Morocco’s Sahara Desert offers travelers an unforgettable experience combining breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and adventure activities. This comprehensive 7-day itinerary takes you through Morocco’s most spectacular desert regions while providing authentic experiences that will create lasting memories.
Begin your Moroccan adventure in the vibrant city of Marrakech, a perfect starting point for your desert expedition.
Morning: Arrive at Marrakech Menara Airport and transfer to your traditional riad accommodation in the medina.
Afternoon: Explore the historic Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the beating heart of Marrakech. Visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and the intricate Bahia Palace to immerse yourself in Moroccan architecture.
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine, including tagine and mint tea, while being entertained by local musicians.
Accommodation: Authentic riad in Marrakech’s medina district.
Today marks the beginning of your journey toward the Sahara, traveling through the dramatic High Atlas Mountains.
Morning: Depart early from Marrakech and travel through the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m), offering spectacular mountain views. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a stunning example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture.
Afternoon: Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios. Proceed to the Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic rock formations and lush palm groves.
Evening: Arrive at your accommodation in the Dades Valley. Enjoy dinner overlooking the magnificent landscape of canyons and valleys.
Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Dades Valley.
Today brings you to the majestic Sahara Desert, the highlight of your Moroccan journey.
Morning: Explore the Dades Gorge with its fascinating rock formations. Visit the nearby Todra Gorge, featuring impressive 300m high cliff walls.
Afternoon: Continue your journey through changing landscapes toward Erfoud, known for its fossil crafts. Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Evening: At sunset, mount your camel for a mesmerizing trek into the desert. Watch as the dunes change colors with the setting sun before arriving at your desert camp.
Night Experience: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by Berber music around the campfire. Experience the profound silence and magnificent stargazing that only the desert can offer.
Accommodation: Luxury desert camp among the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Dedicate an entire day to experiencing the magic of the Sahara Desert.
Morning: Wake early to witness the spectacular desert sunrise. After breakfast at the camp, participate in a 4×4 excursion to explore the vast desert landscape.
Afternoon: Visit a nomadic Berber family to learn about their traditional way of life. Try your hand at sandboarding down the magnificent dunes.
Evening: Return to camp for a traditional Moroccan cooking class, preparing your own dinner under the guidance of expert local chefs.
Night Activity: Experience a guided night walk in the desert to observe the stars and learn about Berber astronomy traditions.
Accommodation: Luxury desert camp among the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Begin your journey back, exploring the southern regions of Morocco.
Morning: After a final desert sunrise, depart from Merzouga and head toward the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley.
Afternoon: Visit Rissani, once the gateway for trading caravans from sub-Saharan Africa. Explore its vibrant market and ancient ruins. Continue to Zagora through the spectacular Draa Valley, lined with ancient kasbahs and palm groves.
Evening: Arrive at your accommodation in Zagora. Enjoy dinner featuring regional specialties.
Accommodation: Traditional kasbah-style hotel in Zagora.
Continue your journey through Morocco’s stunning southern landscapes.
Morning: Explore the palm groves of the Draa Valley. Visit a traditional pottery workshop to learn about this ancient craft.
Afternoon: Journey to Ouarzazate. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah and the Cinema Museum, showcasing the region’s importance to the film industry.
Evening: Check into your accommodation in Ouarzazate. Enjoy a relaxing dinner while reflecting on your desert adventure.
Accommodation: Luxury hotel in Ouarzazate.
Complete your circular journey back to Marrakech.
Morning: Begin your return journey to Marrakech, taking a different route through the Atlas Mountains to experience new landscapes.
Afternoon: Stop at a traditional Berber village for lunch and to learn about mountain life. Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon for last-minute souvenir shopping in the souks.
Evening: Farewell dinner at a prestigious restaurant in Marrakech, celebrating the completion of your Sahara adventure.
Accommodation: Final night in a Marrakech riad or transfer to airport for evening departures.
The optimal periods for Sahara Desert exploration are:
Our Morocco Sahara Desert packages can be tailored to meet your specific interests:
Contact our travel specialists to design your perfect Moroccan Sahara adventure, combining authentic experiences with unparalleled comfort in one of the world’s most spectacular desert landscapes.
The 7-day Sahara tour exceeded all expectations. The desert camp was surprisingly luxurious with proper beds yet maintained authenticity. Watching sunrise over the dunes was truly life-changing.
Our guide Mohammed made this journey special with his knowledge of Berber traditions. The camel trek initially concerned me with back problems, but staff ensured my comfort throughout the adventure.
Perfect photography opportunity. The tour timing allowed for golden hour shoots across spectacular landscapes. The night sky visibility from our desert camp remains unmatched anywhere I’ve traveled.
As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe and welcomed. The small group size created lasting friendships. Our desert camp dinner under stars while listening to traditional music was magical.
The attention to detail impressed us most. From personalized dietary accommodations to perfectly timed breaks during drives through Atlas Mountains. Worth every dirham for the seamless organization.
