Road trip in Morocco: 3-day trip itinerary in the Sahara Desert
© Maxime Boudrias
Posted by Maxime Boudrias
6 min read
Updated: July 30, 2024
Morocco is a truly wonderful experience: easily accessible, yet incredibly exotic.
I think it's the perfect destination to catch the travel bug. Morocco offers everything: a rich culture, delicious food, stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and, of course, the Sahara Desert!
Not only is it incredibly well-organized for tourists, but it also caters to both newcomers and seasoned travelers. You'll be continually amazed by the breathtaking landscapes throughout your journey.
For this trip, I recommend starting from either Marrakech or Ouarzazate. While the itinerary can be done in 3 days, it can easily be extended to 5 days or even a week if you prefer a more leisurely pace.
Direction: The Gateway to the Desert in Ouarzazate.
The ancient ksar of Aït Benhaddou © Maxime Boudrias
4h from Marrakech (190 km)
This city is the perfect place to start your journey. Ouarzazate, also known as the "door of the desert", is a city in southern Morocco surrounded by the Atlas Mountains. Known for its cultural and historical heritage, it offers stunning landscapes and a unique experience of local Berber culture.
What to do in Ouarzazate?
A Berber and his camel drinking water near the Ksar © Maxime Boudrias
- Aït Benhaddou: Located just 30 minutes from Ouarzazate. Visit the ancient ksar (a fortified place in North Africa) on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Oasis of Fint: Enjoy a refreshing drink in the middle of an Oasis while admiring majestic date palms and the abundant orchards growing on the banks.
Where to eat and sleep in Ouarzazate?
A delicious Moroccan tagine with semolina bread and mint tea © Maxime Boudrias
It's better to visit Aït Benhaddou and the Oasis of Fint in the same day and spend the night in Ouarzazate. There are more services, choices of hotels and good restaurants.
- La Gironde (Ouarzazate): The best Moroccan tajines in the area and the owner is super friendly.
- Hôtel Atlas (Ouarzazate): Nothing very deluxe, basic yet clean and comfy enough, but close to everything and at a great price.
Explore the Dades Gorges
2h from Ouarzazate (140 km)
Head to Ait Ouglif shortly after Boumalne Dades (18 km) for a trek. The landscapes go as far as the eye can see as you discover the hollow silence of the gorges of the upper Dades valley... As if time had stopped for a moment, it is indescribable. The hospitality of its inhabitants (the Berbers) will make the experience more than pleasant.
Hiking in the Dades Gorges
- Going alone: Bring a lot of water and protect yourself from the sun as much as possible! The trails are well marked, but do not leave without a GPS, the place is hugely vague and very easy to get lost in – maybe permanently!
- With a guide: Recommended. They are available to choose at the entrance of Ait Ouglif. The price can vary depending on how much time you are willing to explore and whether you are alone or in a group, about 10 to 20 USD per person. Worth every cent for the peace of mind.
Winding roads of the Dades Gorges on the way to Aït Ouglif
The journey comprises winding, serpentine roads that descend several hundred meters into the picturesque depths of the High Atlas.
Where to eat and sleep in Boumalne Dades?
- Auberge Tamazirt (Boumalne Dades) : Restaurant / Hostel
- Hike and chill Hostel (Tinghir) : Hostel / Breakfast
Venture into the golden sand dunes of Merzouga
3.5h from Boumalne Dades (250 km)
My favorite part of the trip, when you see what appear to be orange mountains stretching to the horizon. I thought "wow"... The dunes, we're approaching the Sahara!
What to do in Merzouga?
- The dunes of Merzouga: For the magnificent view of huge sand dunes in the middle of the Moroccan desert. The changing colour of the dunes from orange to gold. A hard to beat experience.
- Camel ride: Go see the sunset on a camel's back and return under the starry sky. Romantic and beautiful memories are made of this.
- Quad 4X4: It is possible to rent a vehicle and drive yourself through the endless dunes on a quad. Like being on the Paris Dakar.
Which camp to choose in Merzouga for a desert excursion?
Don't take the camel ride offered near the dunes; you will pay full price. Instead, arrange with the local hostels, who often have pre-negotiated deals, by asking for an excursion in the dunes.
For just a few dollars more than a night's accommodation, you will have the chance to leave alone, or in a group with a real Berber guide, the camel ride, the meal, drinks, the night camping in the desert and the breakfast included. Be careful, you may become addicted to mint tea!
Where to eat and sleep in Merzouga?
- Hostel Riad Hassan (Merzouga): Hostel / Excursion combined 30 to 40 USD
- Rimal Merzouga (Merzouga): Excellent Moroccan cuisine at modest prices
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Zagora
On the desert road between Merzouga and Zagora © Maxime Boudrias
4h from Merzouga (300 km)
Take a detour to Zagora; it will cut the return trip in half, and there are so many interesting things to do.
What to do in Zagora?
- Zagora Desert: Where you can go to a bivouac and take excursions, like riding a camel for a trek in the dunes of Tinfou... as expected in the desert, these ships of the desert are everywhere!
- Tagounite: A tiny village close to the dunes of Tinfou. It is famous for its hand-made and rustic ceramic crafts... You can also visit the tunnels and houses of the incredible underground kasbah as well as the Koranic library including books as old as the early Middle Ages.
Where to eat and sleep in Zagora?
- Restaurant Marwa (Zagora): Simply tasty and the staff are very friendly.
- Ba Omar (Zagora): A welcoming guesthouse, lots of quiet space and with breakfast included.
Top practical tips for driving in Morocco
- Bring warm clothing: the nights are cold, down to 8°C in winter.
