Issues with driving in Morocco
I'm considering a visit to Morocco that would include a stay in a couple of cities (Rabat or Casablanca, and Marrakech) as well as a trip to scenic or historic villages in the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert. What do I need to know about the roads and driving in Morocco to decide if a rental car would be a viable option for the less populated part of the trip?
Are there city or airport locations where renters had acceptable experiences? Most rental reviews I came across are uniformly negative. Do rental agencies in Morocco provide a driver option with their cars, as in a few other developing countries? Am I likely to encounter difficult traffic conditions or many unpaved roads? As far as trips to the remote locations, I'm open to either day trips from Marrakech or hotel/riad hopping between villages. |
Originally Posted by MaxVO
(Post 30238228)
I'm considering a visit to Morocco that would include a stay in a couple of cities (Rabat or Casablanca, and Marrakech) as well as a trip to scenic or historic villages in the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert. What do I need to know about the roads and driving in Morocco to decide if a rental car would be a viable option for the less populated part of the trip?
Are there city or airport locations where renters had acceptable experiences? Most rental reviews I came across are uniformly negative. Do rental agencies in Morocco provide a driver option with their cars, as in a few other developing countries? Am I likely to encounter difficult traffic conditions or many unpaved roads? As far as trips to the remote locations, I'm open to either day trips from Marrakech or hotel/riad hopping between villages. If renting, you should be OK with a major brand like Hertz or Avis. Otherwise I wouldn't try a lesser name. |
roads are okaybut local roads could have a pothole of 2
some are under construction so as part of tichka road but its not a big problem weather could cause some problems on local roads its a good idear to to fillup gasoil when you have less then 50% have a good holiday itsa beautifulll country kees |
Originally Posted by stimpy
(Post 30238495)
I driven my own car and friends cars, but have had no issues with road quality. The roads are pretty good and they are toll roads between the major cities. In the cities themselves you have to drive very slowly and carefully or the police will stop you and ask to pay a fine. It is effectively a bribe and a relatively small amount of money.
If renting, you should be OK with a major brand like Hertz or Avis. Otherwise I wouldn't try a lesser name. |
revieuws are very depending on the mood off the writer
genuine i dont know i live here since 8 years and i use ,,foxcars .. in ouarzazate about rent a car with driver option i can give you a emailadres [email protected] he is licenced guide and have a large network in marocco greetings kees |
There's a different Hertz and Avis experience with corporate renters and public renters. I've seen these kinds of complaints about Hertz and Avis in various countries around the world from private renters, but I've never had a problem in those countries when booking under my corporation. I think another general issue is that Americans expect Hertz and Avis to operate the same in other countries. And they don't. Especially if you return the car with scratches and nicks or worse. If you take care of the car and do everything correctly you should have no issues. So while it's correct that I've not rented in Morocco, I fully expect that I would have no issues renting there. I've rented in many more difficult countries.
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I've rented from Sixt in Tangier and returned it in Casa. I find most Moroccan highways to be excellent, though as others have noted, construction is common, particularly on minor highways. We drove a minor highway from Tetouan to Chefchaouen and encountered road construction (the entire highway was dirt) but assumed it would only last a mile or two. 90 kilometers later...
If I had to give you any advice, look for a car rental/return at airports or the outskirts of cities. Driving in Casa, Tangier, Fes, Marrakech or Rabat is not for the feint of heart. |
Having just finished five days in Marrakech, I could not imagine trying to drive in the city. The rules of road are interpreted with great fluidity there.
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Originally Posted by mczlaw
(Post 30283897)
Having just finished five days in Marrakech, I could not imagine trying to drive in the city. The rules of road are interpreted with great fluidity there.
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you have to drive slow in the beginning and be predictable
after a day you become to understand and there will be less problems to adapt i prefer driving in marrakech and marokko more then in amsterdam and holland greetings kees |
Originally Posted by nkob
(Post 30284633)
you have to drive slow in the beginning and be predictable
after a day you become to understand and there will be less problems to adapt i prefer driving in marrakech and marokko more then in amsterdam and holland greetings kees |
If navigating cities while driving, don't hesitate to hire a cab to lead you to your destination. It's often the easiest way.
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Is diesel fuel widely available in Morocco? It's good to know ahead of time, just in case a diesel car becomes available.
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Originally Posted by MaxVO
(Post 30292897)
Is diesel fuel widely available in Morocco? It's good to know ahead of time, just in case a diesel car becomes available.
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We just returned from a week in the rural area between Ouarzazate and Merzouga and we didn't have a problem driving there. Roads are in excellent condition. Learn the rules of right of way at roundabouts, don't drive at dusk or at night, don't speed, stop when the traffic light is orange and be careful around cyclists, animals and crossing pedestrians in the villages.
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