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Road trip Morocco 3 weeks: Road Trip Morocco 3 Weeks: Sahara, Anti-Atlas & the Atlantic
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20 days · Road trip with a driver

Road Trip Morocco 3 Weeks: Sahara, Anti-Atlas & the Atlantic

A road trip Morocco 3 weeks long through the south, without driving yourself: the Sahara, then the Anti-Atlas and the wild Atlantic coast, with two or three nights in each place.

See the day-by-day route
20 days / 19 nightsStarts in MarrakechEnds in MarrakechPrivate tour
Marrakech→Aït Benhaddou→Skoura→Dades Valley→Todra Gorge→Merzouga→Rissani→Ouarzazate→Taroudant→Tafraoute→Mirleft→Legzira→Sidi Ifni→Mirleft→Taghazout→Paradise Valley→Taghazout→Imsouane→Essaouira→Marrakech

About this Road trip Morocco 3 weeks

This road trip Morocco 3 weeks route explores the deep south with your own driver. It joins the Sahara, the Anti-Atlas and the wild Atlantic coast.

First, you cross the Atlas to Aït Benhaddou and hike in the Dades canyons. Then you ride camels to a camp in the dunes of Merzouga. After that, you head west to Taroudant and cycle around its ramparts. Next, you hike below the pink granite of Tafraoute and walk on Legzira beach. Finally, you surf in Taghazout and relax in Essaouira. As a result, this road trip Morocco 3 weeks long shows places few visitors reach. It is a private trip on your dates.

Highlights of this Road trip Morocco 3 weeks

  • Aït Benhaddou on horseback
  • Dades & Todra gorges
  • Camel ride & desert camp
  • Rissani market
  • Taroudant by bike
  • Tafraoute & the Ameln valley
  • Legzira beach & Sidi Ifni
  • Surf in Taghazout
  • Paradise Valley pools

Road trip Morocco 3 weeks: day by day

  1. 1day
    Day 1

    Arrival in Marrakech

    We meet you at the airport; an evening in Jemaa el-Fna.

    On the road: about 30 minStay: Riad in Marrakech
  2. 2day
    Day 2

    Over the Atlas to Aït Benhaddou

    The Tizi n’Tichka pass, then a horse ride around the ksar of Aït Benhaddou.

    On the road: about 4 h with stopsStay: Riad in Aït Benhaddou
  3. 3day
    Day 3

    Skoura & the Dades

    Cycle in the Skoura palm grove and follow the road of the kasbahs to the Dades Valley.

    On the road: about 3.5 h with stopsStay: Riad in Dades Valley
  4. 4day
    Day 4

    Dades canyon hike

    A day on foot in the red canyons, with a picnic in the shade.

    Stay: Riad in Dades Valley
  5. 5day
    Day 5

    Todra & the dunes

    A walk in the Todra Gorge, then Merzouga and a sunset camel ride to the desert camp.

    On the road: about 4.5 h with stopsStay: Desert camp
  6. 6day
    Day 6

    A day in the Sahara

    Sunrise, a buggy or quad ride, sandboarding and a nomad family.

    Stay: Riad in Merzouga
  7. 7day
    Day 7

    Rest day & Rissani

    A slow morning, then the market town of Rissani and its old ksour.

    On the road: about 1 h each wayStay: Riad in Merzouga
  8. 8day
    Day 8

    West to Ouarzazate

    A long day back west along the road of the kasbahs, with stops in Tinghir and the Dades.

    On the road: about 7–8 h with stopsStay: Riad in Ouarzazate
  9. 9day
    Day 9

    Saffron country to Taroudant

    Cross the hills of Taliouine, Morocco’s saffron land, to the walled town of Taroudant.

    On the road: about 4.5–5 h with stopsStay: Riad in Taroudant
  10. 10day
    Day 10

    Taroudant by bike

    Ride around the ochre ramparts in the cool morning, then the souks and a free afternoon.

    Stay: Riad in Taroudant
  11. 11day
    Day 11

    Into the Anti-Atlas

    A mountain road through argan trees and almond villages to Tafraoute.

    On the road: about 3.5–4 hStay: Guesthouse in Tafraoute
  12. 12day
    Day 12

    Ameln valley & the painted rocks

    Hike in the Ameln valley below the pink granite, then cycle to the painted rocks.

    Stay: Guesthouse in Tafraoute
  13. 13day
    Day 13

    Down to the ocean

    Drive through Tiznit to the quiet surf town of Mirleft.

