Navigating the Roads of Morocco: A Guide for Drivers

Driving in Morocco⁚ An Adventurous Journey

Driving in Morocco is nothing short of an adventure. Here's what you need to know when planning your Morocco road trip. You can also find our guide to 7 day Morocco itineraries here. Driving in Morocco tested my skill, my stamina and, let's face it, my sense of humour. Yet it yielded unbelievable rewards in terms of landscape, life lessons and tales to tell my grandchildren, should I survive and be lucky enough to have them.

It's an adventure but it's not as tough as many people think.

I've driven as a woman on my own and taken part in road trips with a driver. And all have been spectacular.

But there are things that you need to know. Let's start with the basics, then move on to a travel story and the best way to plan a road trip through Morocco.

Seatbelts fastened, ready to go? Yallah, yallah!

It's an inauspicious start. No map. No SatNav. No Google Maps. No cash ー my very last dihram cleared out by the unexpected fuel charge.

No internet access to check the route. No signal on my iPhone. Just a pen, a scrap of paper and a hastily scribbled map, uneven streaks of biro connecting Moroccan towns that appeared on a picture in the hotel lobby.

Navigating Morocco's Roads

Driving in Morocco can be a bit more dangerous than it is at home, especially if you plan to drive in major cities. However, it is safe to drive in Morocco if you follow local laws, use caution, and stay alert. If you can, stick to driving in rural areas where there is a bit less traffic and avoid driving in rural areas at night since there ...

The legal driving age in Morocco is 21. Driving school, a comprehensive written test, and a performance test are all required by the government to earn a driving license. However, many Moroccan drivers have simply paid a small bribe to have their license issued, bypassing the school and test. Therefore, many drivers you share the road with are ...

Driving Tips for Morocco. I've gathered together everything I wish I'd known right here, with thanks to Eric Ratner, who left helpful tips in the comments below as well. Overtaking. Don't drive in Morocco unless you have a lot of experience in overtaking, and being overtaken by, other vehicles on narrow 2-lane roads. Language Skills

It will certainly be cheaper to use public transportation or rent a car and self-drive than to hire a private driver. However, because Morocco is not an expensive country, it doesn't cost as much as you might think. There are two ways to go, you can either hire a driver to take you from point to point. For example, you fly into Marrakech and ...

Here are our top picks for road-tripping around Morocco. 1. The Dadès Gorge. Best for scenic views. Skoura to Dadès Gorge; 117km (73 miles); around 2 hours without stops. The drive through the Dadès Gorge is one of the most scenic in Morocco, with its eye-catching rock formations, earthen Imazighen (Berber) villages, and crumbling kasbahs.

Be on the safe side and never let your fuel tank drop below half when driving in Morocco. Fuel is cheaper than in the UK but not as low as you'll find in some other Arab countries. We spent in 115 in total on fuel on our Morocco self-drive road trip (we covered 2144 km). 5. Have small change for tips at petrol stations.

Essential Tips for Safe Driving

The speed limits are 40 km/h (25 mph) in towns, major cities and urban areas, 100 km/h (62 mph) in the countryside and rural areas and 120 km/h (75 mph) on motorways and main roads. Plan on travelling significantly slower in some rural areas with villages, as pedestrians, goats and camels may slow you down. Alternatively, in some rural areas without villages you'll barely see a soul on the road so you won't get stuck in traffic.

Stones and dust bounce under the wheels as I crawl through the villages, past blocked earthen mosques, the stares of wide-eyed children, and the utter hilarity of men behind the wheel.

I drive past cacti and olive groves, copper mines and cattle, the landscape of Andalucia daubed in Islam instead of Catholicism.

As the mountains approach, the road tightens and turns, twisting towards the peaks and, by now, the promise of rest and fresh water.

The roads are wider than in Spain and the French Pyrenees, the turns thrilling not thunderous.

By the time I arrive, though, I am much like  the land I have driven through. Dry, dusty and in need of a good drink.

My final stop is La Roseraie. It's awash with lanterns as dusk accompanies me and the paths are strewn with rose petals.

Their scent swims around me as someone pours me tea.

I've arrived in the Garden of Eden. And as it turns out, I didn't need a map.

In a word, yes, as far as driving anywhere goes. But there are some driving tips to consider before you hit the Moroccan roads and it's not for the nervous or easily flustered. If you're not sure if you'd feel comfortable, then consider the other options. Morocco's public transport isn't very flexible, so perhaps hire a driver through a tour operator or join a group tour instead. The best way to see Morocco is the way that makes you feel happiest. That, after all, is the point.

