Morocco, the gateway to Africa and the Sahara Desert, offers a dream destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. This vibrant country provides a stunning mix of landscapes, from colorful cities to twisting mountain roads and vast desert tracks. Whether you crave the thrill of off-road adventures or the scenic beauty of paved mountain passes, Morocco has it all. Riding through this incredible country on a motorcycle allows you to experience its diverse culture, history, and natural beauty at its best. Here’s everything you need to know about Morocco Motorbike Tours.
Why Choose Morocco for a Motorbike Tour?
Morocco’s unique location makes it an ideal destination for motorbike tours. Just a short ferry ride from Spain, Morocco is easy to access and offers an unforgettable adventure. The country’s diverse landscapes include the majestic Atlas Mountains, the expansive Sahara Desert, and bustling cities like Marrakesh and Casablanca. This variety ensures that every ride fills you with new experiences and breathtaking views.
Whether you prefer to stick to paved roads or venture off the beaten path, Morocco caters to all types of riders. The well-maintained highways and challenging dirt trails offer endless opportunities for exploration. Plus, the country’s rich cultural heritage, influenced by Berber, Arab, and French traditions, adds an extra layer of excitement to your morocco motorbike tours.
Highlights of Morocco Motorbike Tours
When planning a motorbike tour in Morocco, include several must-see destinations on your itinerary. These highlights showcase the best of what Morocco has to offer:
Marrakesh: The Ochre City
Marrakesh, Morocco’s fourth-largest city, offers a feast for the senses. Known as the Ochre City due to its red sandstone buildings, Marrakesh serves as a lively hub of culture and history. The city’s Medina Quarter holds UNESCO World Heritage status, and its souks (markets) are the largest and most vibrant in the country. Here, you can find everything from traditional Berber carpets to modern goods.
For motorcycle travelers, Marrakesh is more than just a cultural stop it provides the gateway to adventure. Located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh offers the perfect starting point for rides into the wilderness. Many motorbike tours in Morocco include a stop in this city before heading into the mountains or desert.
The Atlas Mountains: A Rider’s Playground
The Atlas Mountains present a motorcyclist’s dream. Stretching across the country, these mountains separate the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines from the Sahara Desert. The roads here combine smooth tarmac and rugged dirt trails, offering a variety of riding experiences.
You will find breathtaking landscapes in the Atlas Mountains, with its arid, rocky terrain interspersed with deep gorges and secluded valleys. The roads twist and turn, revealing stunning views at every corner. The Atlas Mountains are also home to the Berber people, adding a cultural element to your ride as you pass through their traditional villages.
The Sahara Desert: An Epic Adventure
No motorbike tour in Morocco would be complete without experiencing the Sahara Desert. As the largest hot desert in the world, the Sahara provides a place of extremes, with towering sand dunes, rocky plateaus, and vast gravel plains. Riding through the Sahara on a motorcycle provides an unforgettable experience, offering a sense of freedom and adventure unlike any other.
If you enjoy off-road riding, the Sahara’s sand dunes present a unique challenge. The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are particularly famous, rising up to 150 meters in height. Whether you’re an experienced off-road rider or a novice, tackling these dunes on a dirt bike gives you a thrilling experience.
Merzouga: The Gateway to the Desert
Merzouga, a small village in southeastern Morocco, serves as the gateway to the Sahara Desert. This village offers the starting point for many desert adventures, including motorcycle tours. Merzouga also hosts many annual Rallyes,( rally du maroc ) a race that serves as a precursor to the famous Dakar Rally.
For motorcyclists, Merzouga provides the perfect base camp. From here, you can explore the Sahara’s dunes and experience the unique beauty of the desert. The village itself serves as a desert oasis, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of riding in the sand.
Exploring Erg Chebbi on a KTM 450
In the Merzouga Desert, Morocco Motorcycle Tours offer a special experience for those who want to explore the Erg Chebbi dunes up close. Riding a moto enduro KTM 450 allows you to conquer the challenging terrain of Erg Chebbi and its surrounding regions. These powerful bikes are perfect for navigating the sandy dunes and rocky trails, providing an exhilarating way to experience the desert’s raw beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned rider looking for an adrenaline rush or a newcomer eager to try something new, you’ll find the KTM Enduro 450 tours in Merzouga to be a must-do for any motorcycling enthusiast.
Dades Gorge: The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
Dades Gorge stands out as one of Morocco’s most famous mountain roads, and it’s a must-ride for any motorcyclist. Located about 330 kilometers southeast of Marrakesh, the road through Dades Gorge is known for its steep hairpin turns and dramatic views. The road winds through a deep canyon carved by the Dades River, providing stunning vistas of the rugged landscape.
You will find the road paved and well-maintained, making it accessible for all types of motorcycles. Whether you’re riding an adventure bike or a street bike, the Dades Gorge road offers an exhilarating ride with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenery.
Practical Information for Touring Morocco
Morocco provides a fantastic destination for motorcycle tours year-round, but the best times to visit are from March to May and September to October. During these months, the weather remains warm but not too hot, making for comfortable riding conditions. In the Atlas Mountains, temperatures can be cooler, while the desert regions remain warmer.
The official currency in Morocco is the dirham, and while the country is popular with tourists, it’s important to budget accordingly. Expect to spend around $70-$90 per day on fuel, food, and accommodation. Some motorcycle tours may include these costs, so be sure to check what’s covered in your package.
Morocco remains generally a safe destination for travelers, and the government has taken steps to ensure the safety of tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it’s important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas like markets where pickpockets may be present. Moroccans are known for their hospitality, and you’ll likely experience warm welcomes throughout your journey.
When choosing a motorcycle, most tours in Morocco offer adventure bikes like the BMW GS 850 or BMW GS 1200. These bikes suit the mix of on and off-road riding you’ll encounter. If you’re planning to ride in the Sahara, you might opt for a smaller dirt bike enduro designed for off-road conditions.