DISCOVER MOROCCO
DISCOVER MOROCCO
FIRST TIME IN MOROCCO?
Morocco’s position at the top edge of Africa, with ancient trading routes connecting it from all directions, has made it a vibrant and colourful place with a mixture of Western and African influences creating a unique culture. It is very moderate politically and the people are warm and welcoming. The barren emptiness of the Atlas Mountain range is a stark contrast to the lively hustle and bustle of the grand souks and market places. With its overpowering sights, sounds and smells it is an intoxicating country that has to be visited more than once.
CLIMATE
TEMPERATURES
From November to March the daily winter riding temperatures in the Anti-Atlas area ranges from between +12°C to +25°C, dropping down to +5°C at night.
SUNSHINE
Stunning cloudless blue sky on most days!
RAINFALL
During winter there are odd days of overcast skies and rain. Fortunately these are occasional and not continuous. However, pack waterproofs just in case!
CULTURE AND TRADITIONS
Morocco is an Islamic country which tends to have a more moderate attitude to it's religion than some other Islamic countries. Although it is an African country it looks towards Europe for commerce and trade. It was ruled by the French from 1907 until 1956 and still has very strong links with the majority of people speaking French. According to the Foreign Office, it has a Terrorism Risk that is as low as Europe.
It is important that we are sensitive to local cultural traditions. Dress code is relaxed in the main towns, but in the remoter rural areas we recommend wearing cargo/running type shorts over the top of Lycra and covering our arms when not on a bike.
And yes it is perfectly normal to see bikes and donkeys on dual carriageways.
MONEY
Morocco uses the Dirham (DH or MAD). It is a closed currency and is not available outside of Morocco. It has a Government set exchange rate.
The rates below are approximate do not fluctuated much.
£1.00 GDP = 12 DH
1 Euro = 10.5 DH
1 Dollar = 9.5 DH
ATMs are available in most towns and will take foreign visa or credit cards.
Everyone wants a tip so make sure you have some small change in your pocket.
VISA, INSURANCE & PHONES
No visa is required from the UK for Morocco and currently no paperwork is required on entry.
Make sure your travel insurance covers Morocco (and cycling activities) as it is outside of the EU and may need specific cover.
Most UK phone providers term Morocco as "worldwide" so it is expensive. If you have an old phone it is best to take that and buy a Moroccan sim card at the airport. Therefore you can switch off expensive data-roaming on your UK phone and just use it with WIFI which is free at all hotels.
FOOD & DRINK
Stick to bottled water.
Tagine is the local hot food which can be found everywhere It is slow cooked for hours under a conical lid. There are meats with vegetables or vegetarian and they are always delicious.
Vegetarian and vegan foods are available with lots of salads, nuts, couscous and fruits etc.
Gluten free is a little trickier but you should find the locals more than willing to prepare something special.
Moroccans love tea which is usually mint or a type of green tea. It always come loaded with sugar. Coffee is available everywhere but black tea is only Lipton's Yellow Label so bring your own.
Some hotels sell alcohol and the local Moroccan wine and beer is very good but it is not widely available in shops.
The Souss-Massa area is in the South of the country and is about 3 hours drive from Agadir. The road follows the contours of the Anti-Atlas and the views are spectacular.
Tafroute is a busy crossroads town and the main hub of activity in the area. It has a busy central Souk, cafe's, taxi's and lots of donkeys. It is surrounded by a barren landscape in every direction with villages and oases dotted throughout, where life has not changed much in a 1000 yrs.
Just south of Tafroute are the famous Blue Rocks an art project by Belgian artist Jean Verame. We will definitely visit them (is it art? You decide).
Cycle Morocco are based just 4 km north of Tafroute in the Ameln Valley. Here there is an atmosphere of calm and many foreigners are attracted to the area because of the astonishing landscape, mild winters and the numerous outdoor activities that are available all year round.