15-day itinerary in southern Morocco (page 1 of 9)

Last October, we landed in Marrakech to spend a few days with family exploring Morocco’s roads. Transport: a rented Dacia. Accommodations: small guesthouses.

Our first stop was just a few kilometers from Marrakech, at a lovely house perfect for relaxing and recharging before continuing. It’s called Bleu House, a little paradise on the outskirts of Marrakech. The welcome was very warm, with a beautiful pool and a lovely garden.

Next, we headed toward the Tichka Pass. The road has really improved in recent years—it’s much easier to drive now. No more getting stuck behind trucks, and today, the construction is practically finished.

Morocco has turned green after the recent rains. It’s a joy for the herds and shepherds.

The olive harvest has already started, and you can find them for sale on the side of the roads.

We made a detour to pass through Telouet and the Ounila Valley. The recent rains in the area have intensified the colors, and it's a breathtaking sight.

Sometimes we have to share the road with herds crossing calmly.

The sky turns threatening, so we decide not to linger and head to Skoura. As soon as we leave the valley, the sky clears up and the temperature rises a few degrees. At the entrance to Skoura, we're greeted by camels grazing by the roadside. A lovely sight... the first camels of this trip, but maybe not the last.

Great welcome.

At the Kasbah La Palmeraie guesthouse, Mohamed welcomes us with a big smile. Seeing our tired faces from struggling to digest lunch, he turns on the heater so we can enjoy some tea and warm up.

Tonight for dinner, we’re having a delicious couscous made with garden-fresh veggies and cinnamon-spiced quinces, also just picked. And for those with sensitive stomachs, there’s a veggie soup...

Mohamed has really grown since our visit... 14 years ago...😉 His kids must be all grown up by now. Yes, this region is gorgeous. I’ve been back several times, though I never stopped in Skoura. Enjoy !

Hi there, I’m butting in on this travel journal… We’re a group of 10 friends in our fifties planning a week in Marrakech in 2025. I’d love to take my friends for a 2-day, 1-night stay in the desert near Marrakech—but a *real* desert (with fine sand). Can you recommend a specific spot? Any contacts you could share? Also, any ideas for unusual activities? The goal is to stay close to Marrakech, not go on a road trip… Thanks for your tips! Bruno

A real desert near Marrakech—better to forget about it...😏

A real desert near Marrakech, better forget it...😏

Well, this isn’t starting off great 🤪

A real desert near Marrakech, better forget it...😏

Well, this is off to a bad start 🤪

Reeeally bad! 🏴‍☠️ Okay, near Marrakech you can ride a camel on a sand dune that’s basically a tourist trap sandbox. And some agencies offer a round trip with one night in the desert in 2 days. That’s insane—why would you do that?

The desert deserves respect—you need to approach it slowly, take your time, let it carry you... The desert near Zagora is the closest, but it’s arid and rocky. It’s an acceptable option if you’re short on time since it’s about 6 hours from Marrakech. Merzouga is a 9-hour drive away. The road is beautiful, but you’ll need to make a stop. You won’t get the same scenery as in Zagora—the Erg Chebbi dunes are massive and much closer to what you’d imagine a desert to be. Check out this blog—it talks about it really well: https://www.mifuguemiraison.com/fr/merzouga-dunes-desert-sahara-maroc/

Anyway, if you don’t want to go too far from Marrakech, you can head to Essaouira (3-hour bus ride) or explore the Ourika Valley by renting a car or taking a taxi. You could also visit Ijoukak (2.5 hours away) if you want a taste of rural Morocco—nice landscapes and a cool souk, though the stunning Tinmel Mosque is under restoration after the floods.

Thanks Catherine and Agnès, I was sure you’d come to my rescue. I already have a few leads... To avoid hijacking Violette’s travel journal, I’ll stop here—I’ll see if I need to create a post. Sorry again for the intrusion 😊

Mohamed has really grown since our visit... 14 years ago...😉 His kids must be all grown up now. Yes, this region is gorgeous. I’ve been back several times, though I never stopped in Skoura. Enjoy !

Hi there, I was thinking the same thing—nicely put, "grown"! I was there in September–October too, but I didn’t stop in Skoura either! Have a great evening! francia

hi neighbor! in a week it’s doable, but don’t stay in Marrakech! that’s what I did on my first trip... a long time ago! Marrakech, Aït Benhaddou, Dades, Merzouga, and back via the Draa Valley! it was amazing! yeah, still too short, but just enough to make me want more! since then, every year! still just as incredible! happy travels francia

hi there thanks for these beautiful photos! we must’ve crossed paths! I was there from mid-September to mid-October! the Erg Chebbi surrounded by water—it was magical! francia

You can tell the regulars...🙂 Mohamed’s put on a few pounds. And we’ve gained a few years 😕

Hello

I’d advise against Ijoukak. Major road-widening works, especially toward Ouirgane. The Tizîn Test road is a real slog the whole way. All the old villages have been replaced by tents and bungalows. The Tinmal mosque is surrounded by wooden posts while waiting for reconstruction. The potters’ village opposite El Hussein’s place has also been destroyed. I passed through at the end of October.

Sadly, it was also my favorite excursion

No problem. And I completely agree with the advice you’ve been given. The sandy desert isn’t right on Marrakech’s doorstep. And doing a round trip in two days just to reach the desert is a shame. The road there is worth taking your time over. Happy planning!

I didn’t know Mohamed 14 years ago... But he’s charming, very welcoming, and it’s always a joy to spend a few days with his little family. I think the kids must be 10 and 13 now. They’re just as kind as their parents.

Time flies... Have a great day.