4-DAY MOROCCO ROAD TRIP: AN ODE TO THE UNRIVALED BEAUTY OF ITS LANDSCAPES
A road trip through Central Morocco is a great starting point to get immersed in the Moroccan culture. Exploring the wonders of its diverse landscapes featuring a splendid array of vegetation and color nuances rich in contrasts will make travelers embrace the unrivaled beauty of the Moroccan scenery.
A 4-day road trip itinerary for first-timers through Central Morocco will pave the way for travelers to feel emotionally attached to a country full of contrasts.
This travel adventure starts and ends in the vibrant city of Marrakech, typically the first contact of travelers with the country. Leaving behind the so-called Red City feels like approaching an idyllic backdrop with some of Morocco's most impressive and authentic landscapes.
From mountain regions and quaint Berber villages to plains filled with palms and mesmerizing desert dunes, there are myriad ways to tour around Morocco and weave an unforgettable travel experience.
This Morocco road trip itinerary is a slow guide for travelers who wish to soak in the country's culture and history through its breathtaking environment. Leisurely driving while admiring all the beauty along the way and making unplanned stops to stare at the charming panoramics and explore hidden towns will foster an authentic road trip experience throughout Morocco.
DAY 1:
ATLAS MOUNTAINS
The High Atlas Mountains are known to be North Africa's highest mountain range. They stretch around 2,500km from the Moroccan port of Agadir in the southwest, across the north of Algeria, and to Tunisia in the northeast.
The most elevated peak is the well-known Toubkal, with a height of 4,167m, located in the heart of the Toubkal National Park. The High Atlas Mountains are home to some ancient rural villages inhabited by Berber populations, which still follow a traditional way of life.
In the High Atlas Mountains lie some of the most scenic landscapes of Morocco. The countryside colors are distinctive and vary from dramatic red rock gorges to lush green foliage areas in the blink of an eye.
During the cooler months of the year, the highest peaks in the Atlas Mountains are covered with snow, which makes the whole scenery even more special. Day hikes are one of the best alternatives for trekking enthusiasts to explore the territory from a different perspective.
OUNILA VALLEY & TIZI N'TICHKA PASS
Driving further to the southeast through the High Atlas following the old caravan route, the Ounila Valley emerges with the Tizi n'Tichka pass as one of the main panoramic stops. It is the tallest mountain pass in North Africa, with an altitude of around 2,260m. From November to March, snow can be seen in the peaks of the mountains of the area.
The Ounilla Valley was formerly an essential trade route. Its crucial role in the past is reflected today with many kasbahs and ksars spread over the valley. Only to name a few, the ancient kasbahs of Telouet, Taourirt, and Tamdaght are hidden gems in this region of Morocco. The spotlight in the area is, though, the impressive ksar of Aït Ben Haddou.
KSAR OF AÏT BEN HADDOU
After crossing the Atlas Mountains, the road trip continues south towards Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara desert. Along the former caravan route, the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou is a must-visit for travelers interested in Moroccan history and architecture.
Located on the slopes of a cliff next to the Ounila River, the ksar stands out in the landscape due to its striking mudbrick red tones and the particular organization of the village's constructions. The views of the surroundings from the ksar's tower atop the hill are genuinely astonishing.
The ksar of Aït Ben Haddou is one of the most remarkable Berber fortified villages in Central Morocco since it keeps all its original charm. A Unesco World Heritage Site since 1987, it perfectly mirrors its origins in the 11th century during the Almoravid period.
Traditional construction materials and techniques, still used in present times during restoration works to preserve the authenticity of the fortification, are some of the highlights for Aït Ben Haddou to be the most iconic ksar in the Ounila Valley and all of Morocco.
DAY 2:
DRAA VALLEY
The route goes on in the direction of the town of Agdz, which marks the beginning of the most beautiful region in the Draa Valley. It is part of the province of Zagora and stretches from Ouarzazate into the Sahara Desert.
Zagora and Agdz are some of the major towns in the province. Along the way, travelers will also encounter small villages where time seems to stand still in ancestral ages.
