A road trip from Agadir to the Sahara Desert is one of the most unforgettable journeys you can experience in Morocco. With diverse landscapes ranging from golden beaches to dramatic canyons, lush oases, centuries-old kasbahs, and endless dunes, this route is a dream for travelers who love adventure and natural beauty.

Hiring a car in Morocco—especially from Agadir—gives you the freedom to explore remote villages, scenic mountain roads, and breathtaking desert landscapes at your own pace. This detailed itinerary breaks down the perfect 5–7 day road trip, with highlights, travel tips, and recommended stops along the way.

🚗 Why Start Your Morocco Road Trip in Agadir?

Agadir is the ideal starting point for a Sahara journey because:

• It has excellent road connections to the Anti-Atlas, Ouarzazate, and the southern Sahara.

• Its airport offers easy car hire options.

• The city is calm and easy to navigate.

• It’s closer to the desert compared to cities like Casablanca or Rabat.

Starting from Agadir also means you get to enjoy the shifting landscapes gradually—from the coast to valleys, mountains, and finally the majestic Sahara dunes.

🗺️ Road Trip Overview

Distance: ~700–900 km depending on your final dune destination
Duration: 5–7 days recommended
Road Type: Paved national roads + some optional off-road paths
Best Vehicle: SUV for comfort and flexibility
Top Desert Destinations:

• Erg Chegaga (wild & remote)

• Erg Chebbi (Merzouga – iconic high dunes)

🌄 Day 1: Agadir → Taroudant (80 km | 1.5 hours)

Your road trip begins with a relaxing drive from the coast into the fertile Souss Valley.

Highlights

• Views of argan trees and goats climbing them

• The ancient city of Taroudant

• Red earthen ramparts and traditional souks

Known as the “Grandmother of Marrakech,” Taroudant is a peaceful, authentic Berber town with a medieval atmosphere.

What to Do

• Walk the city walls

• Visit the Berber market

• Try local almond pastries

• Explore the palm-lined kasbah

Taroudant is a perfect warm-up before heading deeper into the mountains.

⛰️ Day 2: Taroudant → Tafraoute (170 km | 3–4 hours)

The drive to Tafraoute is one of the most scenic in Morocco.

What You’ll See

• Anti-Atlas Mountains

• Granite boulders shaped by wind

• Palm oases and terraced villages

Tafraoute is famous for its pink granite rocks and peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Things to Explore

• Les Rochers Peints (Painted Rocks)

• Ait Mansour Gorge

• Traditional Berber villages

• Local argan oil cooperatives

Stay overnight to enjoy the serenity and fresh mountain air.

🏜️ Day 3: Tafraoute → Tata (160 km | 3 hours)

As you continue your journey, the landscapes become drier, more rugged, and dramatically desert-like.

Highlights

• Lunar landscapes

• Oasis towns

• Jagged rock formations

Tata is a quiet desert town surrounded by palm groves, kasbahs, and ancient rock art sites.

Top Activities

• Visit Akka Palm Oasis

• Explore prehistoric rock carvings (Tazrouk)

• Sunset viewpoints over red desert hills

This is your gateway to southern Morocco’s true desert terrain.

🏜️🔥 Day 4: Tata → Erg Chegaga (240 km | 4–6 hours)

This is where your adventure intensifies. Erg Chegaga is one of Morocco’s most remote dune fields.

Why Erg Chegaga?

• Wild and untouched

• Fewer tourists

• Vast golden dunes stretching endlessly

• Authentic desert experience

From M’Hamid, expect some off-road driving. A 4×4 is strongly recommended.

Experience in the Desert

• Camel trekking

• Sunset on giant dunes

• Stargazing in complete silence

• Traditional nomad-style dinner

• Sleeping in a desert camp or under the stars

This is the highlight of the entire road trip.

✨ Alternate Desert Option: Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)

If you prefer easier access, go instead to Erg Chebbi, which is reachable by paved road.

Highlights include:

• Towering 150m high dunes

• Luxury desert camps

• Sandboarding

• Great for photography

Both destinations offer magical Sahara experiences.

🌅 Day 5: Sahara → Ouarzazate (250–350 km | 4–6 hours)

After your night in the desert, drive toward Ouarzazate, the film capital of Morocco.

Top Stops Along the Way

• Zagora date oases

• Draa Valley (one of the world’s longest palm valleys)

• Ancient ksours and kasbahs

In Ouarzazate

• Kasbah Taourirt

• Film studios

• Viewpoints of the Anti-Atlas

Ouarzazate serves as the perfect transition from the desert back toward lush valleys.

🏰 Day 6: Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Taliouine (215 km | 3–4 hours)

Before heading west, visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage ksar used as a backdrop for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

Then continue to Taliouine, Morocco’s saffron capital.

What to See

• Saffron farms

• Rugged desert-mountain scenery

• Historic kasbahs

Taliouine is calm, beautiful, and deeply rooted in Amazigh culture.

🌊 Day 7: Taliouine → Agadir (200 km | 3 hours)

Complete the loop by returning to Agadir through rolling hills and argan forests.

Once back in Agadir, relax along the beach promenade, enjoy fresh seafood, and reflect on your incredible Sahara adventure.

🌍 Tips for a Successful Agadir–Sahara Road Trip

1. Rent the Right Car

A SUV or 4×4 is ideal for comfort and flexibility, especially for Erg Chegaga.

2. Fill Up Your Tank

Desert areas have fewer petrol stations—refuel whenever possible.

3. Bring Essentials

• Water

• Snacks

• Sunscreen

• Phone with offline maps

• Cash for remote villages

4. Drive Safely

Moroccan roads are generally good, but mountain routes can be winding.

5. Stay Flexible

Weather and road conditions can affect travel time.

6. Respect Local Culture

You’ll pass through Amazigh regions where traditions are strong—always be polite and ask before photographing people.

Final Thoughts

A road trip from Agadir to the Sahara is one of the most rewarding travel experiences Morocco has to offer. From mountain oases and painted rocks to vast dunes and ancient kasbahs, this journey showcases the beauty and diversity of the country like nothing else.

With a hired car, you can explore hidden gems, set your own pace, and fully immerse yourself in Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re traveling for adventure, culture, photography, or pure relaxation, this itinerary guarantees an unforgettable Moroccan escape. if you are looking forr some car to hire for doing trip in Agadir, check this Airport Agadir car rental :

Company Profile : Rent fastly