Atlas, kasbahs, Dades Gorges, Merzouga dunes and back via the Draa Valley: a one-week road trip in a rental car starting from Marrakech.
One week, one car and southern Morocco: this is the most spectacular road trip from Marrakech. You cross the High Atlas, follow the road of the kasbahs, sleep at the foot of the Merzouga dunes and return through the palm groves of the Draa Valley. Here is the day-by-day itinerary, the distances, the car to choose and our tips.
To book your car for this trip, see our 7-seater and family car rental in Marrakech and diesel car rental in Marrakech pages.
The itinerary at a glance
| Day | Stage | Distance | Road |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marrakech → Aït Ben Haddou | about 190 km | Tizi n'Tichka pass |
| 2 | Aït Ben Haddou → Dades Gorges | about 170 km | Ouarzazate, Valley of Roses |
| 3 | Dades → Todra Gorges → Merzouga | about 280 km | Tinghir, Erfoud |
| 4 | Merzouga | on site | Erg Chebbi dunes |
| 5 | Merzouga → Draa Valley (Nkob or Agdz) | about 330 km | Alnif, Tazzarine |
| 6 | Draa Valley → Ouarzazate | about 70 to 160 km | Palm groves, kasbahs |
| 7 | Ouarzazate → Marrakech | about 200 km | Tizi n'Tichka |
Distances are approximate: allow about 1,400 km in total. Driving times are longer than in Europe: plan breaks and do not drive at night.
Day 1: the Tizi n'Tichka and Aït Ben Haddou
Leave Marrakech early to cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m) in daylight. The road is paved but winding, with lorries: read our tips for the Tizi n'Tichka. In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Ben Haddou and spend the night there.
Day 2: Ouarzazate and the Dades Gorges
Pass through Ouarzazate (film studios, Taourirt kasbah), then the Valley of Roses and Boumalne. Drive up into the Dades Gorges for the famous hairpin road. Spend the night in a guesthouse in the gorges.
Day 3: the Todra Gorges, then Merzouga
A short stage to Tinghir and the Todra Gorges, with walls 300 m high. Then a long drive to Erfoud and Merzouga. Arrive before dark for the sunset over the dunes.
Day 4: the Erg Chebbi dunes
A day without the car: camel ride, a night in a desert camp among the dunes, sunrise. Leave the car in your accommodation's car park: a standard rental car cannot be driven on sand.
Day 5: towards the Draa Valley
A long stage via Alnif and Tazzarine, on a quiet road: fill up at every opportunity and take water with you. Spend the night in Nkob or Agdz, in a restored kasbah.
Day 6: the Draa palm groves and back to Ouarzazate
Drive up the Draa Valley, with its palm groves and ksour, then spend the night in Ouarzazate so you can cross the pass the next morning.
Day 7: back to Marrakech
The Tizi n'Tichka in the other direction, mid-morning. Return the car in Marrakech or directly at Marrakech-Menara airport.
Which car to rent?
- The best choice: a diesel Dacia Duster. Higher, comfortable on long stages, large boot, about 5.5 l/100 km.
- Small budget: a diesel Dacia Logan, very economical, fine everywhere on tarmac.
- A 4x4? Only if you plan to drive on sandy tracks. See 4x4 hire in Marrakech.
Make sure you take unlimited mileage and, for a week, benefit from the automatic discount on long-term rental.
The fuel budget
For about 1,400 km in a diesel Duster, allow around 80 litres of diesel. Filling stations are plentiful on the main roads, rarer between Merzouga and the Draa Valley. Read our article on fuel in Morocco and work out your budget with our road trip tool.
Our tips
- Never drive at night in the south: animals, pedestrians and vehicles without lights.
- Fill up as soon as the gauge drops below half.
- Keep water and small change in the car.
- Photograph the car when you collect the keys: our vehicle inspection checklist guides you.
- Check the insurance: unpaved tracks are often excluded.
Ready to go? Book your car on our Marrakech car hire page: delivery to the airport or your riad, payment at the agency.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the road is paved all the way. Allow about 560 km and two days of driving via Ouarzazate and the Dades Gorges.
An SUV such as the Dacia Duster is the best compromise: comfortable on long stages, higher on damaged roads and economical on diesel. A 4x4 is only useful for sandy tracks.
About 1,400 km for the Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Dades – Merzouga – Draa Valley – Marrakech loop. Unlimited mileage is essential.
Spring and autumn. In summer it is very hot in the south; in winter, the Tizi n'Tichka pass may be covered in snow.
Compare every offer on our Car rental Marrakech page, or collect your car on landing with our Marrakech airport car rental service.
