Marrakech Self Drive 2 - Kasbahs, Sahara & Atlas Mountains

Activity code: MRDSD02m

Duration: 4 Days

START - Marrakech / FINISH - Fez

Whilst we offer some great fixed-itinerary excursions from Marrakech direct to the Sahara in just two or three days we would urge you to consider taking a little longer and exploring the south further and enjoying a desert excursion at the spectacular dunes of Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga) before continuing through the Atlas Mountains to Fez. This route is best done on a self-drive itinerary although we can provide the services of one of our excellent English-speaking drivers if you prefer not to drive.

There are many ways you can do this journey, this is our recommendation if you are looking for the minimum (sensible) time to do the route and wish to stay in a good standard of accommodation; however, you can add extra nights along the way or extend the duration at any of the locations already included if you wished to spend more time in the south.

This itinerary includes travelling from Marrakech to Ouarzazate across the High Atlas and on to the Sahara and then onwards to Fez; it is a beautiful circuit that can include all the "best bits" of this region of gorges, dunes and kasbahs. With our many years of experience putting together practical and interesting itineraries for our clients we would like to recommend this journey for you to make the most of your time in this fascinating country.

This desert trips is based upon starting in Marrakech and finishing in Fez; please contact us to arrange accommodation in these magical cities before and after your visit of the south - we are experts for small hotels and riads across Morocco.

Highlights of the Kasbahs, Sahara & Atlas Mountains Fly-Drive:

• OUARZAZATE: Ouarzazate is the first town most people see after crossing the High Atlas and is the unofficial capital of the south of Morocco. Formerly a Foreign Legion outpost it has been notably used as a location backdrop by many epic films such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and Jesus of Nazareth. Ouarzazate has an old town with its maze of narrow streets and a new town where most of the hotels are located. The Kasbah Taourirt is within walking distance of most hotels and is well worth a visit.

• MOROCCO's FAMOUS GORGES: Boumalne de Dades and Tineghir are ideal places to stay if you are doing some walking and exploring the famous Dades and Todra Valleys and their stunning gorges. These are truly fascinating places and scenery in their own right and a superb bonus to be enjoyed en route to/from the Sahara.

• SAHARA ADVENTURE: The Sahara seems such a long way away but on this trip you will have the opportunity to ride through the dunes on the back of a dromedary leaving you with incredible and magical memories of the awesome canopy of the starlit heavens and the peacefulness and tranquility of the desert.

Why book with Rediscover Morocco ?

With our excellent prices for car rental, Morocco has opened up to some quite unique holiday experiences. Roads around the country are improving and are actually pretty good in most places, even in the mountains and desert areas they are now mostly asphalted. We do not recommend driving at night though as headlights can be optional and safety barriers on some mountain roads are non-existent. We have all driven extensively around Morocco and will be happy to share our experiences with you if you are at all unsure about self-drive or your chosen routes.

NB: This itinerary can be taken with the services of one of our English-Speaking drivers. We usually offer a driver for up to 5 persons in a comfortable 4WD vehicle with fuel included; however, they will drive any other type of vehicle on request at a flat rate per day per vehicle which includes your driver's food and lodging (but not fuel). Hotels are personal suggestions but there is usually a choice of styles and budget at each location.

Accommodation: the hotels in this itinerary are generally small, independent or family-run, properties which add significantly to your travel experience in this fascinating country - in the list below we have included suggestions for upgrades to "boutique" properties and deluxe options (please do not hesitate to request alternative hotels).

What's included in your Fly-Drive ?

• 2 nights accommodation at a choice of small hotels.
• 4 days fully-inclusive ONE-WAY car hire with a/c
• Fully-inclusive two day desert adventure to Erg Chebbi by 4WD and camel meharee.
• Sightseeing suggestions and driving directions
• All taxes, full 24 hour representative services.

NB: Flights available to book through us with a range of airlines, from various UK airports.

Our recommended hotel choices for this fly drive:

[Classic Hotel, Classic Riad, Boutique Hotel/Riad, Deluxe Hotel]

• Marrakech: - Hotel Kech, Riad Mur Akush, Riad Hikaya, Les Jardins de la Koutoubia
• Erfoud: - Hotel Tizimi, Xaluca Maadid Hotel
• Dades Valley region: - Kasbah Tizzarouine, Kasbah Itran, Xaluca Dades
• Ouarzazate area: - Hotel Fint, Kasbah Ellouze, Les Tourmalines, Ksar Ighnda
• Fez: - Hotel Barcelo Medina, Riad Dar Chrifa, Riad Myra

Click on the location to view our whole selection.

Contact us now to book this self drive holiday for any date.

• Day 1: Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Skoura

  Your hire car will be delivered to your accommodation in Marrakech (or meet your driver if going for the chauffeur-driven option); depart for the south across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka Pass. Optional visits to the dramatic kasbahs at Telouet and/or Ait Ben Haddou en route. Pass through Ouarzazate and continue along the dramatic Dades Valley to Skoura.

  • stay at the excellent Les Jardins de Skoura - 1 night HB basis.

• Day 2: Skoura - Kelaat M'Gouna - Dades Valley - Todra Gorge - Merzouga

  After a peaceful breakfast by the pool head east and visit the stunning Todra Gorge (near Tineghir) en route to Erfoud. At the friendly Kasbah Tizimi park up and meet your desert guide, swap into a 4WD vehicle for the rough crossing of the semi desert area between Erfoud and Merzouga. Your desert adventure includes camel meharee into the dunes.

  • overnight at Bedouin camp in Saharan oasis with dinner and breakfast under the stars.

• Day 3: Merzouga - Erfoud - Ziz Gorge - Midelt

  Return from the desert and freshen up at Auberge du Sud on edge of the dunes before returning to join your car (and driver) in Erfoud. The remainder of the day will be spent travelling north through the Ziz Valley and the "Tunel de Legionaires" until you get to the town of Midelt which is located between the High and Mid Atlas ranges.

  • Overnight at the friendly Hotel Kasbah Asmaa on HB basis.

• Day 4: Midelt - Mid Atlas - Meknes - Fez

  Today, you will drive through the beautiful green scenery of the Mid Atlas mountains on your way to your final destination of Fez. We recommend a stop in the Cedar Forest near Azrou to watch the incredible Barbary Apes. You should also have time to visit Meknes prior to arrival in Fez or to do some walking in the area near Ifrane if you wish to make the most of your time with the car (and driver).

• Prices & Departure Dates

  Prices depend on your chosen accommodation and room availability as well as time of travel. Please take this into consideration when comparing prices; we always aim to match a high quality experience with exceptional value for money. Please note that discounts will apply if there are 4 or more people in your travelling party as fixed costs such as transportation and guides will be shared equally between the group.

  NB: Flights available to book with us through a range of airlines, from various UK airport