Explore the dramatic landscapes of Morocco’s desert on a 3 days tour from Marrakech. Enjoy an overnight stay at a Berber desert camp and ride camels across Erg Chebbi’s big dunes.
Start by exploring the UNESCO heritage kasbah at Ait Benhaddou. Then, visit the Kasbah of Ouarzazate and Atlas Studios, one of Africa’s largest movie studios.
Arrival in Marrakech
Unpredictable, exciting and a favorite among backpackers since the 1960s, Marrakech is a bustling city filled with little oases of calm in between the clamor. The labyrinthine medinas are a sensory explosion of colors, sounds and smells.
After clearing customs at the airport, our driver will pick you up and take you to your riad or hotel in Marrakech. From there, you can enjoy your first day of the tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert.
This day begins with a visit to the fabled Djemaa el-Fna square, where orange juice stalls and vendors line the sidewalk. In addition, you can explore the city’s labyrinthine souks, bursting with colourful spices and delicately carved brass lanterns.
Dades Gorges
The Dades Gorges area is a highlight of any Morocco travel itinerary. Flowing from the High Atlas Mountains, the Dades River has cut a landscape of rocky formations and green patches of land here.
In addition to a wealth of natural attractions, the Gorges are also home to many small traditional villages and kasbahs. These pinkish-square buildings contrast with the green riverbed and brown bare hills in Dades Valley, creating a beautiful and unique atmosphere.
Aside from its striking natural beauty, the Dades Gorges is a great place to stay overnight. They offer a variety of accommodation options and are easy to explore by bike or on foot, as long as you don’t mind some precarious driving on winding mountain roads.
Todra Gorges
In the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, near Tinerhir, is Todra Gorges (Toudgha), a natural oasis that looks almost prehistoric with canyon walls rising to over 400 meters high. It is a paradise for climbers, mountain bikers, and photography enthusiasts.
The road from Tinerhir passes green palmeraies (palm groves) and Berber villages until, 15km long, high walls of pink and grey rock close in around the road. The approach is thrilling.
The gorge has a reputation as a climbing hotspot and attracts many European and Spanish climbers every year, but it is also an ideal spot to relax and enjoy stunning landscapes. There are plenty of options for a day trip, but it is recommended to book an overnight excursion for a more immersive experience.
Erg Chebbi Dune
The Erg Chebbi Dune area is a spectacular place to spend the night. There are many tour companies that offer overnight stays in a desert camps with camel rides and sunsets.
The journey from Marrakech to the desert is a great way to see some of Morocco’s most impressive scenery and to experience its fascinating culture and people. The route takes you across the High Atlas Mountains and a number of gorges and valleys before reaching the Sahara Desert.
This 3-day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert includes a driver, 2 nights at a desert camp (one in a tent), meals as per the itinerary and round-trip air-conditioned transport from your hotel. It also offers the chance to explore UNESCO-listed kasbahs, Berber villages, the Valley of Roses, and the Todra Gorges.
Ouarzazate
A popular stopover on round trips from Marrakech, Ouarzazate has a unique feel, thanks to its location near the Sahara Desert. Its historic kasbahs and Atlas mountain villages are a draw for those who want to escape the bustle of the city.
This 3-day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert includes transportation and two nights at a Berber camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, with meals and a camel trek included. On the third day, wake up early for a sunrise camel ride before breakfast.
In the evening, reach your desert camp before nightfall for an authentic Moroccan dinner and entertainment from local nomads. Then, watch the sunset and listen to traditional music. You can even learn to play the tam drums! Afterward, return to Marrakech.