The Draa Valley features endless plains of stunning date palm groves and the Draa, Morocco's longest river (1,100km). Especially between Agdz and Zagora, a section of about 95km, travelers will be delighted to discover the sumptuous oases in this area.
Beyond the natural geographical richness of the Draa Valley, it is also known for its captivating history, which dates back thousands of years. The valley is also renowned for its several Kasbahs, ancient fortresses, and Berber settlements. Kasbahs Tamnougalt, Aït Hammou Ousaid, El Caïd Ouslim, and Tagounite are only a few of the most honored in the region. It's highly recommended to visit one of Morocco's hidden gems, the oasis of N'kob, with stunning views of 45 rammed-earth kasbahs surrounded by palm trees.
MERZOUGA DESERT & ERG CHEBBI DUNES
Arriving in the most iconic landscape in Morocco to watch the sunset is one of the highlights of this road trip. Undoubtedly, the desert is amongst the most enchanting landscapes on earth.
The Sahara desert spans the southern region of Morocco, and the town of Merzouga is the door to the Erg Chebbi dunes. The magnificent dunes, quaint shapes, and stunning sand colors will leave travelers speechless as they approach Erg Chebbi. Observing how the dunes' hues gradually shift in response to the light from one of the highest spots can also be a pleasant meditation exercise. Their tones range from rose gold, orange, intense pink, and purple right before dusk. Witnessing the unparalleled desert's light is the icing of this travel experience in the Sahara.
An overnight stay in nomad-style tents in the desert is a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure worth experiencing. When the night falls, voyagers can take time to reflect and appreciate all the beauty that lies in front of them. The simple fact of looking up at the sky, usually disregarded in daily routines, becomes one of the most extraordinary moments. Under the clear sparkling sky, one can heavenly contemplate the stars. The Sahara's breathtaking nights leave way to the most magnificent sunrises. The inspiring desert scenery at dawn will awaken the senses of early risers with the most beautiful light and a mild color palette as a backdrop.
It is common knowledge that the desert has become a popular destination. Therefore, travelers must take care of such a precious environment to continue seeing it as nature intended. For this reason, it is preferable to avoid all-terrain vehicles as they shake up the surface of the desert, creating huge dust clouds and leading to severe natural consequences. Taking a slow dromedary journey is a better alternative, although not ideal either, to preserve the desert's ecosystem.
DAY 3:
MONUMENTS OF ERFOUD
Having reached the furthest point of the road trip in the Sahara desert, it is time to start the return journey, but not before discovering one of the hidden gems in this region of Morocco. Around 70 kilometers north, toward a town called Erfoud and near the oasis of Fezna, a group of outstanding constructions can be found. The monuments of Erfoud are a trio of masterpieces created throughout the 1980s and 1990s by the German artist Hannsjoerg Voth. The three sculptures designed by Voth are the Celestial Staircase, Golden Spiral, and Cité d'Orion.
Due to their avant-garde style and complete isolation in this desert area of Morocco, the monuments of Erfoud are both spectacular and uncommon. For curious travelers, the most reliable way to access the location and contemplate the gigantic masterpieces is with the guidance of a local.
TODRA AND DADÈS GORGES
The journey continues en route through the mountainous areas of Todra (or Todgha) and Dadès Gorges. The Todra Gorge is nestled on the eastern side of the High Atlas Mountains, close to the town of Tinghir, and the Dadès Gorge is located further to the west, near the village of Boumalne Dades. The picturesque landscapes feature towering peaks, winding rivers, and distinctive rock formations in both gorges, shaping some of the most spectacular settings in Morocco.
The natural beauty of Todra and Dadès Gorges is undeniable and attracts visitors from all walks of life. Travelers interested in photography, hiking, climbing, and adventure enthusiasts alike remain astonished by overlooking such an extraordinary and lush scenery.
The Todra Gorge is a natural oasis created by the River Todra, which carved its way through limestone over the centuries. The outstanding geological characteristics of the gorge unfold bright red sandstone cliffs with walls on both sides that can reach a height of 300 meters and narrow to a width of not even 30 meters in certain areas. On the outskirts of Tinghir, there is a stunning palm grove worth visiting for travelers with extra leisure time.
