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UncategorizedOctober 24, 2022October 24, 2022 By admin

Itinerary Morocco: a 10-day itinerary for a road trip through South Morocco!

In this blog, you will find the ultimate itinerary for a road trip in South Morocco. Morocco is a beautiful and versatile country. It attracts many tourists every year, who visit the beautiful imperial cities. The south of Morocco is not yet discovered by mass tourism, there are many peaceful and quiet places. In June, one of the hottest months, we made a road trip and drove following a 10-day itinerary from Taghazout to Merzouga and then up to Marrakech. In this blog, I’ll tell you more about this itinerary through Morocco!

Morocco itinerary for a 10 days road trip in the South and surfing!

Morocco is a big country, which certainly can not be seen in 12 days. When we were preparing this trip, we had to make a number of choices. Eventually, we decide to explore the south and make a 12-day road trip through the southern part of the country. However, if you have less time, spend two days less in Taghazout and you will have the perfect itinerary for 10 days in Morocco:

Agadir – Taghazout – Tamnougalt – Merzouga – Gorge du Dades – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Road trip: from Taghazout to Merzouga

We didn’t find much information about the first part of our itinerary, from Taghazout to Merzouga. Apparently, this is not a standard itinerary for tourists. This made us extra curious, what would we encounter and see? In retrospect, we were very happy with our decision to visit this relatively unknown part of Morocco. The beautiful foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the endless winding roads we drove surrounded by nothing more than stone and some grass.

Road trip: from Merzougha to Marrakech

From Merzouga to Marrakech is a travel itinerary and road trip that is much more famous. Here we came along many highlights and of course buses full of tourists. This part is also nice to see, but a completely different side of Morocco.

We covered many kilometres during these 10 days road tripping, sometimes driving for more than 7 hours. However, it was perfect and all part of the journey!

Itinerary Morocco day 1 to 4: surfing in Taghazout

We arrive around 07.00 PM in Agadir, a city in the southwest of Morocco. Here we pick up our car (rented via Sunny Cars) and then drive in an hour to Taghazout, a small surfing village north of Agadir. The next three days we spend surfing, reading and eating, click here to read more about our time in Taghazout.

Taghazout is very small and in three days you can see everything. Do you want to learn how to surf? Then a multiple-day surf camp might be something for you. We also made a trip to Paradise Valley, nice but a bit overrated.

Road trip Morocco day 5 and 6: Taghazout – Taroudant – Tamnougalt

On day five we want to leave at 06.00 because since we have seven hours of driving ahead. Unfortunately, my food poisoning throws a spanner in the works. Finally, we leave at 08.00 AM and arrive at 10.00 AM in the town of Taroudant. Here we stop so that Ries can have breakfast. The intention was to spend a few hours here, the city is beautiful, medieval with almost no tourists. However, after half an hour, we get into the car again to make up for some of the time lost this morning.

The rest of the morning and afternoon we drive through a varied landscape. First along cornfields. Slowly the landscape changes and becomes more hilly, wilder and drier. We hardly encounter any traffic on our way. Our route goes first via the N10, and then on the R108. Around 3 pm we arrive in Tamnougalt, a tiny village in the middle of a small oasis. It’s beautiful. We stay at Ecolodge Bab el Oued, where we are warmly welcomed. In the end, we are so happy here, that we decide to stay a day longer.

Itinerary Morocco day 7: Tamnougalt – Merzouga – Sahara

After having been well rested at Ecolodge Bab El Oued, we leave for Merzouga around noon. Merzouga is the last city before the Erg Chebbi Sahara begins, and is located in the southeast of Morocco. We drive here in five hours (via the N9, the R108, the N12 and the N9). Our surroundings give us the impression that we are already in the desert.

When we suddenly see the orange and mountains, we realize that the desert is really different from the dusty road we have been driving over the last few hours. We booked with a guide who we meet at the post office in the scary town of Merzouga. During the day it is 45 degrees, but when we are sitting on a camel around 7 pm, the temperature has already dropped to 38 degrees. Still warm, but the Berber clothes protect us well from the sun.

Our camel ride and our stay in the Sahara is spectacular, something you will never forget! Read more about our experiences of the Merzouga Sahara and how we booked our stay here.

