http://www.4x4overlandtravel.com/privmsg?folder=inbox&mode=read&p=4999
Hi Mike,
sorry, but I tried accessing this link and it just took me to my own message page. I guess, from the tag, that it's a PM to you. What's the thread?
ta.
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From: Tembo
To: mikescuba
Posted: Today at 10:44 am
Subject: Re: Morocco 2016
Happy to help. Actually, the guys I went on the last trip with and I are planning another Morocco trip from mid-Sept to mid-October this year. I know most of the 4x4 tour companies are still offering Morocco trips. I would also check out the Horizons Unlimited (HUBB UK) which is primarily motorcycle based but they usually have lots of people planning trips. Unfortunately there are very few people posting anything on this forum anymore, let along trip plans. We have not posted this time because we get way too many people wanting to join us who either have crappy, unprepared vehicles or never show up.
As to security in Morocco, we use a five-level risk rating system where '1' would be Switzerland and '5' Syria. We base the rating on the number of security incidents per year, types of incidents, who they target and the severity. Morocco is rated as a '2.' The major risks in Morocco are petty crime in the urban areas, harassment by drug elements in the Fez region and land mines around the 'Berm' in the far south and into Western Sahara areas along the Algerian border.
In terms of terrorism there were a couple of attacks on cafe's in previous years. The Moroccan security forces have a great success rate at breaking any terrorist cells that form. Al Qaeda and ISIS have ever formed cells in Morocco to attack westerners, but have set up recruiting operations. A fairly large number of youth have gone off to join IS in Syria in recent years but there have been no reports of any coming back and committing any terror acts in Morocco. That may be due to the fact that Morocco's version of Islam is different from the Saudi/Iran led version is the Middle East. There are a number of Islamic sects in Morocco that would be considered heretical to IS/Al Qaeda. So the locals always inform on anyone preaching extremist views. You have probably see the guys walking around in their pointed hatted robes. Finally, there has never been a recorded kidnapping of a westener in Morocco that I am aware of.
I have heard that comment about not travelling to Muslim countries before from various people. My opinion is that this is giving in to fear, which is what terrorists want. To isolate their victim populations from the 'West.' There is a strong difference between 'perceived' fear and real threats. I travel to many Muslim countries every year and so do thousands of aid workers. I would be more concerned about driving through Detroit or walking the streets of Slough after dark than driving through Morocco.
If you and your buddies do decide to go, maybe we will cross paths at some point.
Cheers,
James
