Morocco is a safe place to travel, even as a woman alone. Common sense is all you need really to get by without problems. Below is a collection of useful information to help you get off on the right foot. We are always happy to discuss these matters in more detail with you by telephone or email. We have many years of experience and have lived in the country for over a decade and will be able to help you with any questions you may have.
It is possible to rent cars for your holiday in Morocco although we generally recommend using one of our drivers as it make life easier and can often cost less, especially for larger groups, but many people also happily rent a car either via us or using one of the international car rental agencies.
Roads in Morocco between the cities are good. Motorways run from Tangier in the north down through Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech to Agadir. The main roads are generally of a good quality as they have been built and are maintained for the network of trucks that supply the country south of Marrakech. Even though the roads are good, one should always keep an eye out for cars that forget to indicate or pull out without any prior warning! Children at the sides of the road are generally very aware of the traffic even though they may not seem to be paying any attention.
Driving in the cities is more hectic and can take a few minutes to get used to. Generally the medina (or old city) areas are the busiest areas of a city and can be a little intimidating at first as people seem not to take any notice of traffic and just walk in front of cars, sometimes with donkeys, bicycles or children in tow. The key in these areas is to keep moving forwards but slowly (a walking pace).
Parking in town is generally not a problem. Most places where you will park have a man called a "guardien" who helps you park and then watches over your car until you return. You should pay him 2 or 3 Dirhams upon returning to your car. The "guardien" wear a bronze metal badge. Do not leave valuables in sight inside your car. If you must leave items in the car put them in the boot (preferably before you park so that no one sees that you have put them there!).
You must keep your driving licence and car papers with you inside the vehicle at all times when driving. If you are stopped by the police and cannot show all the paperwork, you will be in for a long and frustrating day with the police!
It is not necessary to rent a 4x4 car as even leaving the tarmac on the odd occasion can be done with most normal cars. Tracks are often used in more remote places to get from the main road to some hotels.
Drivers on longer trips and to make life easier.
When moving between hotels in Marrakech, Atlas mountains and the Atlantic coast we will quote you for driver transfers which means a good, clean, air-conditioned vehicle suited to the number of passengers driven by one of our regular drivers. Our drivers know the roads well and have proved themselves to be reliable and safe drivers over many years and they are also a font of local knowledge and very happy to answer questions (they all speak English) about life in general in Morocco.
We loved our vacation in Morocco.
Hi Max,
We loved our vacation in Morocco. The trek completely lived up to our expectations and the third day in the gorge exceeded them. The accommodation was very comfortable, the food was fresh and healthy and, considering the circumstances, very well prepared. However, what made the trip was how knowledgeable, professional and friendly our guide Abdellah Allali was, we …
Freelance travel writer, Anna Melville-James, stayed at Les Deux Tours in Marrakech with Lawrence of Morocco in January 2013, writing for the Sunday Times Travel Magazine
We really know Morocco and have had the pleasure of making many people's dream trips become reality over the years. It has been our privilege to be asked to manage holidays, weddings and productions for so many fantastic and discerning clients. We remain small and dedicated to providing excellent honest advice to enable you to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun bits without having to manage the unpredictability of this fascinating country.
If you want it done right, look no further!
