Review: 2-Day Trip from Marrakech to Dades Valley & Ouarzazate

Okay, so you’re thinking about escaping Marrakech for a couple of days and heading out to see a bit more of Morocco, right? Very, very smart move! A two-day excursion to Ouarzazate and Dades Valley just might be the perfect way to cram in some amazing landscapes, historic sites, and a totally different vibe than you’ll get in the Red City. I did this exact trip, and let me tell you, it was an absolute whirlwind of sensory experiences. I will try to offer you a detailed look, some insights and suggestions that can assist you, too, in planning your own adventure. So let’s jump straight into the fun!

Why Choose This Particular Short Trip?

Listen, Marrakech is truly magical, no doubt, it’s quite charming, honestly. But sometimes, you know, the intensity of the souks and the constant calls to “come look in my shop!” can become, well, a tad much. That’s where the beauty of this little trip lies: it’s really a fantastic reset button. You get out into wide-open spaces, the air is cleaner, and you honestly feel like you’ve been transported to another planet altogether. Plus, the scenery is seriously mind-blowing. I am referring to snow-capped Atlas Mountains (depending on the time of year), ancient kasbahs, and dramatic gorges; it is a fantastic break.

What exactly makes Dades Valley, in particular, worthy of your precious time? To begin, the valley is absolutely unique. Picture red and mauve cliffs that have actually been sculpted by the elements for many years. Add to this, a river running through the area and a collection of tiny settlements in which people reside, cultivating farms and orchards. The ‘monkey fingers’ rock formations will probably astound you. It’s one of those landscapes that, for me, looks so beautiful on camera; seeing it in person, though, just floors you, basically.

Furthermore, let’s not overlook Ouarzazate. Commonly known as “the Door of the Desert,” this town is steeped in film industry history, which adds a degree of interest. Very numerous blockbusters like “Gladiator” and “Lawrence of Arabia” were filmed here. Touring the film studios lets one explore sets, observe props, and understand the laborious work involved with the movie production process. Very interesting stuff, particularly for any film buff out there.

Day 1: Marrakech to Ouarzazate Through the High Atlas

So, the very first day begins really, truly early, alright. Most tours pick you up straight from your riad (or a close meeting point, anyhow, if your riad is in a tiny alley). It’s a lengthy drive; you are traveling from Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains, right, and this is where your journey turns stunningly picturesque. That’s right, I said it. The road zigzags up, up, up, so expect some hairpin turns and, maybe, the person next to you may be sick. Trust me; I saw it! However, oh my, the views? Just seriously spectacular. This is your first peek at the actual raw beauty of Morocco.

A must-stop point is surely the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which, in my experience, is the highest major mountain pass in North Africa. At that altitude, it’s almost another place. You get some stunning panoramic views. Typically, your driver will stop, enabling people to get out, shoot images, and grab a fast bite from those tiny, local vendors selling crystals, argan oil, and other trinkets. Don’t forget to bargain. Seriously.

Moving forward to Ait Benhaddou. Can I tell you about this place? Well, that ksar (fortified village) has to be just about one of the most gorgeous places I’ve visited to this point. I guess the sand-colored buildings all clump together so, the defensive walls make you feel as though you have gone back in time and space. Okay, a great number of movies and TV shows made use of it to film locations (I am talking, “Game of Thrones”), thus it does actually get lots of foot traffic, that is very certain.

Now, a tour guide in Ait Benhaddou is absolutely worth it, I mean, it is definitely money well spent. These locals will give one information on the story behind the village and architecture; also, I swear it really helped me know and realize the importance in such a location. Explore all the winding little roads, hop to the top, and appreciate the amazing surrounding views. Have lunch at one of those restaurants overseeing the Kasbah. Great views, tasty tagine – really, a magical mix. In the end, move further to Ouarzazate for a night-time stay.

Day 2: Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, and Return to Marrakech

Be certain to be up at daybreak, as day two will also pack quite a bit, too. The second day generally focuses much more on Dades Valley’s dramatic scenery and traveling to Todra Gorge, which is something very unique in that place. Therefore, first thing in the day you can drive with a guide along Dades Valley. I think, some portions of this highway are usually twisted and narrow; that means plenty more panoramic opportunities! It’s a little like the Atlas Mountains all over again, still every bit wonderful to notice.

Oh, you shouldn’t just dash through Dades Valley without really stopping to take it all in, I feel. Have your driver slow the automobile at multiple strategic locations that have wonderful photograph opportunities. Take notice on all the odd rock formations, specifically what they call the “monkey fingers.” You will see also many Kasbahs that still are located on the sides of steep slopes giving that location a genuine aged Moroccan charm.

