Overwintering in Morocco.

[Brisey]

A good suggestion Carol, I have been following Snowbird and Road Runners postings with great interest. I could be up for a visit to Morocco next winter.

Brisey.

 

[Reallyretired]

Shirley not keen as we have a dog. I know we can take her as long as she has the rabies blood test (not needed for EU) but Shirley reckons there are a lot of wild dogs about which might go for our dog.
Anyone whose actually been there with a dog got any views ??

 

[Snowbird]

I think an informal type thing is a good idea. I for one don't think a meet as such could be arranged here. One reason is that it would be difficult to find a campsite that would suit all and getting a block booking would be nigh on impossible. Most people that come to Morocco tour as opposed to staying in one place for months on end. Pleasing many people is also difficult and finding someone who has the skills and patience to arrange things would not be easy. I think Sundowners were going to do something along these lines but decided it was not such a good idea. You cant please all of the people all of the time. I would be prepared to assist anyone contemplating a trip out here but they would have to be self sufficient and be able to do there own thing as I do. As long as I wasn't expected to be a tour guide and I was coming out here next year I would be prepared to help as much as possible,but next winter is a long time away for me and plans can change long before then.
You have all heard of Timbuktoo........Well this is were you leave from. Thats if you want to spend 52 days on a camel

 

[scotjimland]

I think an informal type thing is a good idea. I for one don't think a meet as such could be arranged here. One reason is that it would be difficult to find a campsite that would suit all and getting a block booking would be nigh on impossible. Most people that come to Morocco tour as opposed to staying in one place for months on end. Pleasing many people is also difficult and finding someone who has the skills and patience to arrange things would not be easy. I think Sundowners were going to do something along these lines but decided it was not such a good idea. You cant please all of the people all of the time. I would be prepared to assist anyone contemplating a trip out here but they would have to be self sufficient and be able to do there own thing as I do. As long as I wasn't expected to be a tour guide and I was coming out here next year I would be prepared to help as much as possible,but next winter is a long time away for me and plans can change long before then.
You have all heard of Timbuktoo........Well this is were you leave from. Thats if you want to spend 52 days on a camel

Morning Dave ..

I agree 100% .. the best way to see Morocco is going by yourself .. or perhaps with one other, but even that can have problems.. one wants to move on, the other not, so there is a compromise and no one is happy .. or worse, they fall out and go their separate ways, seen that happen several times..

We did a guided tour back in 07, and to be frank, it was an expensive way to be herded with another 13 vans .. we spend more time driving than sightseeing, fortunately we had plenty of time and stayed behind at the end of the tour for another month to do our 'own thing'.. this was by far the best part of our trip .. It was a relief to be 'free' of the pack.

If you can navigate through France and Spain to Algeciras for the ferry, finding camp sites and stops on the way, you will have no problems doing it in Morocco.. do a bit of home work, (reading this thread is a good start) have a good map, buy one of the Moroccan guide books... and your set..

As has been highlighted by Dave, Morocco is a lot cheaper than Europe.. so you can drive further, stay longer and see more for your pound. Go for it and you will have the trip of a lifetime.. see it before it becomes just another 'costa' ...Motorhomes were made for Morocco.. Morocco is a country to travel in.. not sit on one site for several months.

While browsing 'Morocco' I came across this blog by an experienced NZ motorhomer.. informative and interesting reading ..

http://www.ivan.co.nz/MoroccoInx.html

 

[Brisey]

I have been following a Blog by a couple who are in Morrocco at the moment. Interesting reading and some great photos.

http://www.europebycamper.com/

Brisey

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Snowbird]

