8 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech
Private 8-day Marrakech desert tour: city monuments, Ait Ben Haddou, the Todra Gorges and a Merzouga camel ride, returning via the Draa Valley. Hotels and riads included.
Route : 8-day tour from Marrakech through the Sahara
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Walk the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
- Follow the rose-scented Dades Valley into the gorges
- Stand inside the 300-metre walls of the Todra Gorge
- Sunset camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- A night in a Berber camp with dinner under the stars
- Sunrise over the dunes before the drive home
- Your own vehicle and licensed guide the whole way
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 — Arrive in Marrakech
Your driver-guide meets you at the airport and transfers you to a riad in the old Medina to settle in.
Day 2 — 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.
Day 3 — 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.
Day 4 — 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.
Day 5 — 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.
Day 6 — 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.
Day 7 — Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas once more to return to Marrakech, where your driver drops you at your riad in the Medina.
Day 8 — Transfer to the airport
Your driver transfers you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your flight home.
Included
- Pickup & drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Your own licensed driver-guide
- Dinner & breakfast and all overnight stays
- Camel ride into and out of camp
- Fuel, tolls and all road costs
- Sandboarding in the dunes
- Berber music & dance around the fire
- Free stops for photos and refreshments
Not included
- Lunches & drinks
- International flights
- Entry fees to monuments
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to take this desert tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spot, with mild days and cool, clear nights over the dunes.
Is the camel ride included?
Yes, the sunset ride into camp and the morning ride out are both part of the package.
What kind of accommodation is included?
Comfortable desert camps and good-value guesthouses along the route, so you can pick the level of comfort that suits you.
Is it safe to travel in the Moroccan desert?
Yes. The road to Merzouga is well served and safe; your licensed guide stays with you throughout.
Can we adjust the itinerary?
Completely; the route above is a starting point we shape around your dates, pace and interests.
What should I pack for the desert night?
Light layers for the day, a warm layer for the evening, comfortable shoes for the dunes, sunscreen, and a small overnight bag — larger luggage can stay in the vehicle.
Can we choose the desert camp?
Yes. Pick the authentic Berber camp with tents on the sand, or a comfort camp with real beds and private bathrooms — both are a short walk from the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Are Ait Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorge included?
Yes. Both are built into the route — the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou on day 1 and the Todra Gorge on day 2.
Do I need to be fit for this tour?
No. The walks are short and easy, and the camel ride is about an hour each way. Tell us about any mobility, dietary or medical needs in writing before booking and we will plan around them.
How much driving is there each day?
About 320 km on day 1, 270 km on day 2 and 560 km on the return day — every stretch is broken up with sights, walks and lunch stops, so no day feels like a non-stop drive.
Where does the tour start and end?
We pick you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech on day 1 and drop you back at your Marrakech accommodation on the evening of day 3.
How much does the tour cost?
€400 to €650 per group depending on group size, with prices per group rather than per person. See the price box for the full breakdown; a deposit confirms your dates.
Is this tour private or in a group?
Private. Only your own party travels in the vehicle with your licensed guide — no fixed departures and no joining other travellers.
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