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Morocco
Our nearest neighbour, in the most fascinating continent in the world - timeless Africa.
Morocco provides a superb introduction to the exciting culture and varied scenery of North Africa. While many rush south we take the slow track to find the real Morocco – its diverse and ancient cultures, its great plains, deserts and soaring mountains.
We explore the great Imperial city of Fes, culturally important to the whole of the Arab world. We climb on rock pistes into the heart of the High Atlas mountains, whose snow capped peaks and sun baked slopes are home to remote Berber villages clinging to secret passes and valleys. The narrow twisting gorges of Todra and Dades cleave the mountains, allowing us to enter the Dades and Draa Valleys - the ancient trade routes from the heart of the Sahara. We follow these rocky sandy pistes to cross 300 m high dunes right against the Algerian border, to find hidden oases in the seldom visited southwest.
After weaving our way through the great blue-black mountains of the Jebel Sarhro we pass villages where tourists are seldom seen, to see a way of life unchanged for centuries before coming to Ait-BenHaddou, an exceptionally well preserved fortified village, a UNESCO World Heritage site and set for many films.
We then descend from the Atlas to Marrakesh, to spend a day exploring this fabled city and its medina’s and squares. We spend the night in one of the riads and eat tagines in roof top tents under the stars, Our last night is spent camping on a wild beach near Assila before returning to the Straits of Gibraltar and Europe.
Summary
Start point |
Gibraltar, Southern Spain (via ferry from Dover to Calais).
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Finish point |
Gibraltar, Southern Spain (via ferry from Dover to Calais).
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Number of days |
16 days, 17 nights.
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Approx. distance |
2500 kilometres (not including travelling between UK ports and the start point for the expedition).
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Road conditions |
Mixture of sand, gravel and rock tracks, some local roads.
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No’ of vehicles |
Maximum of 6 guest vehicles plus support vehicles.
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Accommodation used |
Accommodation will be a mixture of wild or rural community campsites with basic facilities. In some places we use organised campsites attached to an auberge, where toilet/shower facilities are available.
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Specialist equipment - vehicle |
A well maintained and serviced 4x4 vehicle fitted with underbody protection. A CB radio must be fitted. Tyres of All Terrain or Mud Terrain tread patterns are most suitable. A full set of recovery equipment (strops and shackles) is essential along with a spade. A winch is not essential but could be desirable for self-recovery. An additional fuel and water capacity of 40 l each is required, (jerry cans are OK). A vehicle fridge/coolbox is recommended for cold drinks and keeping food fresh for extended periods.
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Specialist equipment - camping |
Either roof (preferable) or ground tents are suitable. You will need good quality sleeping mats if using ground tents, along with sleeping bags. You should bring your own chairs, table, stove, pans, cutlery and utensils. Clothing can be light as the days will be hot, however you should bring some warm and windproof outer wear. Protection from the sun and UV is needed.
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Passport |
Required.
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Visa |
Not needed for citizens of the UK.
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| Health |
- Small first aid kit and EHIC advisable (European Health Insurance Card - available from UK Post Offices)
- Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Polio, Typhoid vaccinations are recommendations; confirm your needs with doctor
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Cost of living |
A lot less than the UK - 1 GPB = approx’ 17 Dirham, with diesel at 8-9 dir/l. ATM’s are present in large towns and cities but are not always reliable. Bureau de Change facilities can be found at the border. Credit cards are not widely accepted out of the main tourist centres. You will need to bring cash, ideally Euros, to change upon entry to Morocco. |
Weather
Generally dry and warm with low humidity, occasionally very hot in the valleys during the days but it can be cool in the hills and at night.
Marrakesh |
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Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
Average daily temp oC
Rainfall mm |
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18
25 |
20
30 |
23
35 |
26
25 |
29
15 |
33
10 |
38
5 |
38
5 |
33
10 |
28
25 |
23
30 |
19
30 |
Food and Shopping
Food is readily available in Morocco, but choice will be restricted compared to the UK. Meals can be cooked individually or communally, the choice is yours but at times during the expedition OneLife Adventure will host group meals, with everyone helping on an informal basis. We can assist you with purchasing food in country, as necessary and will co-ordinate shopping for group meals.
Schedule and Pace
The route and timings are not fixed. We will be free to break journey, stop and explore, as you desire. We aim to be in the campsite by 17.00 on most days to allow us to relax and enjoy the experiences of the day. The daily distances driven vary due to the terrain and ground conditions but a typical day will be 2-3 hours driving in the morning, 1 hour for lunch and then a further 2-3 hours driving.
Outbound shipping
The crossing from Dover to Calais is made by ferry and is included in the expedition price. You are free to specify your own preferred dates and times. The drive from Calais to Gibraltar (approximately 2500km) will take about 24 hours in total, mainly on the French and Spanish autoroutes. You may choose to take 3 or more days for the journey; if so, then we are able to advise on accommodation options and alternative routes to avoid the autoroute and enjoy France and Spain on the way down.
Note – This section of the expedition is unsupported by OneLife Adventure, the above information is to aid you planning your arrivals and departures. The booking is made on your behalf and cost of the ferry is included in the expedition price. Accommodation, meals and refreshments you take during this transit stage are not included.
Inbound Shipping
The return crossing from Calais to Dover is made by ferry and is included in the expedition price. Again you are free to break the return journey and specify the ferry dates and times allowing you to extend your holiday as you choose.
Note – As for the outbound journey, this section of the expedition is also unsupported by OneLife Adventure.
Cost
- £ 895 per person based on 2 adults sharing 1 vehicle, inclusive of ALL ferry crossings.
- For each additional adult up to a maximum of 4 per vehicle add £145.
The expedition price includes flexible return ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and from Spain to Morocco, all campsite/accommodation costs, full backup and guiding from the support team.
It does not include your fuel, food, snacks, drinks, vehicle insurance and personal spending
OneLife Adventure Expedition Rating System
HIGH ATLAS EXPLORER  
 Easy, short driving days, suitable for families and drivers with basic off road driving skills.
 Easy camping with occasional wild sites interspersed by sites with facilities, no technical needs, suitable for families and young children.
 Higher off road content, moderate driving days, suitable for families and medium
off road driving skills.
50% wild camping, some technical needs, suitable for families and young children used to camping.
 Longer days occasionally and high content of off road driving, recoveries likely and moderate levels of off road skills needed.
 80% wild camping +, weather or environment requires some technical clothing/equipment, suitable for experienced families with older children.
 Long days and long distances are the norm, likely to encounter severe hazards and will require teamwork to succeed, experienced drivers.
Extreme weather (hot, wet or cold), will require extensive technical equipment, irregular meals and physical discomfort will be the norm! Success is achieving the destination – Camel Trophy style.
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