I agree with Jim that it is best to do your own thing. When the virgin traveler to Morocco first arrived it can be a little daunting and I can understand there trepidations. But once you have got over the first couple of days you will wonder what all your fears were about. The first time traveler will want to see as much as possible, and there is such a lot to see. Morocco is one of the most diverse countries I have ever visited and have visited a few. You can be on the coast soaking up the sun, on top of the high Atlas in snow and in the desert all in 24 hours. Once you have done your 3 months traveling around the following year you would quite possibly stay just in your favourite places. When you consider the low cost of fuel and campsites coupled with the guaranteed sun there just is no comparison with anywhere else that you can actually drive to. I understand that all people have different needs and require different standards of campsites and that some Moroccan campsites do not come up to European standards but what do you really expect from a developing country. They are working hard to get the tourist here and yes it shows everywhere. We have been dug in on a small campsite now for almost a week which to me would normally seem like a lifetime in one place but am more than happy to stay here for the duration now. Its 5 mins slow walk into town and in a beautiful spot costing £2-30 per day including hot showers but not electric. If you want electric which I don't its another £1-50 per day and its not metered. OK you cant watch Coronation Street or Eastenders but the conversation with other like minded people is priceless. Yesterday whilst sitting outside our favourite restaurant having lunch at £8-00 for two people we watched 1400 Renault 4s go bye on a rally from France. Made quite an interesting spectacle as they all tried to get lunch,petrol and repairs done all at the same time before heading off to Marrakech for the next stop. These were all young people on a trip of a lifetime or as they think now. Am sure it will be a stepping stone for far more interesting travels in the future.

 

[vwalan]

hi keep sitting there dave .it should be citroen 2cv,s soon . they will come in there hundreds just like the renaults.
just had a message from gary ,i have to bid on a4x4 truck for him .he as decided the man isnt what he wants now . looks like timbuckto for him next year. think he as been spending too much time with kevin n dannie .with the iveco 4x4 .
well you still have a lot to see . dont get settled .
to the others reading . it really does need the 90days allowed on entry. you mustnt be in a rush. some this year have already left after a 6 weeks tour 3000mls . far too quick. dave as still half of what they did to see. i,m sure this as started a big under the awning talk. every one as a view to how to do it . i say slowly . i once worked a tour for a company .it was like a race. the customers liked it saw alot but i left .didnt enjoy it at all. we did in a month what i thought should have took 6. mind we did go alot further down.i went back in my own truck the year later much nicer. that was to gambia. another interesting country.the customers flew home from gambia . we returned with another crowd that flew in so they got the return trip. but borders are getting difficult again. but if we meet dont be afraid to ask any questions or pm for a tel number if you want to know more . i do like morocco.

 

[Carol]

My thought, were much like Dave said, be good to know that a few Funsters were around, we have done Morocco on a trip with Ray (Desert Detours) and it was amazing but just whetted our appetite for more, and now with Snowbirds thread, really got me thinking

. It would be so much more relaxing to know there were Funsters there at the same time. Things like garages for repair, dentists like RR has just found out.

Buying a Moroccan Dongle, just the little things, but I do agree to expect to tour together would not be practical, but one or two could meet up now and then, swop idea's then move on and with Moroccan sim cards and dongles all do able, just throwing idea's in the air. As Dave says a lot can happen in a year, but hey ho you never know.

 

[Snowbird]

My thought, were much like Dave said, be good to know that a few Funsters were around, we have done Morocco on a trip with Ray (Desert Detours) and it was amazing but just whetted our appetite for more, and now with Snowbirds thread, really got me thinking

. It would be so much more relaxing to know there were Funsters there at the same time. Things like garages for repair, dentists like RR has just found out.

Buying a Moroccan Dongle, just the little things, but I do agree to expect to tour together would not be practical, but one or two could meet up now and then, swop idea's then move on and with Moroccan sim cards and dongles all do able, just throwing idea's in the air. As Dave says a lot can happen in a year, but hey ho you never know.

Hi Carol, You have understood exactly what I have tried to say. It is comforting to know there are other Brits within a days drive if you need help and as you say with Moroccan sim cards and mobile Internet its no more difficult than Europe now but much cheaper. There are of course downsides to Morocco that need consideration such as no TV, limited European meat availability and generally campsites are not up to European standards. But there are also a lot more plus factors such as guaranteed weather, cheap fuel, cheap restaurants and cheap campsites if you want them. As I have said before, the campsite we are on has hot showers,water,toilet dump and electric if you don't have solar power. There are 3 Brits on here for company with a good splash of Dutch but mainly French. I have always traveled alone in the past meeting up with friends for a few days and then moving on. I think this is the best way to do Morocco,that way you can see what you want to see and not try to be pleasing someone else all the time. We love visiting different places but we are really enjoying the rest here and will definitely return to this campsite Inshallah.

