HIGH ATLAS - MOROCCO ALLROAD TOUR An unforgettable experience filled with adventure! 1
I decided to join the allroad tour to Morocco and Something magical happened. I spend money, but I came back FEELING richer." JES BUUS / DENMARK participant HIGH ATLAS TOUR 2
4 welcome to Explore 360! 5 Our Concept 6-7 Morocco: the closest far-away country! 8 The Route 9-12 Day by Day 13 Routes / Level of difficulty 15-17 Information 18-19 Taste of Morocco 20 Tour package 23 Contact 3
welcome to explore360! Fellow riders! Welcome to Explore360! My name is Chris, living in Sweden since 2011 and together with Anna my wife, I am running Explore360. I would like to share my two biggest passions with you: travelling and driving a motorcycle: an unbeatable combination that has led me to far-out corners of this world and more than 40 countries the last ten years. The feeling of freedom and really being in the present when my bike, the road and environment are in harmony with each other, is what I enjoy most. Motorbike travelling means to me: experiencing a wide variety of scenery, cultures, lifestyles and adventure, and off course to have fun and to go for a ride. In this brochure I would like to inform you what the Morocco Experience is all about and share the experience that I had in this extraordinary country. Breath-taking scenery, great roads, a pervasive culture and the instant feeling that this is a country that moves your senses in all possible ways. Just awesome! At last I would like to share some ideas, which we believe in here at Explore360, to give you a never-to-forget experience. 4 4
our concept We believe in having a genuine experience with a healthy dose of adventure. By exploring breath-taking landscapes, great roads and maybe being a bit out of your comfort-zone or undergoing a culture shock, but simply always having a good time and fun will give you a once in a lifetime experience! We believe that motorbike travelling is for everybody! It doesn t discriminate age, gender, sexual orientation or type of bike and so on. You only need a flexible, open-minded attitude and the rest will follow! We strive to make every Explore360 tour a unique one! We keep on improving and adjusting our itinerary. In this way it will also stay fun and exiting for us. We believe in small intimate groups who want to have fun and a great time together. Not only while driving but also when not driving! We believe in having a support vehicle ( 5 participants). This gives you the opportunity to drive your motorbike in the most free way possible and enjoy it to the max! We believe in stimulating the local economy by making use of additional local guides and small local businesses and accommodations to stay. We believe in creating a safety-net for our customers. That s why Explore360 has lodged security with the Swedish Legal, Financial and Administrative Services Agency ( Kammarkollegiet ). So you are protected under the Swedish law. 5
Morocco: the closest far-away country! Would you like to have a unique and exiting experience on two wheels? Morocco is one of the best countries in the world for riding your adventure-bike. From winding roads through the High Atlas or dusty gravel in the southern Sahara desert, buzzling traffic in Marrakech or enchanting landscapes with Kasbah s, oasis and small mountain villages. Encounter the culture of the Imazighen, also known as Berbers, enjoy the exquisite Moroccan cuisine and explore century old Medina s. It s all going to happen! 6
Join us on this fabulous journey, an opportunity of a lifetime. An adventure that will delight and enchant. A journey that will thrill the senses, both on- and off the bike. Fabulous scenery, accessed in the most raw and emotive way possible. From a motorcycle perspective, the best way to travel in Morocco! We introduce you to winding roads and challenging gravel roads (pistes) on this all-road adventure, demonstrating the best of both worlds. The ideal adventure for both the experienced and inexperienced off-road rider. As always, hints and tips will be readily available for those looking to improve technique! And we ll have alternative routes for those who want it easier, or the opposite. Join us on this fabulous journey, the opportunity of a lifetime to sample all that Morocco has to offer and that s not just the riding. The food, accommodation and photo-stops are all chosen to be varied and of the highest standard available. Set foot in Northern Africa and see for yourself on this amazing Morocco Experience! 7
The route Adventure Comfort Days from 17 900 1 Level riding Culture shock Price 8
Day by day Day 1 / Arrival Marrakech We will stay in a luxurious hotel in Marrakech, where our rental bikes are waiting for us! After having a dinner together we will have a briefing of what will follow coming days. We start early the next morning so we won t make it too late. Day 2 / Marrakech > Ouarzazate (230 km). We ll take the Tizi n Tichka pass (2300 m.) over the High Altas, with its never ending curves, through one of Morocco s most stunning landscapes. Followed by the Telòuet pass (partly unpaved) with its many Kasbah s, descending to Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified town, or Ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Ouarzazate is also known for its film studios. Many films were recorded here, like Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy and Gladiator. We spend the night in a Kasbah close to Ouarzazate. 9
