Ride through the Riches of Morocco: Experience the Best Morocco Motorcycle Tours
Author:
Alyssa Faraji
Published:
The fact that you’re here means there’s a spark of intrigue about seeing Morocco on a motorbike. Or you want to see what all the fuss is about. All I can say is I’m saving up for a motorbike trip to Morocco. Here’s why:
A motorcycle tour of Morocco allows you the chance and freedom to experience this beautiful and historical African country using all your senses. You can see, smell, hear, and feel the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, Mediterranean Sea, Gorges, and cedar forests, plus so much more.
Those are just some of the sights. We’re talking about the desert in the south and snow in the north. In between, you have an array of beautiful cultures and vivid colors. And a mix of European and African history. Ooh, and Moroccan spices in delicious dishes. Let’s look at what Morocco offers a motorcycle rider and make some notes, shall we?
Exploring Morocco on a motorcycle tour is one of the best ways to see the country if you enjoy adventure with an extra thrill. However, you don’t have to be as extreme as this French electrician traveling solo through the Moroccan desert in 1993. He built his own motorcycle from a Citroen 2CV he pranged. It took him 12 days to make the conversion and ride to safety.
You can tour Morocco on your own steam by renting or taking in your own motorcycle. Or you can use one of the many Motorcycle tours on offer. Most of them rent out motorcycles and offer support.
The types of Morocco motorcycle tours discussed later in this article range from two-day motocross riding in sand dunes to 15-day adventures using paved roads. Each package deal varies in the itinerary and what’s included and excluded. The advantages of going on a motorcycle tour with an operator can consist of the following:
The choice of a guided tour or a self-drive tour,
Accommodation,
Meals,
Mechanical support,
Backup vehicles,
Discounts and special offers,
Entertainment,
Guidance and information from a local who knows the area, and
Interesting activities.
Of course, it is possible to figure out all this on your own. Just read the next section and make notes! But if you prefer a bit of a safer option, using a motorcycle tour operator is likely to give you more guarantees – especially if you find yourself sitting in the desert with a bent wheel rim or no gas.
So, read on to learn about planning your own trip and see what some of the popular Morocco motorcycle tours offer. The shorter trips are for those who want to experience motocross riding in the dunes (they’re short because this isn’t Dakar). The longer trips are more scenic and take the paved roads, though some offer the option of a bit of dirt riding.
Touring Morocco On A Motorcycle: Things To Consider
Morocco will surely capture your heart with its diversity, culture, color, and extreme terrains. Just writing this, I want to pack my gear and head there myself! First, however, there are practicalities to consider.
If you’ve been on a long bike trip, you’ll know. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared. And everything you take needs to fit into your pannier bags or other storage options.
Let’s consider some of the many things when planning a motorcycle tour in Morocco.
The Route You Plan To Take
The ten tours discussed later will give you a great idea of the popular motorcycle touring routes. However, if you want to explore Morocco without paying a tour guide, here are some popular roads to explore:
Route
Destinations
Notes
N10 – R203, via Tizi n’ Test Road
Taroudant – Marrakech
Suitable for adventure bikes. Awe-inspiring views.
R704
Boumalne Dadès – Agoudal via Gorges du Dadès and Tizi N’ouano
A dangerous road with hairpin bends and steep gradients. However, you will see some of the most beautiful canyons in the world.The Dades River carved out a gorge between the Atlas and Lesser-Atlas Mountains.
R703
Tinghir – Agoudal via Tizi n’ Tirherhouzine
A scenic route that starts in the south of Morocco and climbs steeply to a village 7,545.93 feet above sea level. It isn’t advisable to travel on this road in severe weather conditions.
Table 1: Popular Moroccan routes to travel by motorcycle
If you plan on renting a bike in Morocco, consider flying into Marrakesh. More bike rental companies are there, and the southern parts of Morocco are popular riding destinations.
Maps
Some useful maps to navigate Morocco include the following:
While you can ride all year round in Morocco, some areas are affected by adverse weather. For instance, the south of Morocco is usually hot, while the north can be rainy and snowy often. The inclement weather in the mountains makes the passes dangerous at times, so riders should stick to the main roads and check the weather forecast if traveling in those areas.
