Have you ever thought about traveling without spending a single dirham? I decided to take on this challenge and hitchhike from Tamraght to Essaouira without opening my wallet. This adventure wasn't just about saving money – it was about connecting with locals, embracing the unexpected, and experiencing Morocco in its most authentic form.
Why Hitchhike in Morocco?
After spending two weeks in a beautiful apartment in Tamraght (which cost me about 300 dirhams per night), I was ready for a new adventure. The plan: travel from Tamraght to Essaouira – a journey of about three hours by car – without spending a single dirham.
I've always believed that some of the best travel experiences happen when you step outside your comfort zone. Hitchhiking isn't just about free transportation; it's about trust, cultural exchange, and creating memorable stories along the way.
Preparing for My Zero-Dirham Journey
Creating a Hitchhiking Sign
The first step was to create a sign. This wasn't just for show – when you're carrying a big backpack in the Moroccan sun, you want drivers to know where you're headed before they stop.
I searched around Tamraght for materials and found a piece of cardboard from some trash (recycling at its finest!). Next, I needed something to write with, but surprisingly, many shops were closed that Monday. After a few attempts, I finally found a shop owner who let me borrow a pen.
With my makeshift sign reading "ESSAOUIRA," I was ready to hit the road. It wasn't the prettiest sign, but it would do the job!
Finding the Perfect Spot
Location is everything when hitchhiking. I walked to where the road splits toward Essaouira, away from the police checkpoint (not because hitchhiking is illegal, but to avoid unnecessary questions).
I chose a spot where:
- Drivers could easily see me from a distance
- There was enough space to safely pull over
- The traffic was heading in my direction
Before heading to my hitchhiking spot, I bought a bottle of water for 5 dirhams. This was my only expense for the journey – I didn't want to ask my future drivers to stop because I was thirsty!
The Hitchhiking Experience
The Wait Begins
With my sign in hand and backpack at my feet, I started a timer on my phone at 11:54 AM. How long would it take to find a ride? Would anyone stop?
The first offer came almost immediately – a taxi driver offered to take me 5 kilometers down the road for free. While I appreciated his kindness, I declined, preferring to wait at my carefully chosen spot for someone traveling the entire distance to Essaouira.
Success! A Ride to Essaouira
Just 5 minutes and 30 seconds after starting my timer, a van with French license plates stopped. The drivers were heading to Essaouira – exactly where I wanted to go! They were fellow surfers who understood the spirit of adventure, making them the perfect travel companions.
On the Road to Essaouira
The Journey
The drive to Essaouira was beautiful. Riding in their van was even more relaxing than taking a taxi would have been, and I was saving about 500-1000 dirhams on transportation costs.
We passed through small villages, colorful towns, and changing landscapes. Near Taghazout, I noticed the scenery was particularly beautiful, with the landscape becoming greener as we continued north.
What struck me most was how few tourists there were in the smaller towns we passed through. This is exactly the type of authentic Morocco that many travelers miss when they stick to organized tours and private transfers.
A Generous Pit Stop
About halfway through our journey, my French companions decided to take a break. To my surprise, they invited me to share their snacks – dates and other treats – perfect for a mid-journey energy boost.
This kind gesture reminded me why I love this style of travel. It creates opportunities for genuine connections and shared experiences that you rarely get when traveling in more conventional ways.
During our break, we talked about travel. They advised me to travel as much as possible while I'm young – advice I'm clearly already taking to heart! These spontaneous conversations with people from different backgrounds are invaluable parts of the hitchhiking experience.
Arriving in Essaouira
No Plan, No Problem
After a comfortable three-hour journey (including a 30-minute nap), we arrived in Essaouira. I had no accommodation booked, no plans, and no idea where I would sleep that night.
My original plan was to use the Couchsurfing app to find a local host. I downloaded the app, paid for a subscription, and messaged a few potential hosts explaining that I was arriving that day and was also recording a vlog for YouTube.
While waiting for responses, I decided to explore the beach area, where I could see kite surfers enjoying the famous Essaouira winds.
Finding Accommodation
When my Couchsurfing requests were either declined or unanswered, I had to switch to Plan B. With my heavy backpack (about 12kg), walking around for too long wasn't an option.
I booked an apartment for 68 euros for three nights (about 21 euros per night) – not exactly sticking to my zero-dirham challenge, but necessary. The apartment was surprisingly spacious for the price – it could easily accommodate several people with multiple rooms and bathrooms.
The only issue was the windows – some didn't close properly, which is a security concern for a ground-floor apartment. I had to lower the shutters to feel safe.
Lessons Learned from Hitchhiking in Morocco
Trust in the Journey
The biggest lesson from this experience was to trust in the journey. By putting myself out there with nothing but a cardboard sign, I found not just transportation but new friends and memories.
Preparation Matters
While spontaneity is wonderful, some preparation is necessary:
- Having a clear sign with your destination
- Choosing a good location to hitchhike from
- Carrying essentials like water
- Having a backup plan for accommodation
The Kindness of Strangers
Moroccan hospitality is legendary, but I experienced kindness from people of all backgrounds. From the taxi driver who offered a free short ride to the French surfers who drove me for three hours and shared their food, people are generally willing to help travelers with an adventurous spirit.
Is Hitchhiking in Morocco Safe?
Based on my experience, hitchhiking in Morocco feels safe, but it's important to use common sense:
- Trust your instincts about who you accept rides from
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Let someone know your plans if possible
- Be respectful and grateful to those who help you
I never felt in danger during my hitchhiking experience. In fact, I felt welcomed and respected throughout the journey.
Tips for Your Own Hitchhiking Adventure in Morocco
If you're inspired to try hitchhiking in Morocco yourself, here are my top tips:
- Make a clear sign: Write your destination in large, readable letters.
- Choose your spot carefully: Find somewhere with good visibility where cars can safely pull over.
- Travel light if possible: A huge backpack makes the experience more challenging (and you'll get sweaty!).
- Learn a few Arabic phrases: A simple "Salam" (hello) and "Shukran" (thank you) go a long way.
- Be flexible: Embrace detours and unexpected stops – they often become the best parts of your journey.
- Have a backup plan: Know how to get public transportation if needed, and have some money for emergencies.
- Stay positive: Your attitude affects your experience – a smile and friendly demeanor make people more likely to stop.
Final Thoughts on My Zero-Dirham Hitchhiking Adventure
While I didn't manage to complete my entire trip without spending money (I did buy water and eventually paid for accommodation), the hitchhiking portion was a complete success. I traveled from Tamraght to Essaouira without spending a dirham on transportation, met wonderful people, and created memories that wouldn't have happened had I taken a taxi or bus.
The experience reminded me that travel isn't just about the destinations we visit – it's about how we choose to get there and the connections we make along the way.
Have you ever hitchhiked in Morocco or anywhere else? Would you be brave enough to try it? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this adventure, check out my other posts about exploring Morocco's hidden surf spots and authentic experiences in Moroccan villages.
Note: While my hitchhiking experience was positive, remember that travel experiences vary. Always prioritize your safety when traveling and make decisions based on your comfort level.