Schedule

From
To
Category
Airport
Price
Availability
From 28th October 2024
To8th November 2024
Category Guided Tour
Location Malaga
Price€ 3450
0 available
From 11th November 2024
To22nd November 2024
Category Guided Tour
Location Malaga
Price€ 3450
1 available

“To visit Morocco is still like turning the pages of some illuminated Persian manuscript all embroidered with bright shapes and subtle lines.” – Edith Wharton

Morocco IS one of the very best motorcycling adventures of anywhere in the world; a bold but fitting statement and with more than 17 tours completed; it remains one of our most popular tours. It’s a country we have loved since we first visited in 2010 and although the country has changed a lot in recent years (mainly through improved infrastructure / good roads) it’s still a magical and enchanting place. It’s difficult to describe Morocco in words and what really draws us to it – from the smells, to the tastes, the sights of the of the desert and the of course the intriguing cultures; it’s an assault on the senses.

This is Africa!, a world away yet only 14km across the Strait of Gibraltar. For many the biggest problem with Morocco is trying to find a subsequent destination that outranks it…

All new itinerary for NOVEMBER 2024!

Some Highlghts include:

  • A ride of extremes from the High Atlas Mountains to the Sand Dunes of the Sahara Desert
  • Vibrant and bustling Medinas, spice markets, The Djemaa el Fna market in Marrakech, the mazes of Fes’ souks and Medina
  • Spectacular roads with jaw dropping scenery over the Tizi n’Tichla / Tizi n’Test Mountain Passes, along the Route de 1000 Kasbahs and down through the Dades, Todra & Ziz Gorges
  • Rif Mounatins & the famous Blue Walled City of Chefchaouen (more of a town really)
  • Witness the magnificent sunsets and surises in the Sahara – by camel back if you wish!
  • UNESCO sites galore, Roman Ruins and Morocco’s biggest waterfall.
  • Berbers, Nomads and modern day Moroccans – experts in the ancient and fun art of haggling. 

Key Information

Start/Finish Location
Malaga, Spain
Duration
12 days / 13 nights (Fully Supported)
Distance
Variable (circa 2,750km)
Riding Dificulty
Moderate / Intermediate on sealed roads
Culture Shock
Medium
Pillion Supplement
€1250
Single Room Supplement
€520

More Information

Note: All new itinerary for NOVEMBER 2024! Details to follow.

This is a fully supported tour starting and finishing in Malaga, Spain

Malaga to Rabat

Departing Malaga we travel the 140km to Algeciras and catch the ferry to Tangier Med. Our destination for tonight is Moroccos capital, Rabat, enabling us to get a decent distance south and a good starting point for tomorrows ride to the Atlas Mountains. While in Rabat we will have a chance to visit the Hassan Tower and King Mohammed V Golden Mausoleum.

Rabat to Bin El-Ouidane

Leaving Rabat we head directly south to Bin El-Oidane at the foothills of the High Atlas mountains.

Bin El-Ouidane to Marrakech

Today we visit the Cascades d’Ouzoud on route to Marrakech, A three tiered 110m waterfall regarded as the most spectacular in Morocco. Arriving in Marrakech we negotiate our way through some crazy traffic to our hotel on Boulevard Mohammad IV, within walking distance to the Djemaa el-Fna and its vibrant nightlife

Marrakesh to Taroudant

Leaving hectic Marrakesh behind we travel south towards Taroudant in the Sous Valley via the spectactular and exhilarting Tizi n’Test pass at 2260m. The Sous valley separates the High and Anti Atlas Mountains and is also separated from the Sahara desert by the Anti-Atlas Mountains. The natural vegetation in the Sous region is savanna dominated by the Argan (Argania spinosa), a local endemic tree found nowhere else. Part of the area is now a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to protect this unique habitat. The region of Sous is generally fertile and has a high agricultural production.

Taroudant – Rest Day

An ideal oppurtunity for some leisurely exploration of the Sous Valley and the Anti Atlas.

Taroudant to Gorge du Dades

It’s easy biking today as we turn east and ride along the south side of the high Atlas mountains  which will be our constant companion for the next few days. Along the way we will pass Ouarzazate and have an option to visit Ait Benhaddou – famous as the filmset for many films The Mummy and Gladiator amoungst others. Leaving Ouarzazate we travel further east along the ‘Route de Kasbahs’ towards the Dades Valley. (with an option to make a short detour into the ‘Valley of the Roses’ along the way).

After checking in to our hotel a ride is highly rcommended further up the Dades gorge via the “snaky road” pass to the canyons and the end of the tarmac. Those seeking some off road fun may take the oppurtunity to explore the “gorge to gorge” link between the Dades and Todra Gorges.

