MARRAKECH DESERT TOUR 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

What You Can Expect From Your Marrakech Desert Tour 8 Days / 7 Nights

• Meet & greet at the airport upon arrival
• Full day guided tour of Marrakech
• Drive through the High Atlas Mountains
• Explore the Ait Benhaddou Village
• Visit the well-preserved Kasbah of Amredil
• Stretch your legs at the impressive Todra Gorges
• Explore the desert area & Oasis
• Visit a nomad family
• Camel trek in Erg Chebbi & overnight in a desert camp under the stars
• Visit the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa)
• Explore the Teloute castle in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN MARRAKECH

Meet and greet upon arrival at the Marrakech Menara International Airport by your private English speaking driver/guide, and with whom you will explore this magical city and the alluring Sahara Desert. Transfer to your Riad in the Medina (Old Town) of Marrakech where the staff members will offer mint tea and cakes as a typical Moroccan gesture for welcoming guests.

In the late afternoon, you may want to get a first taste of the vibrant Medina by stretching your legs along its intricate alleyways before exploring the Jemaa El Fna (the focal point of Marrakech).

This popular square turns into an arena of entertainment where storytellers, snake charmers, fortunetellers, musicians, magicians, acrobats, and many others give the performance to the public. The food stalls offer both Moroccan and international delicacies in case you want to try, I do recommend the stall number 1° that is managed by “Fatima”. Otherwise, you may opt for enjoying a drink atop the overlooking cafes (Café de France) while watching the vibrant life.

• Overnight accommodation in Riad Ksar Anika or similar – Bed & Breakfast option.

DAY 2: FULL DAY GUIDED TOUR OF MARRAKECH

After having breakfast in your Riad, your local tour guide of Marrakech will take you for an interesting full day tour to help you unveil the mystery of this magical city. Drive through the wide boulevards of the Ville Nouvelle (New Town) that was initially built by the French to the botanical gardens of Majorelle. Learn about the wide collection of exotic plants, flowers, and trees that took more than 40 years of patience, passion, and dedication from Jacque Majorelle to create.

The sightseeing tour of Marrakech will include a visit to the Menara Gardens with its olive trees and the interesting pavilion that overlooks the reservoir. The latter is used for storing water for irrigation and it is filled up using a sophisticated system that consists of underground channels to convey water from the High Atlas Mountains to the lowland of Marrakech.

Embark on a purely cultural walking tour of Marrakech from the Mosque of La Koutoubia that was built by the Almohads in the 12^th century. Explore the exquisite geometric designs in the Saadian Tombs before visiting the Bahia Palace, which depicts a unique amalgam of both Moorish and Moroccan Architectures. Wander through the intricate alleyways of the Medina with its vibrant Souks (markets) being organized into different sections. End the tour at the Square of Jemaa El Fna or your guide can escort you back to your accommodation.

• Overnight accommodation in Riad Ksar Anika or similar – Bed & Breakfast option.

DAY 3: MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS – AIT BENHADDOU – DADES VALLEY

Pick up in the morning, at 8 am, from your Riad and begin with our planned Marrakech desert tour. Drive through the spectacular Pass of Tizi n’Tichka (2260 Meters/7714 Feet) turning it into the highest in the north of Africa. You will enjoy the varied landscapes with Berber Villages, which are built in adobe and stones. Continue on the track to the impressive Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou where the shooting of numerous international films have taken place like Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Kingdom of Heaven and many others.

Wander through this perched Kasbah and continue on the track to the Dades Valley crossing Skoura and the Valley of Roses. It is possible to include a stop for refreshment so as to learn about the different products that are made of roses like soap, rose water, lotions and much more. Arrive at your hotel in the Dades Valley in the evening.

• Overnight accommodation in Xaluca Dades or similar – Half board option (dinner & breakfast are included)

DAY 4: DADES VALLEY – TODRA GORGES – DESERT

After having breakfast in your hotel, head to the Sahara Desert through the palm oasis of Todra where we will include a gentle hike along the lush fields, wander around the former Jewish Mellah (Quarter) and visit a local Berber house. Continue on the track to the impressive gorges of Todra that pile up to 250 meters turning it into a worldwide attraction for mountain climbers as well as to locals seeking cooler air when it gets boiling during the summer.

