Guide to Adventure Motorcycling in Morocco

Few countries pack in as much variety for riders as Morocco. Adventure motorcycling here means carving through rugged mountain passes one day and cruising past endless desert dunes the next. It’s a place where every turn reveals something new, be it rocky tracks, ancient kasbahs, or an opportunity to interact with the local Berber community.

For those looking for an immersive, unforgettable experience, our Happy Valley, Atlas Mountains, and Sahara Desert Tour delivers Morocco’s ultimate two-wheeled adventure ride. It blends on- and off-road sections across some of the country’s best motorbike routes, from high-altitude trails to the edge of the Sahara.

If you’re planning your own Morocco motorcycle adventure, this guide breaks down what makes the country so special to ride, what to expect on tour, and how to make the most of it. Scroll down to find out more! And if any questions come to mind as we go, please just contact us for the information you need.

What Makes Adventure Motorcycling in Morocco Unique

Morocco has a way of feeling like several countries rolled into one, especially from the seat of a motorcycle. On a single route (crafted by our expert trip planners), you’ll ride from fertile valleys, pine forests, and fields of wheat and barley to barren plains, golden dunes, and imposing gorges.

The appeal isn’t just in the scenery, though. Motorcycling in Morocco offers an incredible sense of freedom and discovery. Trails twist through Berber villages where time moves slowly. Roads climb into the High Atlas Mountains, dropping down into remote valleys that most travellers never reach. And there are cherished ancient landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites that transport you back to another era.

Add to this Morocco’s famously warm hospitality and rich culture, and it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the world’s best countries for motorcycle touring.

The Must-Ride Regions in Morocco for Adventure Riders

Motor Adventures’ Happy Valley, Atlas Mountains, and Sahara Desert Tour is the definition of an all-round Moroccan ride. It links together some of the country’s most iconic regions, each offering its own challenges and rewards.

The High Atlas Mountains

Rising dramatically across central Morocco, the High Atlas are at the heart of your adventure. Peaks here tower above 3,000 metres, and in winter, snow still caps the higher ridges. The stunning landscapes create an environment for true adventure riding, and you’ll explore the best of the region on our dual sport adventure bikes.

You’ll follow twisting mountain roads and off-road trails that snake through Aleppo pine forests and remote villages. The contrasting colours of the brown rocks, green pines, and red earth are a stunning sight. Then there’s Cathedral Rock, a naturally carved structure similar to that of a medieval church. Located near the village of Imsfrane, this awe-inspiring formation rises to a height of 1,872m. 

And don’t forget one of the popular parts of our route with riders: the Dades Gorge. This is where you’ll find the captivating ‘Monkey Fingers’ rock formation and the world-famous switchbacks that will test even veteran riders.

There is so much more to see in the High Atlas and the surrounding Middle Atlas and Anti-Atlas, including the lunar-like landscapes of the Jbel Saghro range, the seven waterfalls of the Cascades d’Ouzoud (home to cheeky macaques), the cinematic ksar of Aït Benhaddou, and the M’Goun UNESCO Global Geopark.

Aït Bouguemez, AKA ‘The Happy Valley’

Nicknamed the Happy Valley, Aït Bouguemez is a lush green stretch of farmland surrounded by towering peaks. Many people say Aït Bouguemez is the most beautiful valley in Morocco; when you witness the golden light flooding into the valley, illuminating barley and wheat fields against the red rock of the surrounding hills, you’ll understand why.

Surrounded by an arena of stunning mountain peaks, including M’Goun (4,071m), Morocco’s third-highest mountain, your journey here will see you meandering through picturesque Berber villages built of red soil, hidden away in green valleys and wild landscapes. Many are forgotten, or were never found at all, as they are not a part of any typical tourist route. 

In spring, the valleys turn wonderful shades of pink and white as almond, cherry, and apple blossoms burst into life. You’ll get a real sense of Morocco’s slower pace of life here, like nomads tending their livestock and countless carts transporting goods to markets.

If this talk of seasons has got you wondering when to plan your journey, be sure to read our blog What is the Best Time to Visit Morocco? when you have finished here.

