Self-drive road trip · Morocco
An 8-night self-drive from Marrakech through Aït Benhaddou, the Dades Valley, Merzouga and the Draa Valley
Per person, estimatedUS$289
Cross the High Atlas and follow the ancient caravan routes of southern Morocco on a spectacular circular self-drive from Marrakech. Historic kasbahs, dramatic gorges, palm-filled valleys and the dunes of the Sahara create a journey rich in colour, culture and constantly changing scenery.
Circular route — start and finish at Marrakech airport
Two nights in the Sahara with time to explore at your own pace
Dramatic mountain passes, gorges and desert landscapes in one trip
Drive through UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou
Stay in characterful riads and desert camps throughout
Follow ancient caravan routes most visitors never reach
Eight nights — enough time to slow down and take it all in
Every stop has a hotel already chosen for you. Open a stop to swap the hotel, add activities or stay longer. The price updates as you go.
Want more time somewhere? Open any stop and tap Add a night. Every day after it moves back, and your dates and price update automatically.
Stay longer or shorter in Marrakech
Your stay in MarrakechDays 1–3
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Pick up your car at MARRAKECH (RAK), from 10:00. It's yours for all 9 days.
Days 1–2: Arrive in Marrakech, collect your car and enjoy two nights exploring the medina, souqs, palaces and gardens. Leave the car parked while visiting the old city.
Overnight: Hotel Akabar, night 1 of 2
“Hotel Akabar wins guests over with its excellent location near top restaurants and attractions, spotless rooms, and genuinely warm, helpful staff who go above and beyond to enhance stays. Visitors rave about the delicious on-site dining, charming traditional décor, and attentive daily housekeeping that keeps everything pristine.”
Included in your trip2 Nights, Avenue Echouhada Quartier De L'hivernage, Marrakesh
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Marrakech surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in High Atlas and Aït Benhaddou
Your stay in High Atlas and Aït BenhaddouDays 3–4
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and descend to Aït Benhaddou. Explore the celebrated fortified village and overnight nearby.
Overnight: ibis Ouarzazate Centre
“This Ibis hotel in Ouarzazate offers exceptional value with spotlessly clean rooms, a gorgeous large pool, and genuinely warm, helpful staff who go above and beyond. Guests consistently praise the excellent facilities, convenient location, free parking, and reliable service that make it the perfect affordable choice for exploring Morocco.”
Included in your trip1 night, Avenue Moulay Rachid
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let High Atlas and Aït Benhaddou surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Dades Valley
Your stay in Dades ValleyDays 4–5
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley. Follow the scenic gorge road and stay overnight among the dramatic rock formations.
Overnight: Maison d'Hotes La Vallee des Figues
“Experience authentic Moroccan hospitality at this stunning guesthouse overlooking the Dades Valley, where gracious hosts Bob and Ibrahim serve exquisite home-cooked meals, share fascinating insights into Berber culture, and make every guest feel like family. Spacious, beautifully decorated rooms with breathtaking views, cozy fireplaces, and exceptional service create the perfect base for exploring Morocco's Atlas mountains.”
Included in your trip1 night, 18 Km de Boumalne Dades, Les Gorges
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Dades Valley surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Merzouga and the Sahara
Your stay in Merzouga and the SaharaDays 5–7
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Days 5–6: Travel via Todra Gorge and desert towns to Merzouga. Spend two nights beside the Sahara, with time for an organised 4x4 excursion, camel experience or sunrise over the dunes.
Overnight: Kasbah erg chebbi, night 1 of 2
Included in your trip2 Nights, Ras Erg Chebbi
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Merzouga and the Sahara surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Agdz and the Draa Valley
Your stay in Agdz and the Draa ValleyDays 7–8
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Day 7: Drive west through the palm-filled Draa Valley to Agdz, following a historic caravan route lined with kasbahs and oasis settlements. Overnight in Agdz.
Overnight: Maison d'Hotes au Jardin de Tamnougalt
“Escape to a serene palm grove oasis in the Draa Valley where warm hospitality and delicious homemade cuisine shine. Guests rave about the kind, attentive host Ismail, peaceful garden setting with direct access to nature, refreshing pool, and memorable breakfasts—the perfect retreat for those seeking authentic, relaxing simplicity.”
Included in your trip1 night, Route de Tamnougalt
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Agdz and the Draa Valley surprise you.
Stay longer or shorter in Marrakech
Your stay in MarrakechDays 8–9
Each night you add pushes the rest of the trip back by a day. Your dates, hotels, car and price all update for you, and you can undo it anytime.
Day 8: Cross the High Atlas back to Marrakech for your final night.
Overnight: Hotel Akabar
“Hotel Akabar wins guests over with its excellent location near top restaurants and attractions, spotless rooms, and genuinely warm, helpful staff who go above and beyond to enhance stays. Visitors rave about the delicious on-site dining, charming traditional décor, and attentive daily housekeeping that keeps everything pristine.”
Included in your trip1 night, Avenue Echouhada Quartier De L'hivernage, Marrakesh
No set plans here. Wander, linger over dinner and let Marrakech surprise you.
Return your car at MARRAKECH by 10:00, then check in for your flight home.
Day 9: Return the rental car at Marrakech Menara Airport in time for your onward flight.
Departure day · No overnight stay
A rental car is included for all 9 days. Want more room or comfort? Upgrade below.
Pick up, day 1MARRAKECH (RAK), from 10:00
Return, day 8MARRAKECH, by 10:00
Good to knowUnlimited miles. Rates assume a driver aged 30 or over.
Operated by Avia Travel & Tours.
Download this tour's PDF brochure and plan offline: every day, your hotels, the car and our phone numbers.
Our travel experts know these roads. Call and we'll tailor the trip with you.
Estimated total, 2 travelersUS$578
How this road trip stacks up against similar self-drive tours, side by side.
| Tour | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price, per person | ||||
| From | US$289 | US$4,488 | US$433 | US$353 |
| Per night | US$36 / nightBest | US$561 / night | US$54 / night | US$39 / night |
| The trip | ||||
| Duration | 9 days, 8 nights | 9 days, 8 nights | 9 days, 8 nights | 10 days, 9 nights |
| Stops | 5 | 6 | 3 | 5 |
| Places | Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Boumalne Dades, Merzouga, Draa Valley Panoramic Viewpoint | Windhoek, Waterberg Wilderness - ONE Namibia, Hakusembe River Lodge, Divava Okavango, Namushasha River Lodge, The Chobe Safari Lodge | Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje Beach | Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Oudtshoorn, Plettenberg Bay, Gqeberha |
| Start and finish | Marrakech Menara Airport | Windhoek International Airport – Kasane International Airport | Zanzibar International Airport | Cape Town International Airport – Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, Gqeberha |
| On the road | ||||
| Total driving | About 825 km | About 1,495 km | About 140 km | About 845 km |
| Longest drive day | About 295 km | About 480 km | About 80 kmBest | About 390 km |
| Car included | Mini | Full Size SUV | Intermediate SUV | Mini |
| Stays and extras | ||||
| Hotels included | 3 to 4-star hotels | 2 to 4-star hotels | 3 to 4-star hotels | 2 to 4-star hotels |
| Hotel choice | About 12 hotels per stop | About 4 hotels per stop | About 10 hotels per stop | About 17 hotels per stopBest |
| Airport transfer | Not included | Not included | Not included | Not included |
| You're viewing this tour | View tour | View tour | View tour |
"From" prices are per person for 2 travelers sharing, at the cheapest hotels. Driving is estimated from the stop locations.
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