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6 Day Moroccan Adventure, from Marrakech to the Desert

Highlights

  • Explore the Bustling Souks and Majestic Palaces of Marrakech
  • Experience the serenity and beauty of the vast Erg Chebbi Desert as you embark on a camel ride at sunset
  • Step back in time at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou.
  • Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of the Atlas Mountains as you journey through breathtaking mountain passes and valleys
  • Discover the charm of Ouarzazate, famous for its well-preserved kasbahs and vibrant film industry
From £1965 pp*
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5 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

This magical 6-day Moroccan journey, specially crafted for those in search of an unforgettable experience. Dive into the vibrant culture of Marrakech, explore awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage sites, and journey into the heart of the Sahara Desert for an authentic Berber adventure.

Summary of Tour
Day 1: Marrakech
Day 2: Marrakech and into Atlas Mountains
Day 3: Ait Ben Haddou
Day 4: Erg Chebbi Desert
Day 5: Ouarzazate
Day 6: Departure

Through this unforgettable journey through Morocco, you will experience the vibrant energy of Marrakech and the tranquil beauty of the Sahara. Enjoy your first night in Marrakech, waking up to delicious breakfast spreads as you soak in the rich culture of this captivating city. Explore its famous souks, gardens, and historical landmarks before setting off on your grand adventure.

From Marrakech, head to the ancient kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou for an enchanting night at a traditional hotel, complete with a delightful dinner and breakfast. The journey continues through stunning landscapes to the Erg Chebbi Desert, where you’ll experience the magic of the Sahara under a starlit sky. Ride camels across golden dunes to your secluded desert camp, where a traditional Moroccan dinner awaits, offering a true taste of desert life.

Your adventure concludes with a night in Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara. Here, you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and breakfast while exploring this historic city known for its film studios and ancient architecture. You will conclude your stay back in Marrakech for a night before departing on day 6.

Throughout your trip, travel in comfort with a private air-conditioned minibus and an English-speaking driver at your disposal, ensuring you capture the very best of Morocco’s breath-taking highlights along the route.

*from pricing based on 2 people travelling, sharing a twin or double room. For larger groups or solo travellers cost please enquire directly to hello@nitgb.com

Arrival and tour of Marrakech

Arrive in Marrakech and be transferred to your traditional Riad in the heart of the medina.

This evening you will be guided privately around Marrakech’s medina, delving into its historical and cultural gems. Visit the Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs, each unveiling a chapter of the city’s rich history. Dive into the souks, where skilled artisans craft intricate wares.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Marrakech, providing a deep dive into its historical and cultural gems. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious about Moroccan culture, this tour is designed to give you a comprehensive and memorable experience of the medina.

Dinner is at your leisure today.

If your arrival flight is late in on day one, this tour can be switched to the evening of day 5.

Journey to Ait Benhaddou

The journey from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou takes you through some of Morocco’s most breathtaking landscapes and culturally rich regions. As you wind your way through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of rugged peaks, verdant valleys, and traditional Berber villages that seem to cling to the hillsides. Along the way, a stop at the Telouet Kasbah offers a glimpse into Morocco’s historical grandeur, with its crumbling walls and ornate tilework recalling the power of the Glaoui family that once ruled the region.

As the landscape transitions from lush mountain scenery to the arid, red-hued earth of the desert, the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou emerges like a mirage. This UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its well-preserved mudbrick architecture and towering defensive walls, has served as a backdrop for films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Walking through its narrow, winding streets and climbing to the top of the hill for panoramic views of the surrounding area provides a sense of stepping back in time, making the journey as unforgettable as the destination itself.

Dinner is included this evening at your riad in Ait Benhaddou.

Journey to your Sahara Desert Camp

Today your adventure from Ait Benhaddou to Erg Chebbi Desert takes you deeper into Morocco’s varied landscapes, offering a fascinating transition from ancient fortified villages to vast, sweeping dunes. As you travel southeast, you will skip past Ouarzazate continuing onward, the route winds through the Dades and Todra Gorges, where towering canyon walls and winding rivers create some of the most dramatic scenery in Morocco. Stops in these areas allow for hiking and exploring the surreal rock formations, including the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations near Boumalne Dades.

As you leave the gorges behind and head toward the desert, the landscape shifts to vast, arid plains before giving way to the towering golden dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. These dunes, some of the highest in Morocco, rise dramatically from the desert floor and offer an otherworldly experience.

The highlight of reaching Erg Chebbi is the opportunity to trek into the dunes by camel and spend a night in a traditional Berber camp under a sky filled with stars. The silence and beauty of the Sahara provide a serene and unforgettable end to the journey, with the chance to witness the breath-taking spectacle of sunset over the dunes.

Optional extras at desert camp: 4×4 excursion/upgrade and sandboarding (available at checkout)

Dinner is included this evening at your Sahara Desert Camp.

Oases to Ouarzazate

Today’s journey is a mesmerizing drive through Morocco’s stark desert landscapes, dotted with oases and traditional Berber villages. Leaving the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi behind, you’ll pass through the quiet desert town of Rissani, known for its ancient ksars and bustling souk. As you travel toward Tazzarine, the road takes you through wide expanses of desert and arid plateaus, occasionally interrupted by lush oases filled with palm trees. These serene green spots in the otherwise barren landscape are a refreshing contrast and offer a glimpse into the life of those living on the edge of the desert.

