The epic landscapes of Morocco, from its wild Atlantic coastline to the sweeping Saharan desert and rugged mountains, make it prime road trip territory.
While traversing the country on four wheels can be a nerve-jangling experience—from bumper-to-bumper city traffic to vertiginous mountain passes and unpredictable drivers everywhere—nothing beats the freedom of the open road and exploring at your own pace. Here are our top picks for road-tripping around Morocco.
1. The Dadès Gorge
Best for scenic views
Skoura to Dadès Gorge; 117km (73 miles); around 2 hours without stops
The drive through the Dadès Gorge is one of the most scenic in Morocco, featuring eye-catching rock formations, earthen Imazighen (Berber) villages, and crumbling kasbahs.
Head east from the palm-fringed oasis town of Skoura, stopping to explore the ancient Glaoui kasbah in the village of Aït Youl. The ochre fortress looms over the road, presenting an unexpectedly lush backdrop of fig and almond trees. Don’t forget to pick up some rose-related products as you pass through Kalaat M’Gouna, which hosts the fragrant Rose Festival in May.
From Boumalne Dadès, follow the gorge’s twists and turns. Soon you’ll spot the Monkey’s Fingers rising from the parched river bed—an otherworldly sandstone cliff sculpted by time and the elements. As you continue, the road rises in a series of thrilling hairpin bends. Take a mint tea break on the terrace of a local restaurant for stellar views over the serpentine road before heading back down.
Planning tip: Spend the night at Auberge Chez Pierre built into the gorge and indulge in a fine Morocco-meets-Mediterranean feast at its justly popular restaurant.
2. Marrakesh to Essaouira
Best road trip for families
Marrakesh to Essaouira; 191km (118 miles); around 3 hours without stops
After negotiating the chaos of honking taxis and zigzagging motorists on your way out of Marrakesh, the R207 stretches west along a flat, dusty plain toward the seaside city of Essaouira. With its ancient ramparts, hassle-free souqs, rolling surf, and delicious seafood, Essaouira is ideal for unwinding after the hustle of the Red City.
Keep an eye out for tree-climbing goats perched on argan trees and local argan oil products from women’s cooperatives. About 30km (19 miles) before Essaouira, Bbio Organic Farm makes the perfect family-friendly pit stop, offering insights into innovative farming techniques before providing a leisurely alfresco lunch of homemade bread, fresh juices, and seasonal salads dressed in hand-pressed olive oil.
Planning tip: If you’re traveling on a Sunday, it’s worth turning off around 23km (14 miles) from Essaouira to the rural souq at Had Draa, where you’ll find locals haggling over everything from a bleating goat to a plastic bucket.
3. Tizi N’Tichka Pass
Best for thrill seekers
Marrakesh to Taroudant; 230km (143 miles), around 5 hours with no stops (the pass itself is 49km/30 miles long and takes around 75–90 minutes)
Tizi n’Tichka is one of the most beautiful—and most dangerous—drives in Morocco. An impressive feat of engineering, this High Atlas pass reaches a vertigo-inducing 2100m (6890ft). It’s not for the fainthearted—only one car wide in places, the road features precipitous drops, and local drivers often speed around blind bends. However, if you take your eyes off the road for a moment—preferably at a roadside café—the views will take your breath away.
Your first stop on the scenic R203 could be in the pretty Ouirgane Valley, an ideal spot for hiking and cycling or just relaxing at Ouirgane Ecolodge. Then, follow the road to the architectural wonder of the Tin Mal Mosque, located 18km (11 miles) from Mouldikht and the start of the pass.
The road winds down to Taroudant, framed by the peaks of the Anti Atlas and High Atlas, nicknamed “mini Marrakesh” for its imposing honey-colored ramparts. While there aren’t must-see sights, its unhurried pace and lack of tourists make it easy to linger.
Planning tip: High mountain passes can be closed due to snow from November to March, so check before you set off. Locals or weather apps can provide helpful information on the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
4. Tangier to Chefchaouen
Best for culture vultures
Tangier to Chefchaouen; 128km (80 miles); around 3 hours with no stops
Tangier, long a haven for artists and writers, is experiencing a revival. After years of neglect, its historic buildings are being restored, making it an exciting destination. Once you’ve explored the trendy shops, galleries, and restaurants, head south on the N2 toward the Rif Mountains for a slower pace of life.
At the foot of the Rif, the quaint town of Tetouan still maintains a Spanish vibe, with its white architecture and stately squares. It’s home to the renowned Royal Artisan School. Discover its rich cultural heritage through local craft tours. From Tetouan, the road rises through dramatic mountain scenery dotted with giant oak and cedar trees, passing Riffian villages where distinctive traditional dress is worn. The relaxed Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-washed medina, invites you to explore trekking trails nearby.
5. Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Best road trip for city to desert
Marrakesh to Ouarzazate; 193km (120 miles); around 4 hours with no stops
One of Morocco’s most dramatic drives is roughly halfway between Marrakesh and Ouarzazate. The Tizi n’Tichka pass reaches impressive heights of 2260m (7415ft), providing stunning vistas and a less challenging drive compared to Tizi n’Test.
The road climbs steeply after Ait Ourir, with panoramic views over the snow-dusted Atlas mountains greeting you at every turn. To avoid truck traffic interference, early morning travel is recommended. As you wind downhill, watch the landscape transform into desert oases.
The Unesco-listed ksar (fortified village) of Ait Ben Haddou—30km (19 miles) from Ouarzazate—has starred in major films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Once in Ouarzazate, movie buffs will appreciate a tour of the Atlas Studios.
Detour: From Ouarzazate, follow the N9 southeast through the Draa Valley to M’Hamid at the fringes of the Sahara, an opportunity to experience a camel ride or venture to a desert camp among the Erg Chigaga dunes.
Tips for Driving in Morocco
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Most international rental car companies have outlets at major airports and popular tourist destinations. Always have your driving license, passport, and credit card ready to cover excess charges. It’s essential to read the rental agreement’s fine print to understand your insurance coverage.
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A 2WD vehicle will suffice for most locations, but if you’re headed for off-roading, opt for a 4WD, verifying it includes a functional spare tire.
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Download an offline map before you embark, as phone signals can be limited in remote areas.
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Driving after dark should be avoided due to poor road conditions and potential delays from stops along the way.
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Keep emergency service numbers accessible in case of breakdowns—drive slowly as speed limits are enforced strictly.
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Ensure your documents are handy for interactions with police, as there is no legal drunk-driving limit—strict abstinence is advised.
This article was first published Feb 6, 2023 and updated Aug 16, 2023.
