Through the Atlas mountains

The Atlas Mountains are magnificent, and stand tall as an imposing barrier between the Atlantic Mountains and the Sahara Desert. This auto tour will start off at their heart, in the village of Imlil at the foot of the Toubkal. Then you’ll cross through the mountain pass of Tizi n' Test and drive on to Taroudant. And finally take a detour through Essaouira before arriving back to Marrakech. A varied itinerary, taking you from snowy mountain peaks to landscapes of expanses of red earth, palm groves and the Atlantic Ocean: a guaranteed pallet of contrasting colours!


The stages of your journey
 :

Day 1 : Marrakech
Day 2 : Marrakech - Imlil. 70 km about 1h30
Day 3 : Imlil
Day 4 : Imlil - Taroudant. 200 km about 2h30
Day 5 : Taroudant
Day 6 : Taroudant - Essaouira. 250 km about 4h
Day 7 : Essaouira - Marrakech. 170 km about 2h30
Day 8 : Transfer to the airport


Your accomodation

> The Samra douar in Imlil : A douar is the traditional housing of Berber villages, built of earth and stone, with several levels of terraces above one another. Our douar has been recently renovated respecting the spirit of traditional Moroccan construction. In the middle of a village of about 30 Berber houses, it comprises 4 rooms. Authentic traditional cuisine is on the menu here!

> Riads in Marrakech, Essaouira and Taroudant : Intimate houses with courtyard, at the heart of the cities’ medinas yet removed from their disorder and hustle and bustle.

 

Price for this journey in Morocco

Your selfdrive tour starting from 350€ per person based on a 2 person trip with the rental of a vehicule
Your selfdrive tour starting from 690€ per person based on a 2 person trip with the rental of a vehicule + driver

This price is per person, based on a 2 persons trip and sharing a room

Final price will vary according to the number of people, the season and the category of vehicle rented.


Included
:

- 6 day rental of a vehicle of category of your choice; A/B/C/D or 4WD (VAT included, unlimited distance, insurance, pick up and drop off)
- 6 nights in traditional inns, riads or charming local hotels, with breakfasts


Not included
:

- Meals besides breakfasts
- Tips and extras
- Fuel for your car

Your itinerary

Day 1 : Marrakech
Welcome and private hotel transfer from the Marrakech International Airport. Free time to discover the imperial city.


Day 2 : Marrakech - Imlil (about 1h30)

After your vehicle is dropped off in Marrakech, you'll get on the road towards Imlil. This Berber village in the heart of the Atlas is the point of departure for climbing Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak (4168m). You will be greeted by your host in his house whose extra rooms have been turned into a guesthouse.


Day 3 : Imlil

Discover the daily life of this mountain village, and go hiking through its gardens and terraces to immerse yourself in a Berber world with wonderfully preserved ancestral traditions. You can also simply relax in your guesthouse and get to know its friendly staff a little better.
Overnight in the same guesthouse.


Day 4 : Imlil - Taroudant (about 2h30)

Drive down into the valley to get back on the road towards Taroudant that you’ll reach soon after crossing the impressive Tizi n'Test mountain pass at 2092 metres in altitude. The road through these mountains is truly breathtaking. Taroudannt is one of Morocco’s oldest cities, right between the northern High Atlas and the southern Anti-Atlas.
Overnight in a charming local hotel or riad.


Day 5 : Taroudant

The six kilometres of ramparts that protect the city, the artisanal baazaar and the Berber souk are open for you to explore. Taroudant is an enchanting and peaceful city where locals take their time and you should too! Sit on the shaded terrace of a café and watch the daily activities of the city going by.
Overnight in the same hotel or riad.

Day 6 : Taroudant - Essaouira (about 4h)
You’ll descend into the Souss Valley, almost like a garden of Eden between the mountains. The landscape will change progressively as you get closer and closer to the Atlantic Ocean. After Agadir, you’ll drive along about 200 km of coast until you get to Essaouira. Sandy beaches and coves as far as the eye can see invite you for a swim or a walk... In the afternoon visit Essaouira. Tour the ramparts, and the network of narrow winding streets covered by picturesque archways. Stop by the souk and then the harbour, where we recommend having a fish dinner on the terrace of a seafront restaurant.
Overnight in a riad in Essaouira.

Day 7 : Essaouira - Marrakech (about 2h30)
Return to Marrakech. Settle into your accommodations. Return your rental car.

Day 8 : Transfert à l'aéroport
After breakfast, you’ll take a private transfer to the airport. It is possible to transfer to the Casablanca airport for an extra charge.

Friendly tips

- Go on a hike for a day with an accredited mountain guide! All levels of difficulty are offered: from strolls through the gardens in the crooks of valleys to a two day climb of Toubkal (North Africa’s highest peak).
- June is a great month for this trip. Its’ springtime and the weather is great in both the mountains and the coast!
- But don’t hesitate to come in winter to discover a unique Morocco, under the snow!
- After you book, we’ll send you a list of insider tips: the best places to eat, what shouldn’t be missed…

Votre vehicule :
6 day rental of the category of vehicle of your choice: A/B/C/D or 4WD.
VAT included, unlimited distance, insurance, pick up and drop off at your hotel.
The entire tour takes place on well-kept paved roads. There is no reason to rent a 4WD unless you prefer to drive one…