Continuing west, the road winds through the Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s most stunning and fertile river valleys, lined with thousands of date palms and dotted with kasbahs. The vibrant greens of the valley against the ochre-coloured mountains provide a striking visual contrast. As you approach Ouarzazate, the landscape becomes more rugged and dramatic, with vast, open spaces leading to the fortified city known for its famous Taourirt Kasbah and nearby film studios. The entire journey offers an enchanting blend of desert solitude, traditional Berber culture, and Morocco’s timeless natural beauty.

Dinner is included this evening at your riad in Ouarzazate.

Back to Marrakech - Rediscovering the Red City

On your return journey from Ouarzazate to Marrakech, take your time and enjoy the scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains. Opt for a visit to Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate, where many Hollywood blockbusters and international films have been shot or you can choose to stop at the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou once more, marvelling at its ancient mudbrick architecture and relieving its cinematic history. Both stops offer a perfect blend of history and entertainment, allowing you to experience the grandeur of Morocco’s cultural and cinematic heritage.

After a leisurely drive traversing the winding roads of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with its breath-taking mountain views and picturesque Berber villages, you’ll arrive back in Marrakech. The rest of the day is yours to explore the vibrant city at your own pace. Stroll through the bustling souks, relax in a traditional hammam, or unwind in one of the many beautiful gardens. Whether you choose to delve into the local culture or simply relax, Marrakech offers the perfect blend of excitement and tranquillity to end your journey.

Dinner is at your leisure today.

 

Departure

Enjoy your last breakfast before checking out of your accommodation and return to Marrakech Airport by private transfer for departure, reflecting on the captivating experiences of your trip. Depart with cherished memories and a longing to return to the enchanting embrace of Morocco.

What's included

Included

  • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast in Marrakech
  • 1 nights accommodation, dinner and breakfast in Ait Ben Haddou
  • 1 nights accommodation, dinner and breakfast in Erg Chebbi Desert
  • 1 nights accommodation, dinner and breakfast in Ouarzazate
  • Private minibus with A/C, English-speaking driver, at your disposal from Day 2 to Day 5
  • Private arrival/departure transfer from Marrakech airport to Marrakech Riad
  • 3 Hours local guide in Marrakech.
  • Camel ride in the desert of Merzouga to reach the camp

Accommodation

Riad Dar Sara (or similar), Marrakech

A charming and traditional riad located in the heart of Marrakesh's historic Medina. This beautifully restored boutique guesthouse offers a tranquil escape with its serene courtyards, comfortable rooms, and authentic Moroccan décor. Guests can enjoy the rooftop terrace with stunning views, a refreshing plunge pool, and warm, personalized hospitality, all within walking distance of Marrakesh's bustling souks and attractions.

Riad Caravane (or similar), Ait Ben Haddou

A stylish boutique riad located near the ancient fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. Blending traditional Moroccan architecture with modern comforts, this charming guesthouse offers spacious rooms with elegant décor, a refreshing pool, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape.

Madu Luxury Camp (or similar), Erg Chebbi Desert

A luxurious desert retreat nestled in the golden dunes of the Erg Chebbi Desert. Offering an authentic yet lavish experience, the camp features spacious, beautifully appointed tents with private en-suite bathrooms, blending traditional Berber design with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy gourmet meals under the stars, camel treks across the dunes, and stunning sunset views, all while experiencing the serene beauty of the Sahara Desert in comfort and style.

Riad Bouchedor (or similar), Ouarzazate

A charming boutique riad located in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the gateway to the Sahara. This traditional riad offers cosy rooms with Moroccan décor, a refreshing outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace with breath-taking views of the surrounding desert and Atlas Mountains. With its warm hospitality and peaceful atmosphere.

Your local host

Brahim

My name is Brahim, born and raised in the vibrant coastal city of Agadir, where the influx of tourists paints a colourful tapestry of cultures. Tourism pulsates through the veins of this dynamic city, shaping its identity and livelihood. I started my career in the tourism industry 10 years ago, and dedicated myself to orchestrating unforgettable journeys that traverse from the sea to the desert and fostering connections with the local community along the way, it is my passion to ensure that each traveller departs, not just with souvenirs, but with treasure memories and boundless joy.

My name is Brahim, born and raised in the vibrant coastal city of Agadir, where the influx of tourists paints a colourful tapestry of cultures. Tourism pulsates through the veins of this dynamic city, shaping its identity and livelihood. I started my career in the tourism industry 10 years ago, and dedicated myself to orchestrating unforgettable journeys that traverse from the sea to the desert and fostering connections with the local community along the way, it is my passion to ensure that each traveller departs, not just with souvenirs, but with treasure memories and boundless joy.

Brahim image

Location

Your journey starts in Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass to the ancient fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. Continue through the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge, reaching the mesmerizing sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi Desert, where you’ll experience a night in a Berber camp. Head back west to Ouarzazate, exploring its famous film studios and the Taourirt Kasbah, before returning to Marrakech through the winding mountain roads, completing your adventure.

FAQs

How much travelling is involved?

Below is the travelling distances between cities. You have your driver at your disposal from day 2 to day 5 and you can discuss stops along each route, so you can take as much tie as you need.

Day 2: Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou (200km)
Day 3: Ait Benhaddou to Erg Chebbi Desert (385km)
Day 4: Erg Chebbi Desert to Ouarzazate (350km)
Day 5: Ouarzazate to Marrakech (200km)

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