Day by day Day 3 / Ouarzazate > Gorge du Todra (290 km) Via the route of Kasbah s and passing the Valley of Roses and Gorge du Dadès, we ll hit the gravel roads. Riding the highest pass of this tour (2940 m.) and the last stretch through the impressive Gorge du Todra, where the mountains go straight up for 300 meter just beside you. We stay over in a very special Auberge which is partly build into the mountain. Imagine, having dinner under the stars after a good day riding and sleeping in one of their cave-rooms. Day 4 / Gorge du Todra > MERZOUGA (335 km) A long day all the way to the sand dunes of Erg Chebi near Merzouga over curvy tarmac and dusty gravel roads. We will pass some desert art on our way south and we will end up in a beautiful auberge just at the foot of the dunes. We will stay there for two nights. The sunset over the dunes while enjoying dinner in our auberge makes will make this day complete. 10 10
Day by day Day 5 / MERZOUGA - DAY LOOP (90 km) A short day around the dunes where we will drink tea with the beduines in the barren stone-dessert in their tent. Riding in the sand we will avoid with our heavy dual-sport bikes. That we'll do on an ATV/quad in the afternoon and enjoy the sunset from one of the highest dunes. Finishing the day by having a cold drink and diner in the garden near the pool of our beautiful desert hotel. Day 6 / MERZOUGA > zagora (350 km) From Zagora it s only 52 days to Timbuktu, by camel. But we ll take first the fast tarmac towards Tazzarine and from there the piste to N'kob followed by the biggest oasis in Morocco along the Draa river. ending up in Zagora, a hub from the days when the trading-caravans had a stop-over with their camels. A beautiful Kasbah surrounded by palm trees will be our home for the night. 1 11
Day by day Day 7 ZAGORA > DU FINT (200 km) The first stretch leads us through the Draa oasis along small villages. After this we'll pass the waterfall 'cascade de Draa' and keep on riding towards Ouarzazate. Ending up in the beautiful oasis du Fint in an Auberge where we will spend the night. Expect some authentic berber hospitality! Day 8 DU FINT > MARRAKECH (350 KM) Early up because it will be a long day back to Marrakech. We'll start with a nice piste toward Taliouine, a town known for its safran. After we will conquer the High Atlas once more and take the famous Tizi n Test pass (2.200 m). when heading back to buzzling Marrakech. The day after you'll fly back home, or extend your stay with some days to explore Marrakech a bit more. 12 12
ROUTES / Level of RIDING This all-road adventure leads us from smoothly curvy asphalt, wellprepared gravel roads, to more bumpy tracks with stones and rocks (we will not ride in the sand dunes). Total distance is approximately 1500 km s whereof 40% off-road over so called pistes. But there is more available! Depending on personal wishes or like bad weather conditions, there are also alternative routes over asphalt available. It s mandatory to have experience with gravel riding, and if you have not so much experience, we strongly recommend you to follow an all-road course. Intermediate/medium level All-road / gravel riding experience required. Previous participation in an off-road training is recommended. Conditions Please bring your complete motorcycling gear (helmet, motorcycling hard (enduro)boots, gloves, goggles, motorcycling suit with protectors, back protector). Sorry, no rental of motorcycling gear possible. 13
RIDING SKILLS / Off-road ROUTES / Level of RIDING On all our trips are fun and safety our main goals. With the classification 1 track up to 3 tracks, we would like to give you an indication to evaluate your off-road riding skills, for the tour required. Self-evaluation is not easy but the final decision is made by you only. Don`t hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions or you need suggestions for an off-road course. We are also at your disposal for further questions about the trip or special information about the routes. = Off-road beginners Driving on asphalt, even on passes with narrow switchbacks are no problem for you. The off-road part is mostly under 30 % of the total distance. The tour is easily manageable also for beginners. Recommendation: If you have no off-road and /or gravel riding experience at all, we recommend a 1- or 2 day training course. After that training course it is much easier for you to evaluate your skills and to figure out whether you have fun riding off-road tracks. = Intermediate off-road riders Driving on asphalt as well as on gravel, passes with narrow switchbacks (paved and gravel) are no problem for you. Off-road (gravel) riding experience is mandatory. The off-road part is mostly over 30 % of the total distance. Challenging sections with bigger stones, steep climbs/descents and/or sand are possible. Recommendation: This tour is not applicable for participants without any off-road/ gravel riding experiences. You are experienced with off-road/ gravel riding, and/or have had a 1- or 2-day training course. = Advanced off-road riders This tour is suitable for drivers with advanced off-road experience and good fitness. The daily routes can be pretty long. The tour consist mostly of off-road parts including demanding and difficult routes with single-tracks, sand, big stones, mud and water crossings Recommendation: This tour is not recommended for participants without any offroad experiences. You must have an extensive experience with off-road / gravel riding and/or have had an advanced off-road course. 14
