For off-road riders, few names carry the same weight as the Paris-Dakar Rally. It’s shorthand for endurance, grit, and wide-open desert riding at the edge of what’s possible. While the rally itself has moved elsewhere, parts of its historic route still live on in Morocco, and you can ride them on our carefully crafted itineraries!
O nosso 8-Day Sahara Experience in Morocco is the perfect blend of luxury and adrenaline, and part of the latter is following sections of the historic Paris-Dakar route. We’re not racing or recreating the rally, but riding the landscapes that made Dakar legendary (at a pace that lets you enjoy every kilometre) is an unforgettable experience.
If the idea of riding where Dakar legends once pushed themselves through sand, mountains, and endless pistes excites you, this is where it gets real. Scroll down to find out more.
A Brief Introduction to the Paris-Dakar Rally
The Paris-Dakar Rally began in 1978 and quickly became the ultimate test of rider, machine, and navigation. Starting in Europe and finishing in Dakar, Senegal, it crossed thousands of kilometres of remote terrain, long before GPS and modern support systems were the norm.
Motorcycles, buggies, and 4WDs played a huge role in the rally’s identity. Riders and drivers faced extreme distances, shifting sands, mechanical fatigue, and mental pressure, often pushing on alone for hours through vast desert landscapes. Over time, the rally became as much about survival and resilience as it was about speed.
For many years, Morocco featured prominently on the route. Its mix of terrain made it a natural proving ground before riders pushed deeper into the Sahara. Today, this same variety is a key reason why Morocco is one of the best Countries for motorcycle touring as well as buggy and 4WD experiences.
What Made the Paris-Dakar Route in Morocco So Special?
Morocco offered everything Dakar demanded, often in the same day. Riders could start in the mountains, drop into rocky plains, and end the day in soft desert sand. That constant change created the best off-road trails in Morocco, and it was all part of the challenge.
The country’s southern regions became known for long, fast pistes that rewarded confidence and flow, while areas like the dunes around Merzouga punished mistakes quickly. Add altitude, heat, and distance, and it’s easy to see why Morocco earned its place in Dakar history.
Today, that same variety is what makes Morocco Dakar trail biking and driving such a huge draw, especially when backed up with local knowledge and proper support.
Paris-Dakar Route: Morocco Locations
So, where can you ride sections of the Dakar Rally in Morocco? As the creators of multiple Morocco motorbike and buggy tours, we know exactly where to go!
Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi Dunes
The dunes of Erg Chebbi are among the most iconic in the Sahara. Sand formations tower to heights of 150m and stretch out toward the horizon, creating the kind of scenery that defined Dakar’s toughest stages.
For rally riders, these dunes tested technique, patience, and stamina. For modern adventurers, they offer a unique off-road experience that blends challenge with sheer scale. Riding or driving in this region gives you a real sense of what made the Paris-Dakar route in Morocco so demanding.
And because we’re not against the clock, we can stop at the top of these dunes and take in the spectacular views! Find out more about this breathtaking destination in our guide to visiting Morocco’s Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
