Preparation
In Algeciras in the south of Spain I buy my open boat ticket to Tangier in Morocco. I arrange this through Carlos Viajes Normandie, a travel agency that arranges the crossing for many campers. The open ticket is super convenient, you decide when you take the boat back.
I also arrange the necessary matters for the dog; annual vaccinations, rabies titer and a health certificate from the vet.
The crossing
The crossing goes well! First I fill out a form and go through customs on board to get a stamp in my passport. I choose a hotel from Booking.com where I supposedly stay for the first night. Then I enjoy a coffee with a view of Gibraltar and Morocco on the other side.
Once I arrive in Tangier I am hardly checked and I am not asked any questions about the dog…
The route along the north coast is amazing! Just past Azla I stop for the night, fishing boats lie on the beach and the sky turns pink due to the sunset, so beautiful! In the next village I arrange a SIM card with data and go to the ATM. Tip; Don’t buy a SIM card when you get off the boat in Tangier, these men charge too much money.
Parc National de Talassemtane
From Foukiyine to Chefchaouen I drive a fantastic route through the Rif Mountains. Through small Berber villages at high altitude in the Talassemtane National Park. The route goes along the green river, a beautiful waterfall and over narrow and steep roads, nice steering! And what a great view, please take a look at this video.
Chefchaouen, blue city
Today we visit Chefchaouen, the blue city! The city is within walking distance of the campsite on top of the hill. Leo and I wander around the old town with its local inhabitants and enjoy the medina with its narrow streets.
I’ve been feeling a bit ill the last few days and that’s why I’m looking for throat pastilles and ibuprofen, but where is a drugstore? Let’s take a look in a small village shop. I find throat pastilles per piece here, perfect! He also sells bread, ibuprofen and loose eggs in a bag. Awesome, this man has everything!
Volubilis from Roman times
Volubilis is a Roman settlement and is perfectly located on the route to Meknès. It is a large archaeological site with beautiful old tiled floors! Taking a walk without stray dogs is also very nice.
Meknès city
Meknès is a lively city where all sorts of things are happening. I walk through the narrow streets, past the market, look at the city gate and enjoy the peace and quiet in the mausoleum. This is the final resting place of the famous Sultan Moulay Ismail.
Camping in Azrou
In Azrou we spend the night at a campsite at an altitude of 1,400 meters, so I had to get out of bed at night to turn on the heating. In the morning I get a fresh baguette from the house, which is normal at almost all campsites. I love it!
An extremely friendly Bob Marley lover works at the reception. He also has 3 kittens there and a duck, parrot, bird and 2 dogs, great! Leo and the house dog go out to play and then sit like a statue waiting next to the reception, crazy.
I drive from Azrou to Er-Rich via a well-paved road and the occasional bump, like most roads in Morocco. We spend the night at a campsite next to a hotel surrounded by photogenic mountains.
In this remote place there is only WiFi at reception and I am kindly invited to sit inside by the stove. A nice conversation follows with Moroccan tea and some nuts, great hospitality!
De desert!
Desert village M Ssici
And then another super cool ride through the desert, how I love this landscape! Even in this remote place I find a ‘campsite’ in M Ssici. It is a field with a toilet, shower and communal area. In the barren Sahara environment there are only some trees and shrubs here and there, but beautiful palm and almond trees grow in the camping garden.
I drink a cup of tea with the lady of the house and we eat fresh almonds from the garden, super tasty! For a small fee, they will also cook delicious tajine for me.
We continue our way via the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.
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