8-Day Morocco Desert Tour

Duration8 Days Itinerary
DateFlexible
Tour TypePrivate

In 3 Steps

  • Prepare for your tour with a special travel package

  • Unique itinerary customized for your travel needs

  • Stress-free travel experience on every trip

Highlights

Enjoy the beauty of the High Atlas Mountains on an unforgettable 8-day journey from Marrakech to Fes. Relax in the amazing Kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou and Telouat, plus the Atlas Studio, Roses Valley, and Dades Gorge in Ouarzazate. Spend the night in splendid Berber tents in the Sahara Desert; explore the local market in Rissani; and also visit the fascinating cities of Erfoud, Midelt, and Ifrane. End your journey with a visit to Meknes, Volubilis, Chefchaouen, and Casablanca before returning to Rabat and Marrakech.

Morocco Desert Tour Highlights

  • Uncover the rich history and culture of Morocco by visiting Marrakech and Fes.
  • Make the journey along the stunning High Atlas Mountains, through the Tizi N’Tichka Pass, the scenic Valley of the Roses, and the Road of 1,001 Kasbahs.
  • Admire the exquisite architecture of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou.
  • Take a trek to the Tinghir oasis, then down to the Gorges of Todra.
  • For an unforgettable experience, watch the sunset on a camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
  • End the night with a traditional dinner, some entertainment, and an overnight stay in a Merzouga desert camp.
  • On the return to Fes, take a stop near Ifrane to observe Barbary apes in the cedar forests.

For an unforgettable experience, embark on a 9‑day Morocco Northern Tour, discovering Marrakech, historic northern cities, and the stunning landscapes of Morocco.

FAQ

Do Morocco desert tour include camel rides?

Most Morocco desert tours include a camel trek through the dunes, especially in the Merzouga region. Camel rides are one of the highlights of a desert tour and are often scheduled at sunset or sunrise for the best views.

Which desert is included in the Morocco desert tour?

Most desert tours visit the Sahara Desert, particularly the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Some tours also visit the Erg Chigaga dunes near M’Hamid, which offer a more remote and off-the-beaten-path desert experience.

Is a Morocco desert tour worth it?

A desert tour is one of the most memorable experiences in Morocco. Travelers can enjoy stunning landscapes, camel trekking, spectacular sunsets and sunrises, traditional Berber hospitality, stargazing, and overnight stays in desert camps.

What is included in a Morocco desert tour package?

Most Morocco desert tour packages include transportation, accommodation, camel rides, breakfast and dinner, an overnight stay in a desert camp, and visits to scenic attractions along the route. Some tours also include local guides and cultural experiences.

What should I pack for a Morocco desert tour?

It is recommended to bring comfortable clothing, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light jacket for cool evenings, comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a small backpack for personal items. During winter, warmer clothing is advisable, as desert nights can be quite cold.

Is a private Morocco desert tour better than a group tour?

It depends on your travel style. Private tours offer greater flexibility, personalized service, and the freedom to travel at your own pace. Group tours are generally more affordable and provide opportunities to meet other travelers while sharing the experience.

What is the best time of year for a Morocco desert tour?

The best time for a Morocco desert tour is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities. Winter is also popular due to mild daytime temperatures, while summer can be extremely hot in the Sahara Desert.

