"Kasbahs and Canyons" Slow Travel 5-Day Morocco Itinerary from Marrakech
- Malika
- Feb 12, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Jun 1
Discover some of Morocco’s most majestic scenery and ancient wonders on this 5-day itinerary from Marrakech. Explore storied ksars and kasbahs where history permeates every stone and witness oases blossoming from the desert. Inhale the sweet perfume of rose oil in the Valley of Roses and trek through the fiery red rock canyon of Dades Gorge.
This 5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech take you off the beaten tourist track to explore some of my favourite destinations in southern Morocco. I still remember the first time we drove into Dades Gorge and being absolutely awe-struck at its beauty. And even though Skoura feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, the evenings I've spent at its gorgeous kasbah hotels will stay with me for life.
Most travellers pass straight through the area on their way to the Sahara Desert, missing what I think are some of Morocco's most enchanting landscapes. Earthen villages cluster on the banks of rivers that gush from the High Atlas Mountains while agricultural fields terrace below, making the most of the fertile soils. Not only are there some magical auberges, guesthouses and kasbah hotels to stay in but the people here are among the warmest you will ever meet.
5-DAY MOROCCO ITINERARY OVERVIEW
From Marrakech, travel over the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass to Ouarzazate, a bustling desert city famed for its film studios. It also serves as a gateway to Ait Benhaddou, an ancient ksar (fortified village) that has served as an important trade hub for centuries. Journey through the fragrant Valley of Roses to Dades Gorge, spending a day exploring its ochre-hued canyons and rock formations. Before returning to Marrakech, spend a night in one of the enchanting kasbah hotels in the Skoura palmeraie.
This 5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech is ideal for those who prefer "slow travel" and want to connect with people along the way. The relatively short driving distances allow you to maximise your time outdoors, rather than just "ticking off" sights. It also means you can really appreciate the atmospheric accommodations found in this part of Morocco, rather than arriving late at night and simply crashing into bed.
To complete this 5-day Morocco itinerary, simply fly into Marrakech and rent a car at the airport so you can hit the road straightaway. Alternatively, you can spend a couple of nights in Marrakech before starting your journey. It can also be combined with a night in the Sahara Desert, as the gateway town of Merzouga is just under four hours by car from Dades.
If you decide to rent a car in Morocco, I recommend using Discover Cars, which compares available vehicles from a variety of providers. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles. Free cancellation and 24/7 support come as standard!
Is it possible to do this 5-day Morocco itinerary by public transport? Yes but it wouldn't be straightforward as you have to rely heavily on grand taxis once you travel beyond Ouarzazate. Grand taxis are six-passenger shared vehicles that only depart once full, meaning you may have to wait around for a ride.
If you're using public transport, I would suggest adding an extra day (or two) to this itinerary and factoring in grand taxi wait times. Grand taxis are the main means of getting into Dades Gorge and the Valley of Roses, as well as reaching Ait Benhaddou.
To learn more about your starting destination, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech. It is packed with info about the top things to see and do in the "Red City", incredible places to stay and the best time to visit.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Highlights
• Witness a fiery sunrise over Ait Benhaddou, an iconic ksar and UNESCO World Heritage Site famous as a backdrop for “Gladiator”
• Trek through the tranquil palm groves of the Oasis de Fint and savour a traditional Moroccan lunch under the shade of the trees
• Shop for rose products in the Valley of Roses, where precious rosewater and perfumes are crafted from locally grown flowers
• Explore the red rock oases and timeless villages nestled within the dramatic Dades Gorge
• Overnight in one of the atmospheric kasbah hotels in the Skoura palmeraie
5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech
If you don't want to travel independently, there are a variety of tours available at Viator and GetYourGuide that take in Ait Benhaddou, Dades Gorge and the Valley or Roses. Some are offered as day trips or overnight tours from Marrakech, plus there are multi-day Sahara Desert tours that include stops in Dades along the way.
Day 1: Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou
Begin your 5-day Morocco itinerary in the red-hued city of Marrakech, which boasts excellent international flight links from Europe and beyond. For those who appreciate architecture, the city's ancient palaces and museums provide a fascinating insight into its rich history as a centre of trade and culture, with highlights including the 16th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa and the stunning Bahia Palace.
