Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Carry a good tool kit and all necessary spares, including cables and levers, inner tubes, puncture repair kit,
tyre levers, pump, fuses, chain, washable air filter and cable ties.
»
Some insurance policies do not allow foreign motorcycle licences to be used in Morocco.
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Some companies offer motorcycle (Dh300 per day for a DT 125cc Yamaha) and scooter (from Dh150 per
day) hire.
»
See
Horizons Unlimited
(
www.horizonsunlimited.com
) for detailed advice on biking in the region.
Parking
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Parking zones are often watched by
gardiens de voitures
(car-park attendants). Payment of a few dirhams
gives a trouble-free parking experience.
»
In the big city centres, parking tickets are issued from kerbside machines (Dh2 to Dh3 per hour for a max-
imum stay of two hours). Parking is free on Sundays.
»
Parking is not allowed at kerbsides painted in red and white stripes. Stopping is not allowed on green and
white stripes.
»
Fines for illegally parked cars can reach Dh1500.
Roadblocks
»
Police control points are common on main roads in and out of most sizeable towns.
»
Foreigners are unlikely to be stopped, but it's still a good idea to slow down and put on your best smile.
»
Roadblocks are also common in sensitive areas like the Western Sahara, the Rif Mountains around the
cannabis-producing region of Ketama, and the road to Figuig near the Algerian border.
»
Police are more vigilant in these areas, but at most, you'll be asked to show your passport, driving licence
and the vehicle's papers, and asked the purpose of your visit and destination.
Road Hazards
Morocco ranks 6th worldwide in road accidents. Treat all vehicles as ready to veer out and cut you off at in-
opportune moments.
Cyclists and pedestrians often have poor traffic awareness. Roads are often busy with people (including
groups of schoolchildren), bicycles, horse and carts, donkeys and so on.
Desert
In the
hammada
(stony desert), tar roads sometimes disappear without warning, replaced by
stretches of sand, gravel and potholes. If a strong
chergui
(dry, easterly desert wind) is blowing and carrying
a lot of dust, you'll have to wait until it eases off if you don't want to do your car considerable damage.
Mountains
High and Middle Atlas passes are often closed due to snow in winter. Seek local advice before
travelling, or check the road signs along the routes.
