7 Days Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech

Day 1: Marrakech – Arrival and Discovery

Welcome to the Red City

Your adventure begins in the mesmerizing city of Marrakech, a vibrant blend of culture, color, and chaos. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your riad or hotel in the medina, the historical heart of the city.

Evening Free to Explore

Stroll through the buzzing Jemaa el-Fnaa square, alive with snake charmers, storytellers, and food stalls. Soak in the atmosphere, enjoy a fresh orange juice, or dine on traditional Moroccan dishes like tagine and couscous.

Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Scenic Drive Over Tizi n’Tichka Pass

After breakfast, depart Marrakech toward the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). The drive offers panoramic views, traditional Berber villages, and stunning valleys.

Explore the Historic Ksar of Aït Benhaddou

Stop at Aït Benhaddou, an ancient fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its alleys and climb to the top for sweeping views of the Ounila Valley.

Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses

Continue to Ouarzazate, home to the famous Atlas Studios and the beautiful Kasbah of Taourirt. Drive through the Skoura Oasis and the fragrant Valley of Roses en route to the Dades Valley, where you will spend the night in a local guesthouse overlooking dramatic rock formations.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorges – Merzouga Desert

Travel Through the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs

Depart Dades after breakfast and follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Tinghir, home to the impressive Todgha Gorges, where 300-meter high cliffs form a narrow canyon perfect for hiking and photography.

Arrival in Merzouga – Gateway to the Sahara

Continue through the desert towns of Erfoud and Rissani, known for fossils and historic markets, before arriving in Merzouga, the gateway to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes.

Camel Trek & Sunset Over the Dunes

Mount your camel for a guided trek into the heart of the Sahara. Witness the mesmerizing sunset over the sand dunes, and arrive at your Berber-style desert camp, where you’ll enjoy dinner, music by the campfire, and a night under the stars.

Day 4: Explore Merzouga Desert – Nomadic Life, Gnawa Music, Fossils

Sahara Sunrise and Breakfast

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast in the camp. Then embark on a 4×4 off-road excursion around the desert.

Visit Nomads and Khamlia Village

Meet nomadic families living in traditional tents and learn about their desert lifestyle. Visit Khamlia village, where you’ll enjoy a performance of Gnawa music, a soulful and spiritual genre rooted in African heritage.

Discover Fossil Mines and Oasis Life

Visit a fossil quarry, explore palm groves near Hassi Labied, and witness ancient irrigation systems. Spend another magical night in Merzouga, either at the camp or in a desert lodge.

Day 5: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Ifrane – Fes

Drive Through the Ziz Valley

Leave the Sahara behind and drive through the lush Ziz Valley, famous for its expansive date palm groves and traditional Berber settlements.

Lunch Stop in Midelt – Apple Capital of Morocco

Pause in Midelt, nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, for a scenic lunch. Then continue your journey through the cedar forests of Azrou, where you might spot wild Barbary macaques.

Arrival in Fes

Reach Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital, by late afternoon. Check into your riad in the Fes El Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6: Full-Day Guided Tour of Fes

Explore the Ancient Medina of Fes

Enjoy a full-day guided walking tour of Fes, the oldest imperial city in Morocco. Visit the Al-Qarawiyyin University, Bou Inania Madrasa, Chouara Tannery, and the beautiful Nejjarine Fountain.

Visit Artisans and the Royal Palace

Wander through souks and workshops where artisans craft leather, pottery, and metalwork. Stop by the Royal Palace gates and Mellah (Jewish Quarter) for historical insight.

Day 7: Fes to Marrakech or Departure

Return to Marrakech or Airport Transfer

Depending on your schedule, you can either:

• Return to Marrakech via highway (approx. 6-7 hours)

• Depart from Fes Airport, if your flight is from Fes

We’ll provide private transfers as needed, concluding your unforgettable 7-day Morocco desert tour.

What’s Included in the 7-Day Morocco Desert Tour

• Private transport in air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan

• Professional English-speaking driver/guide

• 6 nights’ accommodation (hotels, riads, desert camp)

• Camel trekking experience

• Breakfasts and dinners included (vegetarian options available)

• Guided tour in Fes

• All local taxes and fuel

Tour Highlights

• Cross the High Atlas Mountains

• Discover the UNESCO site of Aït Benhaddou

• Explore cinematic Ouarzazate and its kasbahs

• Walk through the majestic Todgha Gorges

• Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes

• Spend two magical nights in the Sahara Desert

• Visit traditional Berber and Gnawa villages

• Tour the spiritual city of Fes