Marrakesh Travel Forum

My wife and I are going to Marrakesh in Aug for the first time and want to know how easy it is to get around. Maybe Marrakesh to Fez and then Tangier. We are looking at 'Morocco Explored'; any reports?

Own steam anyday. The Moroccan railways connect all the places you mention, & are cheap, comfortable and as quick as any way of getting around (other than hiring a car and driving like a demon}
www.oncf.ma is their website.

Hi, the road route from Marrakech to Fez is full of must sees (that youd miss by train or direct bus) - a rental car is what, esp as theres two of you what Id recommend - I have tips with recommendatons amongst my pages that you might like to look at for some suggestions - the stunning route over TizinTichka, Telouet, Ait BenHaddou, Ouarzazate, Skoura and Mgouna, the Dades Gorge and then/or Todra Gorge to Rissani and Merzouga - and then on up the Ziz valley to Fez with a stop to see the cedar trees and macaque monkeys at Azrou and Ifrane.
from Fez with a car youd be able to get to wonderful Volibulis and interesting Moulay Idriss, and on up to wonderful Chefchouen and Asilah then finish at Tangier.
It would cost usually about £40-£50 for one way fee on top of the rental car fee but for the freedom and maximising of a such a trip for two people Id reckon well worth it.
A big advantage to consider with having your own car, in addition to the great advantage of the independence - being able to stop to photo or stay or visit where and when you wish - is the advantage of when being there in one of the hottest months of the year that you can use the cars airconditioning, carry what you need with you which maintains a good level of comfort, and be able to stop or stay at places that are generallly cooler and provide respite from the heat such as Telouet, Dades Gorge and Todra Gorge.
Cascade douzoud is also a good option.

If you are a fairly comfortable driver and with fair defensive driving skills, as much as what some may say the roads are pretty good, and out of Marrakech the driving is fairly easy.

Car is a good option in Morocco if you are a confident driver back home. Go for local rental companies. Cheaper, but you might need to brush up on your negotiating skills (make sure all is in, e.g. insurance, milage - skip petrol, buying your own is cheaper.
Aug'll be hot so plan a casual time. Spend time at the coast or in the mountains.
Have you considered Chefchaouen? Or villages round Saiida.

Also, if worried about doing totally independently then I would suggest/recommend a look into BareMinimumTravel.com - a company set up to do in between tours and going total on your own steam.

All the best, but do enjoy a good roam around VTers pages - mine included!

hi,

August is summer time in Morocco,even its summer you can go to desert to spend the night in the camp and make a camel trek.in the way to the desert you will explore the hight atlas mountain, kasbahs,ksours;gorges;sahara desert...for this you can contact a serious driver/guide omar via his web site www.marrakechexpedition4x4.com,he is very good driver, serious and patient.
For the imperial cities you can do it by your oun because its very easy to do it.you can start your trip from marrakech and finish in fes (5 days tour).
Happy Planning
Elaine