Morocco Motorcycle Routes: Best Rides, Season, Documents and Safety Tips

Morocco is one of the best countries for a motorbike trip near Europe. In one week you can cross snowy mountain passes, ride through deep red gorges and reach the sand dunes of the Sahara. This guide presents the best Morocco motorcycle routes, the best season to ride, the documents to prepare, how to choose a bike and how to stay safe. Our team is based in Merzouga, at the end of many of these roads, and we ride and drive them all year.

The tips below are general. Rules for licences, insurance and bringing your own vehicle can change, so always check the current rules with official sources before you travel.

The best Morocco motorcycle routes

1. Marrakech to Ouarzazate over the Tizi n'Tichka pass

This is the classic first day. The road climbs from the plain of Marrakech into the High Atlas, with many curves and great views. At the top, the Tizi n'Tichka pass is at about 2,260 metres. On the south side you can ride to Aït Ben Haddou, the famous earth village. The road is paved and in good condition, but there are trucks and slow traffic, so overtake with care.

2. The Dades and Todra gorges

From Ouarzazate, the road of the kasbahs leads east through Skoura and the Rose Valley to the Dades Valley. The winding road up the Dades Gorges is one of the most photographed roads in Morocco. Further east, near Tinghir, the Todra Gorges have rock walls more than 200 metres high. Experienced riders can link the two gorges through the mountains on a road that is partly piste; ask locally about conditions, because rain and snow can close it.

3. To the Sahara: Merzouga and Erg Chebbi

From Tinghir, a long, quiet road crosses the stony plains to Erfoud, Rissani and Merzouga. Suddenly the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi appear. Here you can park the big bike for a day and try a guided enduro ride in the Merzouga dunes on a light dirt bike. Our Merzouga desert guide has more ideas for your days in the Sahara.

4. The Draa valley and the south

Going back west, you can ride through Alnif and N'Kob to the Draa valley, a long line of palm groves and old ksars between Zagora and Agdz. The roads are calm and the light is beautiful in the late afternoon.

5. North: the Middle Atlas and Fez

From Merzouga to Fez, the road follows the Ziz valley and crosses the Middle Atlas near Midelt and Ifrane, with cedar forests and fresh air. This route is good if you finish your trip in the north or take the ferry back to Spain.

Best season to ride in Morocco

Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November) are the best months. Days are warm, nights are fresh and the light is good. In summer it is very hot in the south and in the desert; if you ride then, start at sunrise and stop at midday. In winter the High Atlas passes can have snow and ice, and some roads close for a few hours or days. See our guide to the best time to visit Morocco month by month for details.

Licence, documents and insurance

• A valid motorcycle licence for the category of bike you ride. Many riders also carry an International Driving Permit; check the current rules for your country.
• Your passport, valid for the whole trip. Check visa rules with the Moroccan embassy or consulate before you buy tickets.
• If you bring your own bike: the registration papers and proof of insurance valid in Morocco. A temporary import of the vehicle is declared at the border. Check the current procedure with official sources before you travel.
• If you rent a bike: the rental papers and insurance are given with the bike. Ask what the insurance covers.
• Travel insurance that clearly covers motorcycle riding (and off-road riding if you plan pistes).

For general travel information, the official Moroccan tourism website is a good starting point.

Rent a bike or bring your own?

Riders from Europe often come with their own bike by ferry from Spain to Tangier. Travellers from Asia or Latin America usually rent. Large trail bikes are the best choice for Moroccan roads: a BMW GS, a Yamaha Ténéré 700 or a similar model. They are comfortable on long roads and strong enough for easy pistes. Models depend on availability and are confirmed when you book. For pistes and sand, a lighter bike is easier to handle.

Ride with a guide and a support vehicle

Riding alone in Morocco is possible, but a guided trip removes much of the stress. On our Morocco motorcycle tour, a riding guide leads the way, and a support vehicle carries your luggage, water and spare parts. If there is a problem with the bike or the weather, the team finds a solution. You also sleep in hotels and kasbahs that are chosen for riders, with safe parking. The route can follow our 7-day Marrakech, desert and south tour or a longer loop like the 10-day Morocco tour from Casablanca.

Do you prefer four wheels? With our guided 4x4 self-drive, you drive your own 4x4 and our guide leads you on the desert pistes.

Safety tips on Moroccan roads

• Wear a helmet and full protective gear: jacket, gloves, trousers and boots. Gear can usually be rented on request.
• Watch for animals, children and slow vehicles near villages. Donkeys and sheep often cross the road.
• Police speed checks are common. Respect the limits, especially when you enter towns.
• Avoid riding at night. Some vehicles have weak lights, and animals are hard to see.
• Sand can cover the road after wind, especially near the desert. Slow down in the curves.
• Carry water, sun cream and a small first-aid kit. Fuel stations are far apart in some areas, so fill up when you can.

With good planning, the Morocco motorcycle routes above give you some of the best riding days of your life. Tell us your dates, your experience and your dream route in a tailor-made trip request, and we prepare a plan for you.