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Camel trek in Merzouga desert

Morocco Desert Tour

Small Group Tour - Example 8 Day Tour
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Set out on an 8-day small group tour in Morocco. Start in the bustling city of Marrakech, then head to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara. Continue to Agdz, a peaceful oasis village, before making your way to Merzouga, where the golden sands of the Sahara await. Ride a camel across the dunes and spend a night under the stars in a desert camp. Next, journey through the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley, filled with stunning rock formations and scenic gorges. Visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its ancient architecture and as a backdrop for many films. The adventure comes full circle as you return to Marrakech. This covers a variety of landscapes, from bustling city life to the quiet solitude of the Sahara, ensuring a trip filled with action and discovery.
Berber horsemen in Dades ValleyLocal vendors in Ouarzazate marketKasbah Taourirt in OuarzazateDades ValleyOuarzazate valleyMarrakesh marketLocal tribes in MarrakeshBen Youssef MadrasaAit Ben Haddou ruinsCamel trek in Merzouga desert
Highlights
  • Discover the rich culture and traditions of Marrakesh
  • Venture south to the Sahara Desert, a mesmerizing landscape of golden dunes
  • Learn Berber traditions and taste local cuisine in Merzouga
  • Explore the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Ride a camel over the dunes in Sahara Desert
Places Visited
  • Africa
  • Morocco
  • Agdz
  • Ait Ben Haddou
  • Boumalne Dades
  • Marrakesh
  • Merzouga
  • Ouarzazate
  • Todra Gorges
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Marrakesh

Welcome to Morocco! The tour will start in a riad in Marrakech. You are welcome to arrive any time since today is a leisure day to recuperate from your travels and prepare for the days to come. In the evening, meet your group for a welcome dinner.

Airport transfers to hotels in Marrakech are complimentary and can be arranged upon request. There is an extra charge for transfers from the Casablanca airport to the hotel in Marrakech.

Day 2: Explore Marrakesh

After breakfast, your local city guide will meet you at your riad and tour you around Marrakech. Your tour will include visits to important monuments such as Bahia Palace, Ben Yousef Madrassa, and Koutoubia Mosque. Between visiting these spots, wander with your guide through the maze-like souk filled with local artisans working hard at their crafts. A visit to a traditional pharmacy in Marrakech will highlight the city's renowned spices and their centuries-old medical applications. Marrakech is known for its spices, which have been used in medicine for thousands of years.
 

Day 3: Cross the High Atlas Mountains | Ouarzazate | Agdz

After breakfast, leave the riad in Marrakech at 8 AM to start a once-in-a-lifetime journey across the High Atlas Mountains on the Tizi n'Tichka path, which will take you to almost 7,500 feet above sea level. When traveling along this road, it is undoubtedly true that life is about the journey, not the destination. There will be plenty of stops for tea and photographs as you take in the breathtaking vistas before arriving in Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Morocco, home to Atlas Film Studios. Follow the footsteps of Hollywood stars during a guided backlot tour of this working film studio, where shows and movies like Blackhawk Down, The Mummy, Game of Thrones, and Kingdom of Heaven (among many others) have been filmed.

After your visit here, continue to Agdz in the Draa Valley, the Valley of a Million Palms, to relax and unwind from your days of traveling.

Day 4: Merzouga: Ancient Kasbahs and Berber Markets

On this day, visit the nearby Kasbah Tamnougalt on a guided tour. No one knows how old the Kasbah is, but it dates back to the 18th century. After exploring the kasbah, check out the adjacent Palmeraie and quickly see why the Draa Valley is known as the Valley of 1000 Palms. After the tour, head out into the desert via the Draa Valley and stop to see the little town of Rissani. If it happens to be a market day, there will be a chance to shop like a Berber. Discover the tomb of Moulay Ali Sharif (the founder of the current dynasty of Morocco) before you complete the final stretch of the journey to one of the great sand seas of the Sahara, Erg Chebbi, where the Kasbah on the edge of the dunes awaits. 

This evening, take the opportunity to relax by the pool or climb the nearest dune to watch the sunset before dinner is served.

Day 5: Merzouga: Desert Immersion & Dance | Luxury Berber Camp & Camel Trek

Today, after breakfast, experience the special rhythm of the desert with a tour of the region around the giant dunes! If the season is right, you might have a chance to have tea with a nomad family. The tour will include a stop at the village of Khamlia, a community of Gnawa musicians. Enjoy tea while they perform, and try to keep from moving in time to the music.

Next, head for lunch and sample the local specialty, Medfouna or Berber Pizza. After lunch and a bit more exploring, head back to the Kasbah, where you can relax a little and prepare for your camel trek. Before sunset, climb aboard your trusty camel and trek to a luxury Berber camp. Traditional music will be played around the campfire as dinner is served before spending the night in the cozy interior of a Berber tent.

Day 6: Mergouza | Incredible Gorges & Dades Valley

This morning, rise early to watch the sunrise over the dunes. After watching the sunrise, breakfast will be served at camp, you'll have time to prepare before taking your camels back to the edge of the dunes and transfer back to your more conventional transportation. From here, head to the breathtaking Dades Gorge. Along the way, stop to search for fossils and visit the ancient irrigation system that once brought water to the desert from the distant Saghro Mountains. Next, head to the oasis town of Tinghir, where you will have a guided walk of the Palmeraie and Mellah (old Jewish area). Next, visit the nearby Todgha Gorge and walk through the most impressive part of the canyon. After this, head to the beautiful Dades Valley for your accommodations for the night.

Day 7: Ait Ben Haddou | Return to Marrakesh

Return to Marrakech via the Road of 1000 Kasbahs after breakfast. Take a slightly different route and stop along the way to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, located just outside of Ouarzazate. If this impressive Ksar looks familiar, that's because it has starred (or at least made an appearance) in many movies and TV shows, including GladiatorLawrence of ArabiaThe Jewel of the Nile, and Game of Thrones. After exploring and having lunch, travel along the route of the Old Salt Caravan in the Ounilla Valley past the Glaoui Kasbah of Telouet. If time permits, you may stop for a quick tour before traveling again over the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains and back to your riad in Marrakech, where you will enjoy one final dinner together as a group.

Day 8: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, depending on your departure time, you may have some free time to explore Marrakech on your own before transferring to the Marrakech Airport in plenty of time for your departing flight.

Goodbye, Morocco! 

Note: Transfers from the hotel to the Casablanca airport can be arranged for an additional cost.

Accommodations

Riad Nesma Suites & Spa

Reception area
Hotel interior
Hotel interior

Kasbah Itrane

Kasbah Itrane
Kasbah Itrane
Interior

Riad Madu

Riad Madu
Riad Madu accommodation

Chez Ichou

Chez Ichou
Hotel dining area
Hotel outdoor pool

Sahara Stars Luxury Camp

Sahara Stars Luxury Camp
Campsite tent
Common area

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,705 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 5 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • 6 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • All airport transfers and assistance
  • Entrance fees and excursions as described in the itinerary
  • English Speaking Tour Manager
  • Guided Tours in Marrakech and Kasbah Tamnougalt
  • Guided Walk in Tinghir Palmeraie
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Casablanca airport transfers are not included but can be arranged for an additional cost

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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