6 Days from Marrakech to the Desert

Your exciting journey begins in the bustling city of Marrakech, known for its vibrant street life and rich history. From the moment you arrive at the airport, our team will be there to welcome you and take you to your accommodation in a traditional riad in the heart of the Medina.

Experiences and Highlights

• The famous Jemaa el-Fna square, filled with street performers and food stalls. This UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage comes alive at night with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and dozens of food vendors.
• Exploration of the Majorelle Gardens, a jewel of architecture and botany. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent, the garden features exotic plants, fountains, and the iconic bright blue villa.
• Dinner at a local restaurant to taste delicious Moroccan cuisine.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

You will spend the first night in a traditional riad or hotel in Marrakech.

After a delicious breakfast in Marrakech, we will depart toward Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village in the Ouarzazate region, famous for its adobe architecture and appearances in world renowned films and television series.

Morning – Crossing the High Atlas

We cross the High Atlas mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 meters. The winding road offers spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and Berber villages. We make several stops for panoramic photographs.

Midday – Aït Ben Haddou

We arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient ksar of red adobe clay has served as a backdrop for films including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy.

You will enjoy a guided tour of the Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, exploring its narrow alleyways, ancient granaries, and kasbahs. Climb to the top for spectacular views of the surrounding river valley.

Afternoon – Journey to Zagora

After visiting Aït Ben Haddou, we continue south toward Zagora, a desert region where we will begin to feel the magic of the Sahara. The landscape becomes increasingly arid as we approach the desert.

Evening – Arrival in Zagora

We arrive in Zagora in the late afternoon. You will prepare for your first desert experience.

Our journey takes us further south into the desert of Zagora, where we will begin to truly feel the magic of the Sahara.

Late Afternoon – Camel Ride in Zagora

You will enjoy a camel ride to reach our camp in the middle of the dunes. Each person receives their own camel. Your experienced guide will lead you across the golden sand.

The camel trek is timed to arrive at a high dune just as the sun begins to set.

Sunset in the Zagora Dunes

An unforgettable sunset over the Zagora dunes. Watch as the sun paints the sky in shades of orange, purple, and gold. The Zagora dunes are smaller than Merzouga but equally beautiful, with a different character.

Evening – Desert Camp in Zagora

You will arrive at the desert camp, where you will be welcomed with mint tea. The camp consists of comfortable tents with mattresses, blankets, and pillows.

Enjoy dinner under the stars alongside a campfire. After dinner, your hosts will play traditional Berber music around the fire.

After breakfast in the Zagora camp, we continue our journey toward Merzouga, home to the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes – some of the highest sand dunes in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters.

Morning – Journey to Merzouga

The drive from Zagora to Merzouga takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, passing through the arid desert landscape with occasional oases and small towns.

Late Afternoon – Arrival in Merzouga

We arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Today, you will experience a unique stay in a luxury desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Exciting 4x4 Ride through the Dunes

Before reaching the camp, you will enjoy an exciting 4x4 ride through the sand dunes. Your experienced driver will take you on a thrilling ride up and down the golden slopes. This is a fun and adrenaline filled way to experience the desert.

Evening – Luxury Desert Camp

You will spend a magical night in a luxury desert camp, immersed in local culture. The luxury camp offers private tents with real beds, en suite bathrooms, and hot water.

You will enjoy a gourmet dinner under the stars. After dinner, live Berber music around the campfire.

Early Morning – Sunrise in the Desert

Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. This is one of the most beautiful moments of the entire journey.

After sunrise, you will enjoy breakfast at the camp. You may ride a camel back to Merzouga village or take a 4x4 transfer.

Morning – Visit to Rissani Market

Discover authentic desert life by visiting Rissani, a traditional market where you will find local products and unique handicrafts. Rissani was once the capital of Morocco's Alaouite dynasty and remains an important trading center.

The souk of Rissani is authentic and not tourist oriented. You will see:

• Spices, dates, and dried fruits
• Traditional Berber rugs and textiles
• Handmade pottery and metalwork
• Livestock market (on certain days)

This is a fascinating glimpse into real desert life.

Afternoon – Exploration of Erfoud

We will explore Erfoud, famous for its fossils and marble industry. The desert around Erfoud is rich in marine fossils, dating back to when the Sahara was under water.

You will visit a fossil factory to learn about the fascinating history of these prehistoric remains. You will see:

• How fossils are extracted from the desert
• The cutting and polishing process
• Finished products including tabletops, basins, and decorative items
• The famous Erfoud black marble

You will have the opportunity to purchase fossils or fossil products directly from the factory.

Evening – Overnight in Erfoud or Rissani Region

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad in the Erfoud or Rissani region.

Early Morning – Final Desert Moments

After breakfast, we begin the journey back to Marrakech. But before leaving the desert region, you may have time for one last look at the dunes.

Morning – Stop at the Valley of the Roses

On our way back, we will stop at the Valley of the Roses, famous for its rose cultivation. The valley is particularly beautiful in April and May when the roses are in bloom and the annual Rose Festival takes place.

You can visit a local cooperative to learn about the distillation of rose water and purchase rose based products including soaps, creams, and perfumes.

Afternoon – Crossing the High Atlas

We continue through the High Atlas mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass once again. The afternoon light offers different perspectives of the mountain landscape.

We make several stops for photographs and rest breaks.

Late Afternoon – Arrival in Marrakech

We arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation or transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Your 6 day desert adventure concludes here.