    On the road: about 2.5–3 hStay: Guesthouse in Mirleft
  14. 14day
    Day 14

    Legzira & Sidi Ifni

    Walk along Legzira beach below its red cliffs and rock arch, then the old Spanish town of Sidi Ifni.

    On the road: about 30 min each wayStay: Guesthouse in Mirleft
  15. 15day
    Day 15

    North to Taghazout

    Follow the coast past Agadir to Morocco’s surf village.

    On the road: about 2.5–3 hStay: Surf house in Taghazout
  16. 16day
    Day 16

    Surf lesson

    A lesson on a beginners’ beach, with board and wetsuit.

    Stay: Surf house in Taghazout
  17. 17day
    Day 17

    Paradise Valley

    Walk in the palm canyon and swim in the natural pools.

    On the road: about 30 min each wayStay: Surf house in Taghazout
  18. 18day
    Day 18

    Imsouane & Essaouira

    Stop in the fishing village of Imsouane and continue to Essaouira.

    On the road: about 3 h with ImsouaneStay: Riad in Essaouira
  19. 19day
    Day 19

    Essaouira

    A horse ride on the beach or a kitesurf lesson, and the port at sunset.

    Stay: Riad in Essaouira
  20. 20day
    Day 20

    Back to Marrakech

    The drive inland to Marrakech for your flight.

    On the road: about 2.5–3 h

What’s included in this Road trip Morocco 3 weeks

Included

  • 19 nights of accommodation as listed (riads, guesthouses and a desert camp)
  • Breakfast every morning
  • Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
  • Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver
  • Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel, riad, airport)
  • Camel ride as described in the programme
  • Surf lessons with board and wetsuit

Not included

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums
  • Optional activities (for example quad, buggy or balloon) unless listed
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for drivers and guides

Draft based on this programme – our team confirms the exact list with your quote.

Where you stay

  1. Night 1Riad in Marrakech
  2. Night 2Riad in Aït Benhaddou
  3. Night 3Riad in Dades Valley
  4. Night 4Riad in Dades Valley
  5. Night 5Desert camp
  6. Night 6Riad in Merzouga
  7. Night 7Riad in Merzouga
  8. Night 8Riad in Ouarzazate
  9. Night 9Riad in Taroudant
  10. Night 10Riad in Taroudant
  11. Night 11Guesthouse in Tafraoute
  12. Night 12Guesthouse in Tafraoute
  13. Night 13Guesthouse in Mirleft
  14. Night 14Guesthouse in Mirleft
  15. Night 15Surf house in Taghazout
  16. Night 16Surf house in Taghazout
  17. Night 17Surf house in Taghazout
  18. Night 18Riad in Essaouira
  19. Night 19Riad in Essaouira

Comfort level: Standard + – comfortable riads, guesthouses and a traditional desert camp, chosen by our team. Luxury camps and riads are possible on request.

Best time for this trip

March to May and September to November are best: pleasant in the desert and the Anti-Atlas, with good waves on the coast. February brings almond blossom around Tafraoute; summer is too hot inland.

  • JanPossible
  • FebGood
  • MarBest
  • AprBest
  • MayGood
  • JunPossible
  • JulAvoid
  • AugAvoid
  • SepGood
  • OctBest
  • NovBest
  • DecGood

What to bring for this trip

  • Walking shoes for the gorges and the Ameln valley
  • Scarf or cheche for sand and sun
  • Warm layer for the desert night
  • Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
  • Rash vest for the surf
  • Sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Long trousers for the horse ride
  • Headtorch for the camp
  • Snacks for the long drives
  • Refillable water bottle

Booking & payment

How to book
Send your request; we confirm the programme and the price in writing on WhatsApp or by email.
Payment
A deposit secures your booking and the balance is paid on arrival.
Cancellation
Our cancellation conditions are sent with your quote, before you pay anything.
Weather & changes
If the weather stops an activity, we adapt the day or replace the activity.

Road Trip Morocco 3 Weeks: your questions

Do I have to drive on this road trip in Morocco for 3 weeks?

No. You travel with your own driver, so you can enjoy the mountain roads and stop wherever you like.

What is special about this road trip Morocco 3 weeks route?

After the desert it heads to the far south-west, which few visitors see: Taroudant, the Anti-Atlas around Tafraoute and the red cliffs of Legzira.

Which is the longest day on this road trip Morocco 3 weeks?

The drive from Merzouga back to Ouarzazate, about 7 to 8 hours with stops. The other days are shorter.

Can we add more surf days?