Itinerary Expand all Collapse all

DAY 1 MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS – DADES
Begin your 8-day exploration of Marrakech and Fes through Merzouga by departing from the Hotel or Airport in the morning. Take the Tizi N-Tichka pass, traversing the beautiful High Atlas Mountains at 2260 meters high. Along the way, have the opportunity to visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a historic UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, famously seen in movies such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. Experience the exquisite scenery and colorful Berber villages, stopping at overlooks along the way to snap some memorable photos. The adventure continues in Ouarzazate, a gateway to the Sahara desert. Visit the local Kasbah Taourirt and Film Studios before making your way to the spectacular Dades Gorges on the Thousand Kasbahs road, finally spending the night in a traditional Riad or Hotel in Boumalne Dades.
DAY 2 DADES VALLEY – MERZOUGA DUNES
We will begin our day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast in Dades, before delving into the marvelous scenery of the Todra Gorges. Take in the beautiful sights of the 300m high canyon walls, a frequent stopping point for climbers, as we make our way to the Berber village of Tinghir and the majestic Todra Gorge. Later, we continue to the Merzouga Sahara Desert for a delicious lunch at a local eatery. Afterward, we proceed to Erg Chebbi dunes and board camels for a one and a half hour journey towards the center of the desert. From the highest sand dune, one will witness the stunning sunset, and later on a delectable dinner prepared with Berber drums and music. Lastly, before retiring for the night, you will stay at a Standard or Luxury Desert Camp beneath a sky filled with stars.
DAY 3 MERZOUGA SAHARA TOUR
Rise and shine! Wake up early to experience the most beautiful sunrise of your life. Afterwards, journey back to your Riad or Hotel in Merzouga and set off on a thrilling off-road tour. Pop into the Khamlia settlement, also known as the Black People, and soak up the atmosphere of their traditional Gnawa music. Admire the sweeping views of the desert and get the chance to understand the nomad life, as they live under tents and animal herds. Then, visit some deserted mines and explore a hidden palm-tree oasis. Lastly, take some time to wander around Merzouga and explore its unique streets.
DAY 4 MERZOUGA – RISSANI – MIDELT
You will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the sunrise in the morning, when your camel guide wakes you up. After a scrumptious breakfast, it will be time to climb aboard the camel and explore the sand dunes of Merzouga. Upon arrival you can explore the Berber people in the Khamlia community, invite the locals in for a cup of tea, and listen to their enchanting Gnawa music. Take in the magnificent desert views with a chance to visit abandoned mines and oases. Before heading back, you will have the opportunity to explore the town of Merzouga and its picturesque streets.
DAY 5 MIDELT – IFRANE – FES
Today, after a delicious breakfast at your lodging, we will begin our 8-day tour from Marrakech to Fes. On our way, we will traverse through various historical Berber settlements found in the Middle Atlas. We will make an informative stop at the well-known Cedar forest next to the village of Azrou and have the opportunity to snap pictures of the interesting Barbary apes. Afterwards, we will proceed to Ifrane before arriving at your hotel in Fes.
DAY 6 FES CITY TOUR
Visiting exquisite sites in Fes is a must-do when exploring Morocco. Spend a morning with a local guide on a walking tour of the old medina, followed by free time to further explore the dazzling city. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medina of Fes is the most expansive living ancient city in the world, and you won't want to miss the chance to glimpse its ancient structures. From the Nejjarin Museum to Al Quaraouin, the oldest university in Morocco, to the Jewish Quarter, you will get to observe the beauty of Fes' famed leather tannery, and much more. At the end of the day, relax in a hotel and enjoy the experience.
DAY 7 FEZ – MEKNES – VOLUBILIS – RABAT
After we have had breakfast, let’s make our way along the Meknes-Fes route to the city of Rabat. On the journey, we will stop at the archaeological site of Volubilis, where we can learn about Morocco's history during the Roman Empire. This amazing ancient city was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. In Meknes, we will visit the iconic Bab El Mansour, browse the Lahdim plaza's spice market, and marvel at the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail. Then, we will continue towards Rabat, the political capital of Morocco and a seaside city, where we can witness the red ocher walls, tour the Kasbah of the Oudaya, see the grandeur of the Hassan II tower, and pay our respects at the tomb of Mohamed V. When we reach the Medina, we can find a hotel to stay in for the night.
DAY 8 RABAT – CASABLANCA – MARRAKECH
Today marks the end of our 8-day tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga. We will depart from Rabat in the morning, making our way to Casablanca to marvel at the breathtaking Hassan II Mosque. As the second-largest mosque in Africa and the seventh-largest in the world, it offers a majestic sight to behold. It is especially noteworthy for its record-breaking 689 foot minaret, the world's second-highest. From there, we will return to the starting point of our journey: Marrakech. For the remainder of the day, you are free to explore the city. Whether it's a stroll through Djemaa el Fna square or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the city, this is your chance to make the most of your time in Marrakech. Finally, we will take you to the hotel or airport, depending on your time of departure. Thus concludes our 8 day journey throughout Morocco.

Included

  • Meals
  • Private Transport
  • Knowledgeable Guide
  • Luxury Accommodations
  • Outdoor Activities

Price

Price Available upon Request

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