s0b
London
A question about this place:
Answers:
geoveo
Rugby
That is the most beautiful drive. The road is well surfaced but is quite a challenge as it is very tortuous through the spectacular mountains. You should be wary of the trucks and grand taxis that assume their own priority, but taken with care it is very safe. I would say that you can stop just about anywhere. In towns and villages you may attract the attention of curious children, in the countryside you’ll very soon be approached by someone selling crystals or fruit, or just hoping for to get a fee for being photographed. remember that many of these comunities live on very small incomes so any additional passing trade is very beneficial.
If you are driving a 4×4 you could leave the main road after the high pass at Tizi n Tichka and head for Telouet and then on to Tamdaght and then Ait Benhaddou and then after rejoining the main road you could visit the Atlas film studios before you drive in to Ouarzazate. If you will be in a normal car I’d stay on the main road though.
I’d avoid any night-time driving.
One more word of caution, watch your speed; the police do have speed traps and will fine you on the spot for any speed over the very low limits in towns and villages.
s0b
London
So I’d been meaning to come back to this for ages and say thank you for all your advice.
I did actually get stopped for speeding (just outside of a town – I thought I was in the clear) but fortunately managed to avoid a fine.
We took a normal car to Telouet as the guide book suggested it was possible. Frankly I would have been nervous about taking my old landrover defender along parts of that road but it was well worth the journey and not (technically) off piste.
Anyway, a belated “thank you” once again for your advice
geoveo
Rugby
Glad it was of help.
I’d be interested to know how you managed to avoid the fine. The impression that I got was that tourists are sport for the traffic police, issuing large fines that I’m sure Moroccans wouldn’t or couldn’t have paid – 400MAD for doing 55kph on the outskirts of a town.
s0b
London
I’m not really sure how I avoided it to be honest; apologising in Arabic and in French seemed to help.
I found everyone was very friendly – even the traffic cops; and they became even more welcoming once we tried talking to them.
