Road trip in south Morocco

Although city-sightseeing and beach holidays for winter sun are very popular in Morocco, the best way to experience the country is in your own car.

The area around Marrakech gives travellers a myriad of choices, from coastline driving to adventures in the remote desert, or hair-rising mountain driving in the High Atlas mountains.

The P31 highway runs from Marrakech all the way to the impassable border with Algeria, through unbelievably varied landscape.

The route takes around eight hours one way, which is a perfect itinerary for a five to ten-day holiday. No 4WD is required until Zagora but check your tyres before setting off into the mountains.

An incredible array of colours and shapes inhabit this part of the country. You will pass quiet Berber villages perched on mountainsides, surrounded by nothing but snow and 4,000m peaks.

There are also infinite lengths of golden stony desert, known as hammada, and cute little oases with palm trees loaded with dates.

The drive is tough; it requires patience and a lot of attention. This road should never be attempted at night, firstly because it would be far too dangerous, but also because you would not want to miss a second of this fabulous landscape.

For such a small stretch of road the P31 offers incredible diversity and driving this route is a rewarding challenge that none of the tourists on a 4WD or bus tour will ever experience.

If by chance King Mohammed VI is visiting the area at the same time, you will also witness the funniest deployment of security forces. Every little hill in the desert will have a thirsty but very smartly-dressed policeman standing on its summit like a miniature soldier.

A good stop for tea time is Cafe Ard Essalam, an hour away from Marrakech. It has great views of the surrounding mountains from a sunny terrace, where you can appreciate the summits while sipping a nice cup of mint tea.

There is also very good accommodation along the way. Kasbah Ait Ben Moro near Scurra, which is a castle made of mud, has a lot of character and enjoys a stunning view overlooking the oasis. The rooms can be chilly in winter but the experience is worth it. After wandering in the oasis, take a camel ride back to the castle.

Another amazing place to stay is Riad Lamane in Zagora. I recommend the roof room and its balcony near the pool, as it would have made Aladdin's princess Jasmine herself jealous.

Ait Benhaddou is also a very nice village and waking up in the middle of the desert could be one of your best memories of the trip. The village boasts one of the best preserved kasbahs in the country and several movies, including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator were shot here.

Nearby Ouarzazate has all the commodities and comfort of a city. Hotel Kenzi Azghor has a pleasant spa with traditional hammam treatments at very good prices.

After a week of remoteness spend your last night in Marrakech in budget hotel CTM. Although slightly noisy, the hotel has rooms directly overlooking the famous square Djemaa el-Fna, which has been recognised by Unesco as a place of international significance for intangible or living heritage.

Snake charmers will enchant you into waking up on your last morning in Morocco and the feeling will remain with you forever.

source:http://www.travelbite.co.uk/news/africa/morocco/road-trip-in-south-morocco-$485148.htm