This 6-day tour offers a circular journey from Marrakesh to the Sahara and back, showcasing a diverse range of landscapes and historical sites. The trip starts by crossing the High Atlas Mountains, visiting the historic Telouet Kasbah, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou before spending the night in the secluded Fint Oasis. The second day takes you through the Valley of Roses to the Dades Gorges, with an off-road excursion to meet Berber nomads. The third day continues to the desert of Merzouga, with a stop to see a dinosaur exhibition, before a sunset camel ride and a night in a nomad tent in the Erg Chebbi dunes. The fourth day is a unique deep-desert experience with a full day of camel trekking and a night spent at a remote desert oasis. On the fifth day, you’ll travel through the Dra’a Valley to Agdez, staying at the oldest kasbah in the valley. The final day includes a visit to the historic Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate, as well as the film studios, before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to return to Marrakesh.
High Atlas Crossing: Depart from Marrakesh at 8:00 AM and cross the Tichka pass, the highest in North Africa, through the High Atlas Mountains.
Kasbah Telouet: Visit the Telouet Kasbah, the former residence of the powerful Lords of the Atlas.
Ait Ben Haddou: Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous kasbah and a popular backdrop for Hollywood films.
Atlas Film Studios: Tour the Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate to see sets from movies like “Gladiator” and TV shows like “Game of Thrones”.
Accommodation: Spend the night in a traditional guesthouse in the secluded Fint Oasis, a filming location for “Game of Thrones”.
Skoura Oasis and Valley of Roses: Travel through the Skoura Oasis, known for its crumbling kasbahs, and the Valley of Roses, where you will stop to see locally made cosmetic products.
Off-Road and Berber Encounter: Take an off-road route through a geologically fascinating landscape to visit Berber nomads living in caves and share a glass of tea with them.
Accommodation in Dades Valley: Spend the night in the fertile Dades Valley with a choice of accommodations: with a Berber family, in a traditional guest house by the Dades River, or for the more adventurous, with Berber nomads in their mountain caves.
Toudgha Gorges: After breakfast, enjoy a walk by the river before continuing to the Toudgha Gorges.
Dinosaur & Fossil Stops: The journey includes a stop near Tinjdad to see dinosaur remains and a visit to Erfoud, famous for its fossil workshops.
Camel Ride: In the afternoon, take a two-hour camel ride in the Sahara to watch the sunset.
Accommodation: Have dinner and spend the night in a traditional nomad tent at the bivouac, complete with music and a campfire.
Morning Adventure: After breakfast, enjoy some sand-boarding before beginning a full day of camel trekking.
Camel Trekking: Spend the day walking or riding alongside camels, journeying deeper into the dunes.
Desert Lunch: Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch out in the middle of the dunes.
Remote Oasis: The day concludes with an overnight stay at a secluded desert oasis, providing a true immersion in the Sahara.
Sunrise: An option to wake up early to watch the spectacular sunrise over the dunes.
Scenic Route: The drive continues to the Dra’a Valley, passing through the village of Tazzarine (featured in the film ‘Babel’) and stopping for lunch in N’Qob.
Dra’a Valley: In the afternoon, journey along the beautiful Dra’a Valley, known for its ancient villages and vast date palm groves.
Accommodation: Spend the night in Agdez at the 17th-century Kasbah Tamnougalte, the oldest kasbah in the valley.
Kasbah Tamnougalte: After breakfast, visit the ancient Kasbah Tamnougalte, where several families still reside.
Tizi-n-Tinfifte Pass: Travel over the Tizi-n-Tinfifte mountain pass (1660m), which was featured in the film “Babel”.
Ouarzazate: In Ouarzazate, visit the Kasbah of Taourirt and a museum of Hollywood film sets.
High Atlas Crossing: The trip ends with a final drive back to Marrakesh, crossing the High Atlas Mountains and the Tichka pass, with views of traditional Berber villages.
Q1: Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, the itinerary is suitable for families and can be customized to meet specific needs.
Q2: What is the best time to take this tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for this itinerary.
Q3: Can I extend my stay in Essaouira?
Absolutely! The tour can be tailored to include extra days in Essaouira or other cities.
Q4: Are meals included in the tour?
Breakfast is included daily. Lunches and dinners are at your own expense, giving you the flexibility to try local cuisines.
Q5: How far is the drive from Essaouira to Casablanca?
The drive takes approximately 5 hours, with opportunities for scenic stops along the way.
At Sahara Soul Tours, we are passionate about sharing the heart and soul of Morocco with travelers from around the world.
