Morocco Of-The-Beaten Path
Morocco is perhaps the most accessible country in the Middle East where travelers can fulfill their Lawrence of Arabia fantasies. European overlanders have for years been using the country as a jumping off point for both brief and extended trips into Africa. We had the opportunity to witness this for ourselves in 2005 as many campsites we visited in southern Italy were heavily populated by European 4WDs with roof tents and even an expedition truck or two.
But even if you don’t live in Europe or don’t own a well-equipped Land Rover or Land Cruiser, you can still get your adventure fix in a rental car in Morocco. An excellent article by Ken Kristensen in the GORP travel newsletter tells of the author’s adventures in Morocco on a rented Peugeot 405. Despite warnings about bandits, Mr. Kristensen ventured into the Atlas Mountains and beyond by himself and was rewarded by spontaneous encounters with colorful characters and access to a secret surf spot.
This story reminded me of the award-winning movie “Babel” in which a couple touring Morocco aboard a tour bus experience a nightmare scenario of being stuck in a remote village after the wife was accidentally shot. They had to wait what seemed to be an eternity before help arrived all the while fending off their fellow travelers who ultimately commandeered the bus and left them behind. After watching the movie I was extremely skeptical of the plausibility of such a scenario particularly given the recent advances in telecommunications and the country’s exposure to the west as well as its bustling tourist industry. This article seems to prove me right although the movie will no doubt continue to plant fear in the heart of those who would never dream to go anywhere unless it is in the company of a gaggle of compatriots (as if that was any safer).
I am decidedly biased against organized tours. This is partly due to my affinity for adventure vehicles that makes me want to undertake every trip aboard my very own dream machine; however, even rent-a-car adventures are okay in a book. In fact, given my present circumstances, this is likely to be my primary mode of transport for international trips in years to come. Independent travel, by whatever means necessary, frequently forces one into situations that lead to unexpected and invaluable cultural exchanges.