Marrakech is also a dream destination for shoppers, with its lively souks brimming with colourful textiles, fragrant spices, and skilled artisans displaying their crafts. Culinary enthusiasts will discover endless inspiration, whether you choose to join a Moroccan cooking class or indulge in the city's delights on a Marrakech street food tour.
For more recommendations of things to see and do in Marrakech, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech. More Marrakech travel inspiration can be found here.
When you visit Marrakech, I strongly suggest you stay in a riad, as the city boasts some of the finest in the country! Ranging from traditional to modern, these genuine Moroccan guesthouses are available in various styles, with many offering courtyard plunge pools and rooftop terraces.
To inspire you, I've compiled a list of the best riads in Marrakech and researched some of the most sustainable riads in Marrakech for an eco-conscious stay.
5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech
From Marrakech, drive over the dramatic Tizi n'Tichka Pass to Ouarzazate, a captivating desert oasis along the fertile banks of the Asif Tidili River. This city has long been a trading hub, with people converging from the Atlas, Drâa and Dadès Valleys to barter in the crumbling Taourirt Kasbah. The French established a garrison here in the 1920s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that Ouarzazate made its mark as a cinematic paradise.
With its alluring desert landscapes, the city provided the perfect backdrop for countless Hollywood blockbusters and the studios of "Ouallywood" were born. Today, Ouarzazate is home to museums exploring Amazigh culture and film studios celebrating the city's starring role in movie history.
From Ouarzazate, make the 13-kilometre-drive south to the Oasis de Fint, a palm-studded river surrounded by the red-hued cliffs of a sculpted canyon. This magical spot remains peaceful and pristine, with tiny mud homes of a traditional village lining each side of the river. Take a short stroll under the palm trees before sitting down to a traditional Moroccan lunch overlooking the oasis.
In the afternoon, continue to Ait Benhaddou, a labyrinth of earthen dwellings huddled together within the mighty fortified walls of an ancient ksar. Wander through the winding alleys of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you imagine life centuries ago in this bustling Saharan trade hub. The rich red hues of the buildings intensify in the glow of sunset, offering photographers an unforgettable scene.
To learn more about the history of Ait Benhaddou and things to do in the area, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Ait Benhaddou.
If you’d like to explore the ancient ksar with a local, this two-hour guided tour of Ait Benhaddou comes highly recommended.
5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech
Best places to stay in Ait Benhaddou
Luxury places to stay in Ait Benhaddou
Mid-range places to stay in Ait Benhaddou
Budget places to stay in Ait Benhaddou
5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech
Day 2: Ait Benhaddou to Valley of Roses
Wake early to watch as the day’s first light creeps over the ancient walls of Ait Benhaddou, igniting its earthen dwellings in hues of amber and ochre. Before breakfast, embark on a short stroll through the ksar, enjoying the serenity before the day trippers arrive. Then, make the scenic 122-kilometre drive back through Ouarzazate to Kalaat M'Gouna, known as Morocco's "rose capital."
In April and May, the surrounding valley ignites in a sea of pink blooms that perfume the area with their sweet fragrance. If possible, time your visit during the annual Rose Festival (held the first weekend in May) to experience traditional music, dance and lively celebrations in honour of the rose harvest. As you drive through the valley, roses bloom across the landscape in a wash of colour set against the valley's iconic pink-hued rock formations.
The Valley of Roses is also a hiker's paradise, with trails winding through traditional villages and ancient kasbah ruins. From the valley's lofty vantage points, you'll be treated to incredible views across the river below. I'd highly recommend hiring a guide as the trails aren't well marked.
As night falls, settle into one of the valley’s family-run guesthouses or stunningly restored kasbash to savour authentic Moroccan cuisine and hospitality.
5-day Morocco itinerary to Valley of Roses
Best places to stay in Valley of Roses
Luxury places to stay in Valley of Roses
Mid-range places to stay in Valley of Roses
Budget places to stay in Valley of Roses
Off the beaten patch Morocco itinerary from Marrakech
Day 3: Valley of Roses to Dades Gorge
After a long day yesterday, enjoy a well-earned sleep-in or rise early to explore the local village. Following breakfast, make your way back through the picturesque Valley of Roses towards Boumalne Dades, where the awe-inspiring Dades Valley awaits. Carved over centuries by the Dades River, it exhibits wondrous rock formations around each bend. Lush oases dotted with fruit trees nestle below ancient kasbahs perched dramatically on rocky cliffs.
