The Ultimate Morocco Road Trip for 2024 + Secret Local Tips

Planning a mega epic Morocco road trip itinerary? Well, I am BEYOND excited for you since a road trip is a great way to get off the beaten path and see some of the coolest hidden gems in Morocco.

I also love that a road trip through Morocco allows you to customize your itinerary and adds a bit more flexibility to your schedule.

I mean, if you have your own set of wheels and love a super secret spot then you can stay a few extra days without any problem.

The downside is that a road trip tends to be a bit more expensive and time-consuming then booking a group tour.

Sadly, you won’t enjoy any group discounts (you also have to pay for gas and the car rental) and can risk getting lost if you have never been to the area before (been there, done that).

However, the benefits can outweigh the negatives if you plan ahead and know your budget. Plus, there is plenty of English signage and the roads in Morocco are pretty well-maintained.

So, no need to worry about damaging your rental car as you fall into a giant, Grand Canyon size pothole. Just do yourself a favor and try not to drive at night, especially in the countryside.

Street lights are almost non-existent in rural areas and that makes it SUPER difficult to see obstacles in the road.

Trust me on this. I have lived in Morocco since January of 2023 and have done many road trips through this amazing country.

I know the ins and outs of driving here and recommend NOT driving at night and NOT driving in major cities. City traffic is insane, public transportation is available, parking is a nightmare, and most Medinas are walkable.

In fact, many Medinas don’t even allow cars which makes cars pretty dang useless in big cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, and Tangier.

To help you with travel planning, I crafted this perfect road trip in Morocco. This way you can avoid driving in major cities, enjoy the beautiful countryside, make the most of your trip, and fall in love with this country, just like I did.

So, stop stressing and learn how to plan the best Morocco road trip now.

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Read This Before Renting a Car in Morocco

If you’re planning a road trip in Morocco then you’ll need to rent a car in Morocco too. I mean, you can’t very well do a road trip without a rental car, now can you?

Well, if you’re not sure where to rent a car and want to know about the best car rental company in Morocco then try Discover Cars.

I’ve been a loyal customer for years, have had great experiences with them, and always use them whenever I am looking for a Marrakech car rental online. I live here and rent a car in Essaouira with them all the time.

I love Discover Cars because they have the best rates, have an affordable (but comprehensive) Full Coverage Policy, and allow cancellations up to 48 hours before you pick up your car.

So, for the best Morocco road trip possible, go to the Discover Cars website now. Put in your preferred travel dates and pick-up location.

Next, filter the ratings and make sure you’re looking at companies with 7+ stars out of 10 since you don’t want to rent from a company with terrible customer service and bad reviews.

TBH, forget which company it is and look at the office since some locations care way more about their patrons then others.

Sure, you can go with a cheap, low-rated company. But, these places tend to sneak in additional fees that make them not-so-cheap once you’re done renting from them.

So, spend a bit more (if possible) and rent from a solid company that won’t ruin your vacation and that will give you the best service possible.

10-Day Morocco Road Trip Itinerary

Stop 1: Marrakech

Marrakech is a dynamic, vibrant city that is this beautiful fusion of new and old-world culture, making it a great digital nomad destination in Morocco.

I HIGHLY recommend flying into Marrakech Menara Airport (lots of cheap Ryan Air flights) and then spending 2 FULL days in Marrakech.

There is a lot to see and do here, so plan ahead to make the most of your time.

I would also book some of the most affordable riads in Marrakech (FYI a riad a traditional Moroccan that has been converted into a hotel) a few months in advance since many only have ten rooms (MAX) and book up FAST.

In terms of your car rental, I would WAIT until you LEAVE Marrakech to pick it up since you don’t need it in the city. The Medina is very walkable and there are plenty of taxis/buses to help you get from Marrakech airport to the Medina.

For the first two days of your Morocco road trip, start by visiting Bab Aganou Gate and Moulay El Yazid Mosque for photos. Next, visit the Saadian Tombs and Badi Palace (optional) before heading to Bahia Palace.

