This Trip would be an unforgettable adventure across Morocco’s diverse landscapes, blending coastal roads, mountain passes, and vast desert dunes. Here’s a breakdown of this thrilling journey:
Day 1: Tangier to Chefchaouen (Approx. 120 km)
- Route: Start your trip by heading southeast from Tangier, passing through the Rif Mountains. The roads here are winding and scenic, with lush greenery and charming villages.
- Terrain: Asphalt roads, smooth and winding.
- Highlights: Chefchaouen, the "Blue City," is famous for its blue-painted buildings and narrow alleyways. It’s a perfect place to relax and soak in the Moroccan atmosphere.
- Ride Experience: The Tenere 700 World Raid’s long-travel suspension will be ideal for tackling any twisty mountain roads and light gravel trails as you approach Chefchaouen.
Day 2: Chefchaouen to Fes (Approx. 200 km)
- Route: Continue southeast towards Fes, a city rich in history and culture. The road will take you through more mountainous terrain before descending into the plains around Fes.
- Terrain: Mostly asphalt roads, with some small gravel stretches leading to scenic viewpoints.
- Highlights: Fes, with its ancient medina, bustling souks, and historical landmarks, is a perfect cultural stop.
- Ride Experience: The Tenere 700’s robust engine and comfortable seat will make this relatively long ride easy, especially with the bike’s excellent road-handling abilities.
Day 3: Fes to Merzouga (Approx. 460 km)
- Route: This will be the longest and most challenging leg of your journey, as you head toward Merzouga, located near the Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara Desert. You’ll pass through the Middle Atlas and the Ziz Valley, a beautiful oasis in the desert.
- Terrain: A mix of well-paved roads and rough, unpaved tracks as you approach the desert.
- Highlights:
- Middle Atlas Mountains: Dense forests, valleys, and small Berber villages.
- Ziz Valley: Palm groves and dramatic desert landscapes.
- Merzouga: The gateway to the Sahara Desert, with towering dunes and the vast expanse of sand stretching as far as the eye can see.
- Ride Experience: The Tenere 700 World Raid is designed for versatility, so as you approach the desert, you can transition easily from road riding to more challenging off-road conditions. Its off-road capabilities will make navigating the rocky, gravel tracks leading into Merzouga a breeze.
Day 4: Exploring the Desert (Merzouga)
- Route: In Merzouga, take your Yamaha Tenere 700 on the desert tracks to explore the Erg Chebbi dunes. You can visit small desert camps or ride deep into the Sahara to witness the vast dunes and traditional nomadic life.
- Terrain: Sand dunes, rocky desert paths, and off-road trails.
- Highlights: Ride through the iconic sand dunes of Erg Chebbi, with opportunities for off-road exploration. If you're feeling adventurous, you could join a camel trek or a 4x4 desert tour.
- Ride Experience: The Tenere 700 World Raid’s advanced suspension and handling make it a perfect bike for navigating the soft sand and rocky desert paths. It’s capable of tackling both challenging off-road trails and open stretches of sand.
General Considerations for the Trip:
- Weather: The coastal regions of Morocco (Tangier) are cooler and more temperate, while the interior and desert regions (Merzouga) can be extremely hot during the day and chilly at night, especially in the winter months.
- Fuel and Supplies: Make sure to carry extra fuel and supplies for the long stretches between towns, particularly in the desert regions. The Yamaha Tenere 700 has a good fuel range, but it's always a good idea to prepare for remote areas.
- Navigation: GPS or a reliable map is essential, especially when navigating through desert trails. Some parts of the route, particularly near Merzouga, may be remote with little to no cell signal.
Key Highlights of the Journey:
- Riding Terrain: Coastal roads, mountain passes, valleys, desert dunes, and remote tracks.
- Cultural Stops: Chefchaouen, Fes, Berber villages.
- Adventure: Riding through the desert with the opportunity for off-road challenges, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences in Morocco’s heart.
This journey will truly test your riding skills while offering incredible scenery, cultural richness, and the thrill of exploring Morocco’s diverse environments on the Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid!