Good day — Arrival in Africa
Well, today is the day we’re going to make it to Africa. That’s been a long time coming. Since we were so close to where the ships depart, we initially pointed out where we should go, but of course, that wasn’t the entry point. We had to go to a completely different location to access the port.
Ferry preparations and paperwork
Johan had already arranged a ticket for a certain time and boat, but nothing was really clear. We still needed a paper confirmation from somewhere. After a few return trips to different offices, we finally obtained the confirmation we needed. Then it was a matter of finding the right port and the right ship. Our first option went to Ceuta, a Spanish part of Morocco, which we didn’t want. We wanted to land east of Tangier, more in line with our route.
Finding the correct ferry
There were many ships moving around. We initially thought a roll-on/roll-off ferry might be ours, but it wasn’t. Another ship arrived, and again, that wasn’t the one. Finally, we were directed to a much smaller ship — the same one I remembered from trips in 1981/82 and even 1973. Boarding required careful positioning so we could exit easily later, and luckily, we were in a good spot.
Meeting fellow travelers
While waiting, we met France and Bert, two guys from the Netherlands touring Morocco for four weeks on motorbikes, mostly camping. We chatted on the boat, which reminded me how much I enjoy meeting new people and sharing stories. One of them even lived near the town I was born in, Naldwijk, just 5 km from Lier.
Ferry journey and arrival
We departed later than scheduled, but the boat ride was smooth. The real adventure started upon arrival — the harbor was enormous, and it wasn’t clear which direction to go. The police had already stamped our passports aboard, which was helpful. Customs and other checks followed, including a vehicle scan where only six cars at a time could pass through a scanning contraption. Patience was key, and we had plenty. Our papers were approved, and we also exchanged some money for Moroccan Dirhams.
Driving through Morocco
From there, we drove through Rabat, admiring the wide boulevards, embassies, and the city’s cleanliness. We continued to Mohammedia, just before Casablanca. Along the way, we noticed numerous policemen stationed every few hundred meters — likely for a government motorcade, possibly the king of Morocco passing by. It was impressive to see them endure the heat for hours.
First impressions and reflections
It’s been an exciting first day in Africa. Driving along the coast and seeing the water was a promising sign of what’s to come. The scenery, the people, and the experiences make me excited for the journey ahead. Stay along for the rest of the adventure as life unfolds in Morocco.
