Saffron, Argan & Dates

Morocco's flavours come from its landscapes. This route follows three of them, argan, saffron and dates, from the Atlantic coast through the Anti-Atlas to the palm groves of the south. Expect markets, tastings, kitchens and the people who produce them.

In late October and November, the saffron fields around Taliouine flower and the harvest is in full swing. The rest of the year, cooperatives show you the process and you can buy directly from the source.

Day by day

1. Day1

   Argan coast

   Marrakesh → argan cooperatives → Essaouira~3 h driving

   Stop at a women's argan cooperative to see how the oil is made by hand, then arrive in Essaouira for grilled fish at the harbour.

2. Day2

   Along the Souss

   Essaouira → Agadir coast → Taroudant~4 h driving

   South along the Atlantic, then inland to Taroudant, known for its markets and its olives, spices and leather.

3. Day3

   Red gold

   Taroudant → Taliouine~2 h driving

   Into the Anti-Atlas to Taliouine, Morocco's saffron capital, for a visit to a saffron cooperative and a quiet evening in the mountains.

4. Day4

   The palm road

   Taliouine → Tazenakht → Ouarzazate → Agdz~4.5 h driving

   Through carpet-weaving Tazenakht and Ouarzazate to the Draa Valley, where dozens of date varieties grow in the palm groves.

5. Day5

   Over the Atlas

   Draa Valley → Ouarzazate → Tizi n'Tichka → Marrakesh~5.5 h driving

   Morning walk in the palm groves, then back over the High Atlas to Marrakesh.

Make it yours

This route is a starting point, not a package. Every day can change. Here are a few ideas:

• Add a cooking classIn Marrakesh or Essaouira, before or after the road trip.
• Market daysWe can time your stops around the weekly village souks.
• Visit during harvestTravel in late Oct – Nov to see the saffron flowers picked at dawn.
• Add the desertContinue from the Draa Valley to the dunes near Zagora or M'Hamid.

What we can arrange for you

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver for the whole route
• Riads, kasbahs and hotels to match your style and budget
• Desert camps, from simple to luxury
• Licensed local guides for medinas and monuments
• Activities: camel rides, cooking classes, hammams, hikes
• Airport pick-up and drop-off

Prefer to book your own accommodation? No problem. We'll simply drive the route around your bookings.