Driving in Morocco: What to Expect

Driving in Morocco is one of the best decisions you can make if you want to reach the Sahara Desert and explore the country beyond the major cities. The roads between Marrakesh and Merzouga are dramatically beautiful, winding through the Atlas Mountains, past ancient kasbahs and into landscapes that feel completely removed from anywhere else on earth.

But driving in Morocco requires a different kind of focus than driving at home.

Traffic in the cities is chaotic and fast moving with rules that feel more like suggestions than laws. Motorbikes appear from everywhere. Pedestrians step into traffic without warning. Roundabouts operate on a different logic to what you are used to.

Outside the cities the roads improve significantly but police stops are common, see our separate tip on that, and you need to be aware that the distances between the Sahara and Fez are significant (long days!). Allow more time than you think you need. Add a few travel days and slow down your trip if you can.

Kristina's tip: Hire your car from a reputable international company rather than a local operator to avoid disputes over pre existing damage at drop off. Take photos of every scratch and dent before you drive away no matter how minor. Keep cash in the car at all times for tolls, petrol and the inevitable police stop. And save offline Google Maps before you leave Marrakesh, mobile data can be patchy once you get into the mountains and the desert.