Morocco is a road tripper's dream, with well-maintained highways connecting dramatically different landscapes. This route takes you from Tangier through the Rif, across the Middle Atlas, down to the desert, and back along the Atlantic coast.
Day 1-2: Tangier to Chefchaouen - Start in cosmopolitan Tangier, explore the kasbah and Cafe Hafa, then drive 2 hours to the blue city of Chefchaouen. Spend a day hiking and photographing.
Day 3-4: Chefchaouen to Fes - Drive through the rolling Rif Mountains to the ancient imperial city of Fes. Two days is the minimum to explore the world's largest medina.
Day 5: Fes to Midelt - Cross the Middle Atlas through cedar forests where Barbary macaques play in the trees. Stop in Ifrane, the "Switzerland of Morocco." Overnight in Midelt.
Day 6-7: Midelt to Merzouga - Drive through the dramatic Ziz Gorge, past the fossil beds of Erfoud, to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Overnight in a desert camp.
Day 8: Merzouga to Dades Valley - The "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" begins. Stop at Todra Gorge for a walk between 300-meter canyon walls.
Day 9-10: Dades to Ouarzazate - Visit Ait Benhaddou (the Game of Thrones kasbah) and the Atlas Film Studios. Ouarzazate is the Hollywood of Africa.
Day 11-12: Ouarzazate to Marrakech - Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 meters). Arrive in Marrakech for two days of souks, palaces, and gardens.
Day 13-14: Marrakech to Essaouira - End your trip on the Atlantic coast. Fresh seafood, art galleries, and wind-swept beaches provide the perfect conclusion.
Written by
Driss Tazi
Full-stack engineer from Casablanca. Built tourism platforms for 3 African countries before joining CityGuide.