Morocco’s high season is from November to March because of its cooler weather. As a result, airfares and accommodation are usually more costly.
The best time to ride in Morocco is during March and Aprilor late September and October. The weather is usually mild, and the landscape is beautiful.
Morocco’s low season is during the summer months because it gets so hot. It’s advisable to avoid riding in July and August unless you’re exploring the mountains or are at the coast. Riders tend to avoid the desert at this time because of the high risk of dehydration and extreme temperatures.
Renting A Bike Vs. Bringing In Your Own
You can bring your motorcycle into Morocco or hire a bike from a local tour operator. Should you wish to get your motorcycle to or from Morocco, you have a few choices:
Ride it there from Mauritania,
Ferry ride it over from Europe if you fancy riding your own, or
Ship it to Morocco from your home country.
In terms of ferrying your bike from Europe to Morocco or vice-versa, you have two options:
Between Spain and Morocco, crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, and
From Morocco to Mauritania, to Italy, France, or Spain.
Insurances, Permits, And Documents For You And Your Bike
Below are some documents you must have to enter and exit Morocco with relative ease. If you are taking your own motorcycle, there will be a few critical documents that you must have on hand to avoid hefty fines.
Your Documents
You must have a legitimate passport to enter and exit Morocco. Make sure your passport is correctly stamped when entering to avoid issues when leaving Morocco. Additionally, check to see if you need a visa to enter Morocco.
American citizens don’t need a visa if they are in Morocco for less than 90 days. However, their passport must be valid for entering and exiting Morocco.
Australian citizens don’t need a visa, either. However, their passport must have an empty page when entering Morocco. Additionally, their passports must be valid for 6 months after exiting Morocco.
Swiss, EU, UK, and EEA citizens only need a permit if their passport is valid for their three-month stay as a visitor.
According to Moroccan law, motorcyclists must have an International Motor Insurance Card (Green Card) as proof of insurance from their insurer at home. Alternatively, they can purchase temporary insurance locally at the border posts. If you have insurance, ensure it is translated into French or Arabic for the local officials.
Documents For Your Bike
Moroccan officials require a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP) for your bike. You can either get this form online or when you cross a border post. Keep this form with you, as you will need it when leaving Morocco. In addition to this temporary permit, you’ll need the registration documents and proof of ownership.
If you are renting the motorcycle from a rental company, you’ll need the rental agreement with the company’s approval so that you can take the vehicle to Morocco. In addition, the motorcycle owner must provide a Power of Attorney, legalized by the local authorities (either Moroccan or where the company is based).
Accommodation In Morocco
Morocco offers various accommodations, from hotels to guesthouses, hostels, and camping facilities. Some of the tours listed below provide the opportunity of staying a night in a nomadic tent in the desert. However, if you want a Moroccan experience, look for a riad in Marrakech.
Other Useful Traveling Tips
Since you’re planning a motorcycle adventure in the desert, staying hydrated is wise. As in, drink water at every opportunity. I can’t stress that enough. Keep the steering dampers (wink-wink) to a minimum because alcohol will dehydrate you. Additionally, the heat and wind will dehydrate you like a piece of jerky, and you might become delirious. Stay hydrated!
Cash is king:
Something else to remember is that Morocco is mainly cash-based. You’ll need to carry cash as many small villages don’t have card machines. It’s suggested to keep some smaller denomination notes on hand. Loose change is challenging to come by, so saving 10- or 20-dirham notes is a good idea for making small purchases and giving tips.
Fuel:
Even though the villages in Morocco have at least one fuel station, the fuel quality or availability might not be great. So, it’s a good idea to carry spare fuel with you.
Roads:
Morocco’s paved roads are mostly smooth, and their existing city motorway network is maintained and extended continuously. You can expect to pay a toll for using these motorways, depending on the exits.
Paved roads that run through the stony desert might have potholes and become covered with dust and gravel. Be cautious of passing vehicles throwing up loose stones in these areas, as they could inflict some damage on you or your bike. Likewise, a large pothole can easily bend the rim of your tire if you catch it at the wrong angle.
