Desert & Essaouira7 days from Marrakech

Day by day

1. Day 01

   Menara Marrakech Airport – Riad in the city center

   We will pick you up at Menara Marrakech Airport based on your arrival time and transfer you to the riad in the city center.

   You will have a free day to rest.

   The Riad is located in the heart of the medina; you can briefly visit the medina and have dinner at the famous Marrakech square, « Jamaa El Fnaa. »

   Accommodation with breakfast at the riad

2. Day 02

   Marrakech – High Atlas – Telouat – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

   Pick-up at 09:00 from the Riad in a private vehicle heading towards Ouarzazate, crossing the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi Ntichka pass, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 meters, making it the highest point in the country.

   Along the way, we will be mesmerized by the incredible landscapes and make several stops to capture photos of the Berber villages.

   We will then detour through a scenic road, enjoying the beautiful surroundings, until we reach the Kasbah of Telouat. Here, we will visit the Kasbah and indulge in a typical village meal. In the afternoon, we will continue through the Ounila Valley, passing by Berber villages where families live in adobe houses nestled in the mountains until we reach the fortified town of Ait Ben Haddou.

   We explore its famous Kasbah, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986. This spectacular setting has been a backdrop for several notable films, including Gladiator, Obelix, Sahara starring Penélope Cruz, and more. After visiting the Kasbah, we will head towards Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert

   Dinner and accommodation at a hotel/riad

3. Day 03

   Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Merzouga Desert – Night in Nomadic Haimas

   After breakfast, we will head to the famous Draa Valley, where we will see one of the longest rivers in Morocco.

   We will make several stops to admire the beautiful adobe kasbahs and Berber villages that dot the route and the wonders of the Draa Valley.

   After lunch in Nkob or Alnif, we will continue on a 2-hour route until we reach the stunning dunes of Merzouga. The fine sand desert where we will exchange the car for other means of transportation, camels, to enter the heart of the dunes and witness an unforgettable sunset.

   We will arrive at the camp, where we will stay in nomad tents made of camel hair, like those used by desert nomads.

   Dinner and night we spend in nomad tents in the heart of the desert under a spectacular blanket of stars.

4. Day 04

   Merzouga Desert – Rissani Market – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

   After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to the desert and embark on our journey toward Rissani.

   At Rissani, we will visit the vibrant market (if we are lucky and it falls on market days: Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday)

   We will then continue our route to Erfoud, where there is also an opportunity to visit the fossilized marble factory before heading towards the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad.

   An hour later, we will arrive at one of the highlights of the High Atlas Mountains: the Todra Gorges. The Todra River has carved a magnificent gorge with towering vertical walls, creating a paradise for climbers and a truly unique place of natural beauty.

   We will have lunch at the site, and a recommended half-hour walk will allow us to appreciate the gorges in all their detail and splendor.

   In the afternoon, we will continue our journey toward the Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of Figs. We will stop at the “monkey fingers” rock formations in Boumalne Dades along the way.

   Dinner and overnight stay in the Dades Gorges.

5. Day 05

   Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Skoura Palmeraie – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

   After breakfast, we can enjoy one of the best views of the Dades Valley.

   From one of the strategic points in the mountains, we can admire the multitude of kasbahs and the picturesque nature of each one. We will then set off on the road dotted with various kasbahs of great interest.

   Making several stops to admire the Thousand Kasbahs Route, the Rose Valley, and the vast palm grove of Skoura, we will arrive at Ouarzazate. Here, we will visit the Taourirt Kasbah, the former residence of the Glaoui or Pasha of Marrakech, as well as the Cinema Studios and the Cinema Museum if you are interested.

   Lunch will be served in the village, and the afternoon, we will continue our journey back to Marrakech, crossing the Tizi Ntichka mountain pass with stops for photos along the way. We will leave behind the lunar landscape, giving way to the predominant colors of green, ochre, and more.

   We expect to arrive in Marrakech around 6:00 p.m., where we will transfer you to your riad to rest and recharge.

6. Day 06

   Marrakech – Essaouira

   After breakfast at the riad in Marrakech, we will head towards Essaouira, the Pearl of the Atlantic. This city declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, maintains the charm and authenticity of a land lost in time. Essaouira has become an essential stop on any journey to Morocco.

   The adventurous explorer will be fascinated by the warm hospitality of the people in this city, which is not surprising considering they have been living at the crossroads of cultures, civilizations, and religions for centuries.

   You will have the afternoon free to wander around the medina

   The accommodation we will provide in Essaouira.

7. Day 07

   Essaouira – Marrakech – Airport

   After breakfast at the riad, you can stroll through the medina, visit the port, and then enjoy a grilled fresh fish lunch at the local restaurants by the harbor.

   If you wish, we can arrange for a local guide to give you a tour of the city, although we recommend exploring at your own pace as it is the best way to experience this charming town.

   In the afternoon, we will return to Marrakech. If you’re interested, we can stop at a women’s cooperative to witness a demonstration of the local women preparing argan oil.

   Finally, we will transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule, marking the end of our services.