Road trip Morocco day 8: Sahara – Gorges du Dades – Ait Ben Haddou

After a beautiful sunrise in the Sahara, we are back at our car in Merzouga around 9 AM. Today again, we have a long day of driving ahead, but we take it easy because we have time enough.

First, we drive from Merzouga (via the N13, N12 and the R113) to Tinghir. Actually, we would stay here at Riad Dar Bab Todra, but because we stayed a day longer at Ecolodge Bab El Oued, we only stop here for lunch. Tinghir is close to the Gorges du Dades, a huge gorge between the mountains. We drive here and stop to walk through the cool water that goes through this gorge for miles. This used to be a wild river, now a calm babbling brook surrounded by families who are picnicking.

Ait Ben Haddou: the famous movie set

After a few hours chilling at the water, we get back in the car to drive in 2.5 hours via the N10 to Ouarzazate. This city is known as a film city with two large, well-known studios where for instance Game of Thrones is filmed. We don’t stop here but drive to Ait Ben Haddou, where we sleep tonight. At sunset, we walk towards the famous Kasbah, which is the setting for many films. The old medieval town is built on a hill, along which a river runs. Inside the town, there are many vendors trying to sell you something, however, do walk onwards to the top of the city. There you will find an amazing view!

Itinerary Morocco day 9: Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – the Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

The next morning we drive to Ouarzazate, where we visit the CLA film studio’s. The studios don’t seem to be that popular by tourists anymore, we are the only ones. When we enter, a guide approached us to give us a tour of the studio. The price is just a few dirhams and we are more than happy to pay this since otherwise we wouldn’t know what we are seeing here in the studios. After the film studios that we do not find very special, they are a bit run down, the guide directs us to a large castle that has been specially built for filming. This is much more impressive and really worth a visit.

Road trip Morocco: passing the Tizi n’ Tichka Pass!

Around noon we start driving towards Marrakech: a trip that goes straight through the Atlas Mountains over the Tizi n’ Tichka pass, one of the most dangerous roads in the world. This danger is confirmed when we drive across an accident which just happened a few minutes before we passed. It takes five hours, and we come across at least 100 hairpin bends. Nevertheless, this route is beautiful and there is a great view after every turn!

In the evening we arrive in Marrakech where we hand in the car.

Road trip Morocco day 10-12: Marrakech

Our last three days we spend in Marrakech (also called Marrakesh), where we mainly relax and rest. Since this was our last stop of your itinerary through Morocco! We slept in a wonderful hotel, Riad la Parenthèse, an oasis of tranquillity in this busy city. Marrakech is known for the crowded Medina and the beautiful palaces. The city is really beautiful and enormously photogenic.

Things To Do in UncategorizedOctober 24, 2022October 24, 2022 By admin

A special experience: a desert tour in the Erg Chebbi Sahara

The Merzouga desert: a camel tour and camping in the Sahara of Morocco!

Near the city of Merzouga, in the southeast of Morocco, lies the Erg Chebbi desert, part of the Sahara. Merzouga is the base for a desert tour by camel or by 4×4. Or how about a camping trip in which you sleep in a beautiful camp in the Sahara! In this blog, we tell you all about our experiences with a multi-day desert tour including a camel safari + overnight stay in luxury tents in the desert of Morocco!

The Erg Chebbi desert near Merzouga in Morocco!

When you think of Morocco, you naturally also think of the Sahara. This vast desert is located in the south of Morocco. One of the gates to this deserts is the city of Merzouga. Merzouga itself is not very special, you certainly don’t have to stay here long. However, this is the place from where you visit the Erg Chebbi desert (part of the Sahara).

In Erg Chebbi, you can do all kinds of fun activities. For example, it is possible to stay overnight in the desert while camping in a Berber desert camp. Or how about making a camel ride or explore the sandy hills on a 4×4. In this travel blog, we tell you everything you need to know about the Erg Chebbi Desert near Merzouga! How do you get to Merzouga and the Sahara? How do you book a camel tour and desert trip? What do you pack for a desert trekking? We also share our experiences with a two-day desert trip where we camped in the Erg Chebbi desert!

Which part of the Sahara do you visit in Morocco?

Which desert is the most beautiful or best for a camel ride combined with camping? We wondered that too! Because it is difficult to find good information about this, I try to answer this question with this blog.