The Sahara Desert

No Morocco motorcycle travel guide is complete without the Sahara. On this tour, you’ll reach the edge of the great desert; it’s a truly unforgettable moment. The itinerary for our Happy Valley, Atlas Mountains, and Sahara Desert Tour includes stops at Ouarzazate and N’Kob, both of which are considered gateways to the desert. 

From here, the terrain flattens into wide, open spaces and the light changes by the hour. It’s remote and peaceful, and when the sun sets over the dunes, you’ll understand why riders talk about the Sahara as a place that stays with you forever.

But as an adventure motorcycle tour, we don’t venture into the desert itself. For that experience, you need one of our other Morocco motorcycle and buggy tours, all of which are off-road excursions on enduro bikes.

What to Expect on a Morocco Motorcycle Tour

A day on the Happy Valley, Atlas Mountains, and Sahara Desert Tour is about more than just riding; it’s a complete experience that’s as rich in cultural immersion as it is incredible riding.

You’ll start early, with breakfast in a family-run kasbah, auberge, or inn, before heading out for a day that mixes off-road trails with stretches of scenic tarmac. Some routes are fast and flowing, while others demand technical focus. The scenery changes constantly, from green valleys deep in the Atlas to the red and gold tones surrounding the desert.

Lunch stops are relaxed and local. Think tagines cooked over open fires, mint tea, and plenty of time to take in the views. Evenings are all about unwinding. You’ll stay in hand-picked accommodations that reflect the local culture, including a traditional, 200-year-old kasbah that has undergone a complete renovation.

Our carefully selected overnight stays serve local home-cooked meals and are the perfect spots for swapping stories with other riders. Like all Motor Adventures tours, this is an experience that connects you to Morocco in a way few forms of travel can.

Morocco Adventure Riding Conditions and Skill Levels

Riding in Morocco is an adventure, but it’s not extreme for the sake of it. Our team uses decades of experience to seek out the best motorbike routes in Morocco, creating a route that combines challenge and enjoyment in equal measure.

The terrain is varied. You’ll tackle mountain switchbacks, gravel tracks, dry riverbeds, and, of course, paved roads. A moderate level of off-road experience is ideal, though routes are chosen to match the group’s abilities. For most riders with confidence on mixed surfaces, it’s well within reach.

Weather-wise, the riding season runs from September to May. Temperatures are comfortable in the mountains and cooler in the desert months. Summer is too hot and dangerous for multi-day desert rides, which is why we schedule tours outside of that period.

Are you looking for more reading about adventure riding in Morocco and beyond? We think you’ll appreciate our Ultimate Guide to Adventure Motorcycle Tours in Morocco and South Africa. It’s filled with expert tips and insights to help you plan incredible rides in two of the best motorcycle touring countries in the world!

Tips for a Successful Morocco Motorcycle Adventure

A few smart preparations go a long way toward making your Morocco motorcycle tour the trip of a lifetime. Here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind before you finally join us:

• Gear up right: Choose lightweight riding gear with good ventilation, but don’t forget layers for colder mountain mornings. Quality boots and gloves are a must for off-road sections.
• Stay hydrated: The combination of altitude and heat can dehydrate you quickly. Carry a hydration pack and refill at every stop.
• Travel smart: Bring sunscreen, a buff or neck scarf for dust, MX or enduro gloves, and an MX off-road helmet with a chin bar and visor. But apart from the essentials, pack light!
• Respect the locals: Rural Morocco is deeply traditional. Dress modestly, ask before taking photos, and learn a few phrases in Arabic or Berber… a little goes a long way!

And most importantly, trust your guide. They know the terrain, the culture, and the safest, most scenic routes. That local knowledge is what transforms a ride into a true adventure.

Book Your Morocco Adventure Motorcycle Tour with Us!

We hope you have found this Guide to Adventure Motorcycling in Morocco inspiring and informative! Are you ready to take the next step toward a bucket-list adventure? Read the full itinerary for our Happy Valley, Atlas Mountains, and Sahara Desert Tour and find out more about what to expect, as well as what you’ll need to prepare and pack.
If you have any pre-booking questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.