Salam from Morocco! There's something magical about waking up in a traditional Moroccan riad, especially when it's your first morning in Marrakech. Our little riad was tucked away from the hustle and bustle, spread across multiple levels with charming staircases connecting different areas. I remember filming my partner as she excitedly explored our room, the bathroom downstairs, and the beautiful architecture that makes these traditional Moroccan houses so special.
If you're planning your own journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, staying in a riad is the perfect way to begin your Moroccan adventure. These traditional houses with interior courtyards offer an authentic experience that hotels simply can't match. Ours was particularly lovely, with comfortable sleeping arrangements that had us jumping on the bed with childlike excitement after a long travel day.
Morning Markets and Moroccan Flavors
Leaving our riad the next morning, we stepped into the vibrant streets of Marrakech. The contrast between the peaceful sanctuary of our accommodation and the lively city streets couldn't be more striking. Marrakech wakes up early, and the markets quickly fill with colors, sounds, and the most incredible aromas.
One of the highlights of any Moroccan trip is the food, and we wasted no time diving into the local cuisine. Fresh fruit juices are a must-try – I still remember the vendor carefully preparing our drinks with a warm smile, hoping we'd enjoy them. The juice was refreshing and perfect for the warm Moroccan climate.
We also explored the spice markets, where pyramids of colorful paprika and other spices created a photographer's dream. My partner was particularly excited about the cooking possibilities, examining everything from paprika to potatoes for our upcoming meals. When traveling from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, I highly recommend purchasing some spices to take with you – they make wonderful souvenirs and will bring Moroccan flavors to your home cooking.
Getting Lost in the Souks
No visit to Marrakech is complete without exploring the famous souks (markets). We spent hours wandering through the labyrinthine alleys, admiring everything from intricate lamps that looked like they might house Aladdin's genie to beautiful green ceramics and traditional copper cookware.
The merchants were friendly, often greeting us with "Salut les mecs!" (Hey guys!). While some tourists worry about aggressive selling in Moroccan markets, we found most vendors to be respectful and good-humored. One particularly memorable moment was finding a merchant selling what looked like antique lamps – the detail was extraordinary, and I half-expected a genie to appear when we touched them!
A word of warning about the souks – they are indeed a maze! At one point, we found ourselves completely lost, with many smaller streets closed off, forcing us to take enormous detours. When the day was done, my phone's step counter showed we'd walked about 15 kilometers through the city – a tiring but rewarding experience. If you're planning the journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, I'd recommend exploring the souks the day before you drive, as you'll want rested legs for the road trip ahead!
Farewell Marrakech, Hello Mountain Roads
The morning of our departure came with mixed feelings – excitement for the road ahead but a touch of sadness to leave the vibrant energy of Marrakech behind. Our next destination: Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Picking up our rental car was an adventure in itself. Rather than a convenient rental office, we found ourselves meeting a representative on a busy boulevard. As my partner nervously took the wheel, we both realized this would be a baptism by fire – learning to drive in Morocco while navigating one of the busiest streets in Marrakech!
The road from Marrakech to Ouarzazate is one of Morocco's most scenic routes, taking you through the Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n'Tichka pass. The landscapes change dramatically as you climb higher into the mountains – from the flat plains surrounding Marrakech to sharp switchbacks and breathtaking mountain views.
Roadside Stops and Mountain Views
One of the joys of driving from Marrakech to Ouarzazate is the freedom to stop whenever you want, and there are plenty of reasons to pause along this route. We made a memorable stop at a small roadside restaurant for lunch. My partner, who I teasingly call "Papa le Marocain" (Dad the Moroccan) when he gets engrossed in the scenery, couldn't stop staring at the magnificent mountain views.
The restaurant served traditional Moroccan food, with tajines slowly cooking over low heat. The aromas were incredible, and after hours of driving through mountain roads, the warm meal was exactly what we needed. For dessert, we tried cornes de gazelle, traditional Moroccan pastries filled with almond paste and flavored with orange flower water. My little one was initially skeptical but ended up loving them!
A tip for those prone to motion sickness: the winding mountain roads can be challenging. Our youngest wasn't feeling well due to the constant turns, so consider bringing medication if you or your children are susceptible. The views are worth it, but the journey can be tough on sensitive stomachs.
Arriving in Ouarzazate: A Different Morocco
After about four hours of driving (plus stops), we finally arrived in Ouarzazate. The difference between this desert gateway city and Marrakech is immediately apparent. Where Marrakech is bustling and sometimes overwhelming, Ouarzazate feels calmer, more spread out, and closer to the desert way of life.
