AN EXPLANATION OF THIS JOURNEY
Despite that Morocco is on the African continent, it is much closer to home than we think at first. The crossing from Spain to Morocco does not take longer than an hour, when we take the ferry at the narrowest point, the Strait of Gibraltar. After this hour we end up in a completely different world. Morocco is a country with elegant palaces and lush gardens, souks and medina’s with penetrating and mysterious scents of herbs, snake charmers and tooth pullers and above all a country of hospitality.
The intention and main goal of this journey is twofold, firstly we would like to introduce you to the wealth of the different culture, diverse population, unique landscapes, sparkling and vivid towns and cities of Morocco. But above all, we are travellers. In the areas to the east and south of Morocco, where we travel through, is much less tourism than in the north, so here the local people will really spontaneously respond to our arrival as visitors.
Secondly we would like you, as upcoming or all ready established overland traveller, make familiar with the way of ‘alone’ travelling over the world with your overland expedition vehicle. The topics covered in the workshops during the journey, can be a guide for the future adventurous overland travels.
You will drive this journey with your own vehicle at your own risk.
JOURNEY ORGANISATION
To make this journey not only to a beautiful adventure, but also organizational to a good result, we use during this journey the guidance of a good and knowledgeable team of highly experienced overland travellers. The guidance will be assisted by local guides and interpreters where necessary and they will possibly travel along with us for a part of the journey.
This journey is organised by Expedition Far East. The terms and conditions of Expedition Far East are valid.
OUR WAY OF TRAVELLING
This journey goes through a country with very different customs and habits then we are used to. The population of this mostly Islamic country is strongly interwoven with the traditions related to their religion. Therefore a journey like this demands a flexible altitude of the participants, a good physical and mental condition and health. Also the vehicles have to be in good condition.
BENEFITS OF AN EDUCATIONAL PRIVAT JOURNEY
An ‘Educational Guided Adventurous Overland Journey©’ of Expedition Far East has many advantages. One of the most important ones is that we offer an extensive and intense program with practical workshops. To learn how to deal with possible problems at a long distance journey is taught in theory and practice. When we travel private, it is possible to learn as much as possible and to practice all the skills. The journey will be tailored to your personal needs and what you personally require.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Your passport must be valid for 6 months upon the departure from Morocco. A Morocco tourist visa is required for stays of more than 90 days.
YOUR VEHICLE
This journey can exclusively be made with a 4×4 vehicle. It is necessary that you are self-supporting for several days regarding to food, sanitary, shower and electricity. We recommend strongly taking two spare tires with you (one with and one without rim).
NAVIGATION
To be able to optimally participate and to learn about the navigating, which is also a part of this journey, you will need to have a Garmin GPS navigation device. Preferably type ‘Montana’.
OVERNIGHT STAYS
During this journey through Morocco, we will stay as much as possible in the great outdoors. At places where conditions do not allow us to do so, or a particular tourist site we would like to visit, we will stay at a campsite. Campsites in Morocco are of a different quality than the campsites we are used to in Europe.
SANITARY FACILITIES
The sanitary facilities, such as toilets and showers are of varying quality and do often not meet to our European standards or are even not present.
EMPTY GREY WATER AND TOILET
On this journey there are almost no facilities, where we can empty our grey water and toilet in a descent and environmentally friendly way. We are often designated to a place in the nature. It is important to do this at a discreet and appropriate manner, which causes no nuisance to the local residents and their live stock and crops. The use of chemical liquids is strongly discouraged. Instead of using chemicals for the toilet, there is a system on the market, called SOG; what is a good alternative to having to use no more chemicals.
ELEKTRICITY
The voltage is 220 volts, sometimes a little lower. Electricity is usually present on campsites, but sometimes to a limited extent.
MONEY
ATM’s are often available and can be used by debit or credit cards. Changing cash is not a problem. The currency of Morocco is the Dirham. 1 Euro is about 11 Dirham. Maximum imported or exported amount of Dirham is 1000 Dirham.
1 € = 11,14 DH 1 DH = 0, 09 €
1 CHF = 9,24 DH 1 DH = 0,11 CHF
1 GBP = 13,85 DH 1 DH = 0,07 GBP
COMMUNICATION
In Morocco, the coverage of the mobile network is stunningly good. Even in remote places in the wilderness and desert, there is often a signal. To avoid high roaming costs, you can buy a SIM card for your phone, even for the use of internet on your Smartphone.
VACCINATIONS
In Morocco is the risk to getting sick not much bigger than in northern Europe. No specific vaccinations are required. However, Hepatitis A and DTP are recommended. Please check with your doctor or public health services for the latest information.
PETS
Taking your pet on this journey is only possible after consultation with Expedition Far East.