It is stunning and is easily one of the most beautiful palaces in Marrakech.

Afterward, explore the Mellah (Jewish Quarter) before grabbing lunch at Cafe Clock and doing some shopping in the souks of the Marrakech Medina.

Explore the gardens surrounding Kouttoubia Mosque before visiting Jemaa el-Fna Square in the evening and having dinner at Le Jardin.

The next morning, wake up early and make your way to Jardin Majorelle so that you can beat the crowds before visiting the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

Continue to Dar El Bacha Museum and enjoy some amazing coffee at Bacha Coffee before exploring Ben Youssef Madrassa and relaxing at one of the best hammams in Marrakech.

Finally, grab dinner on the rooftop of Nomad (make reservations) before calling it an early night so that you can pick up your car first thing tomorrow.

If you’re feeling extra adventurous and have a bit of extra time, try quad biking in Marrakech.

Where to Stay: Central House (budget), Riad Kerdouss (mid-range), and Riad Anya and Spa (luxury)

Number of Nights: 2 full days and two nights

Stop 2: Ait Ben Haddou

Once you pick up your car in Marrakech, drive along the N9 road towards the Atlas Mountains. This route takes you over the Tizi n’Tichka pass and offers impressive views of the surrounding area.

After about two hours, be sure to stop at the Tizi n’Tichka pass for photos since you’ll enjoy stunning mountain panoramas from 2,260 meters (7414 feet) in the air. In fact, you might even be able to some snow on the ground in the winter.

Next, continue along a curvy, but well-maintained, road (N9) for another hour and fifteen minutes until you hit Ait Ben Haddou.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most famous places in the country. I suggest walking along the bridge, touring this ancient clay city, and enjoying epic views from the top of the Kasbah.

I also highly recommend hiring a local guide to escort you through the city. You’ll learn a lot about local culture, explore ancient buildings, enjoy stunning views from the top, and get insider info on cool holiday films that were shot here.

Local Tip: Instead of taking N9, you can take the road that leads to Telouet. It’s a bit longer but the views and terrain are supposed to be better. Personally, we opted for the shorter route on N9 so we would have more time in Ait Ben Haddou.

Where to Stay: Palais Ksar Lamane (mid-range/budget) Riad Paradise of Silence (luxury)

Number of Nights: I would spend the night in Ouarzazate since that means less driving the following day. However, if you are short on time you can spend the night here.

Local Tip: If you don’t want to drive yourself you could also sign up for one of the best Marrakech to Fes desert tours instead.

Stop 3: Ouarzazate

When all is said and done, it will probably take around five hours ot pick up your car and drive to Ait Ben Haddou. We got there around 1:00 pm since we started early at 8:00 am.

It then took us around an hour to explore Ait Ben Haddou, so we had plenty of time to drive to drive 30 minutes down the road to Ouarzazate.

It’s one of the prettiest places in Morocco and is where Atlas Film Studios has been shooting movies since the 1960s.

This complex sits out in the middle of the desert and is where films like Cleopatra and Kingdom of Heaven were shot. If you have time, you can do a cool tour of the studio.

TBH, I thought the tour was gonna be lame, but it was awesome. It was led be a pro guide, lasted 45 minutes, cost just 80 Dirhams ($8.00) per person, and was a great way to learn more about the studio.

We got to see all of the backstage areas, listened to some cool stories, and learned about how the sets are built. If you’re lucky, you might even see a movie being shot and real actors walking around in costume.

I was really glad we stopped by since it’s so close to Ait Ben Haddou. You can also visit the Main Square, the Cinema Museum (okay but not amazing) and the Taourirt Kasbah (lovely historic site) if you are looking for something else to do.

Local Tip: There is no need to pre-book the studio tour and it is offered until sunset. If you visit, spend the night here since there is no need to back track to Ait Ben Haddou.

Where to Stay: Afgo Hostel (budget), Hôtel Riad Dar Daïf (mid-range), and Le Petit Riad Maison d’hôtes (luxury).

