7 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech

Your journey begins with a departure from your accommodation in Marrakech and a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains. The road winds its way up the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 meters, offering breathtaking views of valleys, Berber villages, and mountain peaks. Along the way, there will be opportunities to stop for photos and enjoy the fresh mountain air. By midday, you will arrive at the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic landmarks. This fortified village has stood for centuries and has been featured in many films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. You will explore the labyrinth of narrow streets, granaries, and kasbah towers that reflect Morocco’s rich history. After lunch, the journey continues to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios and cinematic landscapes. Dinner and overnight will be in a riad or hotel.

After breakfast, the adventure continues with a visit to Taourirt Kasbah, once an important residence of the Glaoui family, and a quick look at the film studios if time allows. You will then drive to the palm oasis of Skoura, a hidden gem filled with ancient kasbahs, gardens, and small villages. From here, the road takes you into the Valley of Roses, famous for its rose cultivation and annual rose festival in May. The landscapes are stunning, with villages nestled between green fields and red-hued mountains. By afternoon, you will arrive at the Dades Valley, often called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” The valley is known for its dramatic scenery, with unusual rock formations such as the “Monkey Fingers” cliffs. The journey culminates in the Dades Gorges, a natural wonder with winding roads and high cliffs that create breathtaking views. Dinner and overnight stay in a cozy guesthouse in the gorge.

Today, after breakfast, you will drive towards Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural sights. The gorge is a dramatic canyon with towering limestone cliffs that rise up to 300 meters high, creating a spectacular place for hiking and photography. The cool river running through the gorge makes it a peaceful stop before continuing your journey. Next, you will pass through desert towns like Tinjdad and Erfoud, where you can explore fossil workshops and learn about the region’s ancient marine history. By late afternoon, you will reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, camels will be waiting to take you on an unforgettable trek across the golden dunes. As the sun sets, the desert transforms into a magical palette of colors. Upon arrival at your luxury desert camp, you will be welcomed with mint tea, enjoy a traditional dinner, and spend the night under the starlit Sahara sky while listening to Berber music around the campfire.

This day is dedicated to discovering the fascinating lifestyle and landscapes of the Sahara Desert. After breakfast at the camp, you will set out on a 4x4 desert excursion. The first stop is a visit to Berber nomad families, where you will experience authentic hospitality and learn about their traditional way of life. Continuing the adventure, you will visit the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa musicians, descendants of Sub-Saharan slaves, who perform powerful spiritual and rhythmic music. Depending on the season, you may also visit the Lake of Merzouga, a seasonal lake that attracts migratory birds such as flamingos. In the afternoon, you can choose to relax at the camp, take a camel ride into the dunes, or try adventurous activities like quad biking or sandboarding. The evening will once again be spent at your luxury camp, where you can admire a spectacular sunset, savor a delicious dinner, and enjoy a magical atmosphere around the campfire.

After an early wake-up to admire the sunrise over the dunes, one of the highlights of the entire journey, you will return to Merzouga by camel or 4x4. From here, the road takes you through Alnif and several small Berber towns. The landscape changes dramatically as you enter the Draa Valley, one of the most fertile regions in southern Morocco. The valley stretches over 200 km and is lined with palm groves, kasbahs, and traditional villages. Here, you can stop to explore ksars (fortified villages), learn about date cultivation, and enjoy the lush greenery contrasting with the desert mountains. The scenic drive continues until you reach Ouarzazate, where dinner and overnight will be in a riad or hotel.

Today you will leave Ouarzazate behind and head back towards Marrakech. Once again, the journey across the High Atlas Mountains reveals a completely different beauty depending on the time of day and season. The drive allows for multiple photo stops at panoramic viewpoints, mountain villages, and roadside markets where locals sell argan oil, pottery, and handicrafts. As you descend towards Marrakech, the scenery changes from rugged peaks to fertile plains dotted with olive groves. By afternoon, you will arrive in Marrakech, where you will be taken to your riad or hotel. The evening is free to wander the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna square, with its street performers, food stalls, and lively atmosphere.

Your final day takes you west to the Atlantic coast on a full-day excursion to Essaouira. Along the way, you will pass through argan tree forests and may even spot goats climbing the branches to eat the fruits. Once in Essaouira, you will be enchanted by its relaxed and artistic atmosphere. The town, known as the “Pearl of the Atlantic,” is famous for its Portuguese fortifications, wide sandy beaches, and charming blue-and-white medina. You can stroll through the Skala de la Kasbah with its sea bastions, wander the artisan souks filled with woodwork and jewelry, or enjoy fresh seafood at the fishing port. Essaouira is also a hub for surfers and artists, giving it a unique cultural vibe. In the late afternoon, you will return to Marrakech, where your 7-day Morocco tour concludes with unforgettable memories.