The great southern journey, with no meter running

Driving from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga is one of the finest road trips you can take in Morocco. High Atlas mountains, earthen ksour, valleys and desert: the landscape changes at every stage. But it is also a long drive — more than 1000 km round trip, not counting detours. This is where unlimited mileage really matters: every car in our fleet includes it. You drive without counting, and the price depends only on the number of days.

Stage 1: Marrakech – Ouarzazate across the High Atlas

About 200 km separate Marrakech from Ouarzazate. The road crosses the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at more than 2000 m, with one hairpin and viewpoint after another. It is a mountain road to take without hurrying: an automatic SUV with a high driving position is perfectly at home here.

Stage 2: Ait Benhaddou

Shortly before Ouarzazate, a short detour leads to the ksar of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified earthen village, set against a hillside, is one of the most photographed places in the country and has been the backdrop for many films. Allow time to explore it on foot, ideally early in the morning or late in the day.

Stage 3: Ouarzazate – Merzouga

From Ouarzazate, the road heads east towards Tinghir and Errachidia, then Merzouga. Allow about 350 km. Along the way, the Todra Gorge near Tinghir deserves a stop. Then the landscape opens up until the great orange dunes of Erg Chebbi appear. On this kind of route, it is best to split the drive over two days and travel in daylight.

Which SUV for this trip?

All our SUVs are automatic, five-seat and come with unlimited mileage. For a start in Marrakech, choose a model that can be collected at Marrakech airport:

  • Range Rover Sport (2025, diesel): from 2000 MAD/day, with 2300 MAD/day from 7 days and 2000 MAD/day from 15 days. Deposit 30000 MAD, excess 49992 MAD.
  • Audi Q8 (2025, diesel): 2100 MAD/day. Deposit 30000 MAD, excess 45000 MAD.
  • Range Rover Evoque (2025, diesel): 1300 MAD/day. Deposit 30000 MAD, excess 20000 MAD.
  • Porsche Macan (2026, petrol): from 1400 MAD/day, with 1800 MAD/day from 7 days. Deposit 30000 MAD.

Over long distances, a diesel engine is often appreciated for its range. The Range Rover Sport offers the most luggage space for a trip of several days; the Evoque remains the most economical option.

A sample budget

A Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Merzouga loop and back fits comfortably into 7 days. With the Range Rover Sport, that is 7 × 2300 MAD, or 16100 MAD of rental, mileage included. With the Evoque, 7 × 1300 MAD, or 9100 MAD. Fuel is at your expense. The minimum rental is 3 days.

Road tips

Fill up whenever you can in the towns along the way, as stations become scarce between them. Carry water, drive in daylight, and keep some spare time for photo stops: on this road, there are plenty.

Book

To plan your southern road trip, message us on WhatsApp at +212 646 618 020 or book your SUV on loccor.com.