7 Days Desert Itinerary from Marrakech

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Starting location

Marrakech

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Tour's Duration

7 Days

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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

Embarking on this week-long journey from Marrakech through the desert and back is a true immersion into Morocco’s most captivating landscapes. From the winding High Atlas passes to the fragrant Rose Valley, the dramatic gorges, majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, and traditional mountain towns—you’re in for a rich experience.

Dress in layers & bring good walking shoes: You’ll traverse high-altitude passes like Tizi n’Tichka, explore kasbahs and gorges, trek through dunes, and pass through middle-altitude cedar forests—each with its own climate quirks.
Stay sun-safe & hydrated: Mountain sun and desert heat are both intense and drying. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle are essential.
Pack wisely for extras: While main meals and accommodations are arranged, extras like lunches, drinks, souvenirs, and optional add-ons may not be included. Carrying local cash (dirhams) will help.
Connectivity may be limited: Some parts of the route lack reliable mobile or internet access—download routes, confirmations, or maps ahead of time.
Expect a lively pace: The tour balances long scenic drives with multiple stops each day, so prepare for a mix of motion and exploration.

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.

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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)

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Excluded

Flights to/from Morocco
Lunches and drinks
Optional Activities & Extras
Tips & Gratuities
Personal Expenses

Extra Activities

Here are some thoughtfully chosen options to enhance your itinerary based on how you’d like to experience Morocco—whether that’s deeper cultural insight, adventure, scenic immersion, or local connection:

Cinematic linger at Aït Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate Film Studios
Extend your visit to soak in the setting of numerous Hollywood films or wander through authentic film sets.
Longer walks in Dades and Todra Gorges
Make time to stroll among towering canyon walls in complete silence, or hike along hidden trails for peaceful immersion.
Stop at a fossil workshop or artisan studio in Erfoud
Peek under the surface of the desert by learning about fossils or traditional crafts from local experts.
Adventure across the dunes—sandboarding or 4×4 ride
Give your desert experience a rush by sliding down dunes or zooming across sand in a guided off-road vehicle.
Desert campfire cultural evening
Upgrade your desert stay with Berber music, traditional storytelling, and maybe even local drum-playing under the stars.
Wildlife pause in the cedar forests around Azrou
Watch Barbary macaques at play in their natural habitat—an unforgettable and gentle wildlife encounter.
A stroll through Ifrane’s “Little Switzerland”
Visit this alpine-style town with European architecture and tranquil streets for a peaceful contrast.