Marrakech round-trip · 8 days
8 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech
The full Marrakech desert experience: a city day among the ochre monuments, then a loop south over the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley, the Todra Gorges and a night in the Erg Chebbi, returning along the palm-lined Draa Valley.
Duration
8 days
Group size
Private
Guide
Licensed
Price
On request
About this tour
Eight days and seven nights combine the ochre city with the deep south: two nights in a Marrakech medina riad bookend a loop over the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades and Todra valleys, a full Sahara day by 4×4 and camel, and a return along the Draa Valley. Airport transfers and a city day are built in, so nothing is left to arrange.
Itinerary: 8 days
Arrive in Marrakech
Your driver-guide meets you at the airport and transfers you to a riad in the old Medina to settle in.
Exploring Marrakech
Discover the Majorelle Gardens, Koutoubia Tower, Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace, then wander the souks with the afternoon free at your own pace.
Marrakech to the Dades Valley
Across the High Atlas on the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stop at the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah and Ouarzazate, then through the Valley of the Roses to the Dades Valley for the night.
Todra Gorge to Merzouga
Via the Todra Gorges and the oasis fields of Tinjdad, through the Tafilalet palm groves to the dunes town of Merzouga for dinner and the night.
Sahara exploration & a desert night
Explore the desert by 4×4, meet the Gnaoua in Khamlia and nomad families in their tents, then ride a camel into the dunes to watch sunset from a desert camp.
Merzouga to Ouarzazate
Desert sunrise and breakfast at camp, then back through Alnif, Tazzarine and N'Kob along the sweeping Draa Valley to Ouarzazate for the night.
Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas once more to return to Marrakech, where your driver drops you at your riad in the Medina.
Transfer to the airport
Your driver transfers you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your onward journey, bringing the tour to a close.
This is a private tour, not a fixed route: days, stops, camp type and pace are all yours to adjust.
What's included
- Airport pickup & drop-off transfers
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver-guide
- Your own licensed driver-guide
- Dinner & breakfast and all overnight stays, incl. a medina riad
- 4×4 desert exploration, camel ride & camp night
Not included
- Lunches & drinks
- International flights
- Entry fees to monuments
Price
On request
Tailored to group size and dates: we'll send a clear quote within a day.
Duration: 8 days
Group: private, your own guide
Route: Marrakech round-trip
Included: transfers, guide, 4×4, camel, camp
Licensed operator · 40+ verified reviews
Desert camps & seasons
Two ways to camp and a window of best seasons under this stretch of sky.
Camp type. Choose the authentic Berber camp with traditional tents and mattresses on the sand, or a fixed comfort camp with real beds, private bathrooms and hot showers. Both are within walking distance of the Erg Chebbi dunes and include dinner and breakfast round the fire.
Best seasons. October to April is ideal, with warm days and clear cool nights. Summer is manageable with an early start: we'll point you to the best dates for your trip.
Help & answers
Common questions
When is the best time to take this tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather for both the city and the desert.
Is the Marrakech city day optional?
It is included in the eight-day package, but it can be tailored around the sights that interest you most.
Are the camel ride and desert camp included?
Yes, the 4×4 desert exploration, the camel trek and a night in the desert camp are all part of the itinerary.
What accommodation is included?
Riad stays in Marrakech, comfortable hotels along the route and a desert camp, so comfort level is flexible to your budget.
Is the desert safe to travel in?
Yes, the route is well established and safe; follow your guide's advice, keep hydrated and respect local customs.
Why book with us
A licensed tour operator with our own guides and drivers, a team that speaks Arabic, French, English, Spanish and German, and 40+ verified reviews. We plan your Moroccan Sahara trip properly, so the only surprises are the good ones.