Road accidents are common in Morocco, and traveling at night is not advisable. One should ride defensively in Morocco, expecting vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians to cut before you at any moment.
Finally, police roadblocks are common in Morocco. While they might not stop tourists quickly, they will ask for documents if you approach the Algerian border, Rif Mountains, or are in Western Sahara.
The 2-Day KTM Adventure Tour around the Merzouga Dunes offers two days of action-packed sand-riding and entertainment. Non-riders accompanying their riding buddies are welcome on the trips, as they can go in support vehicles.
Day
Itinerary and Details
1
Merzouga – Tisardmen – Azrkam – Saf Saf – Merzouga Ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi.Visit a fossil site.Visit local Berber and Nomadic people.
2
Merzouga –Paris Dakar Route – Merzouga Ride the dunes Erg Chebbi.Ride a part of the former Paris Dakar Rally route.
Table 2: Itinerary of 2-Day KTM Adventure Tour, Merzouga Dunes
What The Tour Package Includes
This tour package includes the following features but may be subject to change:
A support vehicle, guide, and mechanic,
Safety gear,
A short lesson for beginner riders,
Accommodation, and
Meals.
Click on this link for updated details on the price, itinerary, inclusions, and exclusions of this motorcycle tour, what’s excluded, and what is excluded.
Two-Day Morocco Tour With Specialized Motorbike Travel Agent
Enjoy exploring parts of Morocco with a specialized motorcycle travel agency that curates a tour just for your needs. My Moroccan Adventure creates authentic and unique motorcycle tours for groups, honeymooners, and solo riders.
You can explore the desert, mountains, and seaside on roads on and off the map. Your trilingual guide will ensure you get the most out of your adventure. You can even take your service animal on one of these trips, provided all its paperwork is in place. How cool is that? Do they have bikes with sidecars and goggles for dogs? Asking for a friend…
Your guide will pick you up depending on where you land – Casablanca or Marrakech. The stops on tour include Azrou, famous for its cedar forests, and Midelt, which has abandoned lead mines.
What The Tour Package Includes
This tour package includes the following features but may be subject to change:
A trilingual guide,
Accommodation, and
Meals.
Click on this link for updated details on the price, itinerary, inclusions, and exclusions of this motorcycle tour, what’s excluded, and what is excluded.
Three-Day Morocco KTM Motocross Motorcycle Tour
Here’s another offering for the sand riders. This 3-day KTM Desert Adventure allows you an extra day to explore Merzouga and a stretch of the old Dakar Rally route. You will ride on one of the 2017 KTM 450s in their fleet under the guidance of experienced riders and guides. The guides themselves used to participate in the Dakar Rally when it still took place in Morocco.
Day
Itinerary and Details
1
Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Hassilabied Village/Merzouga Ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi.Visit a fossil site.Visit Saf Saf oasis.
2
Merzouga – M’fis mines – Hugar Mountain – Bgaa – Dunes of ZnigiTaouss Ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
3
Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – 4×4 Route Paris-Dakar – Hassilabied Visit a Nomadic family in the desert.
This tour package includes the following features but may be subject to change:
Guides who speak English, German, Spanish, Italian, and French,
A private tour with a local guide,
4×4 support vehicles and mechanic,
Fuel for the bikes,
Bike rental (one per person),
Accommodation, and
Meals.
Click on this link for updated details on the price, itinerary, inclusions, and exclusions of this motorcycle tour, what’s excluded, and what is excluded.
Four-Day Self-Ride Morocco Motorcycle Tours With EagleRider
The four-day Morocco motorcycle tours covered here are offered by EagleRider Motorcycle Rental. EagleRider offers motorcycle rental options and tours in major holiday destinations worldwide. The bikes they have on offer will depend on the location, but include the following:
BMW,
Harley Davidson,
Honda,
Indian,
KTM,
Royal Enfield,
Yamaha, and
Dirt Bikes.
