Rent a car or hire a private driver in Morocco? The question often comes up when planning a tour. Driving in Morocco is possible, but the medinas, the mountain roads of the Atlas and the traffic in the big cities take some getting used to. With a driver, you enjoy the journey without worrying about the road. Here is how it works and when it is the best choice.
How does a private driver work in Morocco?
The principle is simple: a vehicle and its driver are booked for you alone or your group. Depending on your needs, the service can take several forms:
- a transfer from point A to point B (airport, train station, another city);
- a driver at your disposal for the day, with a free programme;
- a multi-day tour, where the driver accompanies you from stage to stage.
Fuel, tolls and the driver’s time are generally included. Meals, monument entrance fees and tips are usually at your expense: always check what is included before booking.
The advantages over car hire
You really enjoy the scenery
The road over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the Dades gorges and the Atlantic coast are spectacular. When you are not driving, you can finally look at them, take photos and stop whenever a viewpoint catches your eye.
No parking or navigation
In the imperial cities, parking near the sights is often complicated and GPS gets lost in the medinas. The driver drops you in the right place and picks you up at the agreed time.
Local knowledge
A local driver knows the real distances, the best times to avoid the crowds and the places where you eat well. It is a real plus on a first trip to Morocco.
A more reasonable budget than you might think
For several people, the cost per person of a private driver becomes competitive compared with car hire, fuel, tolls, parking and insurance. Prices per person generally fall as the group gets larger.
Which vehicle should you choose?
For transfers, city tours and most itineraries, a Mercedes Vito-type van offers ideal space and comfort for up to 7 passengers with luggage. For the desert, tracks and some Atlas valleys, a 4×4 such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is better suited. At Bensalemways, we choose the vehicle according to your itinerary.
Ideal itineraries with a driver
- A day in Marrakech and its surroundings: gardens, souks, the Ourika valley or the Agafay desert with our private driver for the day.
- The Merzouga desert in 3 days via the High Atlas and Ait Ben Haddou: discover our desert tour from Marrakech.
- The imperial cities: Fez, Meknes and Volubilis in 2 days.
- The grand tour from Casablanca to Marrakech via Chefchaouen, Fez and the desert with our 8-day Grand Tour of Morocco.
Our tips for booking well
- Specify from the outset the number of travellers, the children’s ages and the amount of luggage.
- Ask for the list of what is and is not included.
- Check which languages the driver speaks.
- Keep some flexibility in your programme: the most beautiful stops are often unplanned.
Fancy a tailor-made itinerary? Browse our destinations in Morocco or contact us for a personalised quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is it difficult to drive in Morocco?
The motorways are good, but city traffic, medinas and mountain roads require experience. A private driver removes all of these constraints.
What does a private driver usually include?
The vehicle, the driver, fuel and tolls. Meals, monument entrance fees and tips are generally extra.
How many people can a Mercedes Vito carry?
Up to 7 passengers with their luggage. For larger groups, several vehicles are arranged.
Can I do a tailor-made tour with a driver?
Yes: tell us your cities, dates and number of travellers, and we will suggest a suitable itinerary.
