Morocco by Campervan: The Complete Guide

Welcome to the definitive guide for travelling in Morocco by campervan! If you’re planning an overland adventure in this fascinating North African country, this complete guide will walk you through it step by step, giving you all the up-to-date practical information, our tips as campervanners after touring the country from top to bottom, and valuable suggestions for a safe, comfortable and unforgettable trip (with a few hidden gems thrown in).

Documents and Customs Procedures: How to Enter Without Problems

Since 1 January 2019, Moroccan customs procedures have considerably simplified entry for campervans into the country. The D16 paper form, once mandatory in triplicate, has been abolished and replaced by the BADR computer system.

A simple verbal declaration accompanied by valid documents is enough:

• A valid passport with at least 6 months of remaining validity
• The vehicle’s registration certificate
• Valid insurance for Morocco (green card) or taken out at the border
• A power of attorney if the vehicle is being imported by a third party

On entry you’re given a small slip to keep and hand back on your way out.

How to Take Out Insurance at the Border

If your insurance doesn’t cover Morocco or the disputed territories of Western Sahara, you can take out insurance valid for Morocco directly at the border. We recommend using iOverlander (guide in Italian) to find the coordinates of the right office.

Rules for Visiting Western Sahara

If you’re planning to visit the far south of Morocco, entering the disputed territories of Western Sahara, here’s what you need to know.

Fiche de Police

We recommend preparing a “fiche” with your occupants’ details (name, plate number, etc.) to speed up the numerous checkpoints along the way. You can download the document here, fill it in, and photocopy several copies. Don’t waste paper — you don’t need to print them at A4 size, smaller is fine, as long as they’re clearly legible.

At some checkpoints they’ve gone digital and will photograph your passports and plates, but at many you’ll still be asked for the paper document.

Insurance

Before setting off, we recommend checking with your insurance company whether your green card also covers the Western Sahara territories. If not, we recommend taking out third-party liability insurance.

Border Crossings

Morocco can be reached by ferry from Italy, France and Spain, arriving mainly at two ports, Ceuta and Tanger Med.

• Ceuta: Spanish territory with the Moroccan border just a few kilometres away, ideal for handling things independently without intermediaries. It also offers duty-free shopping perks.
• Tanger Med: busier, but part of the customs procedures are also done on the ferry, though long queues often form at the terminal.

Because of the conflict between Morocco and Algeria over the disputed territories of Western Sahara, it’s not possible to enter overland from Algeria. You can, however, continue your journey south by entering Mauritania and then Senegal, but that’s another story you can read here.

Getting to Morocco: Ferries, Fares and Useful Tips

The busiest routes are from Algeciras to Tanger Med or Ceuta. Here are a few useful pointers:

• Reliable agencies for buying campervan tickets:
  • Viajes Normandie in Palmones (5 km before Algeciras), with competitive prices and return tickets valid for 90 days.
  • An alternative is a small office near the Carrefour in Algeciras that offers lower prices than the motorway ticket offices.
• Ferry crossing times:
  • Fast catamaran: under 1 hour
  • Regular ferry: around 1 hour 15 minutes
• During Ramadan, it’s a good idea to take the first morning crossings to avoid queues.

Campsites in Morocco: Cost, Safety and Comfort

Morocco offers a vast network of over 260 campsites listed in the “Camping du Maroc” guide, essential for finding the right site for your itinerary.

• Prices are very low, between 65 and 110 dirhams a night for two people (about 6-10 euros).
• Campsites often have:
  • Electric hookups
  • A pool
  • Wi-fi (free or low-cost)
  • Water fill-up/drain points and full bathroom facilities
• Wild camping is not recommended for safety and environmental reasons, especially in smaller villages.

Recommended campsites:

• AL-BOUSTANE in Martil (near Tetouan), with a pool and a good restaurant.
• Camping at Relais 4x4 Oasis Mharech, Auberge Hamada Kem Kem, and near the Kasbah of Amerhidil.

Getting Around and Alternative Transport

Bring along a quad or another light vehicle, popular with experienced campervanners for exploring off-the-beaten-track spots and enjoying freedom outside the usual tourist routes.

• Local taxis are fairly cheap (about 1 euro per km) but often require lengthy haggling.
• Having your own vehicle greatly increases your freedom of movement and makes it easy to reach natural spots and more remote villages.

Fuel and Roads: LPG, Petrol and Motorways

• For LPG, we recommend buying local cylinders (with an adapter) for about 10 euros per full cylinder (plus deposit). Avoid old or unsafe-looking cylinders. Italian cylinders can only be refilled at the two authorised centres near Meknes and Marrakech.
• For petrol, favour major stations (e.g. Afriquia) to avoid poor-quality or contaminated fuel.
• Morocco has about 2000 km of motorways and 1000 km of ultra-modern expressways, reaching as far as Agadir and Marrakech. Motorways are recommended for long transfers, while regular roads are better for exploring. Tolls are paid in cash, so it’s best to have local currency on hand.

Connectivity and Phone Service

Maroc Telecom is the main provider for local mobile SIMs.

• A data and calls package costs about 5 euros for the SIM and 5 euros for each monthly top-up.
• Coverage is extensive, even in desert and inland areas.
• Apps like WhatsApp and Skype work well where the signal is strong, though Skype can be limited in some areas.

Safety and Recommended Behaviour

Morocco is a safe country: police and gendarmerie are present everywhere, and locals are generally sociable and welcoming. That said:

• Watch out for insistent children who might surround the van; give discreetly and respectfully if you choose to.
• Avoid wild camping inside villages, both for safety and out of environmental respect.
• Frequent speed checks, especially at village entrances (common limit 40 km/h), with fines between 27-36 euros.
• Preparing a “fiche” with your occupants’ and vehicle’s details helps speed up checkpoints.

Dedicated Itineraries and Unmissable Attractions

The Moroccan experience ranges across:

Imperial Cities

• Fes (UNESCO World Heritage medina)
• Marrakech
• Meknes
• Rabat

Atlantic Coast

• Essaouira (harbour with super-fresh fish dishes)
• Oualidia (lagoon and beaches)
• Sidi Kaouki
• Legzira (natural arches over the sea)

South and Desert

• Erg Chebbi at Merzouga
• Draa Valley and Zagora
• Tafraoute, the Ameln valley with traditional villages
• Dades and Todra Gorges

Mountains and Nature

• Chefchaouen (the Blue City)
• Valley of Roses (festival in May)
• Ouzoud Waterfalls

Archaeological Sites

• Volubilis (Roman ruins)
• Imi-n-Ifri natural bridge
• Dinosaur footprints along the R302

Food and Eating Tips

Moroccan cuisine is a culinary experience not to be missed. The most beloved local dishes are tajine, couscous, brik, and fresh fish at markets and harbours.

• Hygiene standards at tourist restaurants are generally good.
• Drink sealed bottled water.
• Be cautious with ice cream and raw salads if you have a sensitive stomach.

Final Trip Tips

• Bring basic medicines, intestinal disinfectants and probiotics.
• Full campervan insurance with health and mechanical assistance is highly recommended.
• Equip yourself with up-to-date guidebooks, maps such as Michelin 742, or apps with offline maps.
• Spring is the best season for travelling in Morocco by campervan, when the climate is ideal and the landscape colours are at their best.

Get in Touch to Plan Your Trip

If you’d like a personalised plan, up-to-date information, or help booking ferries, campsites and services, get in touch with us. Travelling in Morocco by campervan can be risky if not carefully prepared: rely on experts to travel safely!