Their 4- and 5-day Morocco motorcycle tours are self-drive, meaning you won’t have a guide. However, your accommodation and itinerary are sorted, plus some other aspects of the trip. This allows you to explore sites along the way at your leisure. Additionally, the benefit of these tours is that you will still have a backup should something not go according to plan.
Alternatively, you can just rent a motorcycle from EagleRider. They are based in Casablanca.
EagleRider Morocco Motorcycle Tour: Bin El Ouidane Express
The EagleRider Bin El Ouidane Express motorcycle tour covers 415 miles, starting in Casablanca. Adventurers can explore Rabat, the Atlas Mountains, and the peaceful lake of Bin El Ouidane, amongst many other beautiful sites.
Day
Itinerary and Details
1
Casablanca – Rabat54 miles
2
Rabat – Ifrane (little Switzerland)129 miles
3
Ifrane – Khenifra 62 miles
4
Khenifra – Bin El Ouidane – Casablanca 172 miles
Table 4: Bin El Ouidane Express Itinerary
What the Bin El Ouidane Express tour package includes:
Late-model motorcycle rental,
Motorcycle-friendly accommodation, and
Half-shell motorcycle helmets.
For more information on costs, what is included in the tour, and the tourist attractions along the Bin El Ouidane Express route, click here.
The Chefchaouen Express self-drive motorcycle tour takes you from Casablanca to Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Meknes. During this 602-mile self-drive tour, you’ll be in awe of the Rif and Atlas Mountains and get to visit Volubilis. Volubilis is a Roman construction situated on a hill in the historic city of Meknes.
Day
Itinerary and Details
1
Casablanca – Tangier210 miles
2
Tangier – Chefchaouen70 miles
3
Chefchaouen – Meknes150 miles
4
Meknes – Casablanca172 miles
Table 5: Chefchaouen Express Tour Itinerary
What the Chefchaouen Express Tour package includes:
Late-model motorcycle rental,
Motorcycle-friendly accommodation, and
Half-shell motorcycle helmets.
For more information on what is included in the tour, the price per person, and the tourist attractions along the Chefchaouen Express route, click here.
Like most other Morocco tours, EagleRider’s Marrakech Express motorcycle tour is suitable for travel any time of the year. This self-drive tour covers 525 miles and offers you the opportunity to explore the following areas:
Marrakech,
Essaouira (Morocco’s windy city and an old Portuguese fortress),
Oualidia, and
Casablanca.
Day
Itinerary and Details
1
Casablanca – Marrakech150 miles
2
Marrakech – Essaouira120 miles
3
Essaouira – Oualidia125 miles
4
Oualidia – Casablanca130 miles
Table 6: Itinerary for Marrakech Express Tour
What the Bin El Ouidane Express tour package includes:
Late-model motorcycle rental,
Motorcycle-friendly accommodation, and
Half-shell motorcycle helmets.
Click here for updated information on costs, what is included in the Marrakech Express tour, and the tourist attractions along the route.
The 5-day Morocco motorcycle tour on offer by EagleRider is the Taghazout Express. This self-drive tour covers 718 miles and takes you to the red or ocher city of Marrakech, Taroudent, Taghazout (an old hippie town), and Essaouira. The journey starts and ends at Casablanca, where the EagleRider Motorcycle Tour Moroccan office is based.
Day
Itinerary and Details
1
Casablanca – Marrakech150 miles
2
Marrakech – Taroudent155 miles
3
Taroudent – Taghazout70 miles
4
Taghazout – Essaouira95 miles
5
Essaouira – Oualidia – Casablanca248 miles
Table 7: Itinerary for Taghazout Express Tour
What the Taghazout Express tour package includes:
Late-model motorcycle rental,
Motorcycle-friendly accommodation, and
Half-shell motorcycle helmets.
For more information on costs, what is included in the tour, and the tourist attractions along the Taghazout Express route, click here.
Ten-Day Morocco Motorcycle Tour
For a more extended motorcycle tour of Morocco, consider this 10-day guided tour with Road Super Travel. The tour sticks to paved roads, so most motorcycles will work here. The tour package includes a support vehicle plus a professional photographer/videographer to capture the special memories you will make.
