Atlas Road Trip Itinerary
The Atlas Road Trip is a great way to explore Morocco! Starting in the bustling city of Marrakesh and ending in the beautiful city of Fez, this 914km road trip takes about 7 days to complete. Travelling through Ouarzazate, Errachidia and Ifrane, you'll get to experience the stunning landscapes and historical sites that Morocco has to offer. Make sure to check out the UNESCO World Heritage sites along the way, including the Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou and the Medina of Fez. The roads are generally in good condition, although they can be narrow and curvy in some places.
This road trip is perfect for everyone, whether you're a novice or experienced driver. The trip can be completed on a budget, but it still provides an incredibly memorable experience. So, if you're looking for a fantastic road trip to explore Morocco, the Atlas Road Trip is the perfect choice! The best time to drive is between October and April.
7
number of days
916 km
route length
low
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
high
accident level
Ait Benhhadou
Atlas
Title!
Boulmane Dades
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START
Marrakesh
Distance 916 km
Driving time 15.5 h
Pace: modest
238.1 kWh
Airports
RAK
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Marrakesh is an ancient city in Morocco, located at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It is an ideal starting point for the Atlas Road Trip, offering a great selection of sights to see and activities to do.
The most popular sights in Marrakesh include the Koutoubia Mosque, the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs. A visit to the old city of Marrakesh, the Medina, is also a must.
The closest international airport to Marrakesh is Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK). There are car rental services available at the airport, making it easy to explore the city and the surrounding area.
Marrakesh is a great starting point for the Atlas Road Trip. With plenty of sights to explore and activities to do, it is an ideal way to kick off your journey. So make sure to include Marrakesh in your trip plans!
Marrakesh
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1
Marrakesh
- Ait Benhaddou
- Ouarzazate
Distance 199 km
Driving time 3.7 h
Pace: modest
51.7 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on a thrilling road trip from Marrakesh to Ouarzazate and experience the best of Morocco! This 203 km journey will take you fewer than 4 hours and will take you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes. Start your journey in Marrakesh and drive through the scenic road until you reach Ait Benhaddou, a fortified city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is a great spot to take some amazing photos and explore the area. Continue your journey and make sure to pay attention to the winding and narrow roads in some sections. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding desert. Finally, arrive in Ouarzazate, known for its movie studios and Kasbahs. Don't forget to explore the local markets and take in the unique culture of the area. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Ouarzazate - Morocco - Africa - Road Trip - KimKim
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2
Ouarzazate
- Boumalne Dades
- Tinghir
Distance 169 km
Driving time 2.7 h
Pace: fast
50.7 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip starting in Ouarzazate and taking you through the stunning landscapes of Boumalne Dades and Tinghir. This 165km route takes less than 3 hours to drive, so make sure to take your time and admire the beautiful scenery along the way. You can expect to see lush valleys, steep gorges, and red sandstone cliffs. Be sure to keep an eye out for the stunning oasis of Tinghir, which is a must-see.
In Boumalne Dades, you will find the spectacular gorges of Todra and Dades, which are well worth a visit. The area is also known for its traditional Berber villages, so make sure to take a few minutes to explore.
Finally, you will arrive in Tinghir, which is home to some of the most beautiful oases in the world. Here, you can explore the old Kasbah, stroll through the palm groves, or take a dip in the cool waters of the oasis.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Tinghir - Morocco - Africa - Road Trip - Dreamstime.com
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3
Tinghir
- Todgha Gorges
- Errachidia
Distance 135 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
40.5 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Tinghir to Errachidia, Morocco! This 135km journey, taking no more than two hours, will take you through some of the most stunning places in the country. From Tinghir, you will drive through the Todgha Gorges, a breathtaking canyon with towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations. The road is quite winding in some sections, so please be careful when driving. In some sections, the road will be quite narrow, so don’t forget to keep your eyes open for oncoming traffic. Along the way, you’ll be treated to some of the most beautiful scenery Morocco has to offer. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the views! Once you reach Errachidia, you’ll have a chance to explore the city and its attractions. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to hit the road and explore the wonders of Morocco!