Erg Chebbi vs. Erg Chegaga

As you can read above, we slept in the Erg Chebbi desert, which is located near Merzouga, all the way in eastern Morocco. A little more in the middle of Morocco is another desert, the Erg Chegaga desert.

Erg Chegaga desert

The Erg Chegaga desert is said to be beautiful. The sand dunes are less high here (especially in the beginning). In addition, you can not just drive to the Erg Chegaga desert. The last two hours you exchange your normal car for a 4X4 (four-wheel drive). This means that the Erg Chegaga desert is a lot more expensive to visit.

Because the distances here are much longer, we do not recommend doing a camel ride in Erg Chegaga, as you cannot go deep enough into the Sahara to reach high dunes. All in all, it sounds like the Erg Chegaga is a lot less interesting, but that is certainly not the case. Precisely because it is more difficult to reach, there are far fewer tourists here. So if you are looking for an experience where you feel completely alone, we recommend the Erg Chegaga desert!

Erg Chebbi desert

The Erg Chebbi desert is a popular area of the Sahara, bordering the city of Merzouga. Erg Chebbi is easy to reach, after a 10-minute camel ride, or 5 minutes by 4×4, you are surrounded by meter-high sand dunes. The dunes are quite high here, which creates beautiful pictures, and there are many different desert camps. These tent camps are very luxurious, true glamping in the desert! Due to the proximity of the city of Merzouga, the supply of running water and electricity is well arranged in this part of the desert. Keep in mind that you will always see other visitors in the Erg Chebbi desert. It is beautiful so a tourist attraction for a reason.

So which desert do you choose? Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chegaga?

I think when this is your first experience with the desert, it doesn’t matter which of the two you choose. Both will be fun! However, if photography is very important to you, then the Erg Chebbi desert might be a better pick

4 cool things to do in the desert of Merzouga!

If you travel to Merzouga, you mainly come for the Erg Chebbi desert. There are a number of options for exploring the desert. Below you will find the four best activities in the Erg Chebbi desert!

1. Take a desert trip by camel from Merzouga(day tour)

If for whatever reason you feel less comfortable with an overnight stay in the desert, it is also possible to take a camel day trip in the desert.

Tip: do this at the end or at the beginning of the day, otherwise it is much too hot! In addition, it is good to realize that if you will not spend the night in the desert, you will sleep in Merzouga. Scroll down for an accommodation tip in Merzouga!

2. Spending the night in a desert camp: a combination of glamping and a camel ride

You depart from Merzouga into the desert by camel. During a two-hour camel ride, you drive through the desert while the sun slowly sets. It is a magical sight. Once arrived at the desert camp, beautiful Berber tents are waiting for you. In this luxury glamping tents, you will sleep tonight. The next morning you return to Merzouga by camel safari. We chose this activity in the Erg Chebbi desert. Scroll down to read more about our experiences!

Things To Do in UncategorizedOctober 24, 2022October 24, 2022 By admin

Things To Do in Marrakech, Morocco: A 3-Day Guide

Marrakech is more than just an ancient city in Morocco. It’s a sensory experience, of vibrant colors, flavors, smells, sounds, and unique sights. It’s world-famous for its markets and shopping in the Medina (old city) but there is so much more to do in Marrakech. Once you’ve witnessed the fascinating mix of European, Middle Eastern, and African culture, head out of the city for unparalleled mountain and desert scenery.

Day 1: Medinas and Markets

Everything in Marrakech goes on within the hustle and bustle of the Medina, the walled, most ancient part of the city. Spend a day, soaking up the sounds, smells, and sights of this remarkable area, experiencing the souks and squares.

1. Wander Around the Medina

The most beautiful part of the Medina is its maze of narrow streets that transport you back in time. Throw your map in the garbage and lose yourself in the excitement, while dodging donkeys and carts.

2. Jamaa El Fnaa

At the heart of the Medina lies the world-famous Jamaa el Fnaa square. Walking through this square is an experience like no other! Feel the heat beating off the stone floor, as you worm your way through snake charmers, entertainers, and street food stalls selling fresh juices.

By night, the square comes to life with music, with flute players, dancers, and artists all showing their talents under the twinkling lights of the stalls. This amazing demonstration of Moroccan culture is not to be missed!

3. Explore the Souks

If the square is the heart, then the souks are the true soul of Marrakech. Wander just off the main square to discover an extraordinary labyrinth of markets. It’s easy to lose yourself in the covered markets and the network of tiny streets that all seem to look the same.

