Tour Plan
This 5 or 6-day tour blends the thrilling adventure of desert exploration with rich cultural experiences. You’ll have the flexibility to create a journey that resonates with your sense of adventure and your appreciation of Morocco’s deep heritage.
01
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
DAY 1: Majestic Valleys on Route to Dades (Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka Pass – Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Skoura - Rose Valley - Boumalne Dades)
Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Marrakech, where you’ll head into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass. The winding roads offer breathtaking views of valleys, terraced farms, and distant peaks. By the evening, you’ll arrive in the serene Boumalne Dades, where you’ll settle for a peaceful night surrounded by the beauty of nature.
*OPTIONS: hike Boumalne Dades (enjoy a scenic hike in the Boumalne Dades area, discovering the rugged beauty of the Dades Valley and its rock formations) + palm groves (explore lush oases filled with towering date palms and traditional irrigation systems) + rose distillation (learn about rose essential oil extraction and traditional distillation methods)
02
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
DAY 2: Scenic Gorges and Desert Arrival (Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorge - Tinghir - Nkob - Draa Valley – Zagora)
Today, your journey takes you through the dramatic landscapes of the Dades and Draa Valleys, where lush palm groves line the roads and Berber villages nestle against the mountainsides. Continue towards the desert, passing the ancient kasbahs and oasis towns before reaching Zagora, the gateway to the Sahara. Spend the night preparing for your desert adventure under the clear desert sky.
*OPTIONS (possible to add): palm groves (explore lush oases filled with towering date palms and traditional irrigation systems) + hike Todra Gorges (embark on a hike through the stunning Todra Gorges, exploring its towering cliffs and lush surroundings) + hike Boumalne Dades (enjoy a scenic hike in the Boumalne Dades area, discovering the rugged beauty of the Dades Valley and its rock formations)
03
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
DAY 3: Unveil the Beauty of Erg Chegaga (Zagora – M’hamid – Erg Chegaga)
Venture deeper into the Sahara as you travel from Zagora to M’hamid, the last outpost before the great desert. Then, journey off-road to the impressive dunes of Erg Chegaga. Spend the day exploring the vast desert landscape, either by camel or 4x4, before settling in for a magical night in a desert camp, complete with starlit skies and the tranquility of the Sahara.
*OPTIONS (possible to add): camel ride (explore the desert landscapes on the back of a camel for a ride) + nomadic family (visit a nomadic family to experience their traditional lifestyle and hospitality in the heart of the desert) + sandbread baking (learn how to bake traditional bread in the sand, a unique desert experience) + oasis Secret (visit a desert oasis and experience the lush greenery amidst the arid surroundings)
04
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
DAY 4/5: Desert villages & towns (Erg Chegaga – Iriqui Lake - Foum Zguid – Tazenakht – Ouarzazate)
Enjoy a serene morning in the desert or explore more of the dunes before heading back on the road. Travel through Foum Zguid passing the Iriqui lake and the vibrant town of Tazenakht, known for its artisanal crafts. Arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Desert,” where you can relax and reflect on your desert adventure.
*OPTIONS (possible to add): sandbread baking (learn how to bake traditional bread in the sand, a unique desert experience) + cooperative Berber carpet (learn the art of traditional Berber carpet weaving and the techniques passed down through generations)
05
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
DAY 6: Return Through History to Marrakech (Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas - Marrakech)
On your final day, travel back to Marrakech, passing through the historical Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient kasbahs. Take in the last views of the High Atlas Mountains as you return to the bustling streets of Marrakech, where your unforgettable adventure comes to an end.
*OPTIONS (possible to add): Ouarzazate’s film studios (visit Morocco's famous film studios known as the 'Hollywood of Morocco') + Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (explore the iconic kasbah and UNESCO World Heritage site)