Morocco Road-trip Adventure
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adventure
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desert
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motorcycle
Day 1 & 2: Welcome to Casablanca
Route: Casablanca - Fez
The beautiful city of Casablanca welcomed the Explorers last Friday, ready for another adventure in Morocco. The first day was dedicated to distributing custom-made riding gear and assigning motorcycles. Before dinner, the itinerary was introduced, along with basic safety rules for the group ride.
On Saturday, the group visited Mob Shop, a key stop before embarking on the journey. After media interactions, they hit the road toward the ancient city of Fez. Covering 347 km in about 5 hours, the ride was smooth, with the landscape ranging from rolling hills to plateaus covered in red clay and olive trees. Fez, founded in the 8th century, is Morocco's religious and cultural capital, boasting over 800 mosques and designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981.
Tomorrow, the group will cross the Atlas Mountains, ending in Arfoud, an oasis city in the Sahara Desert.
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Day 3: Canyons and Blue Lakes
Route: Fez - Atlas Mountains - Arfoud
Leaving Fez, the landscape constantly changed as the group ascended into the Atlas Mountains. They visited a monkey colony near Azrou before reaching the pass at 2,192 meters. From deep canyons and mountain lakes to the dry plains of the approaching Sahara, the scenery was breathtaking. The sudden appearance of palm trees in Ziz Valley marked their arrival at the oasis city of Arfoud, just as twilight set in.
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Day 4: Among the Sand Dunes
Route: Merzouga - Sahara Desert
The fourth day started with a relaxed morning, followed by visits to a fossil shop and a market in Merzouga. After lunch, the Explorers ventured into the Sahara Desert, experiencing a short off-road ride, a camel trek among the sand dunes, and a night under the stars in Berber tents. Despite some falls in the deep sand, everyone made it to camp for an unforgettable evening.
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Day 5: Dawn in the Sahara
Route: Todra Gorge - Boumalne Dades
On the fifth day, despite missing the sunrise due to cold weather, the Explorers had another epic ride covering 295 km. The day included off-road stretches, visits to Todra Gorge, and scenic routes. A mishap occurred when one rider crashed, but thanks to excellent riding gear, he escaped unscathed. After regrouping, the group marveled at the Todra Gorge's imposing red rock cliffs before heading towards Boumalne Dades.
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Day 6: Dades Gorge Switchbacks
Route: Agoudal - Dades Gorge - Ouarzazate - Aït Benhaddou
The sixth day of the adventure brought rain, causing a change in plans. The off-road loop to Agoudal was canceled due to storms, and the challenge of the day was coping with the cold. After reaching the Dades Gorge, the group enjoyed smooth, scenic roads, eventually arriving in Ouarzazate. Some chose to visit Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village featured in films like *The Gladiator* and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Day 7: Towards Valencia
Route: Ouarzazate - Marrakech
On the seventh and final riding day, the Explorers traveled to Valencia to be VIP guests at the MotoGP race. The 194 km journey to Marrakech passed through Mount Tichka at 2,209 meters, offering challenging weather and road conditions. After reaching Marrakech, the adventure ended with a visit to the medina, a traditional dinner, and a charity event supporting "Riding for Reading."
The Morocco Adventure concluded with a reminder that exploration is not just about riding but embracing a mindset and way of life.
Author Tips & Tricks
Mountain Passes: In areas with unpredictable weather like Mount Tichka, check forecasts ahead of time and prepare for anything from rain to snow.
Traffic Awareness: In busy cities like Marrakech, be extra cautious of traffic. The mix of motorcycles, cars, and pedestrians can be chaotic.
Local Markets: When visiting the Marrakech medina, haggling is expected. Be polite but firm in negotiations to get the best