Heading further to the west, the Dadès Gorge emerges, offering a more off-the-beaten-path travel experience and the opportunity to observe a significant variation in the landscape. Known for its rugged and dry terrain, featuring random oases and traditional Berber villages, the Dadès Gorge exhibits a combination of limestone and red sandstone formations that leave room for a broad diversity of hues and textures.
The Dadès Gorge is a scenic valley that presents an unrivaled dramatic landscape. The Dadès Gorge Winding Road, towards the end of the valley, is the absolute highlight. Travelers can relish one of the most awe-inspiring views of the Atlas Mountains that, at sunset, becomes even more impressive. Driving through the Dadès Gorge offers the chance to experience the region's natural beauty, discover authentic Berber communities, and appreciate its rich cultural heritage.
DAY 4:
MONKEY FINGERS
Before leaving the Dadès Valley, visiting the magnificent red stone formations known as Monkey Fingers is a great option to address the final part of this road trip through Morocco.
Watching the first light rays early in the morning while witnessing its unique shapes and patterns formed by erosion is an unforgettable travel experience. The Monkey Fingers' hiking trails offer an excellent choice for anyone looking to encounter the region's most mesmerizing panoramas.
The closest city to the Monkey Fingers is Tamellalt. It is a lesser-known yet stunning area due to its originality and untamed wilderness. This mountain range is named Monkey Fingers because it gives the impression that a primate's hand is emerging from the Dadès River.
VALLEY OF THE ROSES
The journey continues west of the Dadès Gorge, passing through the Valley of the Roses. For travelers interested in Moroccan culture, this region has a lot to offer, including rose cultivation and the production of rose-infused products such as rose water and oil. The local rose products are the essence of this small Moroccan community, and visiting a nearby distillery is highly recommended.
The Valley of the Roses is renowned for its beautiful contrasts of colors. On one side, the stunning views of red rocks and, on the other, all the greenery of the valley's most charming landscapes watered by the M'Goun River. The abundant rose fields are particularly prominent in April and May. Although the Valley of the Roses is a special place to visit during the rose blossoming season, its magic lasts throughout the year.
The annual Rose Festival, held in the village of Kalaat M'Gouna in May (usually during the first two weeks), is where local farmers and villagers celebrate the rose harvest for three days -from Friday to Sunday-.
SKOURA: PALM GROVE & KASBAH AMRIDIL
Skoura, a town in the Ouarzazate province, is where this road trip through Central Morocco is coming to an end before heading back to Marrakech city. Skoura is an enchanting place for leisurely exploration. Its historical oasis and palm grove with traditional mudbrick kasbahs scattered all over the area will attract and fascinate visitors.
The Skoura palmeraie, named 'Oasis of the 1000 Palms', is the largest oasis in the middle of the desert. It stretches in the Dadès Valley, at the base of the Atlas Mountains, and it is a palm grove protected by the Unesco. This region, replete with different varieties of date palms and abundant fields of olive, almond, fig, and pomegranate trees, is utterly impressive due to its rich vegetation.
Skoura is in the middle of the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, where one of the most eminent and well-preserved is the Kasbah Amridil. Established in the 17th century, it originally consisted of a fortified village or ksar, and a towering kasbah was annexed to the initial construction at the end of the 19th century. Kasbah Amridil is a cultural landmark in the region, which has undergone several restoration processes over the centuries. The kasbah today operates as a living museum that displays the traditional way of life from ancient times.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MOROCCO
There is no better time to visit Morocco than when one feels open and inspired to live an unforgettable travel experience. However, to make the most of the adventure while avoiding crowds and extreme weather conditions, an appropriate time to visit Morocco is in between seasons. March, April, October, and November are great months to cherish a road trip across the country with a positive impact on the environment, local communities, and travelers.
HOW TO TRAVEL THROUGH MOROCCO
Designing a personalized travel experience based on personal values and interests allows travelers to enjoy a destination in the most desired way. Hiring a local guide in Morocco is widely spread and often the most recommended option to explore the country at one's pace. Traveling with locals is one of the most authentic ways of traveling through Morocco and discovering lesser-known places.
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY: SENSORY TRAVEL
RELATED CONTENT