The drive moves to the Todra Gorge where, really, the cliffs ascend, they do, almost perpendicularly above. The height is incredible for rock climbers. This means a chance to stretch your legs; maybe one is to have tea served with Berbers who will most certainly be selling mementos right here. It has lots to experience really! Next, begin the really long journey again on returning towards Marrakech; there may also be pauses with breaks en route. After that much desert and scenery for some time that seems like so long a trip, one appreciates entering Marrakech for certain.

Where to Stay: Riads in Ouarzazate

Okay, you’re gonna stay overnight in Ouarzazate or someplace nearby, too. Here’s a tip: choose a riad. Riads are very customary Moroccan homes or palaces and that comes with an interior courtyard. It’s very intimate, offers personality, plus it’s often better priced, usually in comparison to several bigger resort chains. Now, based upon just your allowance, you might find riads providing the really affordable comfort towards somewhat more elegant solutions featuring pools along with exceptional eating places for visitors as well. So, look on line through many riad opinions – booking websites or that might get to be, honestly a little like examining what previous customers had been indicating ahead choosing that best place to chill-out after exploring whole day through what Morocco offers.

The best choices frequently book instantly; this suggests really book your sleep ahead on period particularly you are, typically, going during the optimum traveling periods. Seriously don’t procrastinate here people or it’s highly possible that those first selection accommodation decisions fill just really very quickly specifically throughout spring as well as autumn since this climate is often that far quite inviting therefore lots desire a Moroccan exploration.

What to Wear and Pack

Knowing what you might require to bring for two days outing ensures this will be even easier. Because you travel through each type locations – towards great Altas towards a deserts region therefore; you can be covering all the spectrum. As to be always thought about at most relevant level – be dress modest or respectfully is a tradition in Morocco especially for destinations distant in larger metropolitan areas or one has religious implications also especially women must dress at ease too also. Consider taking such things also:

Sunscreen: That is important and really the sun in Morocco, typically, gets very extreme! Seriously protect those skins people!!
Hat and Sunglasses: The sun beating down at times, right, makes those vital components in ensuring relaxation whilst discovering attractions, in all honesty.
Comfortable Shoes: Lots occur with simply traveling – whether, in this way walking those ancient sites so. Choose just stable, walking oriented and good help boots!!
Layers of clothing: Temperature fluctuations from sunny morning times versus frigid nights or, you want dress utilizing clothing, one of which you will incorporate in order to conform those changing aspects right!!
Scarf: Functional – that might protect those minds plus even people noses at cases these get so dusting for this part desert landscape!!
Small Backpack: Needed right for only important goods for example liquids. Your phone with wallet; always available anytime when investigating

Things to Keep In Mind Before you Take The Trip

Hydration: Okay, I feel its that absolutely the number one rule of travelling during the summer, also is making absolutely specific, everyone takes drinking plenty much drinking liquids particularly beneath this weather. Therefore it goes the number one things. Carry refills usually with yourselves constantly but avoid buying from street vendor especially from drinks this happens to only an idea!
Respectful behavior to other culture: Being in that culture as tourist one should respect traditions and norms. Dresses needs to stay humble whilst engaging using native plus do make certain of all etiquette that they follow, if photograph one is not allowed ask that the local initially
Bargaining: Bargaining on something will always be part shopping Moroccan – therefore the more skills there; this means getting those costs you’re spending with goods and souvenir will lower that much also. Yet always address it being the polite style along reasonable price limit planned
Stay vigilant of just where things go, especially inside areas visited mostly or crowded streets for things like your smartphone with pocket. Keep valuable products safer; if could keep under secured pouches and just aware often these surroundings or
Know the native communication: Those Arabic and additionally French happens, official lingua Moroccan; this having basic idea on several primary language can assist navigate much more properly yet several guides mostly particularly visitor part, normally get that you have such speaking language you see in place that also are English speaking people usually too.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Alright, in a nutshell, the 2-day trip from Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Dades Valley is extremely worthwhile if you are tight on time but, too, just long to explore, too, more of Morocco than solely just Marrakech, I feel. Its extensive driving days which actually has been a visual banquet. You will gain knowledge about those very unique location which includes historical attractions whilst becoming more engrossed with distinct culture. Just get willing to go for much drive. However, it would also most clearly be completely worthwhile for anyone trying that adventurous excursion beginning originating from Morocco as an entire people will often remember later into some travels they also made around this life, as many travel sites claim.