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Marrakech to Merzouga

Ambleside, United...
11 posts
Marrakech to Merzouga
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Hi,

My partner and I are looking to head to Marrakech in January 2018.

The plan is to hire a car and drive from Marrakech to Merzouga and spend a couple of days in the desert before heading back.

I've been looking on forums but all are a bit outdated - so seeking advice from anyone who has done this jouney within the last year or so to shed some light on what it's like now. We plan to split the driving across two days to avoid any night-time driving and spend a few nights in Merzouga to stay off the road for a few days, but if anyone has any other tips or words of wisdom about driving out there it would be much appreicated!

Thanks in advance!

Marrakech, Morocco
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1. Re: Marrakech to Merzouga
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self drive is a good option - there is a lot to see between Marrakech and Merzouga as well so take as long as you can for the journey there and back

Most past info is unchanged, apart from perhaps there has been road improvements from Marrakech to Ouarzazate so that leg of the journey can be done quicker than in the past

Edited: 6 years ago
Ambleside, United...
11 posts
2. Re: Marrakech to Merzouga
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Thanks for the advice. In terms of the safety of the journey, is it generally a good drive? Again I've seen mixed responses online - but from a few years back.

Castril De La Pena...
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3. Re: Marrakech to Merzouga
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Absolutely nothing to worry about re the journey.

There's a lot to see and do on the way and you can return by a slightly different route to make things more interesting. On the outbound journey, take the N9 road to cross the High Atlas to Ouarzazate and then head east on the N10. Stop overnight at Kasbah Itran at El Kelaa M'Gouna, see http://www.kasbahitran.com/ To reach this hotel take the only wide road to the left in the middle of El Kelaa and travel north for about 6-7km.

Getting this far on the first day gives you lots of time to explore the Dades and Todra Gorges on the second day. If you are going to stop in the Merzouga area for a couple of nights you could stop one night in a hotel (70 to choose from) and get them to organise a sunset camel ride and overnight camp for another night.

On the return journey take the more southernly Desert Highway (N12) then the R108 to N'kob for an overnight stop. The following day after Ouarzazate stop at Ait Benhaddou on the way back to Marrakech. Or... use ABH as the overnight stop.

Sweden
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for Morocco, Jordan
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269 reviews
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4. Re: Marrakech to Merzouga
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About those 70 hotels, if you wish to stay in a less crowded place, try to find some accommodation outside area Hassilabaid - Merzouga. Like hotel Yasmina in begin of sand dunes or Nomad Palace in the end of sand dunes. Althought my favorite hotel (and Tim:s too) is Kanz Erremal, between Hassilabaid and Merzouga, but in very nice place where you see right over sand dunes and not see other hotels sitting outisde.

Edited: 6 years ago
Ambleside, United...
11 posts
5. Re: Marrakech to Merzouga
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Thats great, thanks for the advice.

Anyone that self drove - do you have any recommendations re: car hire companies?

Thanks

Sweden
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for Morocco, Jordan
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6. Re: Marrakech to Merzouga
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I am used to rent the car via rentalcars.com, good prices and it works perfect, so look at that.

Midwest
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7. Re: Marrakech to Merzouga
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What is the best plan to pick up and drop off the rental car?

I've read that driving within Marrakech is a nightmare, and if our hotel is in town, is it recommend to go to the outskirts to pick up?

Only reason for us to have a car would be to self-tour to Erg Chebbi over 3-4 days. Within town (and even to Essaouira) would be by taxi/bus/walk.

Thanks!

Sweden
Destination Expert
for Morocco, Jordan
Level Contributor
18,151 posts
269 reviews
156 helpful votes
8. Re: Marrakech to Merzouga
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Rent it at airport in Marrakech just the same day you will start your trip to Erg Chebbi and do then first overnight stop in Ouarzazate. Second day near Todra Gorge, then right to Erg Chebbi. Back you can go from Rissani via Alnif to Agdez and back to Marrakech. Maybe it would be good if you can do the trip 5 days, it would be good.

Ambleside, United...
11 posts
9. Re: Marrakech to Merzouga
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@Tenkuky I think our plan is to collect it from Marrakech airport as I've heard this is the best bet!

10. Re: Marrakech to Merzouga

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