A Two week Morocco Road Trip: Surf to Souks

In truth, I wasn't going to write a blog about this adventure, as I wanted to immerse myself in the country and enjoy it. However, a few things kept cropping up that need mentioning. Some of which I, and many others, didn't know before we took on this Morocco road trip and wished we had.

Therefore, if you only read one part of this blog, it should be this bit.

Firstly, and most importantly, money.

If you're planning on following this two-week Morocco itinerary or staying in one of Morocco's southern towns and cities, you will need cash. Almost everyone, including the hostels, does not accept cards. It is cash only.

Even more annoying, Taghazout doesn't have a cash machine, so if you're heading to Taghazout, have cash with you. Although, I still recommend having your Revolut card, as you can take money out, fee-free, at the airport or other cities, but have cash on you.

For more info on Revolut, check my blog here.

Secondly, Transport.

Transport is somewhat crucial for any Morocco road trip. So let's look at it.

If you don't have a vehicle, you'll need a taxi or a bus, as there are no trains in south Morocco. I speak more about all your options in the transport section in my Morocco blog.

Nevertheless, something you need to know is this. Bus stations are chaotic. Everyone will tell you to purchase a ticket at a specific counter. Of course, you can, however, you can also buy a ticket on the bus. Arrive with plenty of time, and you can source which way is cheapest at the time.

Although, as we discovered you don't need to use a bus station.

You can literally wave a local bus down mid-journey, even on a motorway. If there is space, they will stop. I did this in Taghazout. I climbed up to a four-lane highway and waved a bus down. It saved me from having to go back to the Agadir bus station.

My last point on buses is that they hand out sick bags onboard. Yeah, the drive is often very fierce. Especially during the Agadir to Essaouira leg of this two-week Morocco itinerary

Also, if you're not a fan of buses, grand taxis often work out cheaper and quicker, so ask the taxi drivers who hang around outside the bus station first.

Thirdly, Female Travellers in Morocco

Having experienced this trip with a female friend, I can honestly say that how she was looked upon or treated was incredibly different to how we guys got on. It was a night and day difference.

Frankly, it's a tricky one, as it's a balance of respecting cultural and religious beliefs vs the right to freedom, what's right and blatant sexism.

Sadly, it is a case that the more you cover up and don't stand out, the easier the trip will be for you.

Here is a summary of her thoughts: Overall, it was like walking through a country of white van men, never knowing who's going to stare, beep or say something, which puts you a little on edge, which builds up the longer you're there. Above all, you need resolve about you, and wouldn't recommend it for women who would be scared or off-put by it.

Her main takeaway was this. "It's a beautiful country but it's tarnished by the population. It has the potential to be paradise, but with the society and lack of education surrounding the environment, it just seems like it will swallow itself up".

However, it has sparked her appetite to find more out in the world.

Finally, the Rules of a Morocco Road Trip

• Speed checks are regular. Stick to the speed limit.
• Police checks are frequent. You are likely to be pulled over. It's no biggy, don't worry.
• Renting a car can mean leaving a massive deposit. Be prepared to deposit thousands of pounds. Yeah, that's right -pounds.