Southern Morocco Desert Route

A loop from Marrakech over the High Atlas, past Ait Ben Haddou, the Rose Valley, the Dades and Todra Gorges, to the Merzouga dunes, returning through the Draa Valley.

The Southern Morocco Desert Route is a classic loop starting in Marrakech. You can drive yourself, hire a car with a driver, or join a three-day, two-night desert tour. Heading out, take the N9 over the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (about 2,260 m, one of Morocco's highest mountain passes). A detour leads to Telouet Kasbah and the Ounila Valley, then to the fortified mud village of Ait Ben Haddou, where you spend the night in Ouarzazate. Next, follow the N10, the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs', east past the Skoura palm groves and the Rose Valley to Boumalne-Dadès. Turn into the Dadès Gorge to see the Monkey Fingers rock formation and the famous switchback road, then continue to Tinghir and the Todra Gorge. Via Erfoud's fossil workshops and Rissani's market, arrive in Merzouga. Ride a camel to the tent camps in the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset and sunrise. The return leg takes the southern route through Alnif and Nkob to Zagora and the palm groves of the Draa Valley, then through Agdz, and back to Ouarzazate. From there, cross the mountains to return to Marrakech. The whole loop is about 1,500 km. It takes at least 3–4 days, and 5–8 days is recommended to spend more time in the gorges and dunes. The whole route is paved, but mountain-pass sections have sharp bends and heavy traffic, and they may close temporarily after rain or snow. Towns have plenty of fuel stations, and many lodgings are converted kasbahs. Desert camps must be booked in advance, and the last few kilometers into the dunes require a 4x4 or a camel.

Southern Morocco Desert Route

Along the route