Self-drive through southern Morocco

Marrakech

Day 1: Land in Marrakech!

Welcome, you’ve just landed in the inspiring country of Morocco! Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport, where you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your riad or hotel. You'll have the rest of the day to explore or relax as your heart desires.

Marrakech is an important part of the country’s history, as it was one of the featured imperial cities and, at one time, the nation’s capital. Look out upon the numerous buildings that colour the Red City's landscape, and spend the evening in the hectic but enchanting Jemaa El Fnaa, which is best experienced after dark - it's a true cacophony of Moroccan smells, sights, and sounds. If you get hungry, try one of the outdoor food stalls, which offer a large variety of authentic food. For those adventerous souls, the garlic snails or cooked sheep head come highly recommended!

Marrakech

Day 2: Walk through Moroccan history

After a refreshing night of sleep and breakfast, depart for your half-day walking tour through Marrakech.

First, head to some of the must-see sights as your guide explains the historical significance of the most impressive parts of the city - including the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and Koutoubia Mosque. Continue your journey through the city, discovering the medieval Old Medina. Wind through its narrow passageways to find local shops alive with character.

Your tour concludes at the city's souks, or markets. Wander through these and admire the various local crafts such as slippers, musical instruments, leather goods, lanterns, dyed wool, and brass or copper wares. You'll have the rest of the day to continue wandering through the city on your own.

Marrakech - Ait Benhaddou

Day 3: Journey to Aït Benhaddou

After breakfast, get ready to start your self-drive through the stunning Moroccan countryside. Your hire car will be delivered to you at your hotel, so all you need to do is pack up and make tacks for your next destination.

Take in the scenery as you cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’Tichka pass, then arrive at the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a fortified earthen clay village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although most citizens live in modern houses across the river, a few of the buildings here are still used today. Aït Benhaddou was a popular stop along the caravan route that spans from Marrakech to the Sahara, and has more recently been featured in many movies such as The Mummy, Babel, and the popular TV series Game of Thrones. Go back in time as you explore the city before retiring for the evening to rest in your hotel.

Ait Benhaddou - Zagora - Erg Lihoudi

Day 4: Explore the Sahara on camelback

After breakfast, it’s time to travel towards the Sahara of Erg Lihoudi! Drive through the Draa Valley, a luscious landscape that sustains life to almost a quarter of a million Moroccans. The area is filled with old kasbahs, and is decorated with palm trees and rocky mountainsides.

Enjoy lunch in the town of Zagora before heading to Ouled Driss. Here, you'll step out of the car and hop astride a camel, to ride across the majestic sand dunes towards your campsite, where you will spend the night in a tent surrounded by the vast expanse of the desert. Watch the colours of the desert turn to gold as the sun sets over the dunes and transforms this magical landscape. 

Erg Lihoudi - Todra Gorges

Day 5: Simply spectacular canyons

Rise and shine! Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the stunning desert landscape. After a refreshing breakfast at camp, get back on your camel, which will lead you through the desert back to your vehicle.

Head to another Berber village in the Atlas Mountains before continuing towards Tinghir and the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges. You sure will feel small as you walk along the huge rock walls and tilt your head to see the sky above. These canyons are considered some of the most impressive in the world, and the scenery of the Todra Gorges will leave you stunned.

Todra Gorges - Skoura

Day 6: Visit beautiful kasbahs

Wake up and savour your breakfast before departing towards the village of Skoura. The drive today is fairly short, but does not lack in magnificent scenery. Dappled with large palm groves, the small town is a serene stop in the wide desert. The area is often referred to as the Valley of One Thousand Kasbahs, and is home to some of the most beautiful sights in southern Morocco.

In April or May, pay a visit to the Valley of the Roses, which is famous for growing the beautiful flowers that give the valley its name. Must-sees in the area include the Kasbah Amerhidil an Kasbah Ait Abou. Because of the short drive, you should have plenty of time to discover these famous places on your own before turning in to rest for the evening at your hotel. 

Skoura - Ouarzazate - Marrakech

Day 7: Head back to Marrakech

Wake up to enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Then, hop into your vehicle and depart from Skoura, to return to Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains. If you wish, spend some more time taking pictures or enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery along the way.

Upon arrival into Marrakech, you'll have the rest of the day to enjoy as you please. Whether you're souvenir-shopping or simply taking in the sights, the medina and Jemaa El Fnaa Square are both excellent spots to spend your last evening in this fascinating country. If you haven’t tried them yet, the kebabs sold at local food stands are to die for!

Marrakech

Day 8: Goodbye, Morocco!

After a last breakfast at your hotel, it is time to say goodbye to Morocco. At the appropriate time, you will be picked up and transferred to the airport, where you will catch your return flight home. As you dream of camels, sand dunes, and stunning canyons, you might just start planning your next trip to beautiful Morocco. See you soon!