I was in Morocco in June of 2005 for a month and had a wonderful trip. I crossed at Algeciras to Ceúta (never again! Tangier is much better!), then hitchhiked (long story) to Tetouan, then bussed it to Chefchaouen (Xauen). That was day 1. Did the Xauen, bussed it to Fez where I bought a djelabah and had to go to the hospital and be treated for strep (again, long and wonderful story). It was then I decided to meet people and headed out to Marrakech with a group a few days later. We did Marrakech (absolutely amazing!) and a 3 day tour of the Sahara (changed my life. . . you can date be from before or after that experience), then on to beach relaxation in Essouira (my favorite escape ever) staying at the wonderul Casa di Carlo (get one of the rooftop cabins). I took an entire day to get from Essouira to Tangier, and then another to make my way back to Málaga.

Best trip of my life.

Claire

thanks for the input e1. Trish, thanx for link to hotel. LaClaire-do you have a full trip report anywhere-especially interested in the desert trek. thanx

Follow up after reading the posts on this:

The Mamounia is under construction until 2007. The Sultana, however, is amazing.

I did the Spain ferry option as well, just in case I didn't like Morocco or feel comfortable (25 year old female traveling alone). I ended up calling work and staying an extra 2 weeks.

I am taking my father there in December and then have a birthday party in Marrakech (friend's 40th) at New Year. And I am seriously thinking about moving down there for a while at some time in the near future.

laartista- if you send me a private e-mail I will send you some excerpts from my Morocco diary, which I just recently digitized.

Sounds like the rent a wreck is the way to go Stu. Thanks for your continued advice - I've found it very useful.

laartista: Waiting for you to e-mail me so I can scan and send you some choice Moroccan pre-digital pix...from what you see above, I'm sure you're sold on Maroc already!

Stu T. [email protected]

Clifton ....and anyone else...I sent laartista some photos of Maroc and I would be happy to do the same for anyone else planning a trip there..just write me [email protected]

They're all pre-digital so I 've scanned and can e-mail easily.

Stu T.