 

[veevee]

Sorry this is a bit off topic, but such an interesting and well read thread is probably the right place to ask this question (sorry snowbird don't intend to change the subject) -

Does anyone consider Algeria as safe enough yet and are the borders with Morocco still closed?

Thanks

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[vwalan]

hi there is some tours and private individuals getting through algeria.
we drove about half way across a few years ago with no visa,s .entered through the desert crossed the hammada de guir and went deep into algeria desert . we visited a few villages then got stopped by the military . we swore blind we were still in morocco. after a quick search for gps etc . they escorted us back to the border .or should i say told this is it drive that way dont come back.
its a shame as that route leads you through the center of the sahara . but one day it will happen again. there was a way fron tunisia but that got stopped about 7 years ago . it always takes a few bribes and bottles of wine or whiskie.
remember it nver gets easier to travel. libya egypt ,syria have all been open for tours but now i dont think it would be wise. shame all interesting countries .
we flew to sierra leone in 2001 from gambia for 20 quid spent 2 days thats all but found it very friendly . we missed it when travelling by road as told it was not a nice place .times change . overnight sometimes .think crossing legally from maroc is hard . best forget it. the french seem ok . they ferry in from one of their ports so i,m told.

 

[Carol]

I have had a really nice pm off Alan who is not yet a member of Fun, but has kindly given me a really good link to Dongles in Morocco, he said it would be alright for me to post the link if I can so here goes. http://www.europebycamper.com/2012/0...gle-maroc.html

Hope I have done it right. really interesting.

 

[Snowbird]

Just a snippet of information here for those that are contemplating a trip out here. Our neighbours are a lovely couple who first came to Morocco 22 years ago and have returned every year since. They are both in there late 70s but look 20 years younger. We have just had a super night chatting under the awning and they have now gone off to bed as they like to get up early in the morning to watch the sun come up together. Inshallah.

 

[pappajohn]

I have had a really nice pm off Alan who is not yet a member of Fun, but has kindly given me a really good link to Dongles in Morocco, he said it would be alright for me to post the link if I can so here goes. http://www.europebycamper.com/2012/0...gle-maroc.html

Hope I have done it right. really interesting.

linky no worky Carol......

is this the page you mean ?

http://www.europebycamper.com/2012/01/morocco-3g-internet-dongle-maroc.html

 

[Destination Unknown]

Great Idea

Think meeting up with FUN members going to Morocco next year is a great idea.

Perhaps a post by some of us that are interested later on in the year then perhaps plans can be made.

Regards Brian and Chris

PS Thanks to Alan and Snowy for all their help and advice.........bet you never thought it would create so much interest.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[vwalan]

hi . i first visited in 76 .picked grapes in france on the way oranges in spain . that was 76 . occasionaly went back . but since 98 have only missed 2 years .sorry 3yrs . sometimes i think i will give it a miss . 2 years ago i didnt go had a full winter just in spain and portugal. but maroc as a magic . i still meet kids i met in 76 . they arent kids anymore . my kids have been seen and learnt lot . its hard to explain . untill last year i never had a lap top . i got it in spain on return from maroc . this year snowy ,john . and adam in the blog mentioned and the couple they met. plus silver drifter from 365, plus some touring spain . have all through friends or direct been in touch . try googling the world is our lobster. this the other couple adam and sophie travelled with in maroc.all i can say is having been in touch with many that go to maroc you either love it or hate it . many hate it. i have personaly stopped and hit moroccans for their treatment of animals and women . been arrested put in jail for things that here would be thrown out of court . but i keep going back. i have made numerous friends there . have met the old king and only once met the new king . that was a aquick hands shake in agadir . nearly got arrested then. but it really is a great adventure . doesnt matter if you go on a tour with ray from desert detours or the many others you will see things sights you may never see in eu travel. i first went with a crowd that had been going for years before i went. we all worked a holiday camp in cornwall . opened my eyes to another world , i also thank snowy and r,r for starting this thread . i enjoy all of it . brings back memories and i know the folk they meet . but it is a kind of third world country . modernisation there is happening fast . too quick for us never mind them .
i,m fortunate my parents took me around europe a few years in the early 60,s as a child . in old bedfords . volkswagons and an old thames trader . some times i think i live my life in memory of them but maroc can be an adventure for all. but aint europe .
take your beer wine from spain . if you drink . but learn to drink mint tea . live that different life . there is alot to be learnt.
sorry if i bored anyone but it kind of is a special bit of my life . cheers go on do it . even if only once.

 

[Snowbird]

hi keep sitting there dave .it should be citroen 2cv,s soon . they will come in there hundreds just like the renaults.
just had a message from gary ,i have to bid on a4x4 truck for him .he as decided the man isnt what he wants now . looks like timbuckto for him next year. think he as been spending too much time with kevin n dannie .with the iveco 4x4 .
well you still have a lot to see . dont get settled .
to the others reading . it really does need the 90days allowed on entry. you mustnt be in a rush. some this year have already left after a 6 weeks tour 3000mls . far too quick. dave as still half of what they did to see. i,m sure this as started a big under the awning talk. every one as a view to how to do it . i say slowly . i once worked a tour for a company .it was like a race. the customers liked it saw alot but i left .didnt enjoy it at all. we did in a month what i thought should have took 6. mind we did go alot further down.i went back in my own truck the year later much nicer. that was to gambia. another interesting country.the customers flew home from gambia . we returned with another crowd that flew in so they got the return trip. but borders are getting difficult again. but if we meet dont be afraid to ask any questions or pm for a tel number if you want to know more . i do like morocco.

Hi Al, Is he lookin for somehing like one of this brace of Maggies that came into our campsite from the desert yesterday. Would love one but I have to ask myself the question What the hell are they doing on a campsite with something like that. You can park those things in the middle of the Erg Chebbi. Ah well German mentality for you.

 

[veevee]

Great photos Dave, those vehicles look well thought out and put together.

After getting stuck on the south of the Atlas in a snow storm for 5 or 6 days, we headed for the nearest campsite for the odd home comforts, maybe they are after a little R&R ?

 

[vwalan]

hi could be wrong but isnt that manfreds truck with the bike on the back.
i have the same desert fox pics on mine . if it is tell him or give him my regards.
mind he usually goes down to gambia . but might be him.
gary is after a dodge reynolds broughton . might be his in a minute.
i shall have to have a trip and bring it home . how nice ,not.
think i prefer something abit more comfy.
do sometimes think of taking the mazda bongo out to maroc ,but it wouldnt carry enough beer or wine .hee hee . i know what you dont want a bedford tm. most not nice.
have a good one , getting warmer here now ,16c outside . cant be bad for feb. mind you would find it cold i know. see you .

 

[Carol]

A quick thank you to PappaJohn for mending my link :thumb:
have to say it is a privilege to be part of the world of motorhoming where so many people find the time to share advice and help other Motorhome users, with encouragement and practical advice.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Road Runner]

Gary is searching for some tyres in Agadir after 2 blow outs in same day Al hopefully Colin has source him 2 for tomorrow:thumb:

I had to buy a tyre this week to..........

I am just sitting waiting for my washing to be delivered back to me..........

 

[vwalan]

off to get gary,s new truck tomorrow . hope he wants it when he gets back. be off to the sand hills next year for him. good job we are all children . hee hee. spoke to him earlier he said you were ok. colins ok as well caught them big fish yet. bet the chinese have been up the lake catching them. you have a good time .

 

[sue & dave]

Why as it stopped ? :Sad:

 

[Snowbird]

Ha Ha, We are still resting up at Zagora on a campsite here which for us is perfect, great company, cheap price and only a few minutes stroll from town. We have little to post until we move on only what we had for lunch etc, so didn't think anyone would be interested in that. We did have chicken today even though it was dispatched and plucked in front of us. Chicken soup from the carcass done in the pressure cooker for lunch and breast for evening meal.
Legs on the BBQ tomorrow.

