Gladiator 4x4 Overlanding through Morocco

The first warm breeze at the harbor signals: The adventure begins.

After arriving in Tangier, we drive to our meeting point, where the off-road vehicles are already ready.

In the evening, we sit together, talk about the upcoming stages, and feel how quickly strangers become a team.

Stage: short connection, asphalt

We roll southward and leave the coastal air behind us. The roads become quieter until the towers of Fès appear.

In the alleys of the Medina, it smells of spices, wood smoke, and leather - a first step into the world of Morocco. In the evening, we cook together at the campsite and enjoy the calm before the big departure.

Stage: about 300 km, connection stage

The asphalt is decreasing, the landscape is widening. We leave the road and follow gravel tracks that stretch across barren high plains.

In an abandoned mining ghost town, we set up our first wild camp: sunset, silence, campfire.

Stage: about 200 km, gravel & stone

Today the journey to the Sahara begins. We cross the Middle and High Atlas, drive through rugged landscapes, and in the afternoon reach the first dunes of the Erg Chebbi.

A swim in the pool against this backdrop feels like a small reward after a long day of driving.

Stage: approx. 290 km, asphalt & tracks

The day belongs to the sand. After a short briefing, we test the 4x4 systems, play with tire pressure and line choice, and gradually venture deeper into the sea of dunes.

Anyone who wants a break can enjoy the pool, camels, or silence - you decide what your desert day looks like.

Stage: 50-60 km, sand & dunes

After a final look at the sea of dunes, we replenish our supplies and follow old riverbeds, stone deserts, and long sandy tracks southward.

Somewhere in the middle of nowhere, we set up our wild camp. Stars without light pollution, fire without background noise - a classic overlanding evening.

Stage: approx. 180 km, track & stone

The way to Erg Chegaga is rougher, wilder, more honest. Sand and stone alternate, vehicles dig in briefly, shovels and teamwork are part of it.

The higher dunes of Chegaga challenge us, but that's exactly why we are here. The camp is being set up in the middle of the dune ridge.

Stage: approx. 180 km, sand, track, dunes

We fight our way out of the dune field, cross the dried-up Lac Iriki, and drive over flat stone tracks towards civilization. A military post, a last piece of desert, then we reach Foum Zguid and enjoy the first proper shower in days. Stage: approx. 100 km, sand, track, salt lake

The landscape changes: palm oases, small settlements, Berber villages. In the late afternoon we reach Aït-Ben-Haddou, one of the most famous film sets in the world.

After sunset, when the tour buses are gone, the mud fortress belongs to the few who remain.

Stage: approx. 100 km, gravel & asphalt

Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Morocco, is on our way. After that, a narrow road winds and later a track leads into the Dadès Gorge. Rock walls, serpentines, high plateaus: a day full of contrasts. We camp next to an inn at over 2,000 meters above sea level. Stage: about 150 km, asphalt & gravel

Today the king stage awaits: The Cirque de Jaffar. Dried-up riverbeds, narrow gorges, rocky steps, and magnificent views make this day the most demanding off-road section of the tour.

At the end, we emerge from the mountains again and drive the last stretch to Zaida.

Stage: approx. 130 km, rough track & mountains

After days full of browns and reds, we surprisingly dive into green. The Khenifra National Park with Barbary macaques, mountain meadows, and forest passages feels like another world.

Tracks and small paths gently bring us back northwards. Camp among fruit trees.

Stage: approx. 185 km, tracks & forest paths

We cross Atlas regions again and travel through quiet, agricultural areas towards the Rif Mountains." "Chefchaouen welcomes us with its famous blue and a relaxed evening atmosphere. A beautiful place to slowly let go." "Stage: approx. 260 km, asphalt & connection

A day without driving. We explore the alleys, the kasbah, and the markets of the city. The blue shines differently depending on the light.

Farewell evening with a view of the fortress – time to reflect on the tour.

Stage: none

After a final breakfast, we roll leisurely towards the north. The last 100 kilometers feel like gently winding down, a soft transition back into everyday life.

At the harbor, we say goodbye, often with the phrase: “We’ll see each other on the next tour.”

Stage: approx. 100 km, connection