How to Plan a Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour in Morocco
If you’re thinking of doing something a bit different, something that actually feels like an adventure, planning a self-guided motorcycle tour in Morocco might just be what you’re looking for. This country is a dream playground for riders — you’ve got wild desert trails, quiet winding mountain roads, and those peaceful palm valleys where you feel like time’s been paused.
And the best part? You don’t need a fancy organized group tour. With a little bit of planning and the right rental bike, you can hit the road on your own terms and experience real Morocco — not just the version made for tourists.
Let’s break it down so you know exactly how to do it.
🧭 Why Choose a Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour in Morocco?
A self-guided motorcycle tour in Morocco gives you something that guided tours don’t: freedom. You ride when you want, stop when you want, and explore at your own rhythm. If you see a tiny village market, or some locals waving from a tea stand, you can just pull over and enjoy — no schedule, no stress.
Morocco is quite rider-friendly. People are welcoming, roads are generally decent, and once you’re out of the big cities, the landscapes are simply stunning. You’ll pass ancient kasbahs, goats climbing trees (yes, really), and wide open stretches of land where it’s just you, your bike, and the wind.
And honestly, for many of our riders, it’s not just a trip — it’s something that sticks with you for life.
🛵 What Kind of Motorcycle Should You Rent?
If you’re planning to explore both paved roads and off-road tracks, you’ll need a dual-sport bike that handles both comfortably. At Sahara Moto Tours, we only offer the KTM 450 EXC-F — and we do it for a reason. That bike is a beast in the best way possible. Super light, powerful, and made for the Moroccan terrain, whether it’s sand dunes or rocky trails.
Here’s what to look for:
- Off-road suspension: Long travel suspension is essential in rocky or sandy terrain.
- Lightweight body: Makes it easier to handle in tight or tricky spots.
- Luggage-friendly setup: Soft bags or rack options, depending on your route.
If you’re only planning to stick to paved roads, maybe for a mountain loop or a scenic coast ride, even a mid-size adventure bike will work. But if the desert’s calling you, trust us — the KTM 450 is your best friend.
📍 Suggested Routes for a Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour in Morocco
Alright, now to the fun part. Where to go?
Here are some tried-and-true self-guided routes in Morocco that work great for solo or duo riders. These can be modified based on how many days you’ve got and your riding experience.
🔁 Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert Loop (4–6 Days)
Start in Ouarzazate → Skoura → Dades Gorges → Tinghir → Erfoud → Merzouga → Rissani → Alnif → Nkob → Agdz → Back to Ouarzazate.
- Lots of variety: palm valleys, mountains, and dunes.
- Ideal for off-road motorcycle adventure seekers.
- Sleep in desert camps under the stars in Merzouga.
⛰️ High Atlas Explorer (3–5 Days)
Start in Marrakech or Ouarzazate → Telouet → Ait Ben Haddou → Tizi n’Tichka → Imilchil → Dades → Return.
- Twisty mountain passes and Berber villages.
- Some parts are remote and not touristy at all.
- Mix of road and gravel tracks.
🌊 Atlantic Coast to Desert (5–7 Days)
Agadir → Legzira → Guelmim → Foum Zguid → Erg Chegaga → M’Hamid → Zagora.
- A bit longer and more remote.
- Ends deep in the Sahara near Chegaga dunes.
- Great for experienced off-road riders.
Each of these rides can be customized. That’s the beauty of doing it self-guided.
🏨 Where to Stay as a Motorcycle Rider in Morocco
One thing you’ll quickly notice in Morocco — hospitality is part of the culture. From cozy riads in old towns to desert camps and guesthouses in tiny villages, you’re never short of warm welcomes.
We usually recommend places with:
- Secure parking (especially if you’re in a city like Marrakech or Ouarzazate)
- Hot showers and good food (trust us, you’ll need both after a long ride)
- Local hosts who know the area and can give you route tips
If you’re riding through Merzouga or the Chegaga area, definitely consider staying in a motorcycle-accessible desert camp. It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that pictures just can’t capture.
📦 What to Pack for a Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour in Morocco
Don’t overpack — most of your gear will stay in your panniers or soft bags. Here’s a rough list to get you sorted:
- ✅ Riding jacket + pants (vented is best)
- ✅ Gloves (bring an extra pair if you can)
- ✅ Helmet (obviously)
- ✅ First aid kit + small toolkit
- ✅ Camelbak or hydration pack
- ✅ Sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm
- ✅ Lightweight layers for evenings
- ✅ Offline maps or GPS (Maps.me, OsmAnd, Gaia)
- ✅ SIM card with data (Maroc Telecom has wide coverage)
Cash is also important — many smaller towns don’t take cards. And don’t count on finding a working ATM in the desert.
🛑 Important Tips for Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour in Morocco
Here are a few things to know before you ride:
- People drive on the right side of the road.
- Fuel is available almost everywhere, but fill up before heading into remote areas.
- Helmets are required by law — and honestly, by common sense.
- Speed limits drop fast when entering towns — and so do the road conditions.
- Animals crossing the road are normal, especially goats and donkeys.
And this one’s important: don’t ride at night. Not because of danger, but because you’ll miss everything that makes Morocco beautiful — plus, you can’t always see potholes, camels, or random bumps in the dark.
📱 Staying Connected & Safe
It’s a good idea to have a Maroc Telecom SIM with data — coverage is surprisingly good even in remote regions.
Also, always:
- Share your route with someone (your guesthouse, a friend, or with us at Sahara Moto Tours)
- Check the weather forecast for mountain areas
- Let someone know if you’re changing your route
And again — don’t panic if you get a bit lost. That’s part of the fun. Most locals are happy to help, even if you don’t share a language.
🔧 Rent from Locals Who Actually Ride
We’re not a giant tour agency. At Sahara Moto Tours, we’re local riders based in Ouarzazate who know these roads, trails, and hidden gems like the back of our hands.
When you rent from us:
- You get a well-maintained KTM 450 EXC-F (2025 model)
- Route advice based on real conditions, not just Google Maps
- Support if you get stuck or need help
- Luggage storage, airport pickups, and hotel recommendations if you need
We don’t just rent bikes — we help riders have real adventures.
📅 Best Time for Self-Guided Motorcycle Tour in Morocco
We get this question a lot. The best time for a self-guided motorcycle tour in Morocco is:
- Spring (March to May) — clear skies, green valleys, nice temperatures
- Autumn (September to November) — still warm, but not as dry or dusty
- Avoid July & August unless you’re staying in the mountains (it’s very hot in the south)
- In winter, the desert is great, but the Atlas Mountains might be snowy
If you’re riding into the Sahara, we always recommend checking recent trail conditions. Just drop us a message — we’re happy to help.
✅ Final Word from a Local
If you love motorcycles, travel, and being a bit spontaneous, this kind of trip is for you. Planning a self-guided motorcycle tour in Morocco takes a bit of research, but the reward is next level. You’ll ride through places most tourists never see, meet people you’ll never forget, and push yourself just enough to feel proud.
And when you’re ready to ride, we’ve got the bikes, tips, and support to make it all happen. Just check out Sahara Moto Tours and let’s get your wheels turning.
