Discover some of Morocco’s most majestic scenery and ancient wonders on this 5-day/4-night journey from Ouarzazate. 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 the Dades Gorge.
This off-the-beaten-track 5-day Morocco itinerary promises to immerse you in the essence of this storied land and leave you enchanted.
To learn more about your starting destination, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Ouarzazate. It's packed with info about the top things to see and do in the city, incredible places to stay and the best time to visit.
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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
5-day Morocco itinerary from Ouarzazate
I recommend you rent a car in Morocco 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.
Day 1: Ouarzazate to Ait Benhaddou
Begin your journey in 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.
After picking up you hire car, make the 13-kilometre-drive south from Ouarzazate 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.
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 Ouarzazate
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.
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
5-day Morocco itinerary from Ouarzazate
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.
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 Ouarzazate
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.
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.
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
5-day Morocco itinerary from Ouarzazate
Day 5: Skoura to Ouarzazate
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.
As the afternoon winds down, head back towards Ouarzazate where your trip comes to an end. My Ultimate Travel Guide to Ouarzazate includes detailed information about things to do in the city for those planning on spending a few days in the “Hollywood of Morocco”. Additional Ouarzazate travel inspiration can be found here.
Best places to stay in Ouarzazate
Luxury places to stay in Ouarzazate
Mid-range places to stay in Ouarzazate
Budget places to stay in Ouarzazate
For this 5-day self-drive itinerary in Morocco 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.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.