What should I pack for a Marrakech desert tour?

Pack light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes. Evenings can get cold, so bring a warm layer.

Are Marrakech desert tours suitable for families?

Yes, we offer family-friendly desert tours with options for all ages, including child-safe camel rides and accommodations.

How long are the Marrakech desert tours?

Our most popular tours range from 2 to 4 days. Custom durations are also available based on your needs.

Marrakech to the Sahara Desert & Essaouira

9 days, 8 nights

Unlock Morocco's wonders with this 9-day journey through majestic Marrakesh, the sweeping Sahara Desert, and coastal Essaouira!

Overview

Ready for adventure? Take an unforgettable 9-day journey to Morocco, exploring breathtaking scenery from Marrakesh's bustling markets all the way out through the majestic Sahara Desert and along the picturesque coast of Essaouira. Turn your travel dreams into reality with this amazing bucket list experience!

The Bridge to Ait Ben Haddou

Highlights & Options

Visit Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Travel through the Atlas Mountains
Experience the gorges of Dades Valley
Visit The Valley of The Roses
Ride a Camel in the Chegaga & Merzouga Dunes
Visit the nomads of the Sahara Desert
Spend the night in a Desert Camp
Take a guided tour of the souks and Medina of Marrakech
Visit the coastal city of Essaouira

Please notify us of any options or add-ons you would like to be included in your experience on the booking form.

*Included in Royal Booking Option

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Contact Us for More Information

Itinerary

Start: Marrakech

Pick up at or near your Riad/hotel.

End: Marrakech

Drop off at or near your Riad/hotel.

Explore the exotic beauty and culture of Morocco...

...with this incredible 9-day journey! Begin in magnetic Marrakesh, then make your way to the majestic Sahara Desert. Finish off at picturesque Essaouira - a charming coastal city located near breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views. Book now and add some Moroccan magic to your travel memories!

Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Dades Gorges

Driving Time: 5 hours 40 minutes

Experience the beauty and splendor of Southern Morocco with us! Our adventure begins at 8:00 am in Marrakech, heading towards Ouarzazate. We'll take a breathtaking journey over Tizi N'Tichka Pass (2260m) before stopping to explore Kasbah Telouat, Ounila Valley's famous Ait Ben Haddo UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate. From there we will venture into the desert for more captivating sights including Skoura palm grove and Rose Valley - home to many splendid Kasbahs surrounded by majestic landscapes. At night you can relax in Boumalne Dades' hotel with dinner included!

Boumalne Dades - Todra Gorges - Arfoud - Dunes of Merzouga

Driving Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Start your adventure to the majestic desert of Merzouga and get ready for an unforgettable journey! Explore traditional Tinghir palm groves, where you can marvel at its lush beauty. Descend into breathtaking gorges with a lunch stop by the river. Afterward make sure not to miss Tinjedad's oases with their serene atmosphere before arriving in Erfoud - famous for its fossils and astonishing craftsman skills. Finally take a camel ride as you witness one of nature's most amazing spectacles - sunset among golden dunes! Finish off this magical day camping beneath starry skies at an authentic Berber camp.

Merzouga Excursion to Visit Nomads

Come join us for an unforgettable experience at the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes! We will journey to Merzouga on camelback and then explore these stunning desert landscapes in a 4X4. Get ready to be wowed as we visit nomadic families tending their herds of goats, camels and other creatures that thrive in this harsh environment. Afterward, it's off to Khamlia village where you can enjoy some traditional Berber tea with dinner while listening to beautiful Gnaoua music performances. Before returning back our campfire-lit campsite there is time enough left for a night of star gazing under the vast Saharan sky - don't forget your camera!

Merzouga - Rissani - Nkob - Tamnougalt - Ouarzazate - Marrakech

Driving Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Experience the majestic beauty of Morocco by taking a journey across its desert landscapes, acacia trees and villages. Start off in Merzouga before heading to Marrakech via the Draa Valley! See stunning panoramic views at Tizi N'Tinififft (1660m) while passing through Nkob village for lunch along your way - all culminating with an evening arrival back into bustling Marrakech.

