Discussion · VoyageForum

Djalma Globetrotter ·2025-01-02

Hi there, I’ve done some wild camping in Morocco before, but it’s been a while! Back when I did it, I’d camp away from villages, up in the mountains—just like in France, avoiding private land. If you camp on private property, only the owner can give you an answer... they’ll either allow it or not. Who else could decide for them?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCOyB7WStI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eI67iCbKY

Veve75020 Veteran ·2025-01-02

hi,

I’ve done it many times before, but it’s been a while. Overall, it’s doable—the only real hassle was the local kids who thought it was fun to throw rocks at vehicles in the middle of the night. Pretty annoying, I must say... But maybe that trend has died down by now🙂

Djalma Globetrotter ·2025-01-02

it’s doable, the only hassle was that the local kids used to throw rocks at vehicles in the middle of the night

During the day too! And the adults just watched without stepping in. Plus, with wild camping, the habit of people quickly swarming the spot in large numbers... So even more reason to pitch your tent far, *very* far from villages. That’s the only way you can hope for a bit of peace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCOyB7WStI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eI67iCbKY

Mathews Globetrotter ·2025-01-02

Is it possible to consider wild camping with young children, mainly in the Anti-Atlas?

The main concern is finding water sources, especially if you camp in the southern part of Morocco since it’s mostly desert and semi-desert areas—water isn’t everywhere. And if you want to camp or bivouac, do it as far as possible from settlements, or else ask locals if they can host you. It’s kind of an all-or-nothing situation.

There’s also the terrorist threat to consider. In the High Atlas, two hikers were attacked by Islamists a few years ago.

Indymalte Veteran ·2025-01-03

thanks for your thoughts

MA Marabamu Regular ·2025-01-03

Hi, The Anti-Atlas is a vast region. It’s still possible to find an isolated spot to set up camp. I’ve noticed that since the pandemic, if you’re spotted, local civil authorities (caïds, etc.) and/or law enforcement may step in to ask (or demand) that you move to a non-isolated area. This could be in front of a police station, a gas station, a school, etc. In the Rif and along the Atlantic coast, roughly from Essaouira to Dakhla, it’s pretty much systematic. Safe travels

JP

Djalma Globetrotter ·2025-01-03

It could be in front of a police station, a gas station, a school, etc.

That’s really appealing! :(

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCOyB7WStI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eI67iCbKY

Indymalte Veteran ·2025-01-04

I have to admit, it’s pretty off-putting. Thanks for the info.

Lagardevicto Veteran ·2025-01-05

I’ve spent practically three months every winter in Morocco for the past 14 years. I’ve always bivouacked, only stopping at a campsite now and then to do laundry. I’ve only been checked and asked to move on twice in fourteen years. The reason each time: “to avoid any risk and ensure my safety.” The first time was by the *mokadem* of the last oasis in the valley on a small ledge along the switchbacks after Icht on the way to Tafraoute, and the second time, while bivouacking under the two small pine trees near the roundabout in Er Rich around 11 PM, fast asleep, because I was stuck due to COVID. No one was allowed to move, everything was closed: No entering Er Rich, and anyway, campsites, hotels, etc.—all shut. He made me go to the parking lot of the Afriquia gas station right next door. Then, as the “Vfisters” from back then might remember, I ended up finishing my lockdown (4 months) in the parking lot of the ZIZ gas station in Aït Khoumane, 10 km down the road. Always because they were responsible for my safety and wanted to keep me under their responsibility.

"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)

Lagardevicto Veteran ·2025-01-05

As soon as my health allows it, probably in February, I’ll be heading back to Morocco and continuing to bivouac like I always do!

"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)

Indymalte Veteran ·2025-01-05

So glad to be back on the forum and still admiring your gorgeous wisteria! I remember your epic road trip during Covid so well. Wishing you all the best

Lagardevicto Veteran ·2025-01-05

And it ended with two months at the "intra-muros" campsite in Martil, just five hundred meters from its gorgeous beach, while I waited for a Ceuta-Algeciras ticket for me and my VW, which I only got for July 27th. An amazing adventure that taught me a lot about Morocco!! In December 2023, I was shocked to find that my secondary campsite residence had been completely destroyed and will likely be replaced by a "skyscraper!!😉. No issues with my bivouacs in December 2023 and on my return at the end of February 2024 on the huge seaside parking lots before Zebta. Each time, I went to the local guard’s hut to let them know. Every time, they were adorable!!!!

"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)

Groschats Veteran ·2025-01-06

Hey Mathews,

The terrorist threat???

But so much less than in France... Regarding this incident on Toubkal, there was never any proof that it was terrorists. I remain convinced that this tragedy was nothing more than a sordid affair involving some frustrated guys. Meanwhile, the terrorist threat supposedly exists on Toubkal, where authorities have imposed a guide who doesn’t even know how to use a weapon to protect 6 people, while everywhere else... no threat would exist... This whole mess has become a huge sham, rigged by locals just to create business for guides...

Terrorist threat in Morocco? Yes, but no more than anywhere else... In fact, I’d say much less than in France.

PS: My friend, if you really knew what happened in 2008 in Mauritania, where nasty terrorists killed 4 French people, leading to the cancellation of the Dakar Rally (I know what I’m talking about—I was with those 4 guys 48 hours earlier in Nouakchott, and trust me, they weren’t there for a photo safari)... Terrorism is something we love to pin where it suits us...

Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !

Djalma Globetrotter ·2025-01-06

I still believe this tragedy is nothing more than a sordid affair involving frustrated losers.

I think so too, but sometimes the line between frustration and terrorism is thin...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCOyB7WStI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eI67iCbKY

Mitch341 Regular ·2025-01-06

PS: My poor friend, if you really knew what happened in 2008 in Mauritania, where nasty terrorists killed 4 French people, leading to the cancellation of the Dakar Rally (I know what I'm talking about—I was with those 4 guys 48 hours earlier in Nouakchott and believe me, they weren’t there for a photo safari)... We love to bring up terrorism when it suits us...

French government secret agents?

Evita Bella ! https://www.flickr.com/photos/201886709@N02/albums/

Groschats Veteran ·2025-01-07

😛 ...Most people love inventing such exciting lives... Reality is sometimes much more ordinary than expected... And the French aren’t necessarily all "little angels" either...

That’s not the debate, but back then Mauritania was an eldorado for quite a bit of trafficking and a prime transit country for certain profitable drugs... In Nouakchott between 2003-2007, you could find coke as easily as a mosque.

Quite a few news stories on the subject in our beautiful country this year...🤪

Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !

Groschats Veteran ·2025-01-07

Yeah, it's true, and it's being applied to everything these days—even Mélenchon talks about "social terrorism" when he mentions Macron😎... But fearmongering is such a profitable business, and it's so well-documented by countless sociologists and psychologists... Misfortune for some always means opportunity for others. One thing's for sure: don’t hesitate to talk about it with the locals in Imlil—they’ve got a totally different perspective than foreigners who live far from all this...

There’s no comparison between wild camping in the Moroccan mountains (just watch out for dogs, really) and walking around late at night in Marseille, Paris, or Lyon when it comes to safety...

Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !

Indymalte Veteran ·2025-01-07

Since I find you all so friendly and helpful, I’m leaving the Anti-Atlas for another destination. Could you share your tips for choosing 2- to 3-day stops that’ll help me make the most of the loop? Skoura, Dadès Gorge and Todgha Gorge, Merzouga, and back via the Draa Valley. Have a great day!

Lagardevicto Veteran ·2025-01-07

On this loop—"a little intermediate loop"—that I particularly love and do every year, in one direction or the other: - Head up the Todra Gorge to Aït Hani, then take the 7103 toward Amellagou at the exit, - From there, take the 7101 toward Goulmima. A really beautiful route and the Ghéris Gorge is stunning. Nomad camps in cliff crevices..... The road is paved the whole way and in good overall condition, suitable for all vehicles including RVs. Only question: there are several fords that are usually no problem to cross, but it’s still worth checking if the Ghéris hasn’t caused any damage during recent heavy floods.

"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)

Lagardevicto Veteran ·2025-01-07

After that, no problem getting to Merzouga—it’s pretty much a straight shot. 😛

"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)

Indymalte Veteran ·2025-01-07

Thanks so much, I’ll definitely keep this route in mind!

Groschats Veteran ·2025-01-10

What vehicle will you be driving? Are you comfortable with off-road tracks?

Qui écoute trop la météo, passe sa vie au bistrot !

Indymalte Veteran ·2025-01-11

With a 4x4, actually my grandson and his wife are giving me free rein to organize their two-week trip with their three kids (health issues are catching up with us). After Skoura, I found a really nice place to stay for 3 days in Aït Sidi Ali or Bourk. They’re skipping Merzouga for M’Hamid, and I’m trying to optimize the route to keep driving times between 3 and 4 hours max. They’re no longer talking about wild camping—if you only knew how hard it is to find accommodations for 5 people!!! Here’s the time they have: leaving Aït Sidi... on 4/12 and a booking made in Talouine on 4/18. As for off-road tracks, I’m thinking moderation.

Indymalte Veteran ·2025-01-11

For the trails, no problem as long as it’s not risky for the rental 4x4. Is it possible to reach N'Kob via the Sarhro?

MA Marabamu Regular ·2025-01-11

Hi, Whether you're coming from Boumalne Dades or Tinghir, you can reach N'Kob via the Tizi N'Tazazert pass. The whole route is paved. From Kelaa M'Gouna or Skoura, there are dirt tracks that meet at Tagmount. From Tagmount, the track has been redone and widened to serve the mines. For the first part of the journey (Kelaa M'Gouna - Tagmount or Skoura - Tagmount), the track is narrower but doesn’t require any technical skills. A GPS or map is essential because there are lots of forks in the road.

JP

Indymalte Veteran ·2025-01-11

Starting from Tinghir—thanks for all the details!

MA Marabamu Regular ·2025-01-11

I recommend traveling the segment from the pass to N'Kob in the morning to enjoy the view in good sunlight conditions, overlooking a remarkable geological phenomenon (the Bab n'Ali cliffs) about 20 km from the pass.

JP

Indymalte Veteran ·2025-01-12

What’s the approximate distance?

Lagardevicto Veteran ·2025-01-12

You can also go all the way to Merzouga via the national road to Er RACHIDIA, then Erfoud, Rissani..... or, without going as far as Er Rachidia, take a shortcut earlier via El Jorf and RISSANI..... Obviously, the route through the Tazazert pass is much more spectacular and in very good condition. About 200 km. Allow 3 hours.

"Il vaut mieux faire des enfants quand on est vieux, on les em...de moins longtemps (Desproges)

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