Looking to head from Marrakech to Merzouga in a rental car? You will travel at your own pace through the most impressive Moroccan landscapes and visit places that are worth taking your time to explore.
Driving in Morocco is easy because the main roads are in good condition. However, there are many other winding (and sometimes challenging) roads that lead to remote locations that are more than worthwhile. There, you can interact with the local people and enjoy the freedom of exploring every corner at your own pace.
If you choose the Marrakech-Merzouga route by car, you will start in one of the most popular and touristic cities in Morocco. As you make your way, you will discover desert landscapes, rugged mountains, Berber villages and impressive dunes. You can do this route in the time you consider appropriate, but we recommend dedicating at least five days.
Day 1 of the Marrakech-Merzouga route by car to Ait Ben Haddou
The Marrakech-Merzouga route by car starts in Marrakech and we recommend spending the morning there, or if possible the whole day. This ochre city will conquer you with its aromas, colors and, of course, its medina. You can visit the alleys leading to the medina, the Koutoubia mosque and the souks that specialize in handicrafts, leather and textiles.
If you have the chance, the best option is to stay at least one night in one of the Marrakech riads. Your route can continue on to Ait Ben Haddou, a city noted for the Kasbah, which are fortified spaces of Berber origin declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Day 2: Ait Ben Haddou - Dadès Gorges
If you start the second day in Ait Ben Haddou, you can visit the Kasbah of Taourirt, an impressive fortress steeped in many centuries of history. And if you are passionate about cinema, the Atlas Corporation studios are a must on the Marrakech-Merzouga route by car, because many films have been shot there.
Here are some other plans for your second day:
- Discover the Valley of Roses and take the opportunity to visit a rose water production cooperative.
- Dadès Gorge is one of the most impressive landscapes in Morocco. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes to walk through the gorges, because you will find unique rock formations.
- The best way to end the day is to enjoy a dinner under the stars on a terrace overlooking the Dadès Gorge.
Day 3: Dadès Gorges and Todra Gorges
After you discover the Dades Gorges in depth, we recommend visiting the town of Boulmane Dades, in the heart of the Valley of the Birds, and discover it in depth. It is also worth visiting the Tinghir Oasis, where you will feel a real peace.
In the afternoon, take the time to visit the Todra Gorges, located east of the High Atlas Mountains. You can discover them on your own on a long hike or hire a local guide to explain the history of each corner or get to less touristy areas. And if you want to add some adventure to your Marrakech-Merzouga route by car, here you can practice climbing or rappelling.
Day 4 of the Marrakech-Merzouga route by car: Todra Gorges to Merzouga
Continue the route to Tafilalet, an impressive palm grove where you can discover how Moroccan farmers live and work the land. And you can't leave without visiting the old market of Rissani, one of the largest in Morocco.
And, of course, you can't miss these other spots:
- Arrive in Merzouga and get ready for a real desert adventure.
- One of the most touristy activities is to enjoy a sunset camel ride through the dunes. And if you prefer something quieter, you can always relax or have a picnic to watch the sunset.
- The best way to spend the night is to have dinner around a campfire, listen to Berber music and sleep in a traditional tent.
Day 5: Merzouga-Marrakech
If you want to finish the Marrakech-Merzouga route by car back where you started, you can return to Marrakech. Getting up early in Merzouga to see the sunrise over the dunes is a spectacular idea. Rest assured, what you will witness there are truly straight from a fairy tale.
On the way back, we recommend you visit some of the most famous kasbahs in the region, such as Amridil. And if you return to Marrakech, enjoy your last night in the city and return to the same places that impressed you five days prior.
The best option is to complete this route at your own pace, extend or reduce the stops to suit you and enjoy Morocco, and to do all that you can rent a car ni Marrakech with OK Mobility. You will enjoy the experience to the fullest and, above all, have the freedom you need for a trip with so many things to see and do.
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