Epic Southern Morocco Road Trip
Epic Southern Morocco Road Trip
Morocco is one of my favourite destinations. I had already been there three times and this year I went again to accomplish one of my top bucket list goals, a road trip from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert. This is definitely a once in a lifetime trip, so I want to share with you my Epic Southern Morocco Road Trip.
I accepted the invite from Triskelion Expeditions to lead a group of amazing travellers in a journey across Southern Morocco. And it was one of my best experiences ever!
During the 5 days trip, we traveled more than 1200 quilometres around Southern Morocco in a comfortable mini bus. We had all the time with us an experienced guide that emerged us in the Moroccan culture, lifestyle and astonishing natural beauty. We had a chance to visit iconic places like Ait Ben Haddou, Ourzazate, Merzouga and Erg Chebbi Dunes in Sahara Desert, Todra Gorge, Draa Valley and finally Marrakech, at the end of this Epic Southern Morocco Road Trip.
We stayed in different typologies of accommodation, from an authentic riad in Marrakech, to a typical Moroccan hotel in Ourzazate, and an amazing luxury desert camp in the desert.
It’s very easy to get to Marrakech, where our road trip started. Marrakech is very well connected with many international airports. From there, the trip continued by road to Merzouga, the gateway to the desert. The roads in most of the itinerary are great and the amazing places we visited along the way to our ultimate destination – the desert, makes it an unforgettable journey.
I couldn’t recommend more this experience and I’ve prepared this Epic Southern Morocco Road Trip to share it with all of you!
Atlas Mountains
In our epic Southern Morocco road trip from Marrakech to the desert, we had to cross the Atlas Mountains. This mountain range separates the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
The part of the Atlas Mountains that we crossed was stunning, with beautiful views to the mountain peaks, rough canyons and charming villages nestled in the mountain hillsides.
We stopped in a traditional argan oil women’s cooperative to learn more about how this known product is made. This is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree, which only exists in Morocco. It has several beneficial properties and it is used for many skin and hair products.
Tizi n'Tichka
At 2260 meters high, in the High Atlas Mountain road connecting Marrakech to Ourzazate, you will find the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass. It is considered one of the most dramatic – and challenging – roads in the country (and even in the world)!
The name says it all. Tizi n’Tichka means “difficult mountain pass” in Berber, the traditional language of the people of North Africa. Nowadays parts of the road had been renovated, so most of it is in very good conditions.
In our journey we stopped in a viewpoint offering stunning views of the surrounding mountain landscapes and the vertiginous hairpin curves below.
Ait Ben Haddou
Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987, Ait Ben Haddou is a must see destination in Morocco. Located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains close to Ourzazate, it is the perfect example of Southern Morocco raw brick architecture.
Founded in the 11th century along the caravan route from Marrakech to the desert, Ait Ben Haddou is one of the most iconic and best preserved ksars in the country. A ksar is a traditional Moroccan fortified city composed by a a group of earthen buildings that are surrounded by defensive walls.
Its stunning beauty and traditional heritage made this city the perfect movie set for famous blockbusters like “The Gladiator” or “Game of Thrones” TV show.
Make sure you have enough time to walk around the city. Get lost in the small streets and alleyways and get ready to find amazing views and perspectives of Ait Ben Haddou in the most unexpected corners. If you have enough time, hike up to the top of the hill near the city for great views of the mountains and Ait Ben Haddou below.
Last but not least, also enjoy the city views from the other side of the river. There are restaurants with terraces offering the best vistas for the ksar.
Ourzazate
Ourzazate is commonly known as the gateway to the Sahara, as it is located on the way from Marrakech to the desert. Over the High Atlas Mountains, it is also worldwide famous as the set of many Hollywood movies. The city has a lot to offer to visitors, so it is definitely worth to stop and dedicate some time exploring it.
One the mais attractions in the city is Taourirt Kasbah, one of the most known kasbahs in the country. This traditional fortress from the 19th century had been considered a monument of significant historical and cultural value.
Another must see place is Atlas Film Studio, the world’s largest film studio area where many blockbusters were filmed like “Lawrence of Arabia”, “Gladiator”, “Prince of Persia”, or the famous TV show “Game of Thrones”. If you are a cinema or TV fan, make sure you visit this place. You will love walking around the set of famous films and series.
Todra Gorge
One of the most impressive natural wonders in Morocco is undoubtably Todra Gorge, a series of limestone river canyons located in the eastern part of High Atlas Mountains, at 25 kilometres of the city of Tinghir.
It’s worth to walk along the road in the gorge, admiring the 300 meters dramatic cliffs that step into a deep ravine. The unique pinkish rock formations had been carved over time by the crystal clear Todgha River, which still runs in the gorge.
