This 7-day, 6-night journey from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert follows one of Morocco’s most scenic routes, taking you across the High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate. Along the way, you’ll discover the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, explore Ouarzazate — known as the “Hollywood of Africa” — and stop for photos at Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Africa. The route also includes the Roses Valley and Dades Valley, a camel trek in the Merzouga Desert, an overnight stay in Berber tents among the dunes, and a memorable night in a hotel under the stars in M’harech Gorges before returning through Alnif, Tazarine, and the Draa Valley.
1 Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Transfer to the Hotel
On arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to unwind and explore Jemaa el Fnaa square and the nearby souks at your own pace.
2 Day 2: Private Guided Tour of Marrakech
Today offers an optional private guided tour with an official guide. You’ll visit the Koutoubia Mosque, the Medina and its souks, as well as some of Marrakech’s most iconic highlights, including the Ali Ben Youssef Koranic school, the Saadian and Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Gardens. Overnight in a riad in the Medina.
3 Day 3: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
After breakfast in your riad, the tour continues toward Dades Valley via Tizi-n-Tichka and the 2260m pass, with sweeping views of the High Atlas Mountains and Berber villages. After lunch, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kasbah Aït Benhaddou. Before reaching Ouarzazate, stop at Atlas Studios, home to productions such as Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, and Gladiator. The journey then passes through the Valley of Roses in Kelaat M’Gouna, known for its annual rose festival, before continuing to Dades Valley for an overnight stay.
4 Day 4: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, travel toward the Erg Chebbi dunes, passing Berber villages and crossing Todra Gorges, Tenghir, Tinjdad, and Erfoud, where the desert oasis of Tafilalet begins. Continue to Merzouga, take a short rest, then set out on a camel ride across the dunes. This is a wonderful chance to enjoy the sunset and sunrise views. Spend the night in a desert camp, with drumming music in the heart of the Sahara.
5 Day 5: Merzouga Desert – Khamlia – Ouzina Dunes – M’harech Gorge
After sunrise and breakfast in camp, return by camel to Merzouga. The day begins with a visit to Khamlia, a distinctive Gnawa village, before crossing striking and varied landscapes. Travel through sand rivers, remote villages, nomad camps, and dry lakes until reaching the Tafraout desert, a remarkable area accessible only by off-road tracks. Overnight there.
6 Day 6: M’harech Gorges – Alnif – Tazarin – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
Today’s route follows desert trails through the villages of Tafraout Ait Atta and Oumjrane. After lunch en route, continue through Tazarin and the Draa Valley before arriving in Ouarzazate. Overnight in a hotel or riad with dinner and breakfast.
7 Day 7: Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, depart for Marrakech by crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy stops along the way and the surrounding scenery, then have lunch before arriving in Marrakech. End of the 7-day desert tour.
Sahara Desert Morocco
Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information
Duration
6 nights / 7 days
Available any date