Morroco

Explore the Vast Ancient Desserts of Morocco The North African country of Morocco is a crossroads between Arab and European cultures, making Morocco adventure holidays an excellent way to explore the vast stretches of desert and sand dunes, the massive Atlas and Rif mountains, gorgeous beaches, centuries-old cities, and other amazing landmarks. This country is full of color; imagine lush green valleys, the vibrant hues of exotic spices, snow-capped mountain peaks, gorgeous blue seas, and so much more. Even the cities themselves are bathed in color! Marrakech is known as the red city for its clay walls and buildings, while Chefchaoun is painted entirely in shades of blue. The architecture throughout Morocco is no less beautiful and impressive. All along your Morocco road trip, you’re bound to find ancient city gates and walls to marvel at and stunning mosques that command respect. In fact, Casablanca is home to the second largest mosque in the entire world, behind only the Grand Mosque of Mecca! While you’re not likely to tire of the sights, there is also plenty to do. One can take a camel trek through the desert and experience nomadic life by spending the night in a traditional tent. In the cities, you can enjoy one of the many hammams (steam baths). There are the “popular” hammams which are traditional bath houses frequented by locals, as well the more touristy version which offer pampering and a more spa-like experience. The cuisine in Morocco holds a few well-known traditional dishes, like couscous, but is also considered one of the more diversified cuisines in the world. Another popular dish is often referred to by the vessel it is cooked in – the tagine. This conical clay pot is used to cook a spicy stew of meat and vegetables, brimming with spices and flavors. Most Moroccos cuisine is rich in flavor thanks to the heavy use of spices. Another option that’s both cheap and fast is to grab something from one of the ubiquitous rotisserie chicken shops. Other Need-to-Know Information about Morocco Aside from the deserts in the southeast of the country, Morocco’s weather is often quite similar to that of Spain and Portugal. Coastal region have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and mild, wet winters. Moving inland, especially into the mountainous region of the country, the weather becomes a little more polarized with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. There are also two weather phenomena that will occur for a few days at a time. Strong winds from the east will raise temperatures several degrees Celsius, or when blowing from the northwest, they will lower temperatures by the same amount. With this type of weather, Planet Ride is able to offer Morocco road trips nearly year-round and would recommend a trip almost any time of the year. There are a number of international flights available to Casablanca from the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East. Other major airports include Marrakech, Agadir, and Tangiers. Multiple budget European airlines also offer service to Morocco. One option that might save some money is to fly to Gibraltar or Malaga (Spain) and take the ferry across to Tangier. However, this might not be recommended during the summer due to the huge increase in travel as Moroccans return home for the summer holidays. No matter how you choose to arrive, make sure you have your visa in order, if necessary. U.S. and U.K. citizens, as well as citizens from other Schengen member nations, can stay for up to 90 days without a visa. Once in the country, trains are your best option for getting around, but buses and taxis are also acceptable options. Morocco has a domestic airline that services the entire country, but it is not a particularly popular option. Of course, the best option is a Morocco road trip adventure of your own making! While Morocco is generally safe, and the people friendly, but be wary of fake tour guides, cons, and other hustlers. Use common sense and you likely won’t have any issues. Women should take care to always dress conservatively, and are likely to experience harassment, like cat-calls, if they travel alone. Lastly, be very careful when drinking as any driving under the influence is strictly illegal! What Planet Ride offers for adventures in Morocco Planet Ride offers numerous different Morocco motorbike tours, as well as several other options for Morocco adventure tours. The large swathes of dessert allow for some thrilling 4×4 trips and dune buggy excursions. We also feature the more relaxed option of a motorhome tour. First up are our Morocco motorbike tours, which cover nearly any length of travel that you would like. You can enjoy rides as quick as a 2-day trip on a fun little 50cc Monkey Bike, or all the way up to an 11-day off-road trek down the trails and backroads that climb into the Atlas Mountains. Another option is an 8-day trip that can be customized depending on where you arrive – Marrakech, Casablanca, or Agadir. We also feature a number of side-car raids! Grab a riding partner and set off for up to 16 days of exploring, from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, to Fes, and on to the “blue city” of Chefchouan. If 4-wheeled adventures are your preference, check out our 4×4 and Buggy trips. These typically last six to eight days and feature high-adrenaline rides through the most remote parts of the country, sometimes retracing the routes of the famous Dakar Rally. Explore the beauty of a variety of landscapes, from barren desert, to high mountain peaks, and the green, fertile valleys in between. Along the way, you’ll experience desert living by spending the night in tent camps, going for camel treks, and more. At night, the stars will amaze you and the reality of the remoteness will set in for a tremendous, uniquely beautiful view of the world. Planet Ride also offers several motorhome tour options to let you stretch out your Morocco adventure holidays for as long as 32 days! Marrakech, Fez, and other major stops are included on the itinerary, but you’ll also be able to explore every last corner of the country. Spots like the Dades Gorges, Dunes of Merzouga, the ancient city of Amtoudi, and others are all within reach on a trip like this.