 

[sue & dave]

Ha Ha, We are still resting up at Zagora on a campsite here which for us is perfect, great company, cheap price and only a few minutes stroll from town. We have little to post until we move on only what we had for lunch etc, so didn't think anyone would be interested in that. We did have chicken today even though it was dispatched and plucked in front of us. Chicken soup from the carcass done in the pressure cooker for lunch and breast for evening meal.
Legs on the BBQ tomorrow.

Oh come on,

You must have rested enough by now, I can't wait for the next instalment,
it's nearly as bad as waiting for Twighlights "Breaking Dawn" to come out on video (it arrives a week on Monday) if your not a fan that will meen nothing.

You know what you've done don't you? Changed our way of thinking completely, can't wait to visit Morocco one day soon. :thumb:

All the best Sue and Dave :Cool:

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Snowbird]

OK, OK, OK, We are moving on tomorrow, its just to hot here now. 33 in the van as I type and god knows what its like out there. Pat cant even sit in it now and she is a real sun worshiper. We have the awning out with one of those sunblocker things hanging from it,but to no avail. The fridge fan is running from 9AM till 7PM. Its still cool enough at night to sleep,that's a blessing. We have completely run out of gin so maybe we will head back towards the coast and find a Marjan to replenish stocks. We are all going out to a local hotel for a meal tonight, could murder a pork chop but wont build my hopes up on that one. We will be really sorry to leave this campsite,there are another 2 Brits on here who have been here for 2 months as they have been coming for years and have done all the touring bit. Have just payed the bill so we can get an early start in the morning and it came to £25-30p for 11 nights, OK no hookup but we don't need it with solars but water,dump and free hot showers. The problem is we came out late and now its toooo HOT. Many thanks for the interest.:thumb:

 

[vwalan]

hi dave . you did go out late .the best time is beginning -middle of december .leave now or in a week or so. i always say a litre of wine and two cans of beer per person per day . spirits on top. take from spain. seems like alot but much better than buying it there. ask around there usually is a alchol shop hidden in all the big towns etc .you have quarzazate ot tinerhir,erichida midelt ,meknes .all have booze shops . enjoy the rest of your tour .by next winter it will be 50,000camper hit maroc instead of 26,000. look what you have started . 7.5ton trucks converted to campers are the way . loads of carrying capacity . when you getting your dave . hee hee .
gary,s will be for sale . i got his new one home for him, 4x4 7.5 ton . be no stopping him now . cheers alibaba .

 

[Snowbird]

hi dave . you did go out late .the best time is beginning -middle of december .leave now or in a week or so. i always say a litre of wine and two cans of beer per person per day . spirits on top. take from spain. seems like alot but much better than buying it there. ask around there usually is a alchol shop hidden in all the big towns etc .you have quarzazate ot tinerhir,erichida midelt ,meknes .all have booze shops . enjoy the rest of your tour .by next winter it will be 50,000camper hit maroc instead of 26,000. look what you have started . 7.5ton trucks converted to campers are the way . loads of carrying capacity . when you getting your dave . hee hee .
gary,s will be for sale . i got his new one home for him, 4x4 7.5 ton . be no stopping him now . cheers alibaba .

Good lord Al, I thought I brought enough gin with half a bottle per day but Pat decided she likes a G & T in the afternoon,my stocks went down dramatically. All my red wine now gone as she then decided she prefers red to white:Angry:. It all confirms what I always knew and that was I will never understand womenoh:.

 

[vwalan]

oh well you know for next time . maybe you better get a ten tonner. .bit like taking coal to newcastle anyway . lots of young ladies out there . mind they may drink more than pat. met a few . and smoke like trains . all good fun though . red wine is far better than white and lidl,s finest is ok at 55cents .

 

[jhorsf]

I am really enjoying reading this thread and being nosey like to know you are all still well out there:thumb:

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}