Between the mountains and the ocean
In Morocco’s south, the coast has remained little developed and widely unspoiled. This self-drive tour leaving from Marrakech will have you discovering the beautiful landscapes between the Atlas Mountains to the coast all the way to Mirleft. 300 km of spread out fishing villages with deserted coves and long sandy beaches between them make this trip ideal for hiking in winter and swimming in summer. Every night you will come home to charming local accommodations to rest for your next day of exploration in Morocco’s great south.
The stages of your journey :
Day 1 : Marrakech
Day 2 : Marrakech - Essaouira. 170 km about 2h30
Day 3 : Essaouira
Day 4 : Essaouira - Agadir - Souss Massa. 350 km about 4h
Day 5 : Souss Massa - Mirleft. 100 km about 1h30
Day 6 : Mirleft - Taroudant. 150 km about 2h30
Day 7 : Taroudant - Marrakech. 260 km about 3h
Day 8 : Transfer to the airport
Your accomodation
> Riad in Marrakech, Essaouira & Taroudant :Intimate riads in the heart of these city’s medinas.
> Charming local hotel in Ksar Massa : On a 6 hectare terrain between sky and sea, Ksar Massa offers calm and serenity. This charming oceanfront hotel, is backed up against a sand dune. You can admire the ocean from every room, but all are decorated differently yet with in keeping with traditional Moroccan style. Pool, hammam et massage room.
> The Kasbah Tabelkoukt in Mirleft :Between ocean and desert, the Kasbah Tabelkoukt is an esteemed guesthouse (Gold Laureate in 2007 for international tourism). Atop a cliff, opening onto the ocean, it has a privileged access to a wild beach. The 6 rooms and suites with chimneys and terraces are a haven for serenity and cheer. Kasbah Tabelkoukt is truly an ideal place to explore the coast or simply sit back and enjoy the benefits of a traditional massage or cuisine incorporating local seafood.
Price for this journey in Morocco
Your selfdrive tour starting from 510€ per person based on a 2 person trip with the rental of a vehicule
Your selfdrive tour starting from 745€ 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)
- 2 nights in a riad in Marrakech, breakfast included
- 2 nights in a riad in Essaouira, breakfast included
- 1 night in a charming local hotel in Massa, breakfast included
- 1 night in a guesthouse in Mirleft, breakfast included
- 1 night in a riad in Taroudannt, breakfast included
Not included :
- Meals besides breakfasts
- Drinks
- Tips and extras
- Fuel
Your itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakech
Welcome at the Marrakech international airport and transfer to your riad in the medina. Free day in Marrakech.
Day 2 : Marrakech - Essaouira (about 2h30)
Drop off of your rental car to your riad and departure to Essaouira, a drive of a little over two hours of beautiful scenery. Settle into your riad in the heart of the city’s medina. The owners of this quality riad, a Franco-Moroccan couple, will be very welcoming and offer great advice for your stay in Essaouira. Spend the day touring 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.
Day 3 : Essaouira
A day to discover Essaouira, formerly Mogador, a magnificent and unique city. East and West mix like nowhere else in Morocco. The city, huddled into its pink ramparts looks out to the ocean. It has become one of Morocco’s cult destinations because it offers a complete travel experience: lively alleyways, restaurants with terraces, beaches, strolls along the ramparts...
Day 4 : Essaouira - Agadir - Souss Massa (about 4h)
Begin heading south on the magnificent coastal road to Agadir and even further, on into the Souss-Massa National Park. You will settle into your charming local hotel that overlooks a long powdery sand beach. This in an exceptional natural setting and you are sure to enjoy its bird sanctuary.
Day 5 : Souss Massa - Mirleft (about 1h30)
Get back on the road and drive to Mirleft. During this leg of about a hundred kilometres, you’ll see that the beaches have hardly been touched by man. At Mirleft, a little fishing village on the ocean, a guesthouse surrounded by sea awaits. This southern Kasbah, with a 360° ocean view, reflects the ancestral know-how of Morocco’s artisans in its decor. Here you can relax or get to know the personality of this region off the beaten track or explore the ancient Spanish enclave of Sidi Ifni a few kilometres away.
Day 6 : Mirleft - Taroudant (about 2h30)
Start making your way back north to Marrakech. Visit Taroudannt, a medieval city famous for its red ramparts and its bustling souk (bazaar). Spend the night in a riad here.
Day 7 : Taroudant - Marrakech (about 3h)
You’ll cross the Atlas through the Tizi n’Test mountain pass of 2100 metres in altitude on beautiful mountain roads. The mountain pass of Tizi n'Test is one of the most impressive moments for any traveller to the Atlas Mountains. Your car will be picked up from your riad in Marrakech at the end of the day.
Day 8 : Retour
After breakfast, take a private transfer to the airport of Marrakech. It is possible to transfer to the Casablanca airport for an extra charge.
Friendly tips
- If you are on a budget, we can offer the trip staying in a lower category of accommodation
- Depending on the time of year, we can adjust the itinerary to have you spend more time in the mountains or on the coast!
- Ideal period: May to June so you can see many sea birds and delight in the mountain coming back to life in spring. However, it is difficult to choose because every season has something to offer.
- If you’re unsure about driving in Morocco, don’t hesitate to hire a driver. This peace of mind and the helpful advice of a local will make your trip more expensive, however.
Your vehicule for this selfdrive tour :
6 day rental of a vehicle of the category 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…