Yes. You can add nights in Taghazout or Mirleft, or take the surf lessons on more than one day.

Can we self-drive this route?

We plan private trips with our own drivers. If you want more freedom, tell us and we keep the days more open.

Local team in MoroccoYour trip is planned and run by our own team on the ground.
Private, on your datesOnly you and your travel companions, starting when you want.
Every day can changeAdd a night, an activity or a slower pace – the plan adapts to you.
Answers on WhatsAppAsk us anything before you book: +212 600 643 098.

What our travellers say

TA5.0 ●●●●●
Moroccan Active Adventures on Tripadvisor
●●●●●

A holistic experience

Booking a trip with Moroccan active adventures gave us the most memorable new years celebration of our lived. Our guide Mouhssin was especially talented at turning down deserted mountain/desert roads and finding beautiful riads…
A
Read all reviews on Tripadvisor

Activities on this trip

Read more about each experience – what to expect, who it is for and what to bring.

Quad & buggy ridesQuad & buggy ridesDay 6 – A day in the SaharaDetails →Camel & horseback treksCamel & horseback treksDay 2 – Over the Atlas to Aït BenhaddouDetails →Desert camping & stargazingDesert camping & stargazingDay 5 – Todra & the dunesDetails →Cycling & mountain bikingCycling & mountain bikingDay 3 – Skoura & the DadesDetails →Hiking & trekking adventuresHiking & trekking adventuresDay 4 – Dades canyon hikeDetails →Surf & kitesurf experienceSurf & kitesurf experienceDay 13 – Down to the oceanDetails →

Optional activities

Add one or more of these to your 20-day trip. They are not included in the price – ask us and we add them to your programme.

4x4 & off-road safarisOptional · extra4x4 & off-road safaris4x4 tour around the dunes and nomad familiesSee the activity →Kite surfing lift-offOptional · extraKite surfing lift-offKitesurf lesson in windy EssaouiraSee the activity →Windsurfing adventureOptional · extraWindsurfing adventureWindsurfing sessionSee the activity →Jet ski adventure on the coastOptional · extraJet ski adventure on the coastJet ski on the bay of AgadirSee the activity →Boat cruise along the coastOptional · extraBoat cruise along the coastBoat trip along the coastSee the activity →Hot air balloon rideOptional · extraHot air balloon rideSunrise flight before or after your tripSee the activity →
Quick request

Request this 20-day trip

Fill in the form and press send: your request comes straight to our team’s inbox (or WhatsApp, if you prefer) and we reply with the full programme and a clear price.

  • No payment to send a request
  • Private tour on your dates
  • Or write to us: +212 600 643 098

More ideas for 20 days in morocco

20 days in Morocco: The Whole of Morocco, Slowly20 Day Morocco Itinerary: The North, the Sahara, the Atlas & the CoastPrivate tour · Casablanca to Marrakech · All regions, slower paceEvery region in one unhurried loop: Rabat and blue Chefchaouen, three nights in Fes, the dunes of Merzouga with a rest day, the Todra and Dades gorges, a trek in the High Atlas, Marrakech and the Atlantic at Essaouira. 20 days in Morocco: Summit, Sand & Surf20 Day Morocco Tour: Toubkal, a Sahara Trek & Atlantic SurfPrivate tour · Round trip from Marrakech · Very activeFor fit travellers: the summit of Jebel Toubkal, a three-day camel trek across Erg Chebbi, climbing in the Todra Gorge, cycling in Skoura and surf on the Atlantic – with rest days between the big efforts. 20 days in Morocco: Bab Bou Jeloud gate and the old medina of Fes20 Days Morocco Tours from Casablanca: Coast, Atlas, Sahara & the NorthPrivate tour · Round trip from Casablanca · Round trip, all regionsA round trip that starts and ends at Casablanca airport: south along the Atlantic to Oualidia and Essaouira, a two-day trek in the High Atlas, the Sahara, the gorges, Fes and Chefchaouen, and back by Rabat.

See all 6 ideas for 20 days

A similar trip, shorter or longer

All Morocco itineraries, 4 to 30 days · Luxury tours · Small group tours · Women only tours · Activities · Travel tips · About our team

Quad & buggy rides
Land adventure

Quad & buggy rides

On this trip: Day 6 – A day in the Sahara

Quad biking Marrakech style means leaving the city noise behind in minutes: dusty palm grove tracks, Berber villages and the rocky hills of the Agafay desert, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. Our guides ride in front, set the pace to the slowest rider and stop for photos and mint tea. You do not need any experience – we show you the controls and do a short practice loop before we leave.

