Best Off-Road Trails in Morocco: A Complete Guide

Morocco has more variety for off-road driving than most countries. In one trip you can ride the tall dunes of the Sahara and climb towards the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Below are the trails we know best, from easy desert tracks for beginners to hard mountain expeditions.

1. Erg Chebbi Dunes, Merzouga

The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are Morocco's best-known off-road destination. They rise up to 150 meters and stretch for 28 kilometers. Soft sand takes skill and the right vehicle: a quad bike, a dune buggy or a 4x4 with deflated tires. Ride early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the sand is cooler and the light is soft and golden.

Difficulty: Intermediate
Best vehicle: Quad, buggy, or 4x4
Best season: October to April

2. Atlas Mountain Trails

For challenge and reward, the Atlas Mountains are hard to beat. Each of the three ranges, the High Atlas, Middle Atlas and Anti-Atlas, has its own character. The Tizi n'Tichka pass between Marrakech and Ouarzazate is a classic route with wide mountain views. If you want something rougher, take the routes through the Dades and Todra gorges.

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Best vehicle: 4x4
Best season: April to June, September to November

3. Dades Valley Track

The Dades Valley is known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. The off-road route runs through deep gorges and traditional Berber villages, past red rock formations, palm oases and old kasbahs. It is a good 4x4 trail, with culture and landscape in equal measure.

4. Rif Mountain Trails

Fewer people visit the Rif Mountains in northern Morocco, yet the off-roading there is excellent. Trails wind through dense forest and traditional villages, with views down to the Mediterranean. We especially like the route from Tangier to Chefchaouen through the Rif.

5. Sahara Desert Tracks

Erg Chebbi is only the start. The tracks between Merzouga, Rissani and Erfoud cross very different desert, from black rocky ground to sandy plains. The desert can be disorienting, so these routes need experience and proper navigation.

Tips for Off-Roading in Morocco

• Travel with a guide if you don't know the terrain
• Carry plenty of water and emergency supplies
• Deflate your tires for sand driving (around 15 psi)
• Never travel alone in remote desert areas
• Respect local communities and ask before photographing people
• Check the weather, because flash floods can occur in gorges

Best Time for Off-Roading in Morocco

October to April is the season. Temperatures are pleasant and the risk of extreme heat is low. In summer (June-August) the desert can be dangerously hot, often above 45°C. In winter, expect snow on mountain trails at high altitudes.

Where to start

There are trails here for every skill level and every type of vehicle, from dune riding on a quad to mountain passes in a 4x4. At Roadless Morocco we run guided off-road tours on all of these trails and more. Browse our tours or contact us to plan your trip.