Jo&Alex

We are going to Spain later this summer, and were hoping to make a day trip to Morocco, looks close enough on the map... Is this possible? I tried calling a couple of car rentals, but they don't allow border crossing to Morocco. Does anybody know of a rental agency that would let us take their car abroad for a day or two? Any info would be most appreciated.

pwwm

Would think it highly unlikely, even if you do it is not just across the border, it means ferry crossings. Usually only let you take to an EU country, but I think you pay more for the priveledge.

Why not just foot passenger across for the day

Jur

Did you already try to rent a car in Tangiers? That way you just hop on the ferry in Spain and pick up the car in Morroco.

rachelk

A friend of mine recently went to Morocco and hired the car there. He reckoned Spanish plates are targets for mysterious damage, which helps profit local garages in Morocco. Moroccan plates make you less conspicuous.

mrsjdr

It is the insurance which stops rental companies allowing their cars out of Spain, the only two who would let you are Hertz and Avis as they are Multi National companies, but even they may not allow a trip into Morocco, can always ask ??

pete_l

I have a feeling that it would be cheaper to get a passenger ferry and then hire another car in Morocco, than to take yours on the ferry for just a day trip. Though it seems odd to have 2 hire cars on the go at the same time.
How about arranging your trip to Africa for the end of your stay in Spain? If you're lucky the airport you're flying out of would have flights to somewhere in Morocco (Fez is popular) so you might, just be able to catch a flight to Morocco, have a few days there, fly back to Spain and then fly back tot he UK on the same day. That way you could drop the car off at the airport when you fly to Morocco.
p.s. check what your personal; travel insurance will allow, too. How about innoculations?

Jo&Alex

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions... Haven't thought about the inoculations, maybe not such a good idea to take the 1-year old baby after all... But we're too excited about the trip to forget all about it now!!

I'll look into hiring another car in Morocco or just flying there... I already called Avis in Spain, and they said "NO, NO, NO - IT IS NOT POSSIBLE!"

So I gather we can drive up to the ferry, get on and then just get off on the other side and there is a car rental within walking distance...? Because we are definitely not ready to take the bus with our two accompanying restless, screaming, completely unreasonable minors How long is the ferry ride, does anybody know?

Thanks again. Can't wait!!!!

Jur

Ferry from Tarifa is about 45 minutes. Please mind the scammers, eg."touristpolice". There are taxi´s outside the terminal and to travel by train is also an interesting experience. Fez is worth a visit.

jdunbavin

It might be better to get the hotel you staying at to organise the pick up from the ferry. It is quite scary driving in Morrocco!

Jo&Alex

Is this a possibility? What city would they come to pick us up from...? And then, how can we get back...? Is it common for hotels to offer this kind of service? That would be our first choice, for sure! Thanks for the suggestion, I'll see if I can arrange it.

I can imagine driving in Morocco can be scary... This is sounding more and more complicated, but I'm determined....

Thanks again!

chrismortley

Do you have an intended destination planned yet ?
I had the pleasure of driving in Rabat for some time & I can assure it it is not for anyone with a nervous disposition
The motorways out there are to a good standard if you do drive.
It's not a bad idea having some currency conveniently placed in your passport in case you get stopped by the local constabulary ( & there is more than a good chance you will )
As for the taxis , I don't how many of you are travelling but you wouldn't get a family & luggage in the small ones & the larger 6-12 seaters don't like to move unless they have every possible seating space double stacked with punters.
All said & done driving is quite good fun & certainly a challenge out there just don't take the road signs,traffic lights & roundabouts to seriously unless the traffic policeman is waving his gun @ you .

jdunbavin

We stayed at a hotel in Tangiers and they sent a taxi to pick us up. The owners of the hotel also organised an excursion to a very remote beach (food included) for us in the same taxi which was about 150Km away. However, the taxi was an old merc and there were no seat belts or air con! (And that was considered luxury) A bit of an adventure especially with two ten year olds.

Jo&Alex

Tangiers it is then... Jdunbavin, do you happen to remember the name of the hotel? (if it's worth remembering...)

We wouldn't have a whole lot of luggage, as we would leave that in Spain and only take the stuff we need for 2 days. So we should easily fit into a regular size taxi. Would it be a good idea to take a cab to Rabat, or is it too far? Maybe going to the beach is a better idea?

We are open to any suggestions, we have 2 days - 1 night that we can spend in Morocco and chances are we will not be going back for a LONG time, so want to make the most of it. On the other hand we are travelling with a toddler, so even though she is a very good traveler, we can't be overly ambitious. Just want to take lots of wonderfully exotic pictures!!!

Thanks for all the help, it's all taking shape, SO EXCITED!!!!

Fred James

Tangier is not really representative of Morocco - it's OK for a day trip but if you have a bit more time get out of town!

Tetouan is a very typical Moroccan city and it's a taxi drive away.

Better still, go up into the Rif mountains and visit Chefchaoen - an absolutely beautiful place.

Those two places will give you a feel for what Morocco is really like. You won't have time to get to Fez which is the best place of all. Rabat is OK but the only two things worth seeing there are the Kings palace and the mausoleum. Both nice but very much modern Morocco.

chrismortley

Rabat does have a beach of sorts? & the Medina would keep you interested for a few hours.
IF you decided to go there try the Golden Tulip hotel for a price ,it's close to all the sites been mentioned & you don't have to drive through the centre of the city to get there.
Where ever you end up try & buy some of the local Saffron from the Medina.