Number of Nights: Spend 1 night here.

Stop 4: Dades Gorge

The next leg of this Morocco road trip takes you from Ouarzazate to the breathtaking Dadestal (Gorges du Dadès). This magnificent gorge has been carved out by the Dades River and is accessible by car.

From Ouarzazate, follow N10. It goes through El Kelâa and Boumalne Dades, or the Valley of the Roses. The trip here will take around two hours and fifteen minutes.

En route, you’ll pass through the beautiful palm oasis of Skoura and can stop for photos before continuing north at Boulmane du Dadès and entering Dades Gorge.

To enjoy the valley’s awesome beauty, take the route that continues until Aït Moutad. This way you can marvel at exquisite orchards before reaching the base of the Atlas Mountains.

Stop at Tamlalt, 9 kilometers after Boulmane, and take photos of cool rocks that look like “monkey fingers”. They are exceptionally beautiful at sunset.

On the other side of the Oued (wall), check out the remains of a historic kasbah and enjoy a 3.5-hour hike along the Dades to the village of Aït Oudinar. I didn’t do the hike but it is an option if you like the great outdoors.

Continue along this route and you’ll hit a narrow canyon known as the “défilé d’Imdiazen”. This is a nice spot for a picnic or to relax by the water and go fishing.

The road will then take you to M’Semrir. You can then do an easy hike through the gorges of Sidi Boubkar at kilometer 13 if time allows. Walk for about an hour and a half and you can enjoy the beautiful natural pools here.

The scenery is exceptionally beautiful and the most iconic section is at kilometer 26, where the road features a lot of sharp, hairpin bends. Just be cautious when driving here since the turns are sharp and the road is narrow.

Once at the top, you’ll find a small lookout where you can stop for photos before continuing to Todra Gorge.

Local Tip: Depending on how much you like hiking you can extend your stay here and do a five-hour hike that starts at kilometer 25 and that requires the use of a local guide. Also, make sure you have good hiking gear before doing this hike.

Additionally, all the hikes outlined here are optional. If you enjoy hiking then I suggest spending the night here and exploring the area. bit more.

Where to Stay: Hiking Nomads Guest House (budget), Maison La Vallée Des Figues Dadès (mid-range), and Riad Rihana Dades (luxury).

Number of Nights: I would spend the night at Todra Gorge. But it just depends on how much you like hiking and how quickly you move through the gorge.

Stop 5: Todra Gorge

From Dades Gorge, it will take you about an hour and fifteen minutes to reach Tinghir. I would drop your stuff off at the hotel and then head to Todra Gorge which is about a 30-minute drive away.

This place isn’t as natural feeling as Dades Gorge due to all the buses that frequent the area. However, you can drive to the beginning of the gorge and walk along the river as you see the towering red cliffs all around you.

Get back in your car and drive into the gorge until the river cuts off your path and you can go no further. Get out and explore the gorge as much or as little as you want.

Another option, if you like hiking, is to do the Tinghir Oasis/Todra Gorge hike. The trail is fairly easy to follow, isn’t too challenging, and it will take you between 4 and 5 hours to complete.

This loop hike starts at a gravel parking lot about 25 minutes north of Tinghir on R703. The lot sits just past the narrowest section of the Gorge and this trail offers epic views of Tinghir.

If you have extra time or love hiking then this trail is a great way to explore the gorge on foot. However, it is much faster to simply drive through the gorge and take in the scenery around you.

Where to Stay: Dar Relax Hostel, Gorges de Todra (budget), Palmeraie Guest House (mid-range), and Riad Dar Bab Todra (luxury).

Number of Nights: Stay 1 Night. But if you really like hiking then spend more time here.

Stop 6: Merzouga

From Tinghir, it’s about a 3-hour drive to Merzouga, depending on the route you take.

Try to use the road through Ait Hani, Amellagou, and Goulmima since this road features prettier scenery. In fact, this route takes you through the Atlas Mountains rather than around them.