Errachidia - Morocco - Africa - Road Trip - Places
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4
Errachidia
- Midelt
Distance 138 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: fast
41.5 kWh
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Are you ready for a road trip adventure? Join us for a 139 km journey from Errachidia to Midelt, Morocco! It will take you less than 3 hours to get to your destination, but don't rush - the scenic road will give you plenty of opportunities to admire the beauty of the region. You will be driving through some winding sections, so pay attention to the road. Along the way, you will pass by some of the most interesting places in this region, such as Ain Leuh, Erfoud, and Ziz Valley. Make sure to stop and take some photos of the beautiful landscapes! When you arrive in Midelt, you can visit the Kasbah Midelt and the nearby archaeological site of Aït Ouazik. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Midelt - Morocco - Africa - Road Trip - Trip in Morocco
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Midelt
- Ifrane
Distance 135 km
Driving time 2.3 h
Pace: modest
35.2 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Midelt to Ifrane! This 132 km journey will take you less than three hours, and will take you through some of the most scenic roads in Morocco. The winding roads in some sections make it even more exciting, so make sure to pay attention when driving. As you drive, you'll come across some of the most interesting places to visit, such as the Ziz Valley, the Middle Atlas Mountains, and the Cedar Forests. In Midelt, you can visit the Kasbah of Ait Haddou, and in Ifrane, you can explore the Ain Lahdjar Nature Reserve. You can also find many accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. For more information, check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Ifrane - Morocco - Africa - Road Trip - Dreamstime.com
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Ifrane
- Meknès
Distance 62 km
Driving time 1.1 h
Pace: modest
16.2 kWh
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Itinerary
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Ifrane to Meknès, Morocco! This 63 km drive will take you less than two hours, but you’ll want to make sure you take your time to soak in the beauty of the region. Along the way, you’ll be able to visit the Cascades d’Ouzoud, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in North Africa, and the ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you reach Meknès, you’ll be able to explore its bustling medina, a maze of narrow streets and old buildings. Make sure you don’t miss the Bab Mansour, the monumental gate of the old city. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Get ready to hit the road!
Meknès - Morocco - Africa - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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7
Meknès
- Fez
Distance 77 km
Driving time 1.2 h
Pace: fast
23.0 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Meknes to Fez? This 77km journey will take you less than two hours, so you can take your time and enjoy the scenic roads. As you drive, make sure to stop at the most interesting places in Meknes and Fez. In Meknes, you can visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Heri es-Souani, and the Shrine of Moulay Ismail. In Fez, you can explore the Medina of Fez, the Nejjarine Fountain, and the Karaouine Mosque. Don't forget to take plenty of pictures! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your adventure!
Fez - Morocco - Africa - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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Fez
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Fez is the perfect ending point of the Atlas Road Trip. This vibrant city in Morocco is known for its ancient medina which is the world's largest car-free urban area. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, full of traditional pottery, jewelry, and carpets. The medina is a great place to explore and get lost in the labyrinth of streets.
Another must-see in Fez is the Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century Islamic school that is one of the few remaining madrasas to have its minaret still standing. It is a stunningly beautiful building with intricate details, and is a great place to take a few photos. After exploring the medina, a walk through the Jnan Sbil gardens is a great way to relax. This beautiful park has a small lake, numerous trees and plants, and a stunning view of the Fez skyline.
Fez is easily accessible by car. It is located in the northern part of Morocco, just a few hours away from the Mediterranean coast. The closest international airport is Fes Saïss Airport (FEZ), which is located just 11 km from the city centre.
Fez is a great place to end the Atlas Road Trip. From the bustling medina and the beautiful Bou Inania Madrasa to the tranquil Jnan Sbil gardens, there is something for everyone in Fez.
Atlas Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Marrakesh
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End:
Fez
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Distance:
916 km
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Stay:
7 days
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Getting there:
Menara Airport (RAK)
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When to drive:
April, May, June, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Atlas Road Trip is an exhilarating 914km journey that takes you from the bustling city of Marrakesh to the historical grandeur of Fez in Morocco. Typically completed over the course of 7 days, this Road Trip offers a deep dive into Morocco's diverse landscapes, from the High Atlas mountains to the edge of the Sahara Desert, and its rich cultural heritage, with relics and traditions dating back centuries.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Marrakesh: Explore the city's heart at Djemaa el-Fna, a lively square filled with storytellers and snake charmers, and unwind in the tranquil Majorelle Garden, once owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
- Ouarzazate: Often referred to as the `Gateway to the Sahara,` this city is famous for the Kasbah Taourirt and the nearby Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, a remarkable example of southern Moroccan architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been featured in numerous films.
- Errachidia: A gateway to the majestic Ziz Valley, offering breathtaking views of palm groves and ancient fortified villages.
- Ifrane: Admire its unique Alpine-style architecture and visit the nearby Michlifen Ski Station, a winter sports haven in the heart of Morocco.
- Fez: Immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco within its ancient walled Medina, home to the world-renowned University of Al Quaraouiyine, which is considered the oldest continuously operating university in the world.
Best Time to Go:
The ideal time for the Atlas Road Trip is the cooler months from October to April, offering a comfortable climate for exploration and avoiding the sweltering heat of the Moroccan summer.
Potential Risks:
- The mountainous terrain features narrow and winding Roads that require careful navigation, especially for drivers unaccustomed to such conditions.
- Seasonal weather, including snow in higher elevations, can impact travel plans and Road conditions.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The route provides opportunities to engage with local Berber communities and witness their timeless traditions.
- The Roads are well-maintained, reflecting Morocco's investment in its infrastructure to promote tourism.
- Accommodations range from luxury riads to modest guesthouses, providing comfortable options for every traveler.
- The journey is suitable for a variety of drivers, from those looking for a leisurely Scenic Drive to those seeking a more challenging adventure.
A good choice for:
The Atlas Road Trip is more than a Road journey; it's a cultural expedition that offers a captivating mix of adventure, history, and breathtaking landscapes, all woven into the vibrant tapestry of Moroccan life.
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