The High Atlas and Desert Loop in 12 Days
This route creates a broad scenic loop through central and southeastern Morocco. It starts with greener mountain and waterfall scenery, then crosses remote highland landscapes before descending toward the Ziz Valley and the edge of the Sahara. The return journey brings in some of the country’s best-known canyon, valley and kasbah scenery before heading back to Marrakech over the High Atlas.
Quick Facts
- Best for: Scenic road trips, mountain landscapes, gorges, desert scenery, adventurous first or second trips
- Duration: 12 days
- Start / End: Marrakech
- Pace: Moderate to active
- Best with: Rental car or private driver
- Includes: Waterfalls, lakes, mountains, high plateaus, gorges, desert dunes, kasbahs, panoramic roads
- Not ideal for: Travelers who dislike long drives or want mostly city sightseeing
Day by Day Itinerary
1
Day 1 - Arrive in Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech and settle in before the road trip begins. Depending on your arrival time, you can rest, explore the medina or enjoy dinner on a rooftop. Overnight in Marrakech.
2
Day 2 - Marrakech to Ouzoud
Leave Marrakech for the Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of Morocco’s best-known natural attractions. Spend the afternoon enjoying the falls, the greenery and the views from the surrounding terraces. Overnight in Ouzoud.
3
Day 3 - Ouzoud to Bin El Ouidane
Continue toward Bin El Ouidane, a peaceful lake area surrounded by hills and mountains. This makes a scenic and relaxing stop before heading deeper into the Atlas. Overnight in Bin El Ouidane.
4
Day 4 - Bin El Ouidane to Imilchil
Drive into the more remote and rugged landscapes of the central High Atlas. Imilchil is a simple mountain village with a raw, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere, and the route there is one of the most dramatic parts of the trip. Overnight in Imilchil.
5
Day 5 - Imilchil to Errachidia
Continue east through high mountain and semi-arid scenery toward Errachidia and the first stretches of the Ziz Valley. This is where the landscapes begin to shift from high plateaus to oasis and desert-edge scenery. Overnight in Errachidia or the Ziz Valley area.
6
Errachidia to Merzouga
Follow the Ziz Valley southward through palm groves, ksour and desert landscapes toward Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Arrive in time to enjoy the changing light over the sand. Overnight in Merzouga.
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7
Day 7 - Merzouga and the dunes
Spend a full day in the Merzouga area to enjoy the dunes at a slower pace. This is the time for a camel ride, a 4×4 excursion, a walk in the sand or simply a quiet desert sunset. Overnight in Merzouga.
8
Day 8 - Merzouga to Todra Gorge
Leave the desert and head west toward Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most impressive canyon landscapes. The scenery changes sharply here, from open desert to steep rock walls and oasis villages. Overnight in Todra Gorge or Tinghir.
9
Day 9 - Todra Gorge to Dades Valley
After time in the gorge, continue to the Dades Valley, known for its winding roads, rocky formations and beautiful viewpoints. This is one of the most scenic and photogenic stages of the loop. Overnight in Dades Valley.
10
Day 10 - Dades Valley to Ouarzazate
Travel west through Kelaat M’Gouna, the Valley of the Roses and Skoura before reaching Ouarzazate. This stretch combines oasis landscapes, kasbah scenery and broad desert light. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
11
Day 11 - Ouarzazate to Aït Benhaddou
Make the short trip to Aït Benhaddou, Morocco’s most iconic ksar and one of its most memorable historic sites. Staying nearby gives you time to enjoy the setting without rushing. Overnight in Aït Benhaddou.
12
Day 12 - Aït Benhaddou to Marrakech
Return to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, one of Morocco’s best-known mountain roads. This final stretch closes the loop with sweeping views and a strong sense of contrast with the desert landscapes of earlier days. Overnight in Marrakech or departure.
This itinerary is one of the best choices for travelers who want a scenic and memorable road trip rather than a standard city-focused route.
Page last updated: June 2026
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