Don’t worry about this, and enjoy the fantastic colors of the textiles, the magical smells of the vibrant mountains of spices, the high-quality leatherwork, and the glittering lights bouncing off the lanterns and colored glassware. Make sure to visit the main souk: ‘Souk Semmarine’, located just off Jamaa el Fnaa. A little further away is the ‘Souk Place des Epices’, which is the traditional spice souk.

Tip: Get ready to bargain! This is a key part of the culture, so shop owners will always bargain on the price. Be aware that shop owners can hassle tourists to buy products in the souks. Be firm and politely say no before moving on quickly. If you’re worried about getting lost in the souks, it’s a good idea to hire a reputable guide.

4. Find the Best Places to Eat and Drink

Marrakech has a great selection of traditional and fusion restaurants that serve up delicious tagine and couscous. Our personal favorite was Cafe Atay. There is also Cafe Clock, which is more of a fusion one but also very good!

In Morrocan architecture, all buildings have flat roofs which make it perfect for rooftop bars. Head to a rooftop cafe overlooking Jemaa el Fnaa for a delicious mint tea, or visit the museum Maison de la Fotagraphie, which has the highest rooftop bar in the medina for incredible views!

Note: Marrakech is an Islamic city, which means alcohol is forbidden outside of bars. Many bars and restaurants won’t serve alcohol at all, so search beforehand for places that do, or enjoy a dry trip!

Day 2: Incredible Architecture

Enjoy day 2 by jumping between beautiful buildings. See the traditional Moroccan architecture and designs of arches and blue tiles, but also the more innovative designs of artistic buildings and museums.

5. Stay in a Traditional Riad

Staying in a traditional riad (guesthouse) is the best way to see the stunning details of Moroccan architecture. On the outside, they are normally a sandy color with basic architecture. However, once you open the door, there is a whole different world. This is the link to the riad below in the photography.

A world of wonderful colored tiles, detailed patterns, and plants, that are normally centered around a dreamy looking swimming pool. Staying in a riad is definitely a peaceful experience, that provides a tranquil oasis away from the noises of Marrakech.

6. Jardin Majorelle

This incredible, vibrant blue house is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Marrakech and an absolute must-see! The beautiful house and gardens were originally created by Jaques Majorelle, who was the inventor of this deep blue shade, named ‘Majorelle blue’.

Later the house was bought by Yves St Laurent, who restored the house and botanical gardens to their former glory. This truly feels like a tropical oasis, with green plants from all over the world that look beautiful against the blues and yellows of the house.

Entrance Fee: A ticket is 70 Dhs to the garden (around $7). The museum entrance fee is 30 Dhs (around $3). The house and gardens are open from 8-5.30 every day and 8-6 in the summer months. Go as early as possible to avoid the crowds, and get the best photos possible.

Entrance Fee: Tickets are approximately $5

8. Bahia Palace

This extraordinary palace, with 150 rooms, was built in the 19th century by the grand vizier of the sultan, who hoped for it to be the greatest palace of all time. Discover the traditional Moroccan architecture of the courtyards, filled with orange trees and fountains, and the beautiful stain glass windows and tilework.

Most impressive of all is the huge, luxurious marble courtyard at the center of the palace complex. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the grand vizier, his family, and his many wives.

Note: Only a portion of the palace is available to see but it’s definitely worth it, especially as it’s located just a 20-minute walk from Jamaa el Fnaa square.

Entrance fee: 70 Dhs ($7). Open Monday to Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Day 3: Outside of Marrakech

The stunning nature of Morocco is just a stone’s throw away from the city. Once you’ve soaked up all the culture of dynamic Marrakech, take one of these day trips to experience country life, majestic mountains, or the heat of the Sahara.

9. A Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains

Take a day trip to the jaw-droppingly beautiful atlas mountains, situated just an hour or two drive away from Marrakech. Most tours offer a return journey to Marrakech and take you through beautiful valleys and traditional Berber villages. This is a perfect way to see some of the amazing nature in Morocco and get up to the cooler climates of the mountains.

Tip: Visiting in the winter? Take advantage of the fact you can go skiing in the Atlas mountains! If you’re visiting in summer, don’t forget that the mountains get a lot cooler as it approaches the evening, so make sure to take an extra layer.