Driving a Quad in Morocco: Complete Beginner's Guide

Riding a quad bike in the Sahara mixes desert scenery, a bit of speed and a look at life around Merzouga. You don't need to have ridden before, and the open sand is a good place to learn. This is what we explain to first-time riders before they set off.

Do You Need Experience?

No. Most quad tours in Morocco are set up for beginners. Before you start, our guides give you a full safety briefing and show you the controls. The quads are automatic and easy to handle: throttle, brake and steering are all you need to learn.

Do You Need a License?

You don't need a driver's license to ride a quad in Morocco. Riders do have to be at least 15 years old to drive their own quad. Younger children can ride as passengers with an adult.

What to Wear

• Closed-toe shoes: Essential for safety. No sandals.
• Long pants: Keep sand and sun off your legs.
• Sunglasses: Shield your eyes from sand and glare.
• Scarf or shemagh: Covers your mouth and nose against sand.
• Sunscreen: The desert sun is strong, even in winter.

Helmets and all the safety gear you need are provided by us.

Quad Driving Technique

Starting and Stopping

The throttle sits under your right thumb on the handlebar. Press it gently to accelerate. The brake is on the left handlebar. Practise starting and stopping on flat ground before you head into the dunes.

Turning

Lean into each turn and let your body weight help the steering. Avoid sharp turns at speed: slow down first, then accelerate out of the bend.

Sand Driving

Sand calls for a different technique. On soft sand, keep your speed up, because slowing too much is how you get stuck. If it happens, don't spin the wheels. Climb off, lift the front of the quad and push it free.

Climbing Dunes

Ride at a dune straight on, never at an angle. Hold your speed and lean forward. Didn't make the top? Turn around and try again with more speed.

Safety Tips

• Always follow your guide's instructions
• Never ride ahead of the guide
• Leave a safe gap to other riders
• Keep your helmet on the whole time
• No stunts or jumps
• Stay hydrated and bring water

Choosing a Quad Tour

Our quad tours run from 1 hour to a full day. First-timers usually start with a 1-hour tour to get comfortable. Our most popular option is the sunset tour, which pairs dune riding with the evening light on the dunes.

Before your first ride

Quad biking in Morocco is safe, fun and open to almost anyone. Good instruction and the right safety gear are enough for complete beginners to enjoy riding the Sahara dunes. When you are ready, book your quad ride with Roadless Morocco.