 dhms. You got a bargain.

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[River gypsys]

God, are they going to smoke it or inhale

 

[billym]

God, are they going to smoke it or inhale

http://jablogz.com/2013/10/people-warned-against-eating-mongoose-in-jamaica/

Mongoose meat is being eaten mostly by men to improve their sexual prowess. ( Apparently)

 

[River gypsys]

Can you get me some, ? Will the butchers sell it ?

 

[Just smiffy]

We took a bit of a wrong turn in the Rif mountains looking for a picnic site. Having been warned about drug dealers we came across these guys proudly holding up a dead mongoose.

You’ve got to watch out for those mongoose dealers..... they’re worse then drug dealers.....

 

[jongood]

You’ve got to watch out for those mongoose dealers..... they’re worse then drug dealers.....

Maybe they 're not so good at identifying animals, they were after skunk!

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[PhilandMena]

Well we drove from Meknes to Chefchouan today. We did not stop at Volubilis. It was a long slow drive and certainly would not say the roads are perfectly ok , in fact I would say poor.

Our van is old. Maybe that is the difference.

Getting to the campsite was almost impossible for us. On one road up we very very nearly didn't make it as it was so steep. It would have been a nightmare if we hadn't made it. Others here had the same issue. I believe there is an easy way in but don't know where.

We took a bit of a wrong turn in the Rif mountains looking for a picnic site. Having been warned about drug dealers we came across these guys proudly holding up a dead mongoose.
Takes alsorts I guess!View attachment 288047 @Nik
Our guide was Wafi and he charged each couple 360 dhms. You got a bargain.

360 Dirhams a couple.

 

[River gypsys]

I'm not paying that

 

[jongood]

Hi @billym Did you use the N13 between Meknes and Chefchaouen? Last time we used it it was Ok but that was 3 years ago tbf. What were the issues with it?

Or did you come into the wrong end of Chefchaouen? Its much better to drive past the town on the N13 and come back on yourself from the Northern side to get to the campsite IMO

 

[webby1]

Getting to the campsite was almost impossible for us. On one road up we very very nearly didn't make it as it was so steep. It would have been a nightmare if we hadn't made it. Others here had the same issue. I believe there is an easy way in but don't know where.

We're going this way next week so any more info appreciated....................do you mean Camp Azilan which I think it is the only campsite for Chefchaouan and "nearly didn't make it is " a bit of a worry.
Anyone know what is the easier less steep way to access.

 

[billym]

We did use the N13. It wasn't good in many places. The tarmac was broken in places, potholes , subsiding etc. It was a pretty constant case of driving slowly past or avoiding rough road. Don't get me wrong, it was perfectly doable but a bit of a pain.

Wish we had known to approach from the north. It was awful the other way.

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