Where
Marrakech palm grove (Palmeraie), Agafay desert, Merzouga dunes
Duration
1 hour to 6 days
Level
Beginner friendly, no experience needed
Minimum age
Drivers usually 16+; younger children ride as buggy passengers
  • Desert right next to the city
  • Quad or buggy, your choice
  • Real landscapes, not a track
See the full activity page
 Camel & horseback treks
Land adventure

Camel & horseback treks

On this trip: Day 2 – Over the Atlas to Aït Benhaddou

Camel trekking Morocco’s Sahara is the slow, quiet way into the desert: a line of camels led by a guide on foot, swaying over the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga as the light turns soft. Most of our guests ride at sunset to a camp in the dunes and come back at sunrise. It is calm, not sporty – anyone who can sit on a saddle for an hour can do it.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), Agafay desert, Marrakech palm grove
Duration
1 hour to 6 days
Level
Easy, no experience needed for camels
Minimum age
Children ride with an adult; ask us for small kids
  • The classic Sahara moment
  • Local camel men
  • Slow travel
See the full activity page
 Desert camping & stargazing
Land adventure

Desert camping & stargazing

On this trip: Day 5 – Todra & the dunes

Sahara desert camping in Morocco is about one evening you will not forget: arriving at a camp hidden between the dunes of Erg Chebbi, climbing a ridge for sunset, eating tagine by the fire while drums play, then lying on a rug under more stars than you thought possible. Our camps near Merzouga range from simple nomad-style tents to comfortable tents with real beds and private bathrooms.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Agafay desert near Marrakech
Duration
1 to 3 nights
Level
Easy, for all ages
Camp types
Nomad-style, standard and luxury tents
  • Real dunes
  • A sky full of stars
  • Choose your comfort
See the full activity page
 Cycling & mountain biking
Land adventure

Cycling & mountain biking

On this trip: Day 3 – Skoura & the Dades

Mountain biking Morocco’s High Atlas means riding mule paths between Berber villages, rolling down terraced valleys and stopping for tea where the trail meets a walnut grove. Our guides know the tracks around Marrakech, the Ourika and Imlil valleys and the Agafay hills, and pick routes that fit your level – from easy dirt roads to longer climbs and technical descents.

Where
Agafay desert, Ourika and Imlil valleys (High Atlas), Dades and Todra gorges
Duration
Half day to multi-day tours
Level
Easy to challenging – routes chosen for you
Bikes
Mountain bikes and e-bikes, helmet included
  • Mountains near the city
  • Village trails, not empty parks
  • Huge variety
See the full activity page
 Hiking & trekking adventures
Land adventure

Hiking & trekking adventures

On this trip: Day 4 – Dades canyon hike

Hiking Morocco’s High Atlas is a walk through a lived-in landscape: terraced fields, walnut trees, flat-roofed Berber villages built from the same red earth as the mountains, and mule paths that people still use every day. Our local mountain guides grew up around these valleys. They choose the route, set a steady pace and arrange lunch or a night in a village house.

Where
High Atlas (Imlil, Ourika, Toubkal), Dades & Todra gorges, Merzouga dunes
Duration
Day hikes to 5-day treks
Level
Easy valley walks to challenging summit treks
Minimum age
Valley walks for families; Toubkal for fit teens and adults
  • Real mountains near Marrakech
  • Toubkal, the big one
  • Village life on the trail
See the full activity page
 Surf & kitesurf experience
Water adventure

Surf & kitesurf experience

On this trip: Day 13 – Down to the ocean

Surfing Morocco means long right-hand point breaks, sandy beach breaks for learning and warm sun when Europe is cold. The coast north of Agadir – Taghazout, Tamraght and the fishing village of Imsouane – is the heart of it, with Essaouira and its windy beaches further north. We organise lessons and surf guiding with licensed local surf schools and instructors, from your first wave to your first point break.

Where
Taghazout, Tamraght, Imsouane, Essaouira
Duration
Half-day lesson to a week-long surf camp
Level
Complete beginners to experienced surfers
Minimum age
Children who swim well, in lessons suited to them
  • World-class point breaks
  • A great place to learn
  • Surf in winter sun
See the full activity page
 4x4 & off-road safaris
Land adventure

4x4 & off-road safaris

Optional extra: 4x4 tour around the dunes and nomad families

A 4x4 tour Morocco style takes you where normal cars cannot go: around the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, across the black stone plains near Merzouga, up rough mountain tracks in the Atlas and down into dry riverbeds where nomads still water their flocks. You sit back with an experienced local driver who knows the pistes, the weather and the best places to stop.