Gorge du Dades – Rest Day

An ideal oppurtunity for some leisurely exploration of the High Atlas mountains, Dades & Todra Gorges and also the Valley of the Roses.                                                                                                                                                                    

Gorge du dades to Khamlia

Today will see us travel further east along the Route de Kasbahs to the spectacular steep rock formations of the Todra Gorge before turning south across the Jebel Sahro mountain range and onwards to the Erg Chebbi sand dunes at Merzouga and our destination in the small village of Khamlia. A treat awaits us with our very good friends Suzanne and Abdoul. There are lots of activities on offer including a camel ride (or 4×4) out into the sand dunes to witness the spectacular sunset (or sunrise for that matter).

Khamlia to Errachidia

After a lazy start we leave the sands of the Sahara behind us as we face north for the short ride to our hotel north of Errachidia surrounded in some of Morocco’s best landscapes.

Errachidia to Fes

Today it’s time to say goodbye to the desert as we head north and climb through the Ziz gorge up into the cooler high Atlas, across the high plains of the mid Atlas before descending through the Cedar Wood Forests, the alpine like town of Ifrane and onwards to Fes.

Fes to Chefchaouen

Today will see us travelling north into the Rif mountains to the chilled-out town of Chefchaouen with its blue architecture. There will also be a chance to visit the 2000 year old Roman Ruins at Volubilis along the way. The Rif region is widely known for for its production of marijuana.

Chefchaouen to Malaga

Today is a short ride to Tangier Med port marking out departure from Africa and Morocco. Exit formalities are a little less tedious departing and so we aim to be back in Spain early afternoon where we have the option of returning to the hotel in Malaga to unwind or make a short detour via Ronda.

We will be providing a more detailed itinerary on arrival in Malaga to include hotel info and GPS co-ordinates. Please note that this is an outline route and maybe subject to change.

 

Included:

  • Return transport of your motorcycle from our base in Gorey, Co. Wexford to Malaga, Spain
  • B&B accommodation in quality 3-4 star hotels.
  • 6 evening meals
  • Support vehicle for luggage transfers (October tours only)
  • Tour guide(s)
  • Detailed route maps / itinerary etc. allowing some self-guiding if preferred.
  • Return ferry to/from Morocco

Not Included

  • Any travel costs to get to the start and from the finish point for the tour.
  • Personal travel, accident and medical insurance (covering matters such as medical expenses, repatriation, cancellation, curtailment, loss or damage to property)
  • Motorcycle insurance cover, motorcycle breakdown cover or recovery costs
  • Entrance fees to sights and parks, optional local excursions or local activities, (except where stated)
  • Lunches or snacks (except where stated). Any meals whilst on board ferries. Evening meals on rest/optional ride out days.
  • Personal spending money, tips, souvenirs or other extras.
  • Personal documentation (eg visas, passport), vaccinations, personal taxes, border crossing fees, motorcycle documentation
  • Costs of motorcycle repair (parts, labour or other related costs), tyres
  • Fuel, oil & other motorcycle consumables
  • Toll road fees, traffic fines or other charges relating to breach of the law
  • Any other item not specifically included in the price.

Hotels

As with all our guided tours we carefully select very good standard 3 or 4* hotels. Over the years we have built up a vast selection of tried and tested hotels around the world and we select hotels for their character and service rather than just on their star rating.  Hotel standards vary all over the world and a 4* in Africa or South America is not always the same as in Europe. In some more remote locations, we may use equivalent 3* hotels or the best available in the area, which could be a more family run establishment, with local character.

Pre trip we provide you with Tour Specific Information that gives you detailed information about how to prepare and plan your tour, and what to expect when on tour.  These are a few FAQ that many people have. If you have any further queries or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us.

What bike is suitable to bring?
Generally speaking we recommend adventure or touring style motorcycles as the most suitable.  However, sports, sport-touring and cruiser motorcycles may also be suitable subject to you being comfortable riding it for the distance and duration of the tour and that it has been properly prepared and adequately serviced with good tyres.

What riding experience do I need?
Generally speaking we recommend all participants to be experienced tourers in Europe and/or beyond. Obviously, some destinations are easier than others, as classified by our difficulty ratings, and should you have concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. It is your responsibility to ensure your motorcycling skills are up to the requirements for this tour. Obviously advanced riding skills increase enjoyment factor and reduce risk.