You’ll then get back on the main road toward Erfoud and hit Merzouga. Sadly, there aren’t a ton of stops along the way. However, you could visit an old irrigation at Bivouac Chez Bachir.

Essentially, you can pay to tour an irrigation system that was once used to bring water from the mountains into the desert. You can also enjoy a bit of tea before continuing to Erfoud.

If you have extra time, visit the fossils and marble quarries (like the quarries at Goniatite) that have made the region famous. You can even climb Borj East (a boulder) and enjoy magical views of the area. before arriving in Merzouga.

This tiny town sits on the edge of the Sahara Desert and offers access to a large swath of sand dunes known as, Erg Chebbi.

If you can, I would spend at least two nights here. This way you can relax, go sandboarding, try quad biking, sleep in a tent beneath the stars, ride a camel through the desert, and listen to traditional Moroccan music performed around a campfire.

Everything here is about the desert. So, how long you stay just depends on you and how much you like this type of climate. But, I would take a day to relax, go for a swim at your hotel, and just watch the sun rise above the sand dunes.

It’s honestly a magical place and I really wanted to spend more time here the last time I visited.

Where to Stay: Sahara Wellness (budget), Kasbah Azalay Merzouga (mid-range), Merzouga Luxury Tented Camp (luxury)

Number of Nights: 2 nights

Stop 7: Ifrane

There’s no way around it, today is going to be a LONG day of driving since there aren’t a ton of stops between Merzouga and Ifrane.

So, get up early and prepare for a total of around 6.5 hours of driving. There is a lot of beautiful scenery along the way, so the trip won’t be dull. However, you will be spending most of the day in the car.

If you need a break, stop for lunch in Middelt. There is a restaurant at the Hotel Taddart that caters to tour groups and it’s a good rest stop since you’ve already been driving for four hours.

Take as much time as you need and then get back on the road before stopping in the Middle Atlas Mountains at Ifrane National Park.

This park is filled with cedar trees and endangered, Barbary macaque monkeys. Hang out with the monkeys, take photos, and stretch your legs before getting back in the car and ending the day at Ifrane.

I would get to bed early and spend the next morning/afternoon exploring Ifrane since it is a charming little town that is unlike anywhere else in Morocco.

In fact, this city is known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” since it is filled with European-style ski chalets and receives around 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) of snow every year.

So, if you like skiing then be sure to visit Michlifen Ski Station in January since this is when the ski season gets underway.

Otherwise, just enjoy this quiet town. Visit the famous lion statue in the center of town, enjoy a boat ride at Lake Dait Aoua, walk the grounds at Al Akhawayn University, and see the beautiful waterfalls at Source Vitel.

After all, Ifrane is a great place to enjoy a bit of solitude before heading to the next stop on this Morocco road trip itinerary.

Where to Stay: Ifrane House (budget), Motel Ain Mersa (mid-range), and Michlifen Resort & Golf (Luxury).

Number of Nights: 1 night

Stop 8: Fes

After you leave Ifrane, make the one hour and fifteen-minute drive to Fes. Personally, I would spend the majority of the day in Ifrane and then aim to arrive in Fes by early evening.

This way you can find parking, grab dinner, and explore the Medina before going to bed. However, you could also leave Ifrane early and spend the majority of the day in Fes.

Either way, ask your hotel about parking when you book your room since it can be an issue in and around the Medina in Fes.

After a good night’s sleep, get up and get ready to see everything that Fes has to offer. You can start the day at the Royal Palace and then move to the Mellah before taking photos at Bab Bou Jeloud.

You can then grab photos at rainbow alley before exploring local highlights like Madrasa Bou Inania, the Chouara Tanneries, Al Attarine Madrasa, Mosque and University Karaouiyne, and Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts.

Finish the day at Cherratine Madrasa and explore Jnan Sbil Park (if it’s open) before watching the sunset from the Merinid Tombs.

I know this sounds like a lot for one day but many of these sights are small and can be explored in a short amount of time.