Our desert trip from Marrakech will pave the way for us to include an interesting drive through the Palm Oasis of Tafilalelt and include a shortstop in Erfoud to make a visit to the dates’ market. Learn about the wide variety of dates and how the city is famous for the International Festival of Date that takes place at the end of October yearly.

Continue to the majestic Erg Chebbi sand dune field that can be seen from afar standing like an ocean. You will be welcome by the staff members at the Auberge (Hotel) – located at the feet of the sand dunes – with mint tea before enjoying a nice dinner by the pool or in the restaurant.

• Overnight accommodation in Riad Madu or similar – Half board option (dinner & breakfast are included).

DAY 5: EXPLORE THE DESERT AREA & CAMEL TREK

Spend the day exploring the desert area and the nearby palm oasis of Tafilalet. Learn about the sophisticated system of irrigation called “Khettaras” aqueducts, which consists of underground channels to convey water from afar to the oasis. Drive through the village of Merzouga to the Khamlia Village where most the inhabitants are originally slaves brought from Sub-Saharan lands. They have been popular for the spiritual Gnawa Music, which they happily perform to guest visitors.

Explore the Tafilalet Oasis with its ancient fortified villages (Ksers) and the traditional weekly Souks (markets). In the afternoon, we drive back to our hotel in the desert to get ready for the camel trek experience. The journey will take you through the golden sand dunes while enjoying the breathtaking view of the sunset. Dinner is served at the desert camp followed by a time of entertainment before culminating the day with a nice sleep inside the tent or under the stars.

• Overnight accommodation in our luxury Starry Desert Nights Camp or similar – Half board option (dinner & breakfast are included).

DAY 6: DESERT – NKOB – OUARZAZATE

Early wake up in the morning to attend the majestic view of sunrise atop the sand dunes before getting back to the hotel for a nice breakfast, and taking a refreshing shower. Continue on the track to Ouarzazate (Hollywood of Africa) through the dramatic village of Nkob with its well-preserved Kasbahs and the Anti-Atlas Mountains crossing the Tizi n’Tnifift Pass.

• Overnight accommodation in Dar Chamaa or similar – Half board option (dinner & breakfast are included).

DAY 7: OUARZAZATE – TELOUET – MARRAKECH

After having breakfast in your Riad, visit the dramatic Kasbah of Taorirt that is located in the very heart of Ouarzazate and then to the Atlas Film Studios. The latter has been used for shooting numerous Hollywood movies including Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra, The Kingdom of Heaven and many others. Drive through the High Atlas Mountains following a less-traveled trail to the crumbling castle of Telouet. This dramatic castle was home for the Galoui Family “Lords of the Atlas” who controlled the caravan route and with which they made a big fortune.

Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and include a pause for refreshment before getting back to Marrakech in the late afternoon.

• Overnight accommodation in Riad Ksar Anika or similar – Bed & Breakfast option (dinner & breakfast are included).

DAY 8: TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT

After having breakfast, it depends upon your flight time; we will assist you with check out and transfer to the International Airport of Marrakech for departure, which marks the end of your interesting Marrakech desert tour.

The Cost of Marrakech Desert Tour 8 Days / 7 Nights Is Flexible & Based On Your Requirements:

The cost is €1210 per person based on at least 2/3 participants – €980 per person for 4-6 people. Please note that the cost is based on double occupancy. The cost includes the following services:

• Meet & greet at the airport
• Experienced English speaking private driver throughout your journey.
• 7 nights’ accommodation as illustrated on the itinerary.
• Meals as mentioned on the itinerary
• Local tour guide in Marrakech
• Camel trek experience along with the overnight stay in our luxurious desert camp.
• Entrance fees to museums
• Hotel taxes 
• Unique experience
• Local taxes

The fee does not include the following: 

• All amenities that are mentioned in the detailed itinerary
• Travel insurance, which is required in case of a medical emergency
• Flights & extra services
• Drinks & tip

Please review our posts on how to get to Tangier by ferry from Spain, and the frequently asked questions (FAQ)