Morocco
Motorbike solo travel in Morocco
Beyond the great typical tourist destinations of Morocco, to the discovery of so many thrilling excursions. With climbs up to 2,700 meters above sea level and dizzying descents, plus a long picturesque course on the coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. On an epic Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin 1994 -a bike with already 200,000 kilometers on the back- my solo trip runs between Tangier, Fnideq, Tetouan, Chefchaouen, Ain Aicha, Fez, Ifrane, Midelt, Merzouga, Tinghir, Marrakesh, Irherm, Tafraout, Tiznit, Agadir, Essaouria, Safi, El Jadida, Casablanca and Rabat.
The chills are not finished. I take the path to the south on Highway 203, passing through the Toubkal National Park and Gorges of Moulay Brahim.
My Africa Twin is happy to devour the road, and I go crazy about the places we cross, like the Tizi n’Test Pass, at 2,090 meters above sea level, on a road that gets the adrenaline flowing! The adventure guides me on National Route 1, the major highway that runs along the west coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Then I ride on two wheels through Agadir, Essaouira, the dunes of Igui n’Tama: spectacular! After Oualidia beach, one of the finest of Moroccan coast, I take the 320 Road to Casablanca. I arrive in the city through the Souk, then I see the impressive Hassan II Mosque, the third largest in the world, with the highest minaret in the world. Unbelievable! With eyes full of wonder I’m back on the way home, boarding at Tanger-Med Port.
Up and Down for Adventure
I love to travel, especially solo. Not much for the goal, but for the journey: I like meeting people and different traditions, enjoying the route, the landscape and what I find. I do not book in advance, nor I plan where to sleep. And the map will tell me where I’m going. I simply follow my passion. Basically, you just have to know your bike and start your journey: you need nothing more.My adventure right from the start seems to be very eventful: the Algeciras-Ceuta crossing is canceled due to the strong wind, so I take the ferry to Tangier. After landing I reach Fnideq, then Fez and, first thrill, step to the Gorges of Oued Laou. I fix a problem with the bearing of the rear wheel and I continue on the N13 towards Midelt, against the backdrop of a magnificent landscape: the Atlas mountains. Then I pass the Col du Zad (2,178 meters above sea level) and I go down through the Gorges of Ziz along the fantastic “Tunnel de Legionnaire”: jawdropping.In Marzouga, an oasis in the desert, I try to live the same atmosphere of the movie “Marrakech Express” here filmed by director Gabriele Salvatores. The great dune of Erg Chebbi is a spectacular sight! On the thousand Kasbah road I stop to Erfoud market.
My road trip continues with Tikkert n’Ououchene, Tinejad and the province of Errachidia, then westward to explore the Todra Gorges: how wonderful! But the true highlight it’s the road to Agoudal: a unique pleasure.I reach Tizi n’Tirherhouzine, one of the highest passes of Morocco, at 2,709 meters above sea level, east of the High Atlas. The descent on my bike is dizzying! After a night in Agoudal I move to Tinghir and – mirage! – I find a guide: I follow him for a while, as a shadow. I pass through the Todra Gorges one more time, then Boumalne Dades to reach the most scenic views of Morocco: Gorges of Dades. Speechless. From Ouarzazate to Tizi n’Tichka and Col du Tichka, at 2,260 meters of altitude. Breathless. But when I make my entrance in Marrakesh, I find everything: people, movement, colors. Between Jemaa El Fna Square, the Kasbah Mosque in Marrakech my eyes see nothing but beauty. But I can’t stop. I will just go ahead, and see where my bike will take me!
The protagonist
Marco: a giant driving Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin ’94
The protagonist
Marco: a giant driving Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin ’94
Marco Ficari, born in 1976, nickname “Giant” (not surprisingly, since it is 1.95 m tall). He’s part of travelbike.it forum staff, and literally “out of it” for motorcycles: in fact he owns 4. In addition to the Honda XRV 750 Africa Twin also has a Kawasaki KLV 1000, a Honda Dominator 650 and a Suzuki DR Big 750.
Recommended gear
long motorcycle journeys
To travel and not getting lost is essential the tank map holder and the “super comfortable” trio: sidecases, a rear case and luggage rack. And the elastic net. Highly recommended: universal manifold protectors and engine guards, since in this type of travel you will meet frequently dirt road, soil and sand.
The Repair Kit is very useful. Among the accessories for the pilot, the inevitable high visibility vest.
To travel and not getting lost is essential the tank map holder and the “super comfortable” trio: sidecases, a rear case and luggage rack. And the elastic net. Highly recommended: universal manifold protectors and engine guards, since in this type of travel you will meet frequently dirt road, soil and sand.
The Repair Kit is very useful. Among the accessories for the pilot, the inevitable high visibility vest.
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