Driving in Morocco by Campervan: Practical Tips

Driving in Morocco is a wonderful experience: the main roads are in good condition, the scenery changes at every bend and distances from Marrakech are manageable. You just need to know a few local habits and adapt your driving to a vehicle larger than a car. Here are our tips for a stress-free road trip.

Documents to carry

Always keep within reach:

• your passport;
• your driving licence (and an International Driving Permit if you have one, which can make roadside checks easier);
• the vehicle documents and rental agreement handed to you at pick-up.

Before you travel, also check your government's travel advice for Morocco.

Basic rules

• Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
• Wear your seatbelt, front and back. Our van has 3 certified seats: every passenger must travel in one of them.
• Don't use your phone while driving: pull over somewhere safe.
• Don't drink any alcohol before driving.

Speed limits and speed checks

According to Morocco's National Road Safety Agency (NARSA), the speed limit is 120 km/h on motorways, generally 80 km/h on national roads (some sections allow 100 km/h) and 20, 40 or 60 km/h in built-up areas depending on the case. Local signs always take priority: follow them.

Speed checks are common, often at the entrance and exit of towns and villages. In a campervan, a relaxed pace is best anyway: you will enjoy the views more and use less fuel.

Police and gendarmerie checkpoints

You will regularly pass checkpoints, especially near towns. This is normal and usually quick:

• slow down and stop if signalled to;
• stay polite, greet the officer and show your documents if asked;
• if you are fined, ask for a receipt.

Roundabouts, towns and medinas

• Roundabouts can be surprising: priority rules are not always applied as in Europe. Enter carefully and watch other road users.
• In towns, expect to share the road with scooters, bicycles, pedestrians, taxis and sometimes carts.
• Do not try to drive into the medinas: the streets are very narrow. Park outside and continue on foot.

Mountain roads and tracks

• Atlas roads are spectacular but winding. The Tizi n'Tichka pass, on the road to Ouarzazate, rises above 2,200 m: allow plenty of time, use engine braking downhill and never overtake on bends.
• In winter, check pass conditions: snow can temporarily close some roads.
• The van is designed for tarmac roads. Avoid dirt tracks, sand and fords: a vehicle of this size can easily get stuck.

Avoid driving at night

This is one of our most important tips. Away from the main roads, lighting is poor and pedestrians, cyclists, animals and unlit vehicles are hard to see. Plan your stages so you arrive before dark.

Fuel, tolls and cash

• Petrol stations are plentiful on main roads and in towns, but scarcer in the south and in the mountains: refuel whenever the tank is half empty.
• Motorways are tolled. Carry cash in dirhams.
• Always keep some cash for small purchases, campsites and parking attendants.

Parking and attendants

In many towns, parking attendants (often wearing a vest) look after car parks. It is customary to give them a few coins when you leave. For overnight stops, choose a campsite or a guarded car park.

If something goes wrong

• Emergency numbers: before you travel, note the numbers given by your country's embassy or consulate in Morocco.
• In case of an accident, get to safety, notify the authorities, then contact us. We remain reachable during your trip to advise you.
• If you have any doubt about the vehicle (warning light, unusual noise), stop somewhere safe and call us before continuing.

Our tips for a great road trip

• Download offline maps: mobile coverage can be weak in the mountains.
• A Moroccan SIM card (Maroc Telecom, Orange or inwi) is handy and inexpensive.
• Plan shorter stages than the map suggests.
• Take regular breaks: the Atlas and the coast are full of viewpoints.

Sources

• Speed limits: Morocco's National Road Safety Agency (NARSA), consulted in October 2026.
• The other points in this guide are practical tips based on our experience. They do not replace the Moroccan highway code or road signs, which always take priority.