Local Tip: Personally, Fes is not my favorite city in Morocco. That is why I only recommend spending one day there. However, please adjust this itinerary and spend less time in Ifrane if that is better for you.

Where to Stay: Dar Hafsa (budget), Riad Lalla Zoubida (mid-range), and Riad Sekaya Fez (luxury).

Number of Nights: 2 nights

Stop 9: Meknes (Optional)

If you’re short on time then skip the next two stops and drive three hours and fifteen minutes to Casablanca. If you have a bit of extra time for the best Morocco road trip itinerary then take a detour to Meknes.

TBH, Meknes is not the most interesting city I have ever been to. However, it is less than an hour away from Fes and is basically on the way to the ruins at Volubilis.

Therefore, I would make a quick stop in Meknes to see the Great Mosque and then continue on your way. Not only is the mosque beautiful, but it is one of the few mosques in Morocco that allows non-Muslims inside.

You also do not need to add a scarf to your Morocco packing list since they offer one to women upon arrival.

In truth, you’ll probably only need maybe a half hour to explore the mosque and can then spend another hour exploring the Medina before heading to Volubilis.

Stop 10: Volubilis (Optional)

Even if you’re short in time, stop by Volubilis. After all, these ruins are amazing and just a short, 45-minute drive from Meknes.

TBH, I prefer Volubilis to Meknes any day since the ruins are gorgeous and there was hardly anyone here the last time I visited.

Anyway, the place is cool because these ruins are from an ancient Berber-Roman city that dates back to the 3rd century BC.

Today, this spot is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the basilica, the Capitoline Temple, and the Triumphal Arch.

During your visit (it should take an hour or two), look at the ground since there are old Roman mosaics on the floors of several homes here. Just remember that there is no shade.

So, bring a hat or an umbrella if you visit in the middle of the day.

Local Tip: If you are short on time and still want to see Meknes and Volubilis then you could spend one night in Ifrane and do a day trip to Volubilis and Meknes from Fes.

Stop 11: Casablanca

After enjoying all that Volubilis has to offer, make your way to Casablanca. In total, the drive will take around three hours and fifteen minutes and will take you past Rabat.

If you have some extra time in the country, be sure to stop by Rabat before heading to Casablanca and ending your trip. Otherwise, just follow this itinerary straight to Casablanca and plan to arrive in the city by the evening.

Real talk? Casablanca is one of my least favorite and one of the least safe cities in Morocco. I have visited a couple of times and have never fallen in love with the economic capital of Morocco.

However, there is a major airport here and there are still some cool things to see in Casablanca.

Hassan II Mosque is probably the one thing you NEED to see since it sits right on the ocean, features stunning architecture, and is one of the largest mosques in the world.

Afterward, you could stop by Rick’s Cafe (like in the movie Casablanca but a bit of a tourist trap), explore the Medina, enjoy Mohammed V Square, walk through Arab League Park, see Notre Dame Cathedral, marvel at the Royal Palace, and check out the nightlife scene at Ain Diab (The Corniche).

But, honestly? Hassan II Mosque and Arab League Park are probably the only things I really LOVED in Casablanca, in addition to a few small museums like the Abderrahman Slaoui Foundation Museum.

Overall, if you miss out on Casablanca I wouldn’t worry too much about it since a lot of visitors have left this city feeling very uninspired.

Where to Stay: LHOSTEL à Casablanca (budget), Ryad 91 (mid-range), and AS Premium Appart’Hotel (luxury).

Number of Nights: 1 night

Map of this 10-Day Morocco Road Trip Itinerary

Conclusion

That concludes this 10-day Morocco road trip itinerary. I intentionally designed this route so that you stay out of major cities and spend most of your time driving in Morocco in the countryside.

You’ll get to see some of the most beautiful places in the country and can avoid driving in major cities where there is no parking and a ton of traffic.

This itinerary can also be modified to suit your needs if you are short on time or if you want to spend more time in the great outdoors.

Just remember, when driving in Morocco avoid driving at night and always have cash handy since many gas stations do not accept credit cards.

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