2-week roadtrip in Southern Morocco

Nature, open spaces and adventures lovers? Do you like desertic landscapes? You have 2 weeks of vacation and you do not know where to go? So this itinerary is for you!

Between hiking, desert, palm groves, Moroccan culture, and breathtaking landscapes, the South of Morocco and its desert will seduce you. From Ouarzazate, through the Dades Gorge and the dunes of Erg Chebbi, the adventure is guaranteed! This itinerary will be an opportunity for you to live unique experiences and be completely out of your comfort zone.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting in this road trip:

• Visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, listed in UNESCO
• Immerse yourself in the local culture while strolling around Skoura’s market
• Hike surrounded by splendid landscapes in the Dades Gorge
• Feel quite small when facing the huge limestone cliffs of Todgha Gorge
• Live a once-in-a-lifetime experience when exploring the desert and Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga
• Bring back some local handicrafts as a souvenir : the green pottery of Zagora

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

Itinerary of the 2-weeks road trip in Southern Morocco

Ouarzazate > Skoura > Dades Gorges > Tinghir > Merzouga > Zagora

Some practical information before your road trip in Southern Morocco

For this road trip we recommend to rent a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!

Need a road map to prepare your itinerary? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best period to do this road trip in Morocco is between may and december. It’s when the temperatures are the most enjoyable, there is less rain and the temperature of the ocean is perfect to swim. More information here.

In addition to the traditional and delicious couscous and tagine, there are several other specialties to taste during a trip to Morocco! First, there are the Briouates, brick pastry sheets folded in a triangle and stuffed with a savoury stuffing (usually meat, fish or vegetables), or a sweet stuffing (usually grilled almonds, orange blossom water or cinnamon). Harira is a generous soup, in which we usually put chickpea, lentils, tomatoes, spices and it is delicious!

Contents: 2-weeks road trip in Southern Morocco

1- Ouarzazate – Stop 1 of the 2-weeks road trip in Southern Morocco
2- Skoura – Stop 2 of the 2-weeks road trip in Southern Morocco
3- Dades Gorges – Stop 3 of the 2-weeks road trip in Southern Morocco
4- Tinghir – Stop 4 of the 2-weeks road trip in Southern Morocco
5- Merzouga – Stop 5 of the 2-weeks road trip in Southern Morocco
6- Zagora – Stop 6 of the 2-weeks road trip in Southern Morocco

2 weeks road trip in Southern Morocco: step by step

What to do in Ouarzazate?

Gate to Sahara desert, this city and its surroundings will make this 2-week road trip in Southern Morocco unforgettable.

• Take a stroll around the city.
• Lose yourself in the souks.
• Go visit Kasbah Taourirt, one of the most beautiful Kasbah of Morocco, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Built in the 17th century, it is one of the first large Berber constructions in Morocco. Its red-orange exterior and richly decorated interior will seduce you!
• You’re fond of cinema? Go to Studio Atlas Cinema, you will see behind the scenes of well-known movies such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia…

What to do in Ouarzazate’s surroundings?

• Do not miss the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, which is also listed at UNESCO! It includes several buildings inside its walls and is an excellent example of southern Moroccan architecture.
• Take a trip to Fint’s oasis, located 20 km / 12,4 miles south of Ouarzazate.
• Take a trip to the High Atlas Mountains.
• In the middle of this surrounding drought, seeing a little water is always good! Visit the El Mansour Eddahbi dam lake, 17 km / 10,5 miles east of Ouarzazate, where the blue of the water contrasts with the orangey red of the surroundings.
• If you want to stretch your legs, take a hike to Jebel Siroua, an ancient volcano with amazing reliefs.

Where to sleep in Ouarzazate?

• Mid-range: treat yourself to a coupe nights inside a kasbah typically decorated, such as Kasbah Dar Daif. You will be able to enjoy the great view from the patio, as well as spacious and comfortable rooms. What we appreciate most? The hosts’ friendliness and their great tips for the perfect stay in Ouarzazate.
• High-end: stay in a kasbah a bit more high-end, such as Dar Amoudou, with a welcoming staff, beautiful rooms, including some with balcony, and most importantly its incredible rooftop.

What to do in Skoura?

With its beautiful palm grove and many kasbahs, Skoura will be a beautiful stop of your 2-week road trip in Morocco.

• One of the main assets of Skoura is its magnificent green palm grove which is striking with the landscape. It is still very well preserved so do not hesitate to walk around.
• Stroll in the market.
• Do not hesitate to meet the locals, very welcoming, which will enrich your trip with beautiful memories.
• Walk around the city, whether on foot or by camel!
• Take a walk through the oasis of Sidi Flah, certainly less known than Fint, but just as relaxing and you will meet a lot less people.
• Skoura is the first stop on the 1000 kasbah road, so you can visit several nearby, including the Amridil kasbah, Ait Abu kasbah and Siti El Mati kasbah.

Where to sleep in Skoura?

• Mid-range: sleep in the heart of Skoura’s palm grove, at the Kasbah Ait BenHadda. In addition to the view of the mountains and the relaxing environment, the rooms are spacious and comfortable, and there is a pool!
• High-end: when staying at Sawadi Ecolodge, you encourage the sustainable strategy of the accommodation. Indeed, there is a sea-water pool, the restaurant serves meals made with the garden’s ingredients, the spa uses organic products… You will be treated like royalty!

What to do in Dades Gorges?

These gorges will offer you beautiful landscapes and beautiful hikes.