- Refueling: Always check going through a city, there may be only one station in more than 200 km of desert roads.
- Daytime Traveling: On the road, you may encounter animals, rocks and even sandstorms that will make the road almost invisible. It's best not to venture out there at night.
- Keep calm: Many people in Morocco rely on the tourism industry. So don't be surprised if they offer their services to you relentlessly. Just say no thank you with a smile and stand firm.
- Water, water and water: Drink often, temperatures can be extreme. Always carry 1-2L of clean water in your backpack and extra reserves in the car. It's impossible to carry too much in reserve.
Budget Car Rental in Morocco
Use Kayak to find a car, if possible with flexible dates, to get the best price of around 15 to 40 USD per day, depending on the time of year, the type of vehicle, and how far in advance you book. The recommended reliable car rental companies in Morocco are Budget, Avis and Europcar. These are reputable international companies that will offer you all the best support in the event of a breakdown or accident.
There are buses that travel to Ouarzazate for 110 Dirham (10 USD) with a 4 and a half hour ride from Marrakech. The CTM transport company is recommended and you can book online on Markoub.ma.
Everything can be done by bus in Morocco, but it is better to have a car to fully enjoy the country.
Save Money on Car Rental - Tips and Tricks!
It is important to be insured to avoid paying monstrous sums in case of damage to the vehicle. Rental companies will always try to offer you their own insurance, but this normally comes down to double the price of the rental. You have the right to refuse if you already have your own!
Find out at your bank about a credit card that offers collision and damage insurance (called CDW). Most cost 80 USD per year, this way you'll save as much money as possible, as well as get travel insurance and 1-2% discounts on all your purchases!
Round-trip itinerary between Ouarzazate and Merzouga
An Unforgettable Experience in the Heart of Morocco
This road trip offered me a true discovery, where the majestic desert landscapes blended with the rich culture of the cities of Ouarzazate, Merzouga, and Zagora. I was amazed by the striking contrasts and vibrant colors of these authentic places, not to mention the exceptional hospitality of the locals.
Looking back on this trip, I'm sure it will also be a unique and memorable escape and adventure for you.
Photo credit : Dadès Gorges - Olivier Flambeau
FAQs
Is using a travel agency safer than driving yourself in Morocco?
You don't need to hire a travel agency or guide to explore the country by car; the roads in Morocco to Merzouga are generally safe. If you have an international driver’s license and feel confident behind the wheel, driving yourself allows you to experience Morocco at your own pace, unlike organized tours that can rush through the landscapes, culture, and attractions.
It's recommended to travel during the day and stick to the main roads in Morocco. Secondary roads are often poorly maintained and can be dangerous at night due to low lighting, debris, or stray animals that may be on the road.
Plan your route before you leave and use MAPS.ME (an offline map) or Google Maps if you have internet access on your phone to help you navigate.
Where is the tannery district in Marrakech?
The tanneries of Marrakech are located in the Bab Debbagh district, in the northeast of the medina. The Jemaa el-Fna square is a popular landmark and is only 1.6 km from the tanneries.
Here are the best ways to get there:
- Walking: The tanneries are about a 15-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna square. It is easy to get lost in the medina, so use your phone GPS to help you find your way. If you don't have internet access, check out my response on the best ways to get mobile data in Morocco for more information.
- Taxi: A trip from Place Jemaa el-Fna costs about 10 to 20 dirhams (up to 2 €). Make sure the driver turns on the meter before getting in to avoid scams.
If you don't have a guide, you may be solicited by people with bad intentions in the area. For a successful and stress-free visit, I recommend consulting my practical travel guide on Marrakech tanneries. You will find information on associated risks and precautions to take for a peaceful experience.
Is Marrakech a Safe City?
Marrakech is considered a very safe city. If it's your first experience in a foreign country, you might still feel some insecurity in the Medina, despite the high number of tourists, with nearly 3 million visitors per year.
In Marrakech, there is a lot of poverty, and it's common to encounter beggars asking for money on the streets. violent crimes are very rare and generally do not target tourists. Additionally, the police presence is strong, laws are strict, and residents adhere to them.
Still, remain vigilant against pickpockets and be cautious of fake tour guides.
What to Avoid and Watch Out for in Marrakech
To ensure your safety, here are some tips to follow in the Medina:
Avoid the Mellah Quarter
The Mellah (or Jewish) quarter south of Place Jemaa el-Fna is considered a bit more conflicted, according to locals.
Safety at Night in Marrakech
Street lighting is often inadequate, and some smaller streets can be very dark. It's best to avoid venturing into the Medina after sunset, or take a taxi to get around.
If you must walk in the dark, be cautious, carry little money and no jewelry, and use a small flashlight instead of your phone to avoid drawing attention.
During the day, the atmosphere changes completely, and the crowds in the streets make you feel safer. It's best to stay out during daylight hours.
Beware of Strangers
Be cautious of people you meet in Marrakech. They might try to scam you by taking you on a tour of shops or pretending to be guides. Also, be wary of fake jewelry, counterfeit antique currency, or offers of drugs hidden from view.
Protection of Documents and Valuables
Always keep copies of your identification documents and store the originals in a safe place. Keep your valuables out of sight and be mindful of your personal belongings.
In Conclusion
Petty crimes, nighttime insecurity, and the need to stay vigilant are undoubtedly the least appealing aspects of Marrakech, but it would be a shame to miss out on the experience of the riads and the Medina because of these issues, which are found in all major cities around the world. Compared to other cities in Morocco, such as Casablanca or Fès, Marrakech is one of the safest destinations.
