We are in our early 60's and planning a trip starting in Casablanca and going to Rabat(1 night), Chefchaouen(2 night) Meknes, Fes(3night), Sahara(2 night), atlas Mountains(2 night), Marrakech(3 night) and Essaouira(2 night).
We would like to know if anyone has any experience with renting a car and driving in Morocco. Is parking available in these cities and is it safe.
Besides busses and trains could we hire drivers to get from from city to city?
Does this itinerary look about right?

IMO, whether your allocation of nights works for you depends on what YOU want to see and experience. FWIW:

· I was delighted by Rabat, which I found far more enjoyable than I’d anticipated. I had 2 full (VERY full) days there.

· I skipped Chefchaouen because many people I know and trust told me that it is now overrun by tourists and is a bit tawdry. I don’t know if that’s correct.

· For my purposes, 1 night would not have been enough in Meknes. I fully filled more than 1.5 days there, and I packed a lot into that time.

· I was very glad to have 4 nights in Fez, and that meant 3.5 very full days. I can’t imagine that I would have been satisfied with less than 3 full days. YMMV.

· I spent 2 nights in the desert near Erg Chigaga; it was amazing! And I spent 2 nights in / near the Atlas mountains getting to / from my desert camp.

· I enjoyed 4 nights in Marrakech. That meant s bit more than 3 very, very full (and delightful) days.

· I found 2 nights in Essaouira sufficient for my interests. Note, however, that two nights means you’ll only have one day (or perhaps a bit more) there. Plan accordingly.

I didn’t rent a car while in Morocco. Instead, I relied on public transportation (easy!) and, for my time in (and to / from) the desert, a private driver arranged though my desert camp.

Morocco is amazing. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful trip no matter what you choose.

If you haven’t already seen it , you might find some useful information in my trip report: Memorable, magnificent Morocco!

I hope that helps!

That’s actually a perfect and well-balanced itinerary. You’ve chosen a nice mix of cities, culture, scenery, and time to slow down a bit, which is especially important on a longer trip. With the number of nights you’ve planned in each place, I’m quite confident you’re going to really enjoy the journey and not feel rushed.

As for getting around, renting a car in Morocco is possible, and many people do it, especially for long distances. Roads between major cities are generally in good condition, and driving on highways is straightforward. That said, city driving and parking, especially in places like Fes medina, Marrakech, and Chefchaouen, can be stressful, with limited parking and lots of narrow streets.

For that reason, many travelers find it easier and more relaxing to hire a driver for city-to-city travel. It takes the pressure off navigation, parking, and long driving days, and allows you to enjoy the scenery, stop when you want, and arrive rested. You can still explore each city on foot or with local guides once you arrive.

Overall, your plan looks solid, and with either a rental car for open stretches or hired drivers between cities, it should be a very enjoyable and smooth trip.

Does anyone have any experience hiring drivers between cities in Morocco. We would not need a driver in the cities and would prefer to avoid buses and trains.

When I was in Morocco, our travel guide once said that Moroccans are generally very happy to help, and that we can always ask the staff at the hotel or Riad about anything we need. In my experience, this is very true. So I’d suggest start asking with the places where you stay the night, they usually know reliable local drivers and services.

Or you can just contact a local company in Morocco directly and see if they can help arrange what you’re looking for.

I agree with meryjane4227 that asking your hotels or riads would be a great way to identify potential drivers. If you want them to speak English (or any other specific language), be sure to say so. And if you have other requirements, make them clear, too, when you ask for their help and then negotiate a price.

I know you said you prefer to avoid buses and trains, but FWIW, I'll note that in addition to being easy and comfortable, I found that they provided an excellent opportunity to interact with and observe local people who aren't in the travel industry. For me, that's a decided bonus! YMMV.

Hi Smooch,
I've simply cut & pasted from a previous post, then done modifications.

'Gorges: The sunrise experience at one of them is amazing. I refer to the vista from the 3* hotel Kasbah Tizzarouine in Boumalne du Bades. Another highlight would be remote Skoura, found at the end of Vallee du Dades towards Ouzarzate (these spellings). You could reach Skoura via Boumalne, through the mountain piste at Valee Bou Thrar, an authentic Berber heartland. I had a serious fall down a rockface nearby at Tourbist, a careless accident that taught this photographer to be more careful. One could possibly stay in Skoura at the less-touristy 'Ait Abou'. Their tower is apparently the tallest in the country. Not luxe lodgings, but we loved it for its genuine, real-McKoy vibe.

My traveler mom once loved Chef but like kja, my wife and I eventually chose to skip it much for the same reasons. I also agree with her about Rabat--it was very interesting.
Don't 'settle' regarding riads. Our experience was that careful research to find just the right ones made a big difference. Stating the obvious I know but...

As for Fes (plus Sefrou and Bahlil), we highly recommend guide Ali: SEFRIOUI ABDELALI [email protected] 34 RUE OUSSAMA IBNOU ZAID APPARTMENT 5 PHONE-- 061254058
If he is still guiding now into his '70s, Ali would be a great choice. Honest, reliable and possibly offering to end your tour with a meal at his family's home in the Ville Nouvelle part of Fes.

FWIW, few countries drew as many snarky comments from judgmental, traveler-than-thou types responding to itinerary discussions, as once did Le Maroc over on Lonely Planet's old Thorn Tree forum. Too many negative creeps with their ponytails tied too tight. Those would never include the Robert Plant, who has long been keen on travel to this country.

Finally: suggested listening: anything by Boujmia, the late great Bob Marley of that nation. Almost certainly killed by the government. Hard to find CDs.
See also (hear also?) anything by trance-gnawa artist Abdermane Paco.
Good Luck.
I am done. the end'

I agree wholeheartedly with zebec's warning that riads differ dramatically! In Fez, I thought the Riad El Yacout absolutely wonderful -- absolutely beautiful, wonderful staff, well located, delicious food (including an extensive breakfast), pool, hammam....

Thank you for your feedback

Thank you for your insight. Will look into your reccomendations.