Morocco is famous for its deserts, medinas, and iconic kasbahs. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover a side of the country that most visitors never see. From remote mountain valleys to quiet desert towns, Morocco is packed with hidden gems just waiting for adventure riders and off-road explorers.
We have covered Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga, two undoubted highlights of exploring Morocco and the Sahara Desert, in our other blogs, including our guide Visiting Morocco’s Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes. As such, we have not included them, even though, for some, they are still underrated!
On our Morocco motorbike and buggy tours, you’ll see both the classics and plenty of lesser-known spots, including most of the recommendations below.
The Jbel Saghro Range – Desert Mountains Off the Beaten Path
Just beyond the High Atlas lies the Jbel Saghro range, a rugged landscape that feels worlds away from the busier tourist trails. The mountains are volcanic, dramatic, and largely untouched, making them perfect for off-road motorbike and buggy adventures. This lunar-like range lies less than 100km south of the High Atlas and is an eastward extension of the Anti-Atlas. The highest peak here is Amalou n’mansour, which stands at 2,712 m.
The landscape here is truly breathtaking. Jbel Saghro has winding trails and major drop-offs into the valleys below, as well as its own “Monument Valley”, a stunning highlight of this austere, otherworldly terrain.
Do you want to explore this area on your own Morocco experience? Several of our excursions include Jbel Saghro, including our Morocco Desert Quest and High Peaks and Desert Morocco Motorcycle Tour.
N’Kob – Gateway to Hidden Moroccan Culture
N’Kob is a quiet town near the Jbel Saghro mountains that often flies under the radar. Its charm lies in its traditional mud-brick kasbahs and local markets, offering a genuine glimpse of rural Morocco. Given its location near Jbel Saghro, N’Kob is also popular with hikers and adventurers looking to explore the rugged landscapes just beyond the village.
But it’s not just the awe-inspiring views that impress visitors. A stop in N’Kob is a unique opportunity to experience true Berber hospitality, including traditional meals cooked over coals and listening to Berber music. It’s ideal for those who want to blend adventure with cultural discovery, making it a true hidden gem in Morocco.
At Motor Adventures, we love the complete package that N’Kob offers, which is why we include it in some of our itineraries. These include an overnight stay in a converted kasbah that is over 200 years old. If you want to find out more about trips including this charming village, check out our Happy Valley, Atlas Mountains, and Sahara Desert Tour, as well as our Mini Mountain and Sahara Desert Tour.
Hidden Moroccan Kasbahs and Family-Run Guesthouses
The magic of Morocco isn’t only in the landscapes; it’s also in the places you rest. Motor Adventures’ routes include carefully selected, family-run kasbahs and guesthouses that bring you closer to Moroccan heritage. Many are centuries old (like the N’Kob accommodation we mentioned above) with mud-brick walls, open courtyards, and rooftop terraces overlooking valleys, oases, or desert scenery.
Here, you can enjoy fresh, home-cooked meals, hear stories from locals, and soak up the atmosphere after a long day on the trails. Stays in these kasbahs are more than just accommodation; they’re an experience in themselves and a key part of off-the-beaten-path Morocco travel. They’re also one of our favourite reasons why you must take a tour of Morocco’s Sahara Desert!
Lac Maider – The Dry Soda Lake in the Desert
Lac Maider is a lesser-known desert lakebed in the heart of the Sahara. Expect a wide, flat, dry soda lake surrounded by rolling desert and distant hills. And best of all, it has fast tracks ready for you to hit with two wheels or four! Riding here offers a true sense of Morocco’s wild beauty; it’s an experience that captures the freedom of off-road travel.
Sound tempting? The good news is that Lac Maider features on our Morocco Desert Quest itinerary. During our time here, we also enjoy a lunchtime picnic in a desert auberge.
Aït Bouguemez – “The Happy Valley” in the High Atlas
Known as the Happy Valley, Aït Bouguemez is a hidden paradise in the High Atlas Mountains. Unlike the desert regions, this valley is lush and green, thanks to its cool, rich soil. These unique conditions have created the ideal environment for fields of wheat and barley that glow golden in the sun and colourful fruit orchards that lend the air delicious aromas.
Add red, rugged, rocky hills, and small Berber villages surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, and you have one of the best underrated places to visit in Morocco. Unsurprisingly, Aït Bouguemez is a favourite stop on the Happy Valley, Atlas Mountains, and Sahara Desert Tour and is perfect for riders who want to combine mountain adventure with cultural experiences.
Tips for Exploring Morocco’s Hidden Gems
- Travel Seasons: The best time for off-road tours and adventure travel is September through May. Summer can be extremely hot, especially in desert regions.
- Guided Tours: Many hidden gems are remote. Guided tours with local knowledge ensure safety and access to trails you wouldn’t find on your own.
- Cultural Respect: Morocco’s villages have unique traditions. Dress modestly, ask before photographing locals, and respect traditional customs.
- Gear and Preparation: Bring riding gear suitable for both desert and mountain conditions. A hydration pack, sunscreen, and good off-road boots are essential.
By following these tips, you can experience off-the-beaten-path Morocco while staying safe, comfortable, and fully immersed in local culture.
Are you also wondering when to plan your trip? Be sure to read our blog When’s the Best Time to Visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco? when you have finished here.
Book Your Morocco Bike or Buggy Tour with Us!
Morocco is full of surprises, from rugged mountains to historic towns and centuries-old kasbahs. By exploring these hidden gems, your adventure becomes more than just a ride; it becomes an unforgettable journey through landscapes and cultures most visitors never see.
Motor Adventures’ tours combine the classic sights with these lesser-known treasures, giving you the perfect blend of adventure and discovery. Explore our full range of Morocco motorbike and buggy tours and start planning your next unforgettable adventure today.
Do you have any pre-booking questions for our team? Please don’t hesitate to contact us for the information you need.
