Riding a buggy or driving quads in Morocco is an excellent option for those wishing to add a touch of adventure and adrenaline to their trip. In this post, we explain what this experience entails and where in the country you can enjoy it, provided by accredited companies and instructors who ensure this activity is a safe choice.
Differences between buggies and quads
Companies organizing these driving experiences typically offer a choice between the two vehicles, so it is helpful to understand the differences between a buggy and a quad.
The buggy is a four-wheeled vehicle with a capacity for two people, although four-seater models are occasionally available. It is driven using a ‘classic’ steering wheel, similar to a car. Although it does not have a closed cabin, it does feature a roll cage structure for protection. Some models even include a roof and doors, but all lack windows and windshields.
In contrast, the quad is also a four-wheeled vehicle but more closely resembles a motorcycle, as it is steered with handlebars and features hand-operated brakes rather than foot pedals (as is the case with buggies). They are usually single-seater, although a passenger can occasionally ride on the back.
These differences fundamentally influence the driving style. While both are designed to provide a thrilling experience, buggies typically reach higher speeds while offering a greater sense of stability, performing best on straight stretches. In contrast, quads offer more technical and reactive handling, allowing the driver to enjoy every curve and bump.
Where and how to enjoy buggies and quads in Morocco
Given the terrain conditions across much of the country, buggies and quads are widely available in most tourist destinations in Morocco. To ride one, they are typically rented by the hour or even for full days, with a minimum age requirement (please check this detail for each case).
Generally, guided tours with an instructor are provided, but there is also the option to ride as a passenger in the instructor’s vehicle (or another user’s) and enjoy the experience simply as a passenger. Companies organizing these activities naturally provide all necessary safety equipment, such as helmets, protective gloves, and special vests, although it is always recommended (or even mandatory) to wear closed shoes and long pants.
The place where buggies and quads are most prevalent is undoubtedly the desert. Particularly in the Merzouga area, as this sector offers driving on tracks once used in the Paris-Dakar Rally (ideal for buggies), as well as through the dunes of Erg Chebbi (ideal for quads).
However, it is also possible to ride buggies and quads in other deserts across the country. For example, the Agafay Desert, with its stony terrain, is interesting due to its proximity to Marrakech, making it especially attractive for short trips. And almost without leaving Marrakech, you can also drive these vehicles through its famous Palm Grove.
The pre-Saharan valleys, with their irregular relief and hammada terrain, are also perfect for these types of routes. Ouarzazate and its surroundings are a prime example, but not the only one, as there are more in the Dades and Draa Valleys.
Furthermore, these activities can be organized in mountainous areas or northern valleys where the aridity is less pronounced, but unpaved tracks are just as numerous. This is the case in the Middle Atlas, for instance around Bhalil near Fez, or at the foot of the Rif Mountains near Chaouen.
