Morocco is a country of a thousand faces. In one week, you can go from the Atlantic coast to the golden sand dunes of the Sahara, cross the Atlas mountains and explore ancient kasbahs. This is the road trip we suggest today: 1,200 km of pure adventure, designed for curious travellers who want to see the real Morocco.
1Day 1: Casablanca, your arrival city
Your adventure begins in Casablanca, the kingdom's economic capital. Before hitting the road, take time to visit the Hassan II Mosque — one of the largest in the world and the only one that welcomes non-Muslims. Its modern architecture blended with traditional Moroccan art is a true masterpiece.
For food, have lunch at La Sqala in the medina to taste an authentic tagine, or enjoy a coffee on a terrace facing the ocean on the Corniche.
Suggested plan for the day:
- Morning: Pick up the vehicle at CMN Airport + visit the Hassan II Mosque
- Noon: Traditional lunch at La Sqala (Medina)
- Afternoon: Stroll along the Aïn Diab Corniche
- Evening: Dinner and night in a riad or hotel in the city centre
The High Atlas, crossed by the N9 road between Marrakech and Ouarzazate
2Days 2-3: Marrakech, the Red City
Head for Marrakech via the A7 motorway. Allow about 2h30 from Casablanca. Once there, dive into the magic of the medina: Jemaa el-Fna square, the souks, the Majorelle gardens and the Bahia Palace.
On the second day, head for higher ground towards the Ourika valley (45 min from Marrakech), a foretaste of the Atlas landscapes ahead. Take the opportunity to have lunch in a Berber restaurant by the river.
Not to be missed in Marrakech:
- Jemaa el-Fna square (by day and by night)
- The Majorelle gardens and the Yves Saint Laurent museum
- The Bahia Palace and the Ben Youssef Medersa
- The souks (spices, leather, jewellery)
- A traditional hammam to relax
3Day 4: Crossing the High Atlas
The most spectacular day of the trip! You leave Marrakech early in the morning to cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m above sea level) via the legendary N9. The scenery is breathtaking: ochre mountains, perched Berber villages and panoramic viewpoints every 10 km.
Planned arrival at Aït-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO site since 1987. This ancient kasbah has been the backdrop for many films (Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia). Spend a night in a local guesthouse to live the experience to the full.
Aït-Ben-Haddou, a Berber ksar listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site
4Days 5-6: The Sahara, the dunes of Merzouga
Head south-east. You cross the Draa valley, the longest palm grove in the world, before reaching Merzouga and the famous Erg Chebbi dunes. Allow about 6 hours' drive from Aït-Ben-Haddou — share the driving if you can.
In Merzouga, the unmissable experience is the desert bivouac: a camel ride at sunset, a Berber dinner under the stars, a night in a luxury tent and sunrise over the dunes. Magical.
The Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, 150 m high
5Day 7: Back to Casablanca
For the return journey, you have two options:
- Option 1: Direct return via Errachidia, Midelt and the A2 motorway (10 hours' drive, faster)
- Option 2: Detour via Fez to visit the UNESCO-listed medina (12 hours' drive, richer)
Return the vehicle at Casablanca airport with your head full of memories — and probably already wanting to come back.
6Estimated budget for this road trip
Here is an estimate for 2 people over 7 days:
- Car rental (SUV): about 5,000 MAD (Hyundai Tucson, Comfort plan)
- Fuel (1,200 km): 1,200 MAD
- Accommodation: 4,200 MAD (riads + bivouac)
- Food: 2,100 MAD
- Visits & activities: 1,500 MAD
- Estimated total: about 14,000 MAD (around €1,400)
7Practical tips for your road trip
- Licence: A category B licence is enough. An international licence is recommended for non-Europeans.
- Documents: ID + bank card in the main driver's name.
- Notice: Book your car as soon as your dates are set (booking possible up to the same day, subject to availability).
- Fuel: Fill up in every big city — stations become scarce in the south.
- Internet: Consider on-board WiFi (option +40 MAD/day) for GPS outside covered areas.
- Insurance: Choose at least the Comfort plan, which covers theft and glass breakage.
This road trip will give you memories for a lifetime. Morocco is best experienced when you take the time to stop, listen and taste. Have a great trip, and don't hesitate to message us on WhatsApp if you have any questions!