Map

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Inclusions

Not Included

Book a Private Tour Now

Luxury from

€1027

/person

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Image Gallery

Cafe in the Atlas Mountains

Shops at Tizi N’Tichka

Essaouira: City on the Water

Donkeys in Merzouga Desert

Majorelle Garden in Marrakech

Mineral Shop at Tizi N’Tichka

Ait Ben Haddou

Tea in Ait Ben Haddou

Winding Road in the Atlas Mountains

Jemaa el Fna Square

Atlas Mountains with Snow

Beach of Essaouira

Inside Ait Ben Haddou

Ait Ben Haddou from the River Bed

Ait Ben Haddou

Luxury Desert Camp at Night

4×4 in Erg Chebbi

Looking out over the Atlas Mountains

Berber Village in the Atlas Mountains

Road into the Atlas Mountains

Erg Chebbi Dunes at Sunrise

Luxury Desert Camp at Night

Shops at Tizi N’Tichka

Vendors in Jemaa el Fna Square

Atlas Mountains beyond Marrakech

Fortress Walls in Essaouira

Asif Ounila

Incense & Spice Shop in Marrakech

Souk in Marrakech

Camel Ride in Erg Chebbi

Bridge to Ksar Ait Ben Haddou

Fortress In Essaouira

Sunset over Essaouira

Boats in Essaouira

Why Travel with Discover Sahara Tours?

Our People

Looking for a truly unique and immersive tour experience? Meet our exceptional full-time local drivers and guides, who don't just show you around - they become your well-connected friend. Accompanying you on each day of the tour, they share their lifelong connections to the region, offering fascinating anecdotes about its history and culture. With their insider knowledge and friendly personalities, you'll feel like a local in no time.

Custom Experience

Experience adventure like never before with our private tours! We are passionate about creating a customized travel experience that is tailored to your preferences. Imagine immersing yourself in the daily life of a nomadic family in the desert or cruising through the Sahara on a quad bike. We'll work with you to build an itinerary that meets your every desire, making sure that your journey is nothing short of amazing.

Local Cuisine

Experience the flavors, stories, and warmth of a place through its cuisine - that's our promise to you. Whether it's a cozy family-owned restaurant or indulging in a gourmet meal in our Sahara desert camps, these expertly curated meals will tantalize your taste buds and give you a glimpse into the heart and soul of the locals. Come travel with us and discover the magic of local Moroccan food traditions.

Sustainable Travel

Indulge in sustainable travel that nurtures the communities you visit. Invest in the local livelihoods by putting your money where your heart is. Discover the magic of authentic and immersive travel experiences that take you beyond the surface level. Our unique personal touch preserves and supports the cultures and traditions of the places you explore. It's a travel experience that will satisfy your curiosity and leave a positive impact on the world.

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Customer Reviews

Great trip through Morocco - We did the 3 day Tour from Marrakesh to Fes. It was a truly amazing trip with the desert being the absolute highlight. Ismail was a great guide and excellent... read more

Naomi R
January 13, 2023

Best two day tour outside Marrakesh amidst nature, mountain and desert! - This trip was certainly a memory that we will all cherish for decades to come, particularly because of the raw and beautiful nature that we all experienced, topped with our... read more

soumyadips613
April 9, 2024

Trip to Zagora desert - I'm really impressed ... It was behond my expectations. The guides are really friendly and the food is amazing. The bathroom are really nice what is impressive when your are... read more

martalapopais
March 4, 2024
Ismail was a wonderful host - the visit to Ait Ben Haddou, the camel trek and the overnight stay in the desert was incredible.
Ismail is very knowledgeable, he... read more

336fionav
February 15, 2023

Desert experience - It was an amazing experience! Very nice staff. The conditions (rooms, wc) were very clean and adequated for the desert experience

André R
March 4, 2024

The tour was an incredible journey through the Atlas mountains arriving in Fes, giving a good taste of Moroccan culture, nature and activities. Ismail was a very welcoming guide who... read more

tomfS8484KH
January 12, 2023
Marrakech to Fes via Sahara - Ismail is a lovely guy and guide. He spends hours and hours driving and always has a smile on his face. Fantastic experience. Would highly recommend!!

812ashf
January 11, 2023

3 day desert tour from Marrakesh to Fes - Amazing trip. A great way to see the beauty of Morocco. We travelled to and spent a night in the Sahara which was the highlight, truly beautiful. Air Ben Haddou... read more

931elliotc
January 11, 2023

Great Value & Great Trip! - We booked the three day tour with Discover Sahara tours and had an amazing time. What an incredible value and the highlight of our time in Morocco.

O9599HYmatthewg
June 25, 2023