7 Days Desert Itinerary from Marrakech
Starting location
Marrakech
Tour's Duration
7 Days
Destination
Casablanca
This 7-day itinerary offers an incredible opportunity to explore Morocco’s desert landscapes, historic kasbahs, remote Berber villages, and cinematic valleys all while journeying from Marrakech deep into the Sahara and back. Over the course of one week, you’ll discover everything from UNESCO-listed sites and dramatic gorges to hidden desert oases and the golden dunes of Merzouga.
Winding through the High Atlas Mountains, passing legendary places like Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades and Todra Gorges, and tracing the remote route of the old Paris-Dakar Rally, this tour allows you to experience both Morocco’s well-known landmarks and its off-the-beaten-path wonders. Spend nights under the stars, meet nomadic communities, and relax in traditional Berber lodges. The trip ends where it began in Marrakech bringing your desert dream full circle.
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Explore the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Discover the scenic valleys of Dades and Todra Gorges
- Ride a camel into the dunes of Merzouga at sunset
- Spend a night under the stars in a desert camp
- Visit the nomadic families and enjoy traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia
- Drive through the desert landscapes of Tafraoute Sidi Ali and the route of the former Dakar Rally
- Visit remote Berber villages like Ramlia and Ouzina
- Explore the kasbah of Tamnougalt in the Draa Valley
- Tour film studios in Ouarzazate and admire the Ounila Valley
Detailled Itineray
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech airport, you’ll be transferred to your accommodation in the city. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to begin exploring the old medina or relax before the adventure begins. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in a traditional riad or hotel.
Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Roses Valley – Dades Valley
Start your journey by crossing the High Atlas Mountains, ascending through the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 meters above sea level. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views and several scenic stops.
Continue toward the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village that has served as a backdrop for numerous films and TV shows. After exploring the site, head through the Valley of Roses and on to Dades Valley, where you’ll spend the night in a guesthouse nestled among rugged cliffs and lush greenery.
Day 3: Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast, depart for the Todra Gorges, famous for their towering rock walls and dramatic scenery. Take a walk through the narrow canyon before continuing toward the desert.
Drive through Tinjdad, Touroug, and Erfoud gateways to the Sahara before arriving in Merzouga. Enjoy the changing landscape as it transforms into a sea of sand. Dinner and overnight stay in a riad or desert hotel on the edge of the dunes.
Day 4: Explore Merzouga and Desert Camel Trek
Start your day with a 4×4 excursion through the Erg Chebbi dunes. Visit nomadic families, isolated desert villages, and the village of Khamlia, home to the Gnawa people originally from sub-Saharan Africa. Here, enjoy a live music performance and mint tea.
In the afternoon, mount your camel for an unforgettable ride across the dunes. Arrive at your desert camp in time to witness the sunset over the sands. Enjoy a traditional dinner, local music around the campfire, and sleep in a well-equipped nomadic tent under the stars.
Day 5: Merzouga – Taouz – Dakar Track – Ouzina – Ramlia – Tafraoute Sidi Ali
After breakfast, continue your journey along one of the most remote and spectacular desert routes in Morocco. Travel through Taouz and along the old Dakar Rally path toward the Ouzina desert. Visit tiny desert villages like Ramlia, where time seems to stand still.
The day ends in Tafraoute Sidi Ali, an oasis village known for its mineral-rich land and authentic Berber culture. Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse surrounded by nature and tranquility.
Day 6: Tafraoute – Zagora – Agdz – Tamnougalt – Ouarzazate
Leave the desert behind as you head west through the Oumjrane region to reach the town of Zagora. Stop for lunch, then drive through the Draa Valley toward the oasis of Tamnougalt. This palm-filled valley is home to an ancient kasbah and offers a peaceful retreat from the desert.
Continue toward Ouarzazate, the cinematic city known for its studios and historic architecture. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel or riad.
Day 7: Ouarzazate – Ounila Valley – Telouet Kasbah – Marrakech
On your final day, visit the renowned film studios in Ouarzazate before traveling through the beautiful Ounila Valley. Along this scenic road, stop at the village of Telouet to explore its historic kasbah, once an important stronghold on the old caravan route.
After lunch, cross back through the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass and descend into Marrakech. You’ll arrive in the city by late afternoon or evening, marking the end of your unforgettable one-week adventure through southern Morocco.
Included
- Depends on the tour: Private or shared air-conditioned vehicles (4×4, minivan, minibus)
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Multilingual driver/guide (English, French, Spanish)
- Camel trekking (only in desert tours)
- Hotel or traditional riad stays (3-star, 4-star, or luxury options)
- Daily breakfast and dinners (depending on the type of accommodation you choose)
Excluded
- Flights to/from Morocco
- Lunches and drinks
- Optional Activities & Extras
- Tips & Gratuities
- Personal Expenses
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