Morocco Road Trip – How to Spend 7 Exciting Days
Morocco, a country in northern Africa, offers more than just beaches and deserts – it’s also brimming with culture. In the four royal cities of Fes, Marrakesh, Meknes, and Rabat, you can witness the legacy of past dynasties and admire their architectural masterpieces.
Morocco is a fantastic travel destination with a wealth of cultural attractions waiting to be discovered. We spent 7 days traveling around Morocco, exploring many cultural and scenic highlights.
In this article, you’ll learn all about our journey and the sights along our route that will turn your trip into a dream vacation!
Table of Contents
1. Marrakesh – Oriental Markets & Culture
Marrakesh, with its population of nearly one million, is the vibrant heart of Morocco. It’s one of the four royal cities with a rich cultural heritage and plenty of sights to see. Marrakesh is also the starting point for many day trips, making it an ideal first destination for your Morocco adventure.
From Marrakesh, you can choose either guided tours or rent an affordable car to explore on your own.
From the Airport to Marrakesh’s City Center
Marrakesh’s international airport is conveniently located about a 20-minute drive from the city center. To get there, you can either take one of the taxis waiting outside the airport or book a private transfer in advance at a reasonable price. Some hotels and accommodations also offer paid transfer services that you can add to your booking.
Hotels and Accommodations in Marrakesh
Marrakesh offers an incredible variety of hotels and accommodations. We highly recommend staying in one of the traditional riads. Make sure to choose one close to Jemaa el-Fnaa, so you’re centrally located and can explore many attractions on foot.
We stayed in three different riads during our time in Marrakesh and highly recommend the Riad Dar el Souk. The overnight price includes breakfast, and you can opt for a paid dinner at the riad if you don’t feel like eating out at one of the many restaurants.
Sights in Marrakesh
Marrakesh is rich in cultural highlights, so we suggest spending 2–3 days here. That gives you enough time to explore some of the attractions at a relaxed pace and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Here are some must-see attractions in Marrakesh:
Jemaa el-Fnaa
The bustling central square of Marrakesh, filled with street performers, musicians, and vendors selling traditional Moroccan goods.
Souks
Marrakesh is famous for its lively markets, or souks. Wander through the narrow alleys to find traditional Moroccan items like spices, ceramics, and textiles.
Bahia-Palast
Built in the late 19th century, this stunning palace is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Don’t miss its beautiful gardens and courtyards. Entry costs about €7, and guided tours are available.
Koutoubia Moschee
Marrakesh’s most iconic landmark and the largest mosque in the city, built in the 12th century. Its minaret is visible from nearly everywhere in Marrakesh, making it a great point of reference for navigating the city.
Saadier Gräber
These tombs date back to the 16th century and feature intricate tilework and carvings. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Majorelle Garten
Designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle, this beautiful garden is home to exotic plants and trees. It also houses a museum showcasing traditional Moroccan crafts.
El Badi Palast
Once one of Marrakesh’s most impressive buildings, this palace now stands as a majestic ruin with a large central courtyard.
Menara Gardens
A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, featuring an ancient pavilion and a vast water basin.
Tanneries
Among the oldest in the world, Marrakesh’s tanneries are still operational today. You can watch the traditional leather tanning process and shop for leather goods.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
This Islamic school from the 14th century is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, with a beautiful courtyard and intricate tilework.
Quad Biking in the Desert
A must-do half-day excursion is a quad biking tour through the nearby desert landscape. You can book this adventure in advance (click here). We had a fantastic time, and at the end of the tour, we enjoyed tea and pastries in a traditional Moroccan house before heading back to Marrakesh.
2. Ouzoud – Stunning Waterfalls
About 150 km east of Marrakesh lies Ouzoud, a village in Morocco’s Azilal province. It’s one of the highlights of our trip, known for its beautiful waterfalls, which are among Morocco’s most popular natural attractions.
The Ouzoud waterfalls are a series of cascades that drop 110 meters into the depths below. Surrounded by lush greenery like olive and almond trees, the waterfalls create a breathtaking setting.
You can drive to Ouzoud with a rental car or join a guided tour. It’s even possible to take a refreshing swim in the pools below the falls.
There are several restaurants and cafés in the area where you can sample traditional Moroccan cuisine while enjoying the spectacular views. However, most cater to tourists and offer similar menus.
Apart from the waterfalls, Ouzoud features historical sites like ancient watermills, a traditional Berber village, and the ruins of a 17th-century kasbah. These can be explored on foot or by mule.
We recommend visiting Ouzoud as a day trip from Marrakesh.
3. Ait bin Haddou - Africa’s Hollywood
Ait Ben Haddou is a nearly 1,000-year-old village in the High Atlas Mountains of southern Morocco. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most famous destinations.
