Formerly known as Ksar es-Souk, Errachidia is an often overlooked Moroccan city named after the second son of Hassan II, Moulay Rachid. It is strategically situated in the south of the Kingdom at the crossroads where the roads from Marrakech and Fes meet. It’s not only a gateway to the stunning Drâa-Tafilalet region (of which it is the capital) but also a popular overnight stop en route to Merzouga and the Sahara Desert.
While most tourists simply rest for the night before continuing on their journey to Erg Chebbi, Errachidia has a handful of attractions that make it worth lingering a little longer. In addition to some well-preserved ksars (fortified villages), it lies on the edge of the life-giving Oued Ziz and its palm-studded gorge. Errachidia’s dramatic landscapes have made it a sought-after destination for international filmmakers and adventurous travellers looking to get off the beaten track.
In this Ultimate Travel Guide to Errachidia, discover incredible places to stay in the town and the best time to visit, as well as inspiring things to do in the area.
If you’re overnighting in Errachidia en route to the Sahara, my Ultimate Travel Guide to M’Hamid details things to do and places to stay in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
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Things to do in Errachidia
Visit the Ksar Goulmima
Around 45 minutes’ drive west of Errachidia (on the route from Marrakech) is the oasis town of Goulmima, which is fed by the waters of the Wadi Gheris. Like many settlements in the Tafilalet area, it was originally constructed as a fortified ksar, providing its inhabitants a secure refuge from the harsh desert environment. Today, Ksar Goulmima is undergoing an extensive restoration while providing a home for several hundred people - it’s like a living museum! Join a guided tour to discover the unique way of life for the Amazigh people who live here and visit the adjacent palmeraie.
Refresh with a swim in the Meski Spring
A short drive south of Errachidia is the blue spring of Meski, which emerges through a rocky hole fringed by shady palm trees. It was established in the early 20th century and has become one of the area’s most popular spots to refresh on a hot, summer day, with some believing its waters are therapeutic. You can climb the short staircase that leads up the surrounding walls for a spectacular view across the irrigated fields that lie just beyond.
Hike through the Ziz Valley
Snaking its way past Errachidia is the Oued Ziz, which begins just south of the Middle Atlas near the town of Er-Rich. It winds its way through a dramatic gorge before widening into a vast plain that’s home to one of Morocco’s largest palm groves. The hiking here is well and truly off-the-beaten-track and it’s definitely worth grabbing a guide in Errachidia before you set out. But the rewards are gorgeous scenery and atmospheric villages where few other tourists venture.
Relax on the shores of Lake Al-Hassan Addakhil
Situated along the Oued Ziz is this man-made dam, which was constructed over a three-year period from 1968 to 1971. It was built with the primary purpose of regulating the flow of the river in order to facilitate agricultural development and flood control in the surrounding valley. It’s a picturesque spot to stretch your legs (there’s a short walking trail leading down to the lake’s edge) while enjoying distant views of the Atlas Mountains.
Things to do in Errachidia
How to get to Errachidia
Moulay Ali Cherif Airport is the aviation gateway to Errachidia and receives regular flights from Casablanca, Rabat and Marrakech. The closest international aviation gateway is Fes-Saïss Airport, which is around 5 hours’ drive from Errachidia and receives flights from destinations across Europe.
If you’re hiring a car in Fes, it’s an easy drive down the N13 to Errachidia. Many people opt to overnight here before continuing on to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes.
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By bus
If you're travelling on a budget, buses connect from major cities across Morocco to Errachidia, with some continuing on to Merzouga. Several bus companies, such as CTM and Supratours, operate daily departures between Marrakech and Errachidia, with the journey taking around 9 hours. There are also daily buses from Fes to Errachidia taking around 6 hours. Generally speaking, the buses are comfortable and air-conditioned. If you’re continuing to Merzouga the following day, the journey takes around 2 hours.
By guided tour
The most convenient way to explore Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes is on an organised tour, with those coming from Fes usually including a brief stop in Errachidia. Viator has heaps of Moroccan Sahara Desert tours to choose from and it’s a great starting point as you can read reviews from previous guests and get a taste of what the camps look like.
Travel guide to Errachidia
Best places to stay in Errachidia
Located just across the Oued Ziz from downtown Errachidia, this highly-rated modern hotel features contemporary rooms and suites that tick all the right boxes for an overnight stay. There’s a sparkling swimming pool where you can refresh with a swim, as well as two restaurants (one of which offers a delicious buffet breakfast).
"Excellent, clean and beautiful hotel on the way to Merzouga.” Scott (read more reviews here)
Backed by the majestic walls of the Ziz Gorge, this budget hotel near Errachidia is inspired by kasbah architecture and is directly on the route between Fes and Merzouga. It offers affordable twin, double, triple and quadruple rooms, plus a swimming pool and a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner.
“Great little stopover.” - Sarah (read more reviews here)
This two-bedroom apartment in Errachidia is ideal for families, with comfortable living spaces, a fully-equipped kitchen and onsite parking. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi so you can stay connected and breakfast is included in the rates.
“You get everything mentioned in the offer plus a caring, welcoming and hospitable host.” - Pytlak (read more reviews here)
Best time to visit Errachidia
Generally speaking, the spring and autumn seasons are the best times to visit Errachidia. During these temperate periods, the daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm (mid-to-high 20s Celsius), allowing you to comfortably explore the region’s rugged landscapes.
In contrast, the summer months in Errachidia can be brutally hot, with daytime temperatures that can climb well above 40 degrees Celsius. At the opposite end of the spectrum, the winter months of December and January bring chilly nighttime temperatures that can make camping and other outdoor pursuits less comfortable.
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