Off Road In Morocco

Begin your journey in Marrakech, the epicentre of Morocco. This city of chaos, culture and cuisine allows visitors to experience everything quintessentially Moroccan: wander through the souks, haggling for every spice, carpet and silk, and visit the Bahia Palace to bask in its beauty, size and opulence. Marrakech is also known for its cultural fusion, from the indigenous Berber to the colonial French. Your boutique sanctuary for two nights, Dar Mo’da, embodies this cultural melting pot. Located in the city’s historic quarter, it mixes Italian and local traditions, from its décor to its food. Sit back on your private terrace and sip Italian expresso whilst snacking on dried fruits as you watch the city below ring with life.

Leaving the buzz of city life behind, you will go off the beaten track to Megdaz, located in the roof of Morocco, the Atlas Mountains. This village has remained true to the indigenous way of life, and the reddish earthen buildings, which rise like craters from the arid landscape, are a tribute to this. Stay at Gite de Megdaz, which is firmly rooted in the local community. Built with natural materials and offering spectacular views of the Tessaout Valley, it is the perfect spot to re-energise.

Continuing your journey in the Atlas Mountains, your next stop is the beautiful Dades Valley. Surrounded by its famous gorges, winding roads and ancient fortresses, it’s hardly surprising that it’s known as the ‘Road of a Thousand Kasbahs’.

For two nights Chez Pierre is your haven: styled on classic Berber design with local traditional materials and techniques, there is once again a mixing of cultures alongside a fusion of Moroccan and European cuisine. Explore the stunning Valley of the Roses or hike around the gorges, and bask in panoramic views untouched by civilisation.

Your next stop is the palm oasis town of Zagora, nestled in the Draa Valley. The last city on the road to the Sahara offers distinctive landscapes, with sweeping mountains and sand dunes side by side. You’ll be able to fully appreciate this stunning scenery, as well as visit the fascinating ancient petroglyphs at Foum Chenna and Tazzarine, from your base at Villa Zagora, a rustic hotel built in the style of a Moroccan riad. But most importantly, you can camp under the stars in a Berber tent on your own private roof terrace.

Venture into the desert to Erg Chigaga, which is only reachable by 4x4, camel or foot, so you are totally cut off from modern life. However, you may be in the desert, but your luxury isn’t sacrificed - far from it. Sleep under the stars at Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp, where you’ll feel like an Arabian prince, with a king-size bed and ensuite bathroom.

Spend your day riding camels or quad biking through the terrain, followed by a romantic dinner in the dunes, with live traditional music playing in the background and stars blanketing the sky. This is camping, but not as you know it…

Your last desert stop is Tata, where you’ll stay at Akka Nait Sidi Desert Camp, a desolate desert beauty that is immersed into its landscape and offers blissful serenity and a fascinating insight into Bedouin life. Stay in authentic Bedouin tents, tuck into true Moroccan dishes and witness the striking purple sunrises and sunsets. Enjoy a half-day excursion to the palm oasis of the Palmeries and ride camels across the otherworldly desert.

Your next stop is the ancient Berber market town of Taroudant. Your hotel, Dar al Hossoun, is nearby: it claims to be the only eco-lodge of its kind, and utilises natural materials and techniques such as rammed earth. It is surrounded by vibrant gardens so stunning they have won numerous awards – they showcase over 900 types of desert plants as well as olive groves and palm trees. If you can drag yourself from this mini paradise, then you can easily visit Taroudant, with its buzzing bazaar, or the sensational Citrons Valley at the foot of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Return to unwind in the beautiful spa.

Your final stop before heading back to Marrakech is the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the historic caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. This medieval town has had famous faces walk its roads, thanks to its starring role on film and TV, such as The Mummy and Game of Thrones - the magic created here matches the scenery.

Kasbah Tebi, housed in a 400-year-old kasbah and run by the same family for hundreds of years, is carved into the ancient landscape, and its opulent style is complemented by its impressive history and age-old traditions. Experience Berber desert life, enjoy cookery classes with the chef, Mehdi, and visit Kasbah Telouet, a striking 19^th-century mud-brick complex set in red earth in an optimum position on the caravan routes, which, in its heyday, symbolised their rich trading power.  

Finish where you set out on your Moroccan holiday, and return to Marrakech for one last night in this exotic metropolis. Relax and recharge after your epic adventure at Dar Zemora, tucked away in the Palmeraie and surrounded by gardens bursting with roses, olive trees and bougainvillea. Find perfect souvenirs in the souks or simply enjoy a traditional hammam, a soothing massage or a refreshing dip in the pool.