The village sits atop a hill and is surrounded by tall walls made of clay and straw, reinforced with towers and battlements. Enter through a massive gate, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another era.
Explore the narrow streets and alleys of the village on your own or with a guide. Traditional shops and small cafés can be found within the walls.
Climb to the top of the hill for a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Nicknamed “Hollywood of Africa,” Ait Ben Haddou has served as a filming location for many famous movies and TV shows, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones.
Nearby attractions include the Ounila Valley, the Kasbah of Telouet, and the Todra Gorge, as well as the town of Ouarzazate.
Our Tip: we booked this package in andvance to see as much as possible and can absolutely recommend this to you.
4. Tinghir: Todra Gorge – Majestic Rock Formations and an Outdoor Paradise
The Todra Gorge in Tinghir is a series of limestone river canyons located in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, about three hours from Ait Ben Haddou.
Carved by the Todgha River, the gorges are renowned for their dramatic natural beauty.
The Todra Gorge is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly climbers and hikers. The towering limestone cliffs, reaching heights of up to 400 meters, offer a challenging climbing experience (not suitable for beginners), while the winding river and narrow canyon provide a stunning backdrop for hikes and exploration.
The best way to experience the gorge is by booking a guided tour, which often includes camel rides into the desert to see the impressive sand dunes and admire the sunrise and sunset on the horizon. As a memorable conclusion, you can spend the night in a Bedouin tent, dine with other travelers, and immerse yourself in Berber traditions.
The surrounding area is also home to several Berber villages, giving visitors insight into traditional Moroccan life and culture. Local guides are available for tours through the gorge and nearby villages. There are also various accommodation options in the area, including hotels, guesthouses, and even some campgrounds.
In our opinion, the Todra Gorge is a must-see for every Morocco traveler seeking natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences.
You should also make time to visit the nearby Dades Gorge—another breathtaking spot!
5. Merzouga: Sahara – A Night in the Desert
Another highlight of our Morocco round trip, located about three hours from Tinghir, is Merzouga!
Merzouga is a small village in southeastern Morocco, specifically in the Draa-Tafilalet region. It is located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border, and is famous for its breathtaking sand dunes, which rise up to 150 meters high!
The best way to explore the desert is by booking a guided tour, which often includes camel rides into the dunes. You can marvel at the vast sand landscapes, watch the sun rise and set on the horizon, and then spend the night in a Bedouin tent. There, you’ll enjoy dinner with other guests and immerse yourself in Berber traditions.
We were absolutely captivated by the Sahara’s desert landscapes. We were fortunate to visit during a new moon, which allowed us to see the Milky Way from our desert accommodation. It was an absolutely magical moment!
The next morning, you’ll ride the camels back to the starting point, where a traditional breakfast awaits. Afterward, a shuttle will take you back to Marrakesh or your rental car.
6. How Expensive is a Trip to Morocco?
As with all travel, the costs of a trip to Morocco depend on several factors, such as the season, type of transportation, choice of accommodation, and your personal travel style.
In general, Morocco is a relatively affordable destination where you can experience a lot at a reasonable price.
To give you a better idea of the expenses for a one-week round trip in Morocco, we’ve summarized our costs in a table.
We’ve intentionally left out tips and souvenir expenses, as these are very individual. You can certainly travel much more affordably in Morocco if you eat less frequently at restaurants and instead rely more on the numerous food stalls.
Costs for a One-Week Trip to Morocco:
Categories | total 1.649€ | per person 824,50€ |
Flights | 550€ | 275€ |
Accommodation (Hotels/Riads) | 365€ | 182,50€ |
Food (Restaurants & Markets) | 364€ | 182€ |
Guided Tours/Excursions | 290€ | 145€ |
Transfers (Shuttels & Taxis) | 40€ | 20€ |
Others (Sim card for mobile phone) | 40€ | 20€ |
Car Rental Costs in Morocco
If you plan to rent a car in Morocco, you’ll notice there are many affordable options. Renting a car in Morocco is generally quite inexpensive. However, we recommend opting for the best possible insurance coverage and avoiding the smallest vehicle category.
You should also avoid driving into Marrakesh with a car, as it can be almost impossible. The streets quickly become narrow and crowded. You can easily find cheap car rentals here.
7. Useful Tips for Your Morocco Vacation
How Much Time Should You Allocate for a Morocco Round Trip?
If you only want to explore a part of the country (e.g., the interior), you can already discover a lot within one week. However, if you also want to visit the coasts or see all the royal cities, we recommend allocating two weeks for your Morocco round trip. This way, you’ll have enough time to get to know the people, their traditions, and the country’s landscapes while diving into the magic of the Orient.
Need inspiration for planning your Morocco trip? These articles might help:
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