Hiring a car in Marrakech
Useless inside the medina, a hire car comes into its own for ranging out around Marrakech. Where to hire, at what price, what deposit to expect, what the insurance actually covers and the traps to sidestep before you sign.
Do you really need a hire car?
Inside Marrakech, no: the medina is closed to vehicles and parking is a headache. The car earns its keep for ranging out of the city - the Atlas, the Ourika valley, Essaouira, Ouarzazate, the desert. If you're nervous about mountain roads, night driving or a first time in Morocco, a private driver is often more restful. On the sealed roads, a confident driver copes fine at the wheel.
Where to hire?
How much does it cost?
| Category | Indicative price per day |
|---|---|
| City / economy | ~£13-£22 |
| Compact / saloon | ~£22-£35 |
| SUV | ~£35-£60 |
| 4×4 (Atlas, desert) | ~£52-£105 |
Conditions and paperwork
Hiring without unpleasant surprises
The two most common traps concern money. At return, some agencies invoice for 'missed' scratches that were already there at pick-up - hence the importance of dated photos both ways. Also watch out for a car handed over with an empty tank so you're forced to fill it immediately, insurance options sold under pressure and contracts drafted in Arabic only - ask for a version you can read before you sign.
Driving in Morocco
Main roads are decent to good, with toll motorways (bring cash). Speed limits are strict - 120 km/h on motorway, 100 on open road, 60 in town, 40 in the centre - and police checks and speed cameras are common: stick to them, and drink-driving is zero tolerance. Avoid driving at night outside the towns: stray animals, vehicles without lights and speed bumps make the road unpredictable. For parking, a vested attendant watches the car for a few dirhams (a bit more in the evening).
Do you need a 4×4?
For main roads and most day trips, a regular car is enough. The 4×4 becomes useful, even necessary, as soon as you leave the sealed road: High Atlas tracks, desert access to Merzouga or Zagora. Note that insurance often doesn't cover off-road driving: check this point, or hand these itineraries to an experienced driver.
The essentials
