7 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

Overview

Embark on this unforgettable 7-day desert adventure across Morocco, experiencing its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the serene Sahara Desert, this tour takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, Dades and Todra Gorges, and traditional Berber villages. Ride camels across golden dunes, sleep under the stars in a desert camp, and explore historic kasbahs, oases, and ancient markets. Discover the hidden treasures of Tafraoute Sidi Ali and finish your journey in Marrakech with memories to last a lifetime.

Tour Information

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
Departure Time: 8:00 AM
Starting Location: Marrakech
Ending Location: Marrakech

Highlights

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
Explore the dramatic landscapes of Dades and Todra Gorges.
Experience camel trekking and a magical desert sunset in Merzouga.
Sleep in a traditional desert camp under a starlit sky.
Visit nomadic families and enjoy a Gnaoua music performance in Khamlia.
Follow the Dakar rally route through Ouzina and Ramlia villages.
Spend a night in Tafraoute Sidi Ali, famous for its mines and oases.
Explore the ancient Tamnougalt Kasbah and the Draa Valley.
Visit the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate and discover the Telouet Kasbah.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your riad or hotel. If you arrive early, you can explore Marrakech’s vibrant streets. Dinner will be at your riad or a local restaurant.

Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley
Start your journey through the scenic High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Enjoy breathtaking views and stop for photos before visiting Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for famous movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue to Roses Valley and then to Dades Valley, where you’ll have dinner and spend the night at a local riad.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, drive through the Todra Valley to explore the dramatic Todra Gorges, with cliffs reaching 300 meters high. Continue through Berber villages and Erfoud, known for its fossils, before reaching Merzouga. Here, you’ll ride camels across the dunes to your desert camp. Watch the sunset, enjoy a traditional dinner, and listen to Berber music under a sky full of stars.

Day 4: Merzouga – Nomads – Khamlia – Camel Trekking
Spend the day exploring the Merzouga region. Visit nomadic families and learn about their way of life, stop at a wild oasis, and visit the village of Khamlia to enjoy a Gnaoua music performance. After lunch, return to the dunes for another camel trek and witness a stunning sunset. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a nomadic-style tent.

Day 5: Merzouga – Dakar Route – Ouzina – Tafraoute Sidi Ali
Leave Merzouga and follow the famous Dakar rally route through the desert. Visit Ouzina, an old Berber village near the Algerian border, and pass through the remote village of Ramlia. Enjoy lunch before arriving at Tafraoute Sidi Ali, known for its metal mines and oases. Spend the night in a Berber hotel with dinner included.

Day 6: Tafraoute Sidi Ali – Zagora – Agdz – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, travel through the Oumjrane region to Zagora. Stop for lunch and explore the Tamnougalt Kasbah, an oasis located in the Draa Valley. Continue through the Ait Saoune curves and reach Ouarzazate, where you’ll spend the night at a local riad or hotel.

Day 7: Ouarzazate – Telouet Kasbah – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
On the final day, visit the famous Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, then head to Telouet Kasbah via the Ounila Valley. Explore the historic kasbah, a former stop on the caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass once more and arrive in Marrakech in the evening. Drop-off at your accommodation marks the end of the tour.