Do I have to ride in a group?
No!  We do not make you ride in convoy and we offer you the freedom to decide how you would like to ride. However, we find most people prefer to ride with the group without the need to navigate. We use either the ‘drop off’ or ‘buddy’ systems when group riding (depending on country and complexity of navigation); these are tried and tested systems of group riding and allow riders to ride at their own pace. Full details are provided at pre-trip briefings. Daily departure times are set every evening for the following morning depending on the days route and points of interest. If you prefer to ride on your own, we provide you with a map and route cards with recommendations for lunch or coffee stops and hotel information. We offer a very flexible approach with an emphasis on maximum enjoyment.

Is this ride suitable for a passenger?
Yes. Pillion passengers should be experienced tourers / travellers. 

What is the average group size?
Our groups are normally between 8 – 14 riders (some riders will have passengers). Most riders are from the Ireland, but we do also have overseas riders who may take part.

What documents do I need?
You will need your original documents as follows: 

  • Passport and Driving Licence.  Passengers only need their passport.  As a general rule, passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the end of the tour; however, this may be shorter in some European countries. 
  • If you are bringing your own motorcycle, you will also need your motorcycle registration document (RF101 / log book) and your motorcycle insurance.
  • In addition, you must have valid travel/medical insurance.
  • Visas as required Please ensure that you are fully aware of all passport and visa requirements and that you allow adequate time to obtain them.

What will the weather be like?

Depending on season / time of year we will advise expected weather conditions in the pre-trip information and also suggest the most suitable gear based on our experience. It is imperative that tour participants have suitably adequate gear. Please note our tour calendar is carefully planned taking into account the most suitable seasons / local weather for the destination. However, as much as we would like, we cannot always guarantee the best weather. Particularly considering the un-predictable climates the world has been experiencing.

What about my health when I am abroad?
You need to be physically fit and healthy and also take the necessary health precautions.  It is essential for you to consult your doctor or travel clinic for up-to-date medical travel information prior of travel, particularly if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Please ensure that you are fully aware of all official travel advice, local customs, current affairs, travel requirements and medical/travel advice. Please check with your GP regarding recommended inoculations. 

Do I need Travel / Medical Insurance?
It is a condition of you travelling with us that you are adequately insured.  Your insurance policy must cover you for the costs of any medical expenses, medical treatment or repatriation needed, due to injury or illness on this trip, including those that occur whilst motorcycle touring, either as the rider or a passenger.  It is important that your insurance company understands that the main purpose of your trip is motorcycle touring, using your own large capacity cc motorcycle or a rental motorcycle.  Your insurance must cover you for the full duration of the trip and for all countries we travel through.

In addition, we strongly recommend that your insurance policy has cover for loss or damage to your personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation and curtailment. We do not refund your deposit simply because you failed to take out insurance in sufficient time. Some travel insurance policies do not cover motorcycle travel over a certain cc or for a prolonged duration.

Minimum Numbers
We require a minimum number of 8 riders on this tour.  If we do not have this number of bookings, then we reserve the right to cancel the tour.

Booking:

  • Overlanders may accept a booking online, via telephone or by email. To confirm a booking a deposit is required – once the deposit is received the booking is confirmed.

Payments & Fees:

  • A deposit is required at time of booking.
  • Guided tours – 50% required at least 60 days prior to the shipment / travel date.
  • All payments must be made in full at least 30 days prior to the shipment / travel date.

Cancellation/Amendments/Refund Policy:

  • Please note that all payments and deposits are non refundable nor transferrable if cancellation accrues within one month before the shipment / tour date.
  • Where possible we will try to accommodate any amendments you wish to make.
  • In the event of curtailment no refunds shall be made.
  • Refunds may be processed via the original method of payment, except for cash transactions where refunds will be provided by cheque.

Preparation for Shipping (if applicable)

  • All rider/pillion gear including boots and helmets should be packed into a kit/sports bag and labelled with the owners name, bike make/model and registration. One kit bag permitted per person.
    • Please note loose items or items tied onto the motorcycle will not be transported.
    • Bin liners, rubbish bags, cardboard boxes etc are not acceptable.
  • Motorcycles should be in a clean and presentable condition both for outbound and return shipments. If your motorcycle is considerably dirty post trip please wash it before returning it.
  • All Luggage (hard and soft panniers) should be left unlocked and removable from the motorcycle if necessary for transport purposes.
  • Alarms should be switched off or in “Ferry” mode for transport purposes.
  • Fuel level should be kept relatively low. All our depots are within a few km of fuel stations.
  • Keys for both the motorcycle and luggage should be left with the motorcycle.
  • At handover we will require a signed customs declaration form and a photocopy of the registration document / log book stapled together. Customs declaration from will be emailed pre-shipment. These should only be handed over in hard copy at time of delivery.
    • Do not email copies in advance.
    • We will not accept original copies of registration documents/log books.

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