Other aspects included in the tour package are:
Meals,
Accommodation,
Private transportation,
Travel insurance,
Bilingual tour guides (English and Spanish).
Confirming what is included before booking is wise to ensure the best trip possible.
Day
Itinerary and Details
1
Algeciras (Spain) – Tangier Meet the tour group in Algeciras and take the ferry to Tangier.
2
Tangier – Rabat
3
Rabat – Marrakech
4
Marrakech – Boumalne Dades A more intense part of the journey includes winding roads and climbing in altitude.Go through Tizi-n-Tichka port to Aït Ben Haddou.
5
Boumalne Dades – Merzouga Visit the Gorges of Dades and Todra.Arrive in the Erg Chebbi desert.
6
Merzouga (Rest Day) Quad bikes and camel rides.Sleep in a haima, a typical nomadic tent.
7
Merzouga – Fez Pass through Ifrane, known as “Little Switzerland,” and see monkeys.
8
Fez (Rest Day)
9
Fez – Tangier Stop in Chefchaouen.This area can be pretty windy, so it’s best to leave within a specific period to avoid heavy crosswinds when riding.
10
Tangier – Tarifa – Spain
Table 8: Itinerary for 10-Day Morocco Motorcycle Tour
Eleven-Day Morocco Motorcycle Tour
EagleRider offers a splendid 11-day guided Morocco motorcycle tour called the Atlas Mountain Tour. The tour includes a superb itinerary, accommodation, meals, and a support team. Some of the details of the action-packed itinerary are tabulated below:
Day
Itinerary and Details
1
Casablanca Arrive at Casablanca. Adventurers will be picked up at the airport and transported to the hotel for a welcome dinner and briefing.
2
Casablanca – Ifrane 183 miles
3
Ifrane – Erfoud215 miles
4
Erfoud – Merzouga Dunes34 miles Morning rest.4×4 trip to Merzouga Dunes.Enjoy a camel ride, dinner, and a campfire.
5
Merzouga – Erfoud – Boumalne du Dades170 miles 4×4 back to Erfoud to pick up motorcycles.Ride to Dades Gorge for lunch.
6
Boumalne du Dades – Marrakech213 miles Ride via the Atlas Mountains road.Dinner at the famous restaurant Chez Ali (dancers, fireworks, acrobats, etc.)
Essaouira – Oualidia – Casablanca248 miles Dinner at Rick’s Café, inspired by the café in the 1942 classic movie, “Casablanca.”
11
Casablanca – Airport
Table 9: Itinerary for 11-Day Atlas Mountain Tour by EagleRider
Fifteen-Day Morocco Motorcycle Tour
The final tour featured in this article is the fabulous 15-day Morocco guided motorcycle tour offered by Adventure Motorcycle Tours. During this tour, you’ll get to see and experience the following (and so much more!) on your motorcycle:
The peaks of the High Atlas Mountains,
The sand dunes of the Sahara Desert,
Tizi-n Tichka Pass,
The spectacular Dades Gorge,
The hairpin bends of Chefchouen,
The Blue Pearl of Todra Gorge (a truly spectacular canyon), and
Crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.
The tour includes the following, although you should check to see if it has been updated:
A bilingual ride leader/guide (English and Spanish),
Motorcycle hire and third-party liability insurance for the bike,
A mechanic,
A support vehicle carrying luggage and spares,
Accommodation: 13 nights in three- or four-star hotels and one night in an authentic nomadic tent,
Some meals,
A camel ride in the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi,
Ferry fares for crossing the Strait of Gibraltar (both ways),
Return airport transfers, and
Admission fees/entry to Algeciras, Fes, Merzouga Desert, and Ksar es Seghir.
The itinerary for the 15-day trip is outlined below. The tour starts and ends in Spain and covers approximately 2,790 miles. Twelve of the fifteen days are riding days, with the shortest ride being 2 hours and the longest being 5-and-a-half hours.
Riders with intermediate to advanced experience are welcome. However, some roads with hairpin bends or gravel are tricky, so beginner riders might find the tour challenging.
