Morocco sits at a geographic and cultural crossroads that makes every drive feel cinematic. The roads pass from Atlantic fishing towns to labyrinthine imperial cities, through forests of cedar and argan trees, over the High Atlas mountains and down into the Saharan pre-desert. It's the most accessible African road trip destination, and the contrast between modern highways and dirt roads to kasbahs keeps the adventure feeling real.
Best airports & pick-up locations
- Marrakech (RAK) — the most popular base. Atlas passes and the Draa Valley within a few hours.
- Casablanca (CMN) — largest airport. Best for the Atlantic coast and the Imperial Cities circuit.
- Agadir (AGA) — Souss Valley, Tafraoute, the anti-Atlas mountains.
- Fez (FEZ) — Northern Morocco, the Rif Mountains, the Mediterranean coast.
Driving in Morocco
- Drive on the right. Speed limits: 120 km/h motorway, 100 km/h national roads, 40–60 km/h urban.
- Autoroutes are excellent; mountain roads can be narrow and poorly surfaced.
- A 4WD is recommended for Saharan piste roads and Atlas mountain tracks.
- Toll roads (autoroutes) are affordable and the safest long-distance option.
- Police checkpoints are common — carry all documents and be prepared to stop.
Local tips & best routes
The Draa Valley road from Ouarzazate to Zagora passes a continuous ribbon of kasbahs and palm oases. The Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m) over the High Atlas from Marrakech to Ouarzazate is dramatic in any season. For coastal driving, the road from Agadir to Essaouira along the Atlantic argan forest coast is beautifully scenic and easily driven in a day.