Sahara Motorcycle Tours on the Paris-Dakar Routes

Ride the old Paris-Dakar rally tracks of the Moroccan Sahara with Said Legbouri, a licensed guide born in Smara who specialises in these routes: from Merzouga to Smara, from the Draa valley and Tan-Tan to Smara, and from Smara down to Dakhla.

See the routes

  • Guided by a Smara native, licence No. 3489
  • The old Paris-Dakar rally tracks
  • 4x4 support vehicle on request
  • Routes planned on authorised tracks only
Motorcycle adventure on the old Paris-Dakar route in the Moroccan Sahara

Plan your Sahara ride

Opens WhatsApp with your trip details. No payment needed to get a price.


The routes

Four ways into the Moroccan Sahara, each one planned stage by stage around your group, your bikes and your dates.

  • Merzouga to Smara: the eastern crossing

    Merzouga, M’Hamid, Assa, Zag, Mahbes, Farsia, Jdiriya, Hawza and Smara: the long eastern route along the old rally tracks.

  • Draa valley and Tan-Tan to Smara

    From the Draa valley and Tan-Tan through El Msied, Abteh and Gaat Chbabine to Smara, across stony plateaus and dry riverbeds.

  • Smara to Dakhla: the southern route

    From Smara via Guelta Zemmour or Oum Dreyga to Bir Anzarane, Aousserd and the Dakhla lagoon.

  • Laayoune, Dakhla and Guerguerat

    Long-distance support and transfers along the Atlantic road from Laayoune to Dakhla and the Guerguerat border crossing.

  • Prefer four wheels?

    The same Paris-Dakar routes by 4x4, with our desert drivers or in your own vehicle.


Riding the abandoned Paris-Dakar route

For riders looking for something truly rare, the Moroccan Sahara still holds the forgotten paths of the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally. These are wild, beautiful routes across rocky plateaus, sand and long empty horizons, far from any tourist road.

I was born in Smara, at the heart of the Moroccan Sahara, and these tracks are my home landscape. As a licensed tour guide, No. 3489, I plan each expedition stage by stage, choose the right line through the difficult sections, and share the stories of the places you ride through, from the oasis of Guelta Zemmour to the solitude of Oum Dreyga.

This is not a scenic ride on tarmac. It is a real test of skill and endurance, which is why every route is planned in advance, ridden only on known and authorised tracks, and supported by people who know the terrain.

To discover more about the region, see Said’s regional guides Visit Smara and Visit Laayoune.


Sahara motorcycle tours: your questions

Straight answers from a guide who grew up on these tracks.

Where do Sahara motorcycle tours in Morocco go?

Our expeditions follow the old Paris-Dakar rally tracks of the Moroccan Sahara: the eastern crossing from Merzouga through Assa, Zag and Mahbes to Smara; the route from the Draa valley and Tan-Tan to Smara; and the southern route from Smara via Guelta Zemmour or Oum Dreyga to Aousserd and Dakhla.

Is it safe to ride these desert routes?

These are remote desert routes and need serious preparation. Some areas near the defence wall are military zones and old minefields remain, so we ride only on known, authorised tracks, pass military checkpoints with the required documents, and never leave the planned route. Access rules can change, and we confirm every section before your trip.

Do I need my own motorcycle?

Tell us whether you are riding your own motorcycle or need help with bikes. We plan the route, the guiding and the support around your group and your machines.

Do you provide a support vehicle?

Yes, on request. A 4x4 support vehicle with driver can follow the group with luggage, fuel, water and spare parts, and we can arrange transfers at the start or end of your ride.

How long does a Sahara motorcycle expedition take?

From a few days on a single section, such as Smara to Dakhla, to two weeks or more for a full crossing from Merzouga. Every expedition is planned to your experience, your bikes and your dates.

When is the best time to ride in the Sahara?

The cooler months, roughly October to April, are the most comfortable for long days in the desert. In summer the heat makes these routes demanding and we plan very early starts.

How much does a guided Sahara motorcycle tour cost?

Each expedition is priced on its route, length, group size and the support you need. Send us your plans and you receive a detailed programme and a fixed price before you travel.


Plan your Sahara ride with Said

Tell us your dates, your group, your bikes and the route that calls you. You will receive a stage-by-stage plan and a fixed price.

Message Said on WhatsApp

Morocco Private Driver is run by Said Legbouri, licensed guide No. 3489.