Day
Itinerary and Details
1
MalagaOvernight stay in Costa del Sol
2
Malaga – Ronda – Algeciras El Tajo de RondaBullring of the Royal Cavalry of Ronda
Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fez Conservation du site Archéologique de VolubilisBab Boujloud
5
Fez Chouara Tanneries
6
Fez – Er Rachidia
7
Er Rachidia – Merzouga Merzouga DesertCamel ride and traditional Moroccan dinner.Overnight in a traditional desert tent.
8
Merzouga – Tinghir Gargantas del Todra (Todra Gorge)
9
Tinghir – Boulmane Dades – Ouarzazate Dades GorgesAtlas Film Studio
10
Oarzazate – Tizi-n Tichka Pass – Marrakech Ksar Ait Ben Haddou
11
Marrakech Jemaa el-Fnaa
12
Marrakech – Rabat
13
Rabat – Tangier Hercules Cave
14
Tangier, MA (Africa) – Algeciras, ESP (Europe) – Malaga Port de Tanger Med IIGibraltar Cable Car
15
Malaga – Depart
Table 10: 15-Day Morocco Motorcycle Tour Itinerary
Conclusion on Motorcycle tour morocco
As you can see, Morocco is a world awaiting motorcycle adventurers. Whether you plan your own trip or use a tour operator, be sure to absorb all that Morocco has to offer you. After all, that’s why we adventure on two wheels. It makes us feel alive!
FAQS on Morocco by Motocycle
Can you rent motorbikes in Morocco?
Yes, you can rent motorbikes in Morocco. Many cities and towns, including Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Agadir, have rental agencies that offer motorbikes and scooters for rent. These agencies typically provide a range of motorbike options, from smaller scooters to larger touring bikes.
To rent a motorbike in Morocco, you will need a valid driver’s license and, in some cases, an International Driving Permit for North Africa. It is important to ensure that you have the appropriate insurance coverage and are familiar with the local traffic rules and road conditions before setting off on your motorbike adventure.
Remember to wear the necessary safety gear, such as a helmet, and exercise caution when riding, as road conditions and traffic behaviour can be unpredictable in Morocco. Enjoy your motorbike experience and explore the country’s diverse landscapes and attractions at your own pace.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to ride a motorcycle in Morocco?
While it is not always required, obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended when planning to ride a motorcycle in Morocco. Some rental agencies may ask for it, and it can also be helpful in case of a traffic stop or an accident. Ensure that your IDP and your original driver’s licence are both valid and have the appropriate motorcycle endorsement.
What type of insurance should I get when renting a motorcycle in Morocco?
When renting a motorcycle, it is crucial to have comprehensive insurance coverage, including third-party liability, theft, and damage coverage. Some rental agencies may include insurance in the rental price, while others might offer it as an additional purchase. Be sure to clarify the terms and conditions with the rental agency before you set off on your journey.
Are there specific traffic rules I should be aware of while riding a motorcycle in Morocco?
While traffic rules in Morocco are generally similar to those in other countries, it is essential to familiarise yourself with local regulations and road signs. Be prepared for potentially aggressive driving behaviour and unpredictable road conditions. Always wear a helmet, obey speed limits, and be cautious when overtaking or navigating through busy city streets.
Is it safe to ride a motorcycle in Morocco?
Riding a motorcycle in Morocco can be safe if you take the necessary precautions, maintain situational awareness, and follow local traffic rules. Be prepared for a variety of road conditions, such as potholes, sand, and gravel, particularly in rural or remote areas. Exercise caution when riding at night or in adverse weather conditions, as visibility can be reduced.
Can I take a motorcycle on a ferry in Morocco?
Yes, you can take a motorcycle on a ferry in Morocco. If you plan to travel between the mainland and the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla or across the Strait of Gibraltar, you will need to purchase a ticket for yourself and your motorcycle. Be sure to arrive early at the port to complete any necessary paperwork and follow the instructions provided by the ferry staff.
Enjoy your tour, don’t forget to visit the mountain ranges and imperial cities, enjoy the warm hospitality and rich culture and have a fantastic riding experience.