In Morocco, you drive on the right side of the road. I've gathered together everything I wish I'd known right here, with thanks to Eric Ratner, who left helpful tips in the comments below as well. Don't drive in Morocco unless you have a lot of experience in overtaking, and being overtaken by, other vehicles on narrow 2-lane roads.

Exploring Morocco by Car

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Driving in Morocco is nothing short of an adventure. Here's what you need to know when planning your Morocco road trip. You can also find our guide to 7 day Morocco itineraries here. Driving in Morocco tested my skill, my stamina and, let's face it, my sense of humour. Yet it yielded unbelievable rewards in terms of landscape, life lessons and tales to tell my grandchildren, should I survive and be lucky enough to have them.

It's an adventure but it's not as tough as many people think.

I've driven as a woman on my own and taken part in road trips with a driver. And all have been spectacular.

But there are things that you need to know. Let's start with the basics, then move on to a travel story and the best way to plan a road trip through Morocco.

Seatbelts fastened, ready to go? Yallah, yallah!

It's an inauspicious start. No map. No SatNav. No Google Maps. No cash ー my very last dihram cleared out by the unexpected fuel charge.

No internet access to check the route. No signal on my iPhone. Just a pen, a scrap of paper and a hastily scribbled map, uneven streaks of biro connecting Moroccan towns that appeared on a picture in the hotel lobby.

Driving Culture and Etiquette

Driving in Morocco culture is different from the usual Western norms. As I am a driver myself and have done dozen of road trips in Morocco, in this article, I will introduce you to driving in Morocco culture. As well, I will explain to you some unwritten driving rules that will be useful for your future safe road trip in Morocco.

Driving can be a good option for independent travel in Morocco; The country is comparatively easily accessible by car ferry from Europe, and car rental is readily available. There are also public transport options between cities, and hiring a taxi for a day of sightseeing is not unheard of so most people don't need to drive.

Driving in Morocco. Driving can be a good option for independent travel in Morocco. The country is comparatively easily accessible by car ferry from Europe, and car rental is readily available. There are also public transport options between cities, and hiring a taxi for a day of sightseeing is not unheard of so most people dont need to drive.

The legal driving age in Morocco is 21. Driving school, a comprehensive written test, and a performance test are all required by the government to earn a driving license. However, many Moroccan drivers have simply paid a small bribe to have their license issued, bypassing the school and test. Therefore, many drivers you share the road with are ...

Driving Tips for Morocco. Ive gathered together everything I wish Id known right here, with thanks to Eric Ratner, who left helpful tips in the comments below as well. Overtaking; Dont drive in Morocco unless you have a lot of experience in overtaking, and being overtaken by, other vehicles on narrow 2-lane roads. Language Skills

It will certainly be cheaper to use public transportation or rent a car and self-drive than to hire a private driver. However, because Morocco is not an expensive country, it doesnt cost as much as you might think. There are two ways to go, you can either hire a driver to take you from point to point. For example, you fly into Marrakech and ...

Morocco's Road Conditions and Hazards

I climb into the car. Already a crowd has gathered. Women, I am to discover, seldom drive solo beyond the limits of Marrakech. And women around here seldom are blonde.

I reverse. I stall. The crowd grows larger.

By now two or three men are beckoning in different directions, coaxing me towards them and blocking the only free tarmac I see. I kangaroo hop to avoid them, awkwardly testing the limit of the brakes.

The crowd grows again. More men fill the gateway.

I go inside my head, pretend I'm invisible and that this isn't at all embarrassing and roll down the window.

Which way to Marrakech? I ask in far from seamless French.

A droite, comes the reply. To the right.

The tyres squeal against the tarmac — or perhaps that's just my imagination ー and I'm away.

Yes, women can drive in Morocco. I drove in Morocco and I'm a woman. But, man or woman, I'd suggest you pay attention to the road safety tips below to avoid being stranded in the dark

A regiment of palm trees stand shoulder to shoulder as I zip by, leaving the comfort of the soothingly beautiful Les Deux Tours behind. Palm after palm after palm. This area's called La Palmeraie and you don't need in-depth local knowledge to work out why.

Stripes of rust earth, ribbed trunks and swaying fronds flit past the window as I shift through the gears and take the road in my stride;

It's not all palms, of course. There are camels, too, decked out in scarlet waistcoats and waiting by the edge of the road. Impatient, bored, scheming and magnificent, they look every bit as untrustworthy yet charming as when I first met them oh so many years ago.

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