If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising through red deserts, green valleys, and lively old cities, a self-drive holiday in Morocco is the way to do it. With every turn of the road, you’ll see something new: blue mountain towns, palm-filled oases, wild beaches, or a herd of camels crossing in front of your car. The best part? You’re the one behind the wheel. More travelers rent a car in Morocco to reach remote places that most tours miss. Our guide will show you why self-driving is one of the best ways to explore here.
A holiday in Morocco offers much more than sightseeing. It’s a country made for travelers who want to mix culture, nature, and adventure in one trip. With a rental car, you can plan your journey around amazing holiday experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail.You can join a winter trekking tour to Mount Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak at 4,167 meters. It’s an 8-day trip in the High Atlas Mountains, great for those who want a moderate challenge. If you’re traveling with teens, there’s also a Family Teenage Toubkal Ascent, designed for young climbers who want to reach the top with their parents. It’s an exciting way to share a real goal together during your school break or family holiday.
For a more relaxed journey, you can take a leisurely beach and culture trip with your family. The Camels on the Beach holiday combines walking, adventure, and local traditions—a trip made for children and parents. You can also go on a cycling holiday through the Dades and Todra Gorges, or a walking tour in Jebel Sahro, one of Morocco’s most remote and scenic regions. With a rental car, it’s easy to reach these unique areas and enjoy every part of the drive.
You’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country. Most rental companies accept licenses in Roman alphabets, but some may ask for an IDP. You should be at least 21 years old and have two years of driving experience, as most companies follow this rule. Most rental offices are in airports or major cities.
The car usually comes with basic insurance, which often includes a high deductible. You can lower your risk by taking the rental company’s full insurance or using a third-party excess waiver policy. Check if your travel credit card covers rental cars, as this could save you money. A credit card in your name will be needed for the deposit, which might hold several hundred dollars, so make sure your limit can handle it. When you pick up the car, ask about emergency contacts and check for a spare tire and jack. Most rentals use a full-to-full fuel policy, so return the vehicle with a full tank and keep receipts. Some cars may be given half-full. Just confirm the fuel level at pickup. Choose a pickup location outside city centers to avoid busy traffic.
Morocco has built wide, smooth toll roads between cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Tangier. These highways make it easy to cover long distances fast. You’ll drive on the right side of the road, and most cars use a manual gearbox. If you can’t drive a stick shift, book an automatic car early since they are limited. Once you leave the highways, driving feels very different. Roads are usually two lanes, and you may pass through mountain areas, small towns, or farming zones. In these places, you’ll see donkey carts, bicycles, shepherds with sheep, people selling herbs, and even camels walking across. You must stay alert because anything can show up on the road
Driving in Morocco's cities is where things get tricky. Places like Marrakech, Fes, and Tangier have busy streets full of cars, mopeds, and taxis. Roundabouts are everywhere, and people often don’t use their signals. In old city areas called medinas, you won’t be able to drive. The streets are too narrow and full of people and carts. Many tourists avoid driving in cities by renting a car at the airport or picking it up after leaving the city.
Proper planning will make your road trip in Morocco much smoother. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
One of the most important events is Eid al-Fitr, after Ramadan. It usually falls around March 30 to April 1. Families gather, shops close early, and roads can be busy in the mornings and evenings. If you're on the road, avoid tight schedules during this time. Try staying in small towns where you can relax or take scenic drives in quiet areas.
Eid al-Adha, the Feast of Sacrifice, takes place around June 6 to June 8. In the days before Eid, you might see sheep markets, crowds in villages, and slow traffic. The roads will be full of people traveling home, so expect delays. Most stores and services may close during Eid, especially in rural areas, so refuel and stock up early.
Throne Day is celebrated every year on July 30. It marks the King's rise to power and includes fireworks, lights, and national flags. Cities like Rabat or Casablanca may have parades or military displays. Roads near main squares could close, so plan to park outside the city and walk in to enjoy the celebration.
Independence Day on November 18 celebrates Morocco’s freedom from French rule. Many government buildings are decorated, and locals take part in national events. Some businesses may close early, but most tourist attractions stay open. Roads remain calm outside major cities, so it's a great time to drive through places like the Middle Atlas or seaside towns.
There are also seasonal festivals like the Festival of Roses in Kelaat M’Gouna, which happens every May, often during the second weekend. This celebration includes music, dancing, and rosewater markets. The town fills with visitors, so arrive early and book a guesthouse in advance.
Another popular event is the Imilchil Marriage Festival, which usually happens in the High Atlas Mountains in September. It is based on Berber traditions and is held for only a few days. Roads in the area are remote but manageable by car. Use a 4x4 if you drive deep into the valleys or stay in rural villages.
One of the greatest things about spending Morocco holiday is you can explore all corners of the country. Here are some of the best routes and destinations you can include in your road trip:
Start in Tangier, then drive into the lush Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue City.” The road winds through green hills and olive groves before revealing Chefchaouen’s blue-washed medina tucked in the mountains. From there, continue on to Fes, an imperial city with a maze-like medina. Along the way, you can stop at Volubilis, the Roman ruins, or the royal city of Meknes. This northern route offers a mix of Mediterranean flair, mountain scenery, and ancient history. Roads in the north are generally good, with new highways connecting Tangier, Tetouan, and towards Fes, as well as secondary roads leading into the Rif highlands.
Morocco’s major cities are strung together by well-maintained highways, making an “imperial cities” loop feasible. Each city has its own character: modern Casablanca with its colossal Hassan II Mosque; coastal Rabat with historic fortifications; Meknes with grand gates and palaces; the cultural treasure trove of Fes; and Marrakech with its vibrant souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Between Fes and Marrakech, you can drive to the mountains by routing through the Middle Atlas, passing Ifrane and an overnight in Beni Mellal before reaching Marrakech.
This is the classic Moroccan road trip for breathtaking scenery. From Marrakech, head over the Tizi n’Tichka pass into the High Atlas Mountains. The road twists up to 2,260 m (7,400 ft) with hairpin turns and jaw-dropping views. On the other side, you descend into the region of Ouarzazate, known for its ancient kasbahs and film-set landscapes. A must-stop is Aït Benhaddou, a fortified village of mudbrick houses. Continue through the Dades Valley or Todra Gorge, both of which offer dramatic canyon roads and oases.
A drive down Morocco’s Atlantic coast is ideal for those who love ocean views. Starting from Casablanca, you can visit the historic port of El Jadida, then continue to Essaouira, a charming coastal town with white-and-blue architecture. Essaouira is perfect for relaxing, enjoying fresh seafood, and windsurfing. South of there, the road to Agadir hugs the coastline at times, offering glimpses of empty beaches and argan tree orchards. Agadir is a modern beach resort city. From there, you can either loop back inland toward Marrakech or, if you’re an adventurous completist, continue further south. The coastal highway extends to the fringes of the Western Sahara (towns like Tan-Tan and Dakhla), though only seasoned road-trippers usually go that far.
A self-drive holiday in Morocco is the best way to enjoy local celebrations and busy festival seasons. You can travel between towns during Eid, visit rose-filled valleys in May, or stop for street parades on Throne Day. When the roads get crowded, you can adjust your route and find quieter spots nearby. Every region has its own way of celebrating, and driving lets you see it all up close.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform in Morocco. You can book online in minutes and pick the car that suits your trip, from compact models to sturdy 4x4s. We offer airport pickup, unlimited mileage, and helpful support whenever needed. Just arrive, drive, and enjoy Morocco your way.