Be aware that the road near the narrowest part of the gorge can be easily crowded with visitors, vehicles and stalls. So you should be careful when walking there.
Hiking lovers can also indulge themselves in this amazing place. It offers great hiking options along some paths that nomads usually use.
Merzouga and Erg Chebbi Dunes
Many travellers head to Morocco dreaming of Sahara Desert. Spreading for more than 2500 quilometres in North Africa across 3 countries (Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia), it is the largest hot desert in the world.
Merzouga is the starting point to explore one of the most mesmerizing natural landscapes in Morocco (and in the entire world). Located in the southeastern corner of the country, near the border with Algeria, it is a bucket list destination from travellers from all over the globe.
At the edge of the towering Erg Chebbi Dunes, some of the tallest in Morocco, this region offers different experiences for visitors to enjoy the magic of the desert. From 4×4 vertiginous and adrenaline rush drives in the dunes, to ATV quad adventures, sandboarding or iconic camel treks, you can choose whatever fits better with your preferences. Our group had the opportunity to try a 4×4 drive and a camel trek at sunset. Both were definitely bucket list experiences.
Desert Camp
Have you ever dreamt about spending a night at the desert in a camp below the stars? At the heart of Erg Chebbi Dunes in Merzouga, your dreams will come true and you can experience staying in a desert camp.
We stayed in Ideal Desert Luxury Camp, a luxury tented camp with all the comfort merged with many traditional Berber design elements.
Having the iconic Sahara sand dunes as the backdrop, the camp is beautiful and it offers different areas with lovely Moroccan design and stunning views to the desert. Don’t miss the natural spectacle of the the sun going down over the sand dunes. Sunsets in the desert are the best I’ve ever seen.
At night there were tradicional dances, music and camp fire performances providing to visitors a taste of Berber traditions and culture. Staying in a desert camp was definitely one of the highlights of our Epic Southern Morocco Road Trip.
Draa Valley
Located in the South of Morocco, Draa Valley is the largest palm grove in the world. Spreading as far as the eye can see, it extends for around 200 quilometres from Agdz to Zahora.
It has been considered a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, due to its unique ecosystem and the ancestral agriculture traditions. It’s worth to spend some time admiring the views to the verdant palm groves and the picturesque oasis.
We had a great lunch in our way back from Merzouga to Marrakech in this area, tasting traditional cuisine and admiring the scenic views.
Marrakech
Marrakech was the last stop of our Epic Southern Morocco Road Trip with Triskelion Expeditions, a Portuguese travel agency providing customised travel experiences. And I couldn’t think about a better place to finalize this great journey.
It was my third time in the city and every time I go back, I always find new places and I’m completely captivated by its vibrancy, beauty and colourfulness.
Founded in the mid-11th century and known as the Red City because of the colour of most of the buildings, it is the 4th largest city in the country and one of Morocco’s four imperial cities (together with Fez, Rabat and Meknes)
Embarking on a journey through Marrakech is stepping into a timeless tale where vibrant colors, intense scents, and bustling markets converge to create an unforgettable sensory experience.
At the heart of this enchanting city lies the iconic Jemaa el-Fna square. In this pulsating hub of activity market stalls, snake charmers, storytellers, and street performers captivate visitors against the backdrop of the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, one of the most famous attractions in the city. As the sun sets, the square transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle, with the aroma of sizzling tagines filling the air and the rhythmic beats of traditional music echoing through the night.
Venturing beyond the lively square, a stroll through the labyrinthine alleyways of the souk offers a glimpse into Marrakech’s rich tapestry of culture and craftsmanship. From intricately woven textiles to handcrafted pottery and aromatic spices, every corner reveals a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.
Amidst this maze of markets lies the resplendent Bahia Palace, a 19th century royal residence which is today a testament to the city’s opulent past, with its ornate architecture and lush gardens transporting visitors to a bygone era.
Nearby, the serene Saadian Tombs provide a poignant contrast, offering a glimpse into the city’s royal history within the tranquil confines of its ancient walls.
The historic Madrassa El Youseff beckons with its intricate tilework and tranquil courtyards, offering a moment of quiet contemplation amidst the city’s vibrant energy.
And no visit to Marrakech would be complete without a walk through Jardin Majorelle. Walking around this enchanting garden feels like stepping into a dreamland surrounded by exotic plants and colourful beautiful buildings blending both Art Deco and Moorish influences.
Founded by the french artist Jacques Majorelle in 1924, and acquired by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980, it is now one of the most visited places in Marrakech. Did you know that the intense shade of blue that you see all around the garden has been named Blue Majorelle?
To know more about Marrakech, visit my article “Perfect Getaway in Marrakech”. For some additional inspiration about Morocco, check my guide “Chefchaouen and Tangier Getaway”.
