Chris Scott, Trailblazer Publications 2009
A new publication on Morocco really worth presenting. Chris Scott, author of the Sahara bible Sahara Overland, focused on Morocco this time. The result is a well-written guidebook that fills the English-language gap left by the existing Lonely Planets and Rough Guides. Aimed at the independent traveller, be it in a 4×4, motorcycle or mountain bike, this is a book about preparation, practicalities and, above all: pistes. Clear descriptions of both well-known and less traveled routes, combined with nice photos and Chris’ entertaining writing style make this one a must-have for any traveller with own transport going beyond the berber-tea-fake-touareg-camel-in-the-dunes tours. Know that this post is totally unbiased, despite the fact that I made some contributions to the book.
Jaques Gandini, Extrem-Sud 2003 – 2007
Erika & Astrid Därr, 11th edition, Reise Know-How 2007
Chris Scott, 2nd edition, Trailblazer Publications 2004
Hachette 2000
5th edition, Rough Guides 1998
For those using a mapping-enabled Garmin GPS receiver on their explorations, Olaf Kähler has made a free vector map for use in the unit. It is compiled using SRTM data, vmap0 data and tracks of travellers in Morocco. Especially useful when touring on pistes and tracks. You can download a free copy
Large scale topographic maps, the best to date regarding the terrain and elevations and for planning stretches off the main roads. Made in the 1960′s/70′s, these beautiful coloured maps are hard to obtain on paper. Luckily, they are freely available in digital format, e.g.
The two main overview maps of Morocco are the Michelin 742 and IGN Maroc, both scaled at 1:1 000 000 (1cm = 10km). Both have their flaws also: roads not mentioned or wrong depicted (it is however not easy to keep up with the ongoing tarmac fever in Morocco). Basically, it comes down to personal choice. In my opinion, the most beautiful and usable is the Michelin, but the IGN has the advantage that it has grid lines.