Motorbikes We rent excellent prepared BMW s and Husqvarna motorbikes for this amazing adventure. These all-rounders are perfect on the asphalt and have no troubles when it s getting a bit rougher. The following bikes are available: BMW G 310 GS BMW 650 Sertau Husqvarna 701 BMW R 1200 GS Rally BMW F 800 GS Well maintained motorcycles from our partner in Morocco, unlimited mileage, including fuel and a Moroccan third party insurance* Tires: TKC 80 off-road tires (or equivalent). Deposit 1500,- per person (cash or by creditcard). You can bring a GPS yourself. Bring also your own mount to attach it. Of course you are also welcome to join this adventure on your own motorbike! (price from SEK 20 900 / 2090)information 15
ACCOMMODATION Each location is chosen for variety and quality, ensuring an eclectic mix and unique experience at the end of each day s riding. It ranges from luxury hotels to (basic) auberges, a typical Moroccan inn, based on a twin room. Single room supplement: SEK 2 800 / 280 food We only halt our adventure in the best places to refuel. Not only the bikes need to be maintained! You ll sample the best of Moroccan cuisine and eat as the locals do, and indulge yourself with tagine, couscous or other local delicacies. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. For lunch we ll eat in good restaurants along the road or we ll bring a picnic. 16
PARTICIPANTS (min. 6 riders). Will you continue even though the tarmac ends? Have you got a positive attitude and are you looking forward to an adventurous trip through one of the most extraordinary countries in Northern Africa? Do you like to share your experience with others and help each other out when the going gets tough? This trip demands an open mind for unknown cultures, flexibility, endurance and team spirit because we help each other when it s needed. It s good to have some experience with motorbike travelling and you need experience with driving on gravel roads but for sure you don t need to be an off-road expert to participate on this trip! When doubting, just give us a call so we can explain more in detail! GETTING THERE There are direct flights to Marrakech from all major airport in Europe like: Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt, Madrid, London etc. But also low-cost airlines like Ryan-air and Norwegian fly directly to Marrakech. It gives you all the flexibility if you would like to extend your holiday for some more days in Marrakech or elsewhere in Morocco. We will arrange transport for picking you up from the airport. It is possible to bring your partner along. In the support vehicle and/ or on some stretches of the route as a pillion (depending on your riding capacity). 17
Taste of morocco 18
19
tour package when / See our calendar on our website for the exact dates. If you prefer other dates or a specific designed tour? Just get in contact so we can plan a tailor-made tour. Price (per rider) / Tour rider (on own bike): SEK 20 900 / 2090 Prices rental bikes (7 riding days) including off-road tires and fuel during the tour: BMW G 310 GS SEK 8 600 / 860 BMW 650 Sertau SEK 8 900 / 890 Husqvarna 701 SEK 9 500 / 950 BMW F 800 GS: SEK 10 900 / 1090 BWM R 1200 GS/LC: SEK 11 800 / 1180 Single room supplement: SEK 2 800 / 280 Pillion/support vehicle: SEK 17 500 / 1750 INCLUDED / 9 days holiday, 7 days riding. 8 nights accommodation in unique (rural) hotels and Auberges (based on a twin room). All breakfasts (8x), all lunches (7x) and all dinners (8x). Transfers from/to airport on arrival and departure to/from hotel. Fuel during the whole tour. Support vehicle (when 5 participants) for tools and customer s luggage. Guide ( & sweeper when 7 participants) on a motorcycle. SPOT-(GPS)emergency tracker and/or satelite phone. NOT INCLUDED / Flight to and from Morocco. Medical insurance (with repatriation), travel and cancellation insurance. Personal expenses. (Alcoholic) drinks. ATV/Quad tour in Merzouga dunes ( 70 p.p. for 2 hours). Single room supplement. Own responsibility to / Bring your own complete motorcycle gear (helmet, boots, gloves, suit incl. protectors/back protector. Arrange your personal travel-, cancellation- and medical insurance, (European) insurance card and passport (min. six month valid from the arrival date). Bring a valid passport (at least 6 months valid) and motorcycle driver s license. Make the deposit for the rental bike (from 1500) in cash or by credit card (upon arrival). Book your own flight ticket. Follow the (local) traffic rules, laws and regulations as well the tour leader s instructions. Take care of your own equipment and motorbike. Explore360 will whenever possible help, but cannot be held responsible for any costs for recovery and such due to reckless behaviour. * All prices are per person and are subject to change depending on accommodations, rental bikes and applicable currency, taxes or VAT. 20
A once in a lifetime experience! The combination of sand dunes and snow white mountain peaks is truly unique. Morocco s spectacular nature will stay in my heart and memory forever. lisa nordlind / participant Morocco Experience 21
Explore360 2018 pictures by Lisa Nordlind, Mark Agius, Jonas jerndal, Arthur Dgm and Chris Wilthuis 22
Brochure / design by Laya www.designbylaya.com Explore360 Motorcycle Adventures Chris Wilthuis M: + 46 (0) 72 015 05 70 E: info@explore360.nu W: www.explore360.nu F: facebook.com/explore360degrees 23