Our first stop was at a local travel agency to confirm our upcoming desert excursion – a two-day adventure that would take us even farther from Ouarzazate to the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, where we would sleep in traditional Berber tents. The excitement of the upcoming desert adventure added an extra layer of anticipation to our arrival.
Our Ouarzazate Accommodation
Unlike the traditional riad in Marrakech, our accommodation in Ouarzazate was a more modern apartment in a residential complex. Our little one took charge as tour guide, proudly showing us each room – the bathroom, the parents' bedroom with its mirror, the living room with its somewhat mysteriously placed TV remote, and the kitchen.
What the apartment lacked in traditional charm, it made up for in practicality. After days of restaurant meals, having a kitchen allowed us to cook something familiar. There's something comforting about preparing a simple European meal after days of new and exciting flavors. The kids were particularly excited about having "French food" again, though I personally couldn't wait to return to Moroccan cuisine the next day!
The residential complex had a peaceful courtyard, a welcome change from the constant activity of Marrakech. As evening fell, a gentle wind picked up, creating the perfect atmosphere to sit outside and plan our desert adventure.
Planning Our Desert Adventure
While cooking dinner and trying to download files for our travel vlogs (internet can be spotty in Morocco, so patience is essential!), we reviewed our upcoming itinerary. From Ouarzazate, we would continue our journey the next day, taking specific routes through places like Zagora before reaching M'hamid, where we would switch to 4x4 vehicles to reach the dunes.
The children were especially excited about the planned activities – sleeping in desert tents and the promise of quad biking through the sand. These desert excursions are easily arranged through agencies in Ouarzazate, making the city an ideal staging point for Sahara adventures.
Reflections: Marrakech to Ouarzazate Contrasts
Looking back on our journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, what strikes me most is the contrast between these two fascinating cities. Marrakech embodies the vibrant, sometimes chaotic energy that Morocco is famous for – colorful markets, narrow alleyways, and centuries of history packed into the ancient medina walls.
Ouarzazate, on the other hand, offers a glimpse of a different Morocco – more connected to the desert, calmer, and serving as the perfect gateway to some of the country's most spectacular natural wonders. The journey between them, through the Atlas Mountains, is not merely a transition but an essential part of the Moroccan experience.
If you're planning this trip yourself, I'd recommend spending at least three days in Marrakech before making the drive to Ouarzazate. This gives you enough time to explore the medina, visit major attractions like the Jardin Majorelle or Bahia Palace, and recover from the inevitable souk-induced exhaustion before tackling the mountain drive.
Practical Tips for the Marrakech to Ouarzazate Journey
For those planning their own adventure from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, here are some practical tips from our experience:
- Rental Cars: Book in advance, and be prepared for a possibly unconventional pickup experience. Make sure your rental has air conditioning, as the summer heat can be intense.
- Driving: The road is well-maintained but winding. Allow at least 4 hours for the drive, plus additional time for stops. Drive defensively and be prepared for local driving customs that might differ from your home country.
- Stops: Plan for multiple stops along the way – both for the views and to give everyone a break from the winding roads. The restaurant options improve significantly once you're on the main mountain road.
- Weather: Check conditions before departing. The Tizi n'Tichka pass can occasionally close due to snow in winter months.
- Accommodations: In Marrakech, opt for a traditional riad experience. In Ouarzazate, apartment rentals often offer more space and amenities for families.
- Desert Excursions: Book these in advance during high season, but in shoulder seasons, you can often arrange them upon arrival in Ouarzazate for better rates.
Looking Ahead: The Desert Awaits
As we fell asleep in our Ouarzazate apartment, we could hardly contain our excitement for what was to come. The next day would bring us deeper into the desert landscape, toward the massive dunes and starlit nights that make Morocco's Sahara experience so unforgettable.
The journey from Marrakech to Ouarzazate is much more than a simple drive – it's a transition from one world to another, from the ancient imperial city to the gateway of the desert. If you're planning your own Moroccan adventure, I can't recommend this route enough. The memories of winding mountain roads, breathtaking vistas, and the feeling of discovery as you approach Ouarzazate will stay with you long after you return home.
Have you traveled from Marrakech to Ouarzazate? Or are you planning this journey and have questions? Share your experiences or ask away in the comments below – I'd love to hear about your own adventures on this magical Moroccan route!