How to Get Around

Road network between towns and communes

The main cities are linked by national roads:

• The N10, the road of 1000 Kasbahs, connects Ouarzazate, Tinghir, and Errachidia, crossing the region vertically to the north.
• The N13 goes through Midelt, Errachidia, Erfoud, Rissani and ends a few km from Merzouga.
• The N9 from Marrakech crosses Ouarzazate and Zagora before ending at M’hamid El Ghizlane.
• The N12 crosses the N13 in Zagora and joins the N9 in Rissani, hence connecting the South of the Region to its North.

A network of Provincial and Regional roadways has been added to the old one, linking the 125 urban and rural communities. It is often necessary that one follow rocky or even sandy routes to reach the most isolated places, which can be inaccessible in certain weather conditions.

Public transportation

The grand taxi remains the most common and efficient means of transport for traveling between the region’s communes, then come the mixed transport (passengers and goods in large vans and 4X4 vehicles of the Range Rover type).

Buses primarily come from various other Regions to serve the Region of Draa-Tafilalte. There are, however, several lines that connect the major cities, particularly on the Ouarzazate-Tinghir-Errachidia line and the Errachidia-Erfoud-Rissani’s.

This traffic comes to a stop and is organized in the Region’s nine bus stations: Errachidia, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Zagora, Midelt, Er-rich, Erfoud, Goulmima, and Rissani; as well as the thirty or so places for grand taxis and mixed transport, which are distributed between towns, communes, and villages.

In terms of urban transport, the major cities have a network of small taxis that connect the districts and main places. Ouarzazate and Errachidia have the most developed system.

In total, there are more than 420 public transport vehicles, and around 100 bus stations.

Private transport

Renting a car, with or without a driver, is undoubtedly the most efficient means of travel, and in some cases the only means to reach tourist attractions in the region. There are about 1500 tourist vehicles, ranging from little city cars to strong vehicles suitable for all roads.

Several tourist and rental agencies provide their transport services for free or as part of tourist packages (transfers, guided tours, treks, hikes, etc.). They are located in tourist areas and major cities.

Advice:

• Check the vehicle’s condition before departure.
• Get a paper map. Smartphones can run out of battery, and the trips may be in areas with no network, particularly the internet.
• Keep a sheet of paper with the contact information for a convenience shop and local authorities.
• Make sure your tank is full and that you know where the fuelling stations are all along the road.
• Avoid taking up hitchhikers or stopping at the request of others at all costs.
• The taxi station may have a modest appearance, resembling a simple parking area. It is always a good idea to double-check that the location has a Grand Taxi mark and a broker.
• In grand taxis, payment is done when boarding, therefore you must ensure that the taxi reaches the desired destination.
• When you reach your destination, ask the driver to assist you with unloading your bags.
• Avoid using unlicensed transit providers at all costs.
• Approved vehicles show the commune or province’s symbol, and mixed transit displays an identifying number.
• It is best to travel by the main bus companies such as Supratours, CTM… Other companies exist, but their service quality may not please you.
• It is critical to double-check that you have the right bus before boarding it. It is sometimes preferable to make a long connection rather than board a bus that breaks down in the middle of nowhere.
• Tickets are frequently available near the bus terminals. You should avoid middlemen and keep an eye out for scammers.
• Check that the transport company has stamped the ticket on the back.
• Examine the bus’s condition and find out where it came from.
• Avoid using tricycles and motorcycles for travel.