Hello all,

This is my first post here, so hopefully I won't get for doing it in the wrong place or the wrong way.

First of all I have to apologise for asking a question that has probably been asked a 1000 times before, but I'm working on a ship in the North Sea with a sh.. internet connection, so I'm having huge difficulties searching the forum.

I've purchased and read Chris Scott's Morocco Overland. It is an excellent read, but a bit overwhelming, because so many of the pistes sound really good.

I'm flying in to Marrakech on November 23rd, have rented a Prado and will spend 7 full days driving around. The trick is that I've never been to Morocco before, I'm not a super experienced off-roader and I'm bringing a girl (almost on a first date) on the trip, so I have a few challenges lined up

If anyone could recommend a nice 1 week route that would be sensational

Ideally I would like to head through the High Atlas (MH) and Sahara (MS), as well as swing by Essaouira (because that's the one thing the girl wants to see) and spend at least a night in Marrakech. Besides that I'm up for anything. I'll bring a tent, but suspect the girl might want a hotel room for at least a few of the nights. Though I'm not a super experienced off-road driver these days, I did drive LR Defenders quite a bit off-road when I was in the army almost 20 years ago, but Norway is a "bit" different from Morocco.

Any input would be greatly appreciated and I will gladly buy you a if we meet (assuming we can find some).

- Andreas

Intial suggestion from me

from Marrakech take the Tizi n Test road to Taroudannt, stop at Tin Mal on the way - this is Tarmac all the way.

From Taroudannt take MH7 from Morocco Overland to Ouarazazate getting some High Atlas Piste but do able in a day

Ouarazazate head east visiting the Dades and Todra Gorges, but visit Ait Ben Haddou at some point whilst in the Area

At this point your goal is Erfoud/Rissani and Erg Chebbi. If you have time try and visit Hansjorg Voths desert sculptures on the way.

Find a desert Auberge in the shadow of Erg Chebbi for a romantic sunset

Take route MS6 from Rissani to Zagora to get some desert

From Zagora pick a MA route to Tafroute

Then its Tafroute to Essaouira on the road

That would take you around 6days picking up some good pistes an some more touristy highlights. Choice of accommodation along the route varies from 5 star hotels to camping depending on your budget.

Be aware that some Anti Atlas pistes such as MA3 may be blocked check the forum for advice on the current situation but none are particularly hard for the inexperienced

Your initial suggestion looks superb Thank you!

I need to go trace it on a map, with Morocco Overland in hand, but this trip looks like it would really hit the sweet spot.

- Andreas

Its just a quick idea tying together some classic sights and routes but in hindsite it would mean you spend all your time travelling so maybe ignore Taroudannt and head straight to Ouarazazate, this would miss out MH7 but give maybe another day to relax somewhere.

I'd recommend a day in Essaouira to relax and watch life go by in the medina

Sounds like a great adventure.

Make sure you watch some videos on how to drive on sand and navigate dunes. It's quite different to how you drive on other surfaces, took me a while to get used to soft sand in a heavy 4x4.

Good idea, it's never nice to rush it too much.

Which route would you do to Ouarzazate? I see you can drive straight there on N9, but would doing N10 from Amerzgane to Anezal and then do MS9 to Ouarzazate be a good idea, or is it starting too hard core?
We land at 14:00 in Marrakech, so I was thinking about going straight to Ouarzazate the first day, but would the detour mean that it takes too long?

Hi James,
I'll definitely look up some videos when I get home, because I can forget watching anything while I'm at sea, due to the internet connection. Are there any in particular you would recommend?

MS9 was my second ever route when I did it 3 years ago it was nice and easy, some development on the edge of Ouarazazate made that section of the route a little out of date. Theres a section along a river bed that may have had some weather damage since I went that way.

Given the timing of your flight, clearing the airport etc you've got a 4ish hour drive to Oarazazate so take the N9 straight there. Generally I'd avoid driving at night as much as possible, done it a few times and it can be alarming. Once you get down from the mountains the road into town is decent. You could look at accommodation around Ait Ben Haddou which is worth a visit although touristy. Its closer to Marakech possibly 3.5 hours drive. I've stayed at Kasbah Cigogne which is nice.

My original idea via Taroudannt wouldn't fit easily with your flight, the route is quite a bit slower.

What do you want to see/achieve during your week? Obviously some off road from your original post and as a first trip possibly some of the sights and Essaouira. It would help advise/suggest routes.

How will you be navigating? maps or gps?

Given you flight time I'm also thinking reversing the route might be better. The road is very good between Marrakech and Essaouira and you could easily be there and having dinner in the Medina on your first night

Good luck with sorting out the car dude! I've had similar issues in the US (third party/criminal damage) and they just swapped the car for us, had Max insurance though, no deductable At the moment I'd put plans of heading south on hold until the roads clear. I'm stuck in Ozt at the moment with a rental 4x4 that needs to go back to Marrakech. They don't have an office in Ozt (Medloc).

We've done a few pistes with h no probs over the past week with limited off road experience, no probs at all but it 'was' mostly dry for us. I'll dig out the numbers when I get a chance.

Hope you enjoy your trip, despite setbacks! Dave