10-Day Morocco Road Trip Itinerary Starting in Marrakech
This 10 day Morocco road trip itinerary starts and ends in Marrakech and takes in the High Atlas, Aït Benhaddou, the Dades and Todra gorges, the Merzouga dunes and the Atlantic town of Essaouira. Driving days are long in places, so we have spread the kilometres out and built in two slower days to make the loop realistic rather than rushed.
The itinerary at a glance
| Day | Route | Approx. driving |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Marrakech, collect the car | — |
| 2 | Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Aït Benhaddou | 3h45 |
| 3 | Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades Gorges | 3–4h |
| 4 | Dades – Todra Gorges – Merzouga | 4–5h |
| 5 | Merzouga: dunes, camel ride, desert camp | Short drives only |
| 6 | Merzouga – Ouarzazate (via Alnif or Tinghir) | 5–6h |
| 7 | Ouarzazate – Marrakech | 4h |
| 8 | Marrakech – Essaouira | 2h45 |
| 9 | Essaouira: medina, beach, coast | Optional |
| 10 | Essaouira – Marrakech, return the car | 2h45 |
Times are indicative driving times without stops; with photos and meals, add a couple of hours to each day.
Days 1–3: the Atlas, kasbahs and gorges
Day 1: collect your car at Marrakech-Menara airport or have it delivered to your riad, then relax. Day 2: cross the High Atlas on the N9 via the Tizi n'Tichka pass (about 2,260 m) and spend the night at Aït Benhaddou. Our detailed guide to the Marrakech to Aït Benhaddou drive lists the best stops. Day 3: pass Ouarzazate and its film studios, then follow the "road of a thousand kasbahs" through the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses to the Dades Gorges, famous for its hairpin road.
Days 4–7: Todra Gorges, the Merzouga dunes and back
Days 4–5: into the Sahara
Day 4: drive to Tinghir and walk into the Todra Gorges, where the rock walls rise vertically above the river, then continue east via Erfoud to Merzouga. In total, Marrakech to Merzouga is about 550 km, or 9–10 hours of driving, which is why we split it over three days. Day 5: this is your rest day from the wheel. Explore the Erg Chebbi dunes, take a camel ride at sunset and sleep in a desert camp. Leave the dune crossings to local drivers or camel guides rather than taking your rental car into soft sand.
Days 6–7: back across the Atlas
Day 6 is the longest drive. The southern route via Alnif and Nkob is quieter and very scenic; the northern route back through Tinghir is simpler. Stop overnight in Ouarzazate or Skoura. Day 7: return to Marrakech over the Tichka pass, with time for a last mint tea at the top.
Days 8–10: the Atlantic in Essaouira
Day 8: after the desert, the easy 190 km drive west to Essaouira feels like a holiday in itself. Day 9: park the car and enjoy the ramparts, the fishing port and the beach, or drive south to Sidi Kaouki. Day 10: return to Marrakech and drop off the car. If you would rather end in Agadir, see our guide to driving from Marrakech to Agadir, which covers the coast road from Essaouira.
Practical tips for a 10-day loop
- Drive in daylight: many rural roads are unlit, with animals and cyclists.
- Fill up whenever you pass a station in the south; distances between them grow.
- Carry cash for fuel, parking attendants and small cafés.
- Watch the speed limits in villages; checkpoints are frequent on the N9 and N10.
- Best seasons are spring and autumn. Summer is very hot in the south, and snow can occasionally close the Tichka pass in winter.
Which car for this itinerary?
The whole loop is on paved roads, so a comfortable SUV is ideal: the Dacia Duster is robust and affordable, and the Peugeot 3008 adds comfort on long days. If you want the freedom to take gravel tracks near the dunes, choose a real 4x4 like the Toyota Land Cruiser. Browse our full fleet to compare.
Start your road trip in Marrakech
Ten days is enough to see the very best of Morocco by car without feeling rushed. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the right vehicle and share our favourite stops along the way. Book on our booking page or send us a message on WhatsApp at +212 606-957514.
