Self-drive tour crossing southern Morocco
This self drive tour in southern Morocco will bring you to the most beautiful sites of the region from the Atlas to the Sahara. An itinerary that starts in Marrakech, crosses the Atlas, and connects the Dades, Tafilalet and Draa Valleys. Today, this circuit is open to everyone and not just great adventurers! A saloon car (sedan) is all you need as there are well-kept roads and a variety of accommodations along the way. You’ll find guesthouses in even the smallest of oases. We are here to advise you on quality establishments to fit your taste and budget and to put together the itinerary of your dreams.
The stages of your journey :
Day 1 : Marrakech
Day 2 : Marrakech - Ouarzazate. 220 km about 5h
Day 3 : Ouarzazate - Boumalne of Dadès. 120 km about 2h
Day 4 : Todrha Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga. 300 km about 4h30
Day 5 : Merzouga Dunes
Day 6 : Merzouga - Agdz. 300 km about 4h30
Day 7 : Agdz - Ouarzazate - Marrakech. 260 km about 5h30
Day 8 : Marrakech
Your accomodation
3star hotels in Marrakech and Ouarzazate.
Inns in Boulmane, Merzouga and Agdz.
Of course accommodations can be adapted to fit your budget and tastes.
Price for this journey in Morocco
Your selfdrive tour starting from 430€ per person based on a 2 person trip with the rental of a vehicule
Your selfdrive tour starting from 700€ 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)
- 7 nights in traditional inns or 3star hotels with breakfasts.
- Airport transfers back and forth.
Not included :
- Meals and drinks besides breakfasts
- Tips and extras
- Fuel for your car
Your itinerary
Day 1 : Marrakech
Greeting and transfer from Marrakech International Airport. You can also transfer from the Casablanca Airport for an extra charge (a 2 hour drive).
Day 2 : Marrakech - Ouarzazate (about 5h)
Pick up your vehicle from your hotel and leave for Ouarzazate through the Tichka mountain pass of 2260m in height, one of Morocco’s most beautiful mountain roads. About thirty km from Ouarzazate, you’ll take a detour to visit the famous and splendid Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (a UNESCO world heritage site).
Overnight in a hotel in Ouarzazate
Day 3 : Ouarzazate - Boumalne of Dadès (about 2h)
Head east on the most beautiful road along the Dades Valley between the Atlas and the Jebel Sahro. A road dotted with kasbahs and ksour, emerging colourfully from rocky landscapes in their shades of ochre and mauve. At Boulmane, we extend an invitation to you to explore the Dades gorges.
Overnight in Boulmane in a luxuriant palm grove in a local hotel or inn
Day 4 : Todrha Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga (about 4h30)
Continue to Tinerfir where you’ll be able to get on the road to the gorges of Todhra, a spectacular site. The rock faces get narrower, taller and steeper until they reach up to 300 m in height…This astonishing natural show is impossible to describe. Stop for a cup of tea in one of the inns of the gorges, then get back on the road between the Atlas and Sahro to penetrate the palm grove of Jorf that extends all the way to Erfoud. This is where Morocco’s best dates come from, and where you’ll see your first golden powdery sand dunes!
Overnight in a hotel or inn around Merzouga
Day 5 : Dunes of Merzouga
Over 150 metres in height they extend over 40 km into Tafilalet Valley. You will never forget the gracefulness of their shapes in this otherworldly universe of changing colours and infinite horizons. The desert is waiting for a day of exploration.
Overnight in a hotel or inn around Merzouga
Day 6 : Merzouga - Agdz. 300 km about 4h30
A well-kept paved road allows you to cross the Saharan regions south of the Jebel Sahro. After Rissani, you’ll exit Tafilalet Valley and make your way to Alnif, by a road that rises through a desert landscape. Next is the palm grove of Tazzarine from where you’ll finally rejoin the Draa Valley taking you all the way to Agdz.
Overnight in a hotel or inn
Day 7 : Agdz - Ouarzazate - Marrakech. 260 km about 5h30
From Agdz you’ll drive up the Draa Valley. Stop and walk through the gardens. By car, you’ll exit the valley and cross the south-western part of the Jebel Sahro admiring its surprising volcanic formations. At Ouarzazate, take your time exploring its impressive Taourirt kasbah, the old Glaoui palace was recently renovated. Once you’re done, you’ll cross the Atlas again to return to Marrakech in the afternoon and return your rental car.
Overnight in a hotel
Day 8 : Marrakech
After breakfast transfer to the Marrakech International Airport. It is possible to transfer to the Casablanca airport for an extra charge (2 hour drive).
Your vehicule
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 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…