Where
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi, High Atlas tracks, Dades & Todra gorges, Agafay
Duration
Half day to multi-day private tours
Level
Easy – you are a passenger, no driving needed
Group
Private vehicle for your family or group
  • Reach the hidden places
  • Drivers who know the pistes
  • Private and flexible
See the full activity page
 Kite surfing lift-off
Air adventure

Kite surfing lift-off

Optional extra: Kitesurf lesson in windy Essaouira

Kitesurfing Morocco means steady Atlantic wind, long beaches and two very different playgrounds. In the far south, the Dakhla lagoon offers wide, flat, shallow water that is ideal for learning and for freestyle. Further north, Essaouira is known for its strong trade winds in spring and summer, with choppy water in the bay and powerful waves on nearby beaches for experienced riders.

Where
Dakhla lagoon, Essaouira and other Atlantic spots
Duration
Single lessons to a full kite week
Level
Beginner courses to independent riders
Minimum age
Set by the school – children need enough weight to control a kite
  • Reliable wind
  • Flat water for learning
  • Waves for advanced riders
See the full activity page
 Windsurfing adventure
Water adventure

Windsurfing adventure

Optional extra: Windsurfing session

Windsurfing Morocco starts with one word: wind. Essaouira is nicknamed the Wind City of Africa, because the trade winds blow along this coast for much of the year, strongest in spring and summer. The wide bay is a good classroom, Moulay Bouzerktoun to the north is a famous wave spot, and far to the south the Dakhla lagoon offers flat water on the edge of the Sahara. We organise lessons and rentals with licensed local windsurf centres and instructors.

Where
Essaouira bay, Moulay Bouzerktoun, Sidi Kaouki, Dakhla lagoon
Duration
2-hour lesson to a week-long windsurf camp
Level
Beginners (lessons) to advanced wave sailors
Minimum age
Children who swim well, with kids’ rigs where available
  • Reliable wind
  • Spots for every level
  • Wave sailing at Moulay
See the full activity page
 Jet ski adventure on the coast
Water adventure

Jet ski adventure on the coast

Optional extra: Jet ski on the bay of Agadir

A jet ski Agadir session is the quickest way to feel the Atlantic up close: open throttle across the wide bay, the kasbah hill behind you and the long beach shrinking in the mirror. We organise rides with licensed local operators, always with a briefing and a guide on the water, so first-timers can enjoy it as much as people who have ridden before. Availability depends on the season, the sea state and the operator.

Where
Agadir bay, Taghazout coast, Lalla Takerkoust lake (Marrakech)
Duration
20 minutes to 1 hour on the water
Level
Beginners welcome, guided ride
Minimum age
Driver age set by the operator; children can ride as passengers
  • A big, open bay
  • Coast and mountains in one view
  • A lake option near Marrakech
See the full activity page
 Boat cruise along the coast
Water adventure

Boat cruise along the coast

Optional extra: Boat trip along the coast

A boat trip Agadir style is the slow side of the coast: you leave the marina, follow the long curve of the bay and look back at the kasbah hill, with sea air and a glass of mint tea on deck. Some trips stop for a swim or a little fishing, others are timed for sunset over the Atlantic. We arrange cruises with licensed local boat operators; routes and availability depend on the season, the sea and the operator.

Where
Agadir bay and coast; Essaouira on calm days
Duration
1.5 hours to a half day
Level
Easy, for all ages
Minimum age
All ages; life jackets for children
  • Agadir from the sea
  • Relaxed and easy
  • Fishing for fun
See the full activity page
 Hot air balloon ride
Air adventure

Hot air balloon ride

Optional extra: Sunrise flight before or after your trip

A hot air balloon Marrakech flight is the quietest way to see Morocco wake up. You leave the city in the dark, watch the burners light up the envelope, and lift off just as the sun climbs over the Atlas Mountains. Below you, red-earth villages, olive groves and dry riverbeds turn gold, and on clear winter mornings the snow on the High Atlas shines on the horizon.

Where
Countryside outside Marrakech (launch site set by the pilot each morning)
Duration
About 1 hour in the air, 4-5 hours door to door
Start time
Very early pick-up, before sunrise
Level
No experience needed
  • Sunrise over the Atlas
  • Silent, slow flying
  • Rural Morocco from above
See the full activity page
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