Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Our 6-day guided Sahara Desert tour begins upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport. A private driver will greet us and transfer us to our accommodation. After checking in, we can relax and immerse ourselves in the vibrant city atmosphere.

Day 2: Marrakech City Exploration

After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of Marrakech. First, we visit the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, encountering snake charmers and storytellers. Next, we explore the Koutoubia Mosque, renowned for its impressive minaret. We then proceed to the historic Saadian Tombs and the opulent Bahia Palace. Our journey continues to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, known for its stunning courtyard.

For lunch, we savor traditional Moroccan cuisine at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we wander through vibrant souks, rich with spices and handicrafts. We conclude our city tour with a visit to the serene Majorelle Garden. Returning to our accommodation, the evening is at leisure. Perhaps, we can revisit Jemaa el-Fnaa to experience its lively nighttime ambiance.

Day 3: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Benhaddou – Dades Valley

After breakfast, we depart from Marrakech, heading towards the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, reaching 2,260 meters. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views and stop for photographs. We arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village famous for its traditional mud-brick architecture. Here, we take a guided tour of the kasbah and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

Our journey continues to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios and the impressive Taourirt Kasbah. We proceed through the Skoura Oasis, home to numerous palm groves and the historic Amridil Kasbah. Traveling through the Valley of Roses, renowned for its annual Rose Festival and products made from locally grown roses, we arrive in the Dades Valley. Often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” it is characterized by dramatic landscapes and unique rock formations. We check into our accommodation, where dinner will be served.

Day 4: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga – Sahara Desert

After breakfast, we explore the Dades Gorge, known for its steep cliffs and stunning scenery. We continue to the Todra Gorge, where canyon walls tower up to 400 meters high, offering a spectacular setting for a leisurely walk. We stop for lunch in a local town en route.

Proceeding to Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil workshops and as a gateway to the Sahara, we arrive in Merzouga, situated on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, we embark on a camel trek into the desert, timing our journey to witness a breathtaking sunset over the dunes. We reach our luxury desert camp, equipped with comfortable amenities including private tents, hot showers, and traditional Moroccan decor. We enjoy a traditional dinner, followed by live Berber music around the campfire under a star-lit sky.

Day 5: Sahara Desert – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

We rise early to experience the serene sunrise over the Sahara dunes, a truly magical sight. After breakfast at the camp, we visit a nomadic family to gain insight into their unique lifestyle and traditions. We continue to the town of Rissani, historically significant as a former caravan center and the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. Here, we explore its lively souk, particularly vibrant on market days.

Traveling through the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, lined with date palm oases and ancient kasbahs, we stop for lunch in a local town along the route. We proceed through the volcanic landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, passing traditional Berber villages, and arrive in Ouarzazate, where we check into our accommodation and enjoy dinner.

Day 6: Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

After breakfast, we visit the Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate, a historic fortress that once served as a residence for the Glaoui family. We explore its labyrinthine passageways and rooms adorned with decorative motifs. Optionally, we can tour one of the city’s film studios to learn about the movies and series filmed in the region.

We begin our return journey to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains. En route, we stop at an Argan oil cooperative to observe the traditional methods of extracting this valuable oil and perhaps purchase some products. We arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon, where our driver will transfer us to our chosen location, concluding our enriching 6-day Sahara Desert tour.