The winding roads make for an adventurous drive through truly breathtaking scenery but it’s also worth getting out to explore on foot. With an experienced local guide, you can venture deep into the surrounding mountains to explore rugged canyons and visit nomadic communities who live according to traditions unchanged for centuries. The sleepy villages tucked into the valley remain quintessentially Moroccan while the family-run guesthouses and hotels exude warmth and charm.
My Ultimate Travel Guide to Todra, Dades and Skoura includes more detailed info about visiting the gorge, including things to do and places to stay.
5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech
Best places to stay in Dades Gorge
Luxury places to stay in Dades Gorge
Mid-range places to stay in Dades Gorge
Budget places to stay in Dades Gorge
5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech
Day 4: Dades Gorge to Skoura
After breakfast, continue along the winding road that leads through the Dades Gorge. From the top of the dramatic, switchbacking section, there are breathtaking vistas of the valley below. On your return drive, keep an eye out for the cliff face known as the “Monkey's Fingers”. These unique rock formations resemble long, curved primate digits stretching towards the sky. Guided treks to the Monkey’s Fingers are also available.
In the afternoon, being the return drive toward Ouarzazate, stopping in the oasis town of Skoura along the way. Tracing its origins back to a 15th-century caravan stop, this magical settlement is now dotted with ancient kasbahs, many of which have been transformed into boutique hotels where you can spend the night. Skoura lies on the edge of a UNESCO-listed palmeraie, notable for its innovative irrigation and abundant birdlife.
To learn more about Skoura, including things to do in the oasis and the best places to stay, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Todra, Dades and Skoura.
5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech
Best places to stay in Skoura
Luxury places to stay in Skoura
Mid-range places to stay in Skoura
Budget places to stay in Skoura
Off the beaten track Morocco itinerary from Marrakech
Day 5: Skoura to Marrakech
After breakfast, wander through the Palmeraie de Skoura, which has been protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its intricate irrigation system. For centuries, underground canals have brought precious water to around 100,000 date palms, creating a refuge for over 100 species of birds.
Just off Skoura's main road lies Kasbah Amridil, a living museum that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. It has been split into two sections - one showcasing authentic ancient architecture with winding lanes and lofty terraces, and the other a more modern restoration with a Marrakech-inspired garden design.
Also not to miss the Musée Memoire de Ouarzazate, another Skoura kasbah-turned-museum where you can view a one-of-a-kind saffron marriage contract and drawings revealing how these desert fortresses were engineered.
End your journey back in Marrakech where you can indulge in some last-minute shopping or take a leisurely walk through the picturesque Jardin Majorelle. If you have some extra time, I also suggest checking out the Saadian Tombs and the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum, which features a stunning courtyard and a chic tea room (along with its food-related displays).
In the evening, make your way to Djemaa el-Fnaa to soak in the nighttime entertainment and enjoy a meal at one of the food stalls. Surrounding the square are various rooftop cafes where you can witness the sunset over the medina and gain a unique view of the happenings below.
5-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech
Best places to stay in Marrakech
Luxury places to stay in Marrakech
Mid-range places to stay in Marrakech
Budget places to stay in Marrakech
Optional add-on:
If you have an extra day or two, I'd recommend making the 2.5-hour drive from Marrakech to to Essaouira, an enchanting whitewashed city on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. Once a bustling trade hub and seaport, it centres around a UNESCO-listed medina that's brimming with old-world charm. Aside from being home to inspiring restaurants, cafes and bars, it's also overflowing with art galleries celebrating North African creatives.
You can learn more about things to see and do in Esssaouira, as well as incredible places to stay here.
For this 5-day self-drive itinerary in Morocco, I recommend you rent a car through Discover Cars, which offers free cancellation and 24/7 support. They have everything from compact automatics to manual vans, ensuring there’s something for all travel groups and driving styles.
