Feedback on Southern Morocco road trip itinerary

Hi there,

I’m planning a road trip to Morocco in about a month. I’ve read quite a few discussions, posts, comments, and travel journals that have helped me prepare, but I still need your valuable input. The north seems easier to plan. It’s the south that’s got me wondering.

The plan: - 20 days in the south solo, going off the beaten path (looking for simplicity, encounters, discovery, and breathtaking views) - 10 days in the north with my wife and her 8-year-old daughter (so more coastal, some sightseeing—more "classic") When: August (I know it’s not the best time, but no choice) Duration: 20 days in the south + 10 days in the north (might seem short) Distance: 3,000 km in the south over 20 days. Rental vehicle to be decided (4x4?) (I’ve done a Portugal road trip from Lille—5,000 km in 3 weeks—and Italy several times, usually around 4,000–5,000 km in 3 weeks).

Route (I need to plot this on a map like Maps.me or Google...): Start in Marrakech -> Tinmelt -> Icht -> M’hamid El Ghizlane -> Agdz -> Khamlia -> Errachidia -> Tinghir -> Imilchil -> Boulmane Dadès -> Ouarzazate -> Telouet -> Demnate -> Arousse -> Ahansal Gorges -> Tilouguite -> Bin El Ouidane -> Oued El Abid Gorges -> Ouzoud Waterfalls -> Marrakech

On paper, this all seems "doable"... I’ve never been to Morocco before. It’s my first time. I’ve heard that Morocco is best experienced "slowly and peacefully," taking your time. I’d love to hear your thoughts on these points—that’s the whole point!

I’ve got a few questions and could really use your help with your on-the-ground knowledge and experiences: Is this really doable? Are the roads on this route passable? Any tips? Thanks so much for your help and for any time you can spare.

Have a great day. Yoann

Hi Yoann, We did a one-week road trip in the south, so it might interest you even if our stops aren’t part of your itinerary. We had a regular car (not a 4x4) and our three daughters—ages 6, 4, and 1—so safety wasn’t an issue. For a change of scenery, it was amazing once we left Agadir. The roads are decent, Maps.me works really well even in remote areas, and we received a warm welcome everywhere. My husband had no trouble driving, but it’s better to go slowly, especially in towns where traffic often spills into three lanes instead of two. We were stopped by the police just once—routine check, a charming officer asked about our route, no issues. He seemed happy that tourists were venturing off the beaten path. That said, it was in April. In August, I’m not sure how the temperatures hold up—best to avoid breaking down. Here’s the link with a few photos: https://www.voyagesetenfants.com/1-semaine-souss-marocain-agadir-en-famille/ Have a great day

Hello and thanks for your reply. I didn’t have the site notifications turned on. Sorry for the late response. I’ll check out your link. Thanks and have a great day. Yoann

Hi, When you mention Tinmel, I think you're referring to the Tinmel Mosque in the Ijoukak region. But it was destroyed by the earthquake and is currently being rebuilt.

Hi there, I had noted the village of Tinmel and indeed its mosque, and I had also noted Talat N'Yaaqoub in relation to the Almohads. I just found an article (which is a year old) related to what you mentioned. I don’t know if things have changed since then. Thanks. https://medias24.com/2024/08/27/reportage-a-talat-nyaakoub-la-desillusion-de-la-reconstruction/

Check out this travel journal, you'll find lots of interesting stuff in it. Morocco: pure pleasure, as usual

Route: Departure Marrakech -> Tinmelt -> Icht -> M’hamid el Ghizane -> Agdz -> Khamlia -> Errachidia -> Tinghir -> Imilchil -> Boulmane Dadès -> Ouarzazate -> Telouet -> Demnate -> Arousse -> Gorges Ahansal -> Tilouguite -> Bin el ouidane -> Gorges Oud el Abid -> Ouzoud waterfalls -> Marrakech

Good evening,

Without going into too much detail, I’d say that in August, it’s best to stay well above 1,200 meters... So avoid the entire southern side of the Atlas, especially the Saharan edge. Visibility is really poor in summer, so don’t count on "soaking in the views" too much...

Between the High Atlas and the Middle Atlas, there’s plenty to do, with pleasant temperatures.

Also, in summer, some tourist "spots" (Ouzoud waterfalls, Todgha Gorge, Ourika Valley, etc.) are completely overrun by local tourists: overcrowding, traffic jams, and guaranteed discomfort. The same goes for the northern coasts.

Route (I need to work on a map like maps.me or Google...)

It’d be better to use a paper map, like Michelin. Google’s "place names" are often unreliable.

Thanks for the info