Crossing the Atlas Mountains: A Road Trip from Marrakech to the Sahara
Crossing the Atlas Mountains: A Road Trip from Marrakech to the Sahara
The route from Marrakech to Merzouga is Morocco’s ultimate adventure—a 550km journey through cinematic landscapes. Here’s how to do it right.
Day 1: Tizi n’Tichka Pass to Aït Ben Haddou
Drive: The High Atlas’ winding N9 highway reveals goat herds on cliffs and Berber women selling saffron.
Stop: Lunch at Kasbah Telouet, a crumbling 19th-century palace with secret opium-trade tunnels.
Sleep: Dar Kamar’s rooftop suites overlooking UNESCO-listed Aït Ben Haddou.
Day 2: Ouarzazate to Tinghir
Hollywood Detour: Tour Atlas Studios where Gladiator’s Rome was built from mud bricks.
Hidden Oasis: Walk the Palmeraie of Skoura, a 17km date-palm forest with hidden kasbahs.
Sunset Spot: Todgha Gorge’s 300m cliffs turn gold at dusk.
Day 3: Merzouga’s Dunes
Camel Trek: Ride into Erg Chebbi as nomads have for centuries (opt for sunrise to avoid heat).
Local Encounter: Sip tea with the Gnawa musicians of Khamlia village—their trance music honors ancestral spirits.
Day 4: The Return via Dades Valley
Photo Op: Monkey Fingers’ surreal rock formations.
Lunch: Auberge Chez Pierre’s lamb tagine with pomegranate molasses.
Essential Tips:
Rent a 4x4; Google Maps fails here.
Pack layers—desert nights drop to 5°C (41°F).
Berber phrasebook: "Tanmirt" (thank you) wins smiles.
This route transforms a simple transfer into the trip’s highlight. For a detailed itinerary with GPS coordinates, subscribe to our Morocco Overland series.
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