This 6-day, 5-night authentic desert tour from Marrakech offers a memorable journey across Morocco’s most celebrated landscapes. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” then continue through the Draa Valley and Zagora before reaching Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, a camel ride and an overnight stay in a desert camp create one of the highlights of the trip. The route then circles back to Marrakech via Ouarzazate.
1 Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate
After breakfast at the riad, departure begins toward the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi N'Tichka pass at 2260 m. Visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986 and known for films such as Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, and Sahara. Lunch is served in a local restaurant before continuing to Ouarzazate for the overnight stay.
2 Day 2: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Zagora
Travel toward Zagora via the Anti-Atlas at 1660 m, following the beautiful Draa Valley, where palm groves and traditional Berber villages line the route. Pause for lunch in Zagora, then spend the afternoon in Tamgroute, where you can visit the ancient Koranic library, an underground kasbah, and pottery workshops. Return to Zagora for dinner and overnight in a hotel or riad.
3 Day 3: Zagora – Tazarine – Alnif – Rissani – Merzouga
Following breakfast, leave Zagora and continue through the Draa Valley, then take a track via Taftechna and Ait Ouaazique, an area known for its engravings, before reaching Tazarine and Alnif for lunch. The journey continues to Merzouga through Rissani. At sunset, enjoy a camel ride across the dunes and spend the night in Berber tents.
4 Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Rise early to watch the sunrise over the desert dunes, then return to the village by camel. Visit Rissani’s traditional market before driving on to Tinghir and the Todra Gorges, the highest and narrowest gorges in Morocco. After lunch, continue to Dades Valley to admire the striking rock formations and the famous “monkey toes.” Dinner and breakfast are included for the overnight stay.
5 Day 5: Dades Valley – Roses Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, drive through Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” with photo stops along the way. Visit Kalaat Mgouna, the “Rose City,” and learn about rosewater production. The route then passes Amridil Kasbah, an 18th-century Berber stronghold, before arriving in Ouarzazate for the night.
6 Day 6: Ouarzazate – Marrakech
In the morning, visit Taourirt Kasbah and the Atlas Film Studios before returning to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains. Arrival is scheduled in time for a free evening, marking the end of the 6-day authentic desert tour.
Sahara Desert Morocco
Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information
Duration
5 nights / 6 days
Available any date