Morocco Desert Raid. Day 10. From Oaisis Bliss to Culinary Regret.
- MotoTravelDude
- Mar 23
- 3 min read
From Oasis Bliss to Culinary Regret
Starting the day with a cool breeze and a tire that’s still holding pressure felt like a small victory. After several days of constant riding, that’s the kind of good news you want before hitting the road again. We left the gorge at a sensible hour, fuelled by a fantastic breakfast, ready to head south back towards the desert and the rising heat.
A Quick Coffee Break with NousNous
Our first stop was a quick one at a roadside coffee van for some NousNous, a local favorite that’s half coffee, half milk. It’s the kind of drink that wakes you up gently but firmly, perfect for the long stretch ahead. The van was simple but buzzing with locals, a good sign that we were on the right track for authentic Morocco travel experiences.
The Long Road to Ouarzazate
The journey to Ouarzazate was long but steady. Known as the gateway to the Sahara, this town is famous for its sprawling desert views and North Africa’s largest film studios. Riding our motorcycles through this landscape felt like being part of a movie set itself. The heat started to build as we approached, a reminder that the desert was never far away.
Ouarzazate is a transit town, mostly a stopover for travelers heading deeper into the Sahara or returning from it. Few tourists actually stay overnight here, which made our decision to rest in town a bit of a gamble.
Oasis du Fint: A Hidden Gem
While some of the team headed straight to the hotel to escape the heat, the rest of us took a short ride to Oasis du Fint. This secluded oasis is just half an hour from Ouarzazate and offers a peaceful contrast to the dusty town. Palm trees, cool water, and a quiet atmosphere made it a perfect spot to unwind after days of touring on motorbikes.
Back at the hotel, the pool was calling. We had beer in hand, sunshine overhead, and our motorcycles safely tucked away in a secure garage. It was the kind of moment that makes all the bumps and dust of travel worth it.
Dinner Among Locals
The hotel restaurant was surprisingly empty, so against my better judgement, we decided to walk into town at dusk to find some local flavor. We figured if the taxi drivers ate at a certain spot, it had to be good. The rustic restaurant opposite the taxi rank seemed promising.
At first, the food seemed alright, but by the next day, a couple of us were regretting that choice. Let’s just say the culinary adventure didn’t end as well as the day had started. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even in Morocco, you have to be careful where you eat.
What This Day Taught Us About Touring Morocco
Check your tires often. A tire holding pressure can make or break a day on motorcycles.
Take breaks with local drinks. NousNous is a simple but effective way to recharge and meet the locals.
Explore beyond the main town. Oasis du Fint showed us a side of Morocco that’s quiet and refreshing.
Secure your bikes. Knowing our motorcycles were safe allowed us to relax fully.
Choose your meals wisely. Local spots can be hit or miss, so ask around or stick to well-known places.
This day was a mix of highs and lows, from the blissful oasis to the regrettable dinner. But that’s the reality of travel and touring Morocco on motorcycles. It’s about embracing the unexpected, enjoying the good moments, and learning from the not-so-good ones.
If you’re planning a similar adventure, remember to pack patience, a sense of humor, and a willingness to try new things. The desert and towns like Ouarzazate have a lot to offer, but they don’t always play by the rules.
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