• The best way to see them in all their splendor is to walk there, whether on foot or by car. And if you go at sunset, it’s a bonus, there will be a beautiful light, photo enthusiasts will be delighted.
• Also go see the valley of roses about 40km / 25 miles from the Dades Gorges. This place is really a must if you go there in May when the roses bloom. Their scent perfumes the surroundings and we see them everywhere. In addition, the landscapes are beautiful. This is a wonderful experience that will make your 2-week road trip in Southern Morocco unique!
• The city of Boulmane Dadès can be a good anchor point, since it is located between the 2 valleys which both have a lot to offer.
• The best thing to do to discover these places is to go on one or more hikes, it is a unique way to venture into the small corners. If you want to do these hikes with a guide, we advise you to ask your hotel / guests, or the locals in general, they are often good advice.

Where to sleep in Dades Gorges?

• Mid-range: ideally located to discover the region, La Perle du Dadès is perfect for resting after days of exploration. Swimming pool, panoramic view, hammam, nice decoration, everything is there! It is an excellent value for money.
• High-end: treat yourself to a few nights in the superb Riad Rihana Dades. Its rooms all have a balcony, and some even have a view of the famous “monkey fingers”. The staff will take good care of you. And we particularly like the large portions served in the restaurant, perfect for food lovers!

What to do in Tinghir?

Embrace nature with this city and its surroundings.

• Stroll through the beautiful and traditional district of Aït el Haj Ali.
• Discover the palm grove that will offer you freshness and wonder.
• Go up to the kasbah Glaoui, even if you can not enter, it gives a beautiful view of the city.
• Do not miss the Todgha Gorge and their river. You will be impressed by these huge limestone cliffs. Whether you’re just there for a few hours, whether you’re trekking, or visiting by car, they’re still a must-see during this 2-week road trip in Southern Morocco.
• If you are a hiker, why not go for a walk on Jbel Saghro?

Where to sleep in Tinghir?

• Mid-range: for a good night’s sleep we recommend the Kasbah Petit Nomade or the Riad Dar Bab Todra. What do they have in common? A warm welcome, spacious rooms, swimming pool and calm. These are two establishments with a very good quality-price ratio.
• Our favourite: spend a few nights in an unusual establishment at the Auberge Le Festival Todra Gorge. Located 15 minutes from Tinghir, in the Atlas Mountains, this establishment is inspired by Berber architecture. You will find troglodyte rooms with a unique decoration. Bonus for the delicious food and the local music concerts at the end of the day.

What to do in Merzouga?

One of the gateways to the desert, you will feel very small when facing this infinitely big. Merzouga will be a unique stop on your 2-week road trip to Southern Morocco.

• Stroll through the oases and drink mint tea with locals.
• Taste the specialty of the region : the medfouna (bread stuffed with minced meat, with onions, poached eggs and a little spice to lift the whole thing).
• Venture into the dunes of the Erg Chebbi, whether by 4×4, mountain bike, foot, camel or horse, do as you please and have fun!
• We advise you to organize a night (or more if you wish) in the desert, in a bivouac or under the stars. For all those who did it, it remains an incredible experience and one of the best travel memories in Morocco!
• Take the time to admire a sunrise or a sunset (or both!) on the dunes.
• We may be able to tell you, but the sand of Merzouga is known to have therapeutic virtues, especially for rheumatism and sore muscles. So immerse yourself in this hot sand and try arenotherapy if you feel like it.
• If you go to Merzouga in the spring, do not miss Lake Dayet Srji, which only appears at this time of the year, and in which flamingos and wild ducks come to take refuge, with the dunes in the background. A really incredible view.
• Go for a walk in the palm grove of Tafilalet, the largest in the world, just next to the city of Rissani.

Where to sleep in Merzouga?

• At the gateway to the desert: Riad Chebbi is perfect for those who want to enjoy the desert without sleeping there. With its swimming pool, its superb decoration, its welcoming staff and the terrace, it has everything to please visitors! We particularly like the magnificent view of the dunes, which becomes magical at sunrise and sunset.
• In the desert: live the experience of a lifetime by sleeping in the heart of the desert. There are many accommodation options, but we recommend 3 that offer quality, great experiences, comfort and hospitality: Magic Luxury Camp, Kidal Luxury Desert Camp and the Luxury Tented Erg Chebbi.

What to do in Zagora?

Last stop of this 2-week road trip to Southern Morocco, Zagora is a good anchor point before returning to Ouarzazate. It is close to several sites that are worth visiting.

• Go to Tamegroute and do not forget to visit the Koranic library, the first large desert library. This city is also famous for its potters artisans and their green pottery.
• Go on an adventure in the Draa Valley.
• You can’t get enough of the desert? M’Hamid and Chegaga dunes are only 1 hour south of Zagora, so let’s go!
• Climb the flanks of Jebel Zagora, the best time to go is early in the morning, when it is still cool and the sun is about to get up. The view will only be more beautiful.
• Right next to Djebel Zagora is the small village of Amezrou. Do not miss its Ksar as well as its souk.
• History lovers, see the Berber rock engravings at Foum Chenna, about 7 kilometers / 4,3 miles from Tinzouline.

Where to sleep in Zagora?

• Mid-range: the Oasis Tilogui will delight those looking for activities. Indeed, a tour desk and a bike rental service will allow you to discover the surroundings. The swimming pool, the typical Moroccan decoration, the calm and the warm welcome make it a real little corner of paradise.
• High-end: end your stay in style by treating yourself to a suite at Riad Jasmine Sud. This colourful, comfortable establishment, with a good restaurant and very friendly staff, will allow you to rest before taking your plane back home.

Learn more about your road trip to Southern Morocco…

• You want to know all the information about the country? It’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 2-week road trip to Southern Morocco? We recommend you this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have more information, good deals, or any advice to share about this itinerary, leave a comment below! Our team will be happy to hear about your experiences!