Unforgettable Road Trips to Take in Morocco

Some say Marrakech is overrated, but it is the place to go if you want to experience true Arabic nights and feel like you’re in Disney’s Aladdin [1992]. Explore the red city, walk through the hot streets, tour Yves Saint Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle and bargain at the souks. When night falls, savor authentic Moroccan cuisine at Jemaa el-Fna.

After Marrakech, climb into the car and contemplate the stunning views on your way to Ouarzazate, where you can climb the High Atlas Mountains for an even more spectacular perspective. Although it is known that the road to Ouarzazate can be precarious and full of switchbacks, if you’re careful, it is worth it. Be sure to stop by Ait Ben Haddou, a popular film set among Hollywood producers.

Todgha Gorge is made up of limestone river canyons near Tinghir in south Morocco. It is best to visit during the dry season, as floods do happen in the winter. This area is popular among rock climbers and hikers. It is a natural wonder and completely mind-blowing, especially toward the end of the canyon where it narrows to a flat stony track.

Drive east from Ouarzazate to arrive at the rocky region of the Sahara Desert. Take in everything you see, especially the Dades Gorge, an impressive village and road famous among photographers. Also look for the Valley of Roses, an impressive landscape covered in roses and palm trees.

This is the highest dune in Morocco, located near the small village Merzouga in the Sahara Desert. At this point, it would be quite complicated to continue by car, so either book a guided tour on camels, or go back to Marrakech to plan your next road trip!