Looking for a northern Morocco camper route that combines blue mountain towns, imperial cities and green valleys? This 10-day loop starts and ends at our free pick-up point in Casablanca and takes you along the Atlantic to Asilah, up into the Rif mountains to Chefchaouen, on to the medina of Fes and back via Meknes and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
The north feels very different from the desert and the south: greener, cooler, with olive groves, cork forests and whitewashed villages clinging to the slopes. It is also a route where the distances are short enough to really slow down. Below you will find the route at a glance, realistic driving times, where we like to stay and the practical tips we give our own guests.
The route at a glance
Casablanca → Rabat → Asilah → Chefchaouen → Akchour → Fes → Meknes & Volubilis → Casablanca
A loop of roughly 1,100 km, mostly on good motorways and national roads, with a beautiful but winding mountain section between the coast, Chefchaouen and Fes.
Recommended duration
8 days: enough for the highlights, with a few long driving days.
10 days: our recommended duration, with time to walk, hike and relax.
2 weeks: add Tetouan, the Mediterranean coast or a second night in Fes.
Best time to travel: March to June and September to November. Summer is pleasant in the mountains but hot in Fes and Meknes; winter brings rain and cold nights to the Rif. See our guide to the best time to visit Morocco with a camper for month-by-month details.
Approximate driving times
- Casablanca → Rabat: about 1 hour 15 minutes (motorway)
- Rabat → Asilah: about 2 hours 15 minutes (motorway)
- Asilah → Chefchaouen: about 2 to 2.5 hours
- Chefchaouen → Akchour: about 45 minutes
- Chefchaouen → Fes: about 4 hours (winding mountain road)
- Fes → Meknes: about 1 hour, plus 40 minutes to Volubilis
- Meknes → Casablanca: about 2.5 to 3 hours (motorway)
These times are without stops. In the Rif we always add extra time: the roads are narrow in places, you share them with trucks, donkeys and farmers, and you will want to stop for the views.
Why choose this northern Morocco camper route?
Most first-time visitors head straight for Marrakech and the desert. The north is quieter, greener and, in our experience, one of the most rewarding parts of Morocco to explore at your own pace. With a camper you can:
- wake up above the blue rooftops of Chefchaouen;
- hike to the Akchour waterfalls and the natural rock arch known as God’s Bridge;
- explore Fes el-Bali, one of the largest car-free medinas in the world;
- walk among Roman mosaics at Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage site;
- combine mountains, imperial cities and the Atlantic coast in one loop;
- enjoy cooler temperatures than in the south during late spring and early autumn.
Days 1–2: Casablanca, Rabat and the Atlantic coast
After collecting your camper in Casablanca, take it easy on the first day. We like to drive the short stretch to Rabat, Morocco’s calm and green capital. Walk through the blue-and-white lanes of the Kasbah of the Udayas, visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, and enjoy the view over the river towards Salé.
On day two, continue north on the motorway to Asilah, a small whitewashed seaside town known for its murals, ramparts and sunsets over the Atlantic. It is a relaxed place to get used to life on the road before heading into the mountains.
Days 3–5: Chefchaouen and the Rif mountains
From Asilah the road climbs into the Rif mountains. The landscape changes quickly: fields and cactus give way to forested slopes and small villages. After about two hours you will see the blue houses of Chefchaouen spread across the mountainside.
Where to stay in Chefchaouen
The medina is car-free, so you will leave the camper parked and explore on foot. Camping Azilan, on the hill above the town, is a long-standing favourite with camper travellers: from there it is a walk of roughly 15 minutes down into the medina. Arrive in the afternoon if you can, as the best spots go quickly in high season.
What to do in and around Chefchaouen
- wander the blue alleys early in the morning, before the day visitors arrive;
- walk up to the Spanish Mosque for sunset over the town;
- visit the kasbah and the main square, Plaza Uta el-Hammam;
- spend a full day at Akchour, about 45 minutes away, for the waterfalls and the hike to God’s Bridge (bring good shoes and water).
A practical note: in the Rif you may occasionally be offered hashish. Simply say no and walk on. It is illegal in Morocco, and the people offering it are used to being turned down.
Days 6–7: Fes, the spiritual heart of Morocco
The drive from Chefchaouen to Fes takes about four hours through rolling hills, olive groves and the Ouergha valley. Leave in the morning so you arrive with plenty of daylight.
Where to stay near Fes
Do not try to drive into the medina. Stay at a campsite on the edge of the city, such as Camping Diamant Vert on the road towards Ifrane, and take a petit taxi into town. Taxis are cheap and drop you right at the gates.
Exploring Fes el-Bali
The medina of Fes is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a maze of more than 9,000 alleys. For your first visit we recommend an official licensed guide for half a day: you will see the Chouara tannery, the Al-Attarine madrasa and the Al Quaraouiyine area without getting lost, and you can return alone the next day with more confidence. For the classic panorama, go up to the Merenid tombs at sunset.
Days 8–10: Meknes, Volubilis and back to Casablanca
An hour west of Fes lies Meknes, the most relaxed of Morocco’s imperial cities, with the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the vast royal granaries. Just north of the city, Volubilis is the best-preserved Roman site in Morocco, with beautiful floor mosaics and views over the plains. The holy town of Moulay Idriss sits on the hill right next to it.
From Meknes, the motorway brings you back to Casablanca in about three hours. If you have a spare day, stop at one of the beaches near Rabat or Mohammedia for a final night by the ocean before returning the camper.
Practical tips for driving in northern Morocco
- Drive the Rif mountain roads in daylight and expect slow traffic, sharp bends and occasional animals on the road.
- Fill up with diesel and buy groceries in the larger towns; mountain villages have fewer services.
- Keep your driving licence, passport and camper documents handy for police checkpoints, which are common and usually friendly.
- Use guarded parking or campsites in the cities, and never leave valuables visible in the cab.
- In winter, check the weather before crossing the mountains: rain and fog are common, and snow can fall at higher altitudes.
New to camper travel in Morocco? Read our beginner’s guide to camper travel in Morocco and the 10 things to know before touring Morocco by campervan.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need for northern Morocco by camper?
We recommend 10 days for this loop from Casablanca. With 8 days it is possible, but you will spend more time driving and less time in Chefchaouen and Fes.
Can I drive a camper into the medinas of Chefchaouen or Fes?
No. Both medinas are car-free and the surrounding streets are narrow. Park at a campsite or guarded car park and explore on foot or by taxi.
Are the roads in the Rif mountains suitable for a camper?
Yes, the main roads between the coast, Chefchaouen and Fes are paved and regularly used by campers and buses. They are winding, so plan for lower average speeds and drive in daylight.
Is northern Morocco safe for camper travellers?
In our experience, yes. Use common sense as you would anywhere: stay at campsites or busy spots, lock the camper, and politely decline unwanted offers.
Can I combine this route with the Sahara?
Yes, with two weeks or more. From Fes you can drive south through the Middle Atlas to Merzouga and continue on our desert camper route back to Marrakech.
Ready to explore northern Morocco?
All our campers are fully equipped and include unlimited kilometres and free pick-up in Casablanca. Choose the camper that fits your group, or send us a message: we live in Morocco and are happy to help you plan your route.
