Is it safe to hire a car to travel around Morocco?

WE'RE PLANNING ON EXPLORING MOROCCO. EXPERIENCED AND INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS, WE PREFER HIRING A CAR. IS IT SAFE AND FEASIBLE? WHERE WOULD YOU SUGGEST WE GO AND WHICH ROUTE SHOULD WE TAKE? V. ROSSITER, BAYVIEW, NSW

Driving yourself around is a great way to explore Morocco, and many Europeans do just that. There are plenty of car-hire operators, major roads are fairly decent and outside the major cities traffic is generally not heavy. Local car hire operators are cheaper and often more flexible than the big familiar names. Before you drive away make sure that all tyres, including the spare, are in good condition and that the jack works, and note and record any damage to the vehicle. You'll usually have to park on the outskirts of cities. Places such as Fez and Marrakech were not made with cars in mind, and wherever you park you need to pay something to the guardian to mind your vehicle. You'll benefit if you hire local guides to take you around the cities. Morocco's cities do not unveil their secrets easily. If you're flying in from Australia, Casablanca is the major gateway and the easiest place to start your travels. If you're coming from Europe, Tangier is a better starting point. From either you could head for Fes and Meknes but also include the Rif city of Chefchaouen on your itinerary. Cross the Atlas Mountains to Errachidia and continue further south to explore the Sahara then travel along the south side of the Atlas Mountains with a side trip into the spectacular Dades Gorge. Re-cross the Atlas Mountains, and the R307 just south-west of Skoura is a more adventurous alternative to the N9, the main route between Ouarzazate and Marrakech. Plan to spend several days in Marrakech and a few more in Essaouira.