Morocco Motorcycle Trip: Essential Safety Tips for Dealing with Police, Scams, and Solo Travel
Planning a motorcycle trip to Morocco is exciting. You’re trading asphalt for the raw beauty of the Atlas Mountains, the vastness of the Sahara Desert, and roads that wind through ancient kasbahs. But let’s be honest: Morocco is a different world. Before you even think about packing, the biggest questions are always about safety, navigating, and dealing with local police. After logging thousands of kilometres there, I’m cutting through the rumours to give you the precise, practical advice you need to handle Moroccan checkpoints, avoid common scams, and conquer the remotest sections of the Atlas Mountains safely, even if you’re riding solo.
Mastering Moroccan Police Checkpoints and Traffic Laws
Dealing with the police is often the number one concern for foreign riders. Here’s my advice to keep your journey smooth:
Understanding Police Culture: Stop, Listen, and Be Patient.
Speed Limits and Radars: They are everywhere, especially near villages, even if the road looks wide open. Maintain the correct limit—it’s often 60 km/h where you expect 80 km/h. If you are stopped, be polite, smile, and never get aggressive.
The Documentation Check: Always have your passport, bike registration, and green card (international insurance) ready and easily accessible. Pro Tip: Keep copies separate from the originals.
The 'Gift' Culture: Never offer a bribe. Bribing a police officer is illegal and only makes things worse. Be polite and wait patiently. The vast majority of officers are professional and simply doing their job.
Customs and Border Crossing: The most confusing part of your Morocco motorcycle trip.
Customs Forms: You must correctly fill out the temporary import document for your motorcycle (the D16ter form) when entering the country. Failure to do so will create massive problems upon exiting.
The Line Hassle: Be wary of unsolicited 'helpers' at the port who demand money for guiding you through the lines. Act confident, ignore them, and find the official desk yourself.
Advanced Solo Rider Safety: Atlas Mountains and Remote Areas
Safety when riding solo depends entirely on your preparation and self-sufficiency.
Emergency Communications and Fuel Planning.
GPS Planning for Remote Fuel Stops: This is critical. You cannot rely on signs or locals in remote areas of the Atlas Mountains to find fuel. Use your GPX tracks to mark known gas stations and calculate your range precisely. If you have a 300 km range and your GPS shows the next stop at 280 km—get fuel now!
Offline Maps: Beyond your GPS, a downloaded offline map system (like OsmAnd) or a physical map is mandatory. Satellite signals can be intermittent on high mountain passes.
Night Riding in Morocco: The Biggest Solo Mistake.
Visibility Hazards: I cannot stress this enough: do not ride after sunset. The roads are full of unlit vehicles, pedestrians, donkeys, and animals. It is the quickest way to end your trip. Always plan your Morocco routes to finish riding before dusk.
Health, Scams, and Personal Security
The Traveler’s Diarrhea and Essential Medical Kit.
Vaccinations - Although not required upon entry, it is advisable to get vaccinated to prevent contracting tropical diseases. Vaccines particularly recommended are those against: tetanus, typhoid fever, diphtheria, polio, hepatitis A (foodborne), and rabies.
First Aid Kit - Above all else, stock your kit with medications for stomach problems. The bacterial flora in Africa is completely different from ours, meaning even brushing your teeth with non-potable water can result in poisoning. Furthermore, you can contract amebiasis and gastrointestinal parasites. I experienced a mild case of diarrhea during my stay (I recommend purchasing the medication Xifaxan before your trip). Being prepared saves days of your trip.
Water Safety: Stick to bottled water only, even for cleaning teeth. Avoid ice.
Snake Bite Kit: If you plan on long hikes in the Atlas mountains, consider local advice on necessary precautions for snake bites.
Dealing with the 'Friendly' Scam Artists.
The Fake Guide Scam: In major cities like Marrakech, be firm but polite when refusing unsolicited guides. Never engage in long conversations if you don't want the service.
Pricing: Always negotiate the price beforehand for parking, unofficial repairs, or small purchases. This is standard in Morocco.
Drones & Solo Rider Medical Essentials
Drones in Morocco
Drones are officially banned, and bringing one into the country can cause serious problems at customs. In the worst case, entry may be refused; more commonly, the drone will be confiscated and held until departure, with a storage fee of around €50–70. If you absolutely need aerial footage, you must obtain prior authorization from Moroccan authorities such as ANRT (Agence Nationale de Réglementation des Télécommunications) or ONDA (Office National des Aéroports) — but approvals are rare and time-consuming.
Riding Solo in Morocco
When riding solo in remote or desert areas, your first aid kit is as important as your toolkit. Always pack essential trauma dressings such as an Israeli bandage (for controlling heavy bleeding), a hydrogel dressing (for burns), and a hemostatic agent (to accelerate clotting). Riders with allergies should also carry an adrenaline autoinjector. Combine this with strict hydration discipline (3–4 L of water daily) and calorie-dense food reserves like energy bars or freeze-dried meals. In Morocco’s isolated regions, professional medical help may be hours away — preparation is your best safety net.
Off-Road GPX Routes – For True Adventure Seekers
For riders who crave more than tarmac, Morocco offers endless gravel tracks, desert trails, and rugged mountain routes that test both skill and endurance. If you’re ready to leave the asphalt behind, our Morocco Off-Road GPX Routes Add-On is the perfect companion. It includes carefully tested GPX routes designed specifically for adventure and dual-sport riders, guiding you through scenic valleys, dry riverbeds, and hidden Berber villages far from the tourist paths.
Each route has been verified in the field and includes detailed surface information, technical difficulty ratings, and safety notes — so you can explore Morocco’s wild side with full confidence. Combine it with the main Motorcycle Tour Book & GPX Routes for the ultimate mix of adventure, challenge, and authentic off-road discovery.
👉 Discover the Morocco Off-Road GPX Routes
Final Advice & Resources
Don't leave safety to chance! Our Morocco GPX Routes and Tour Book include pre-planned scenic routes, verified accomodation, and a detailed packing list, giving you the confidence you need for a stress-free trip.
If you want to save time and ride only the best roads for motorcycling, check out the “Morocco – Magical World of Berbers” Motorcycle Tour Book & GPS Routes, featuring:
✅ Pre-tested GPS routes (as GPX/KML tracks),
✅ Detailed day-by-day itineraries,
✅ Verified accommodations and local tips.
✅Full Rider's Safety Checklist
It’s everything you need for a stress-free, unforgettable adventure through Morocco’s most stunning regions.
