Day One

Flights, arrival, customs and more..

Freeridemorocco, singletrack search.

Arriving at Marrakech Airport (RAK)

Before you can pass through passport control you will need to complete a visa form - ‘FICHE D’EMBARQUEMENT/DEBARQUEMENT’. These can be picked up on your way through to the passport control booth but can sometimes be given out on the flight as well.

You will need the following information:

  • Date:
  • No Vol: *This is your flight number*
  • First Name:
  • Maiden Name: (if applicable)
  • Last Name:
  • Date and place of birth:
  • Nationality:
  • Country of usual residence:
  • Occupation:
  • Passport number / Date of delivery:
  • Going to / Coming from:
  • Address in Morocco: *Hotel Assia, Jamaa el Fna, Marrakech
  • Main reason for visit: *Tourism*

Once you have passed through customs control (and you have a nice new stamp in your passport!) you will need to collect your bike and any luggage you checked onto the flight from the carrousel. Opposite the carrousel there is a Bureaux de change - DON'T USE IT! The queues are usually long and the exchange rate is no better than any other Bureaux de change or cashpoint. Wait until we meet you in the main arrivals hall where there is a better selection of BDC's and cashpoints which will be much quicker and easier to use.

Where to meet.

In the main arrivals hall there is a coffee shop on the RIGHT HAND SIDE as you enter the hall. It's just next/opposite the car rental booths. This is where we all meet up and is the time to get cash (1000dh (£65-70) recommended), water/drink and a snack for the transfer.

Transfer to Imlil

Once we're all together and have everything sorted we will load the van and transfer to Imlil. The transfer time is approximately 90 minutes and we aim to do one transfer once we're all together. However, if your flight is a lot earlier than the rest of the group then an extra transfer is available at a cost of £50. This is the total cost and not per person, so if there is more than one of you then the cost can be split.

Arrival in Imlil

If there is enough light when we get to Imlil you can build your bike and get your kit ready. However, this is usually done first thing in the morning as dinner and a team briefing awaits. If you are vegetarian please let us know before you arrive so you don't miss out on the first feast of your holiday!

Tips and tricks for travelling to Morocco

These are little things we do to make the journey easier.

We've been travelling to Morocco for over 10 years on a regular basis so here are a few things we do which might make travelling with your bike a lot easier. We fly from Manchester, but you can apply the principles to departures from any airport.

Recommended parking for Freeridemorocco

Chauffer Parking: If you're driving to the airport this is by far the best system. Book parking with a company who will collect your car at departures and drop it off to you when you clear customs on your return.

Freeridemorocco travel check.

Check your route: Make sure there are no known delays on your route to the airport. If there is, the allow ample time for them! Don't rush or leave it too late and do look at alternative routes.

Safe bike packing for Freeridemorocco.

Pack Sensibly: Don't over cram your bags either with kit or weight. Check your allowance and adhere to it! This will also help avoid damage to your bike and a potentially unwanted hit to the wallet.

Freeridemorocco recommend drinking water when flying.

Eat and drink: It's easy to 'forget' to eat and drink when you fly, but it's essential you stay hydrated, not just for your flight but also for the next days riding. Water might be 'expensive' at the airport but it's worth it!