This 5-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, passing through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses before spending the night in the Dades Gorges. The second day takes you south through the Saghro mountain range to the Dra’a Valley, following the ancient caravan route to Zagora for a camel ride and a night in the dunes. The adventure continues with a 4×4 journey to the immense dunes of Erg Chagaga, Morocco’s largest dunes, for a night under the stars. The return journey includes a 90km drive across the desert, with a stop to search for fossils at the dried-up Lake Iriqui, and passes through the Berber carpet town of Taznakht before concluding the day in Ouarzazate. The final day features visits to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous film location, and the historic Kasbah Telouet before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to return to Marrakesh.
Your adventure begins with a drive through the breathtaking landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains.
High Atlas Crossing: Depart Marrakesh at 8:00 AM and cross the Tichka pass, the highest in Africa, through the High Atlas Mountains.
Skoura Oasis: Travel through the Skoura Oasis, known for its many ancient kasbahs.
Valley of Roses: Continue to Kela’a M’gouna, the Valley of Roses, and stop to see locally made rose products.
Accommodation: Spend the night in a guesthouse in the Dades Gorge.
Head towards the iconic Sahara Desert and immerse yourself in its magical atmosphere.
Scenic Drive: After breakfast, travel south through the Saghro mountain range to the village of N’Qob for lunch.
Dra’a Valley: Join the Dra’a Valley at Tansikht and follow the ancient caravan route, enjoying views of the gardens and kasbahs.
Camel Ride: Arrive at the dunes just south of Zagora for a camel ride and to watch the sunset.
Accommodation: Have dinner and spend the night in a nomadic bivouac.
Depart the desert and journey to Chagaga, the gateway to the Sahara.
M’hamid and Erg Lihoudi: In the morning, continue to M’hamid and Erg Lihoudi, where you have the option for a 1.5-hour camel ride.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the village of M’hamid.
Erg Chagaga: After lunch, embark on a 60km off-road journey to the Erg Chagaga dunes, the largest in Morocco (300m high and 35km long). The route crosses various desert landscapes, including sand, stony, and rocky desert.
Sunset: Take an optional camel ride to the base of the dunes to watch the sunset.
Accommodation: Spend the night in a bivouac at the foot of the dunes.
Chagaga Dunes to Ouarzazate through the captivating landscapes of southern Morocco.
Desert Crossing: After breakfast, drive 90km across the desert, passing by the dried-up Lake Iriqui and mountains, with an opportunity to search for fossils.
Taznakht: The journey north continues to Taznakht, a Berber town famous for its rugs and gelims, where you will have lunch.
Accommodation: The day concludes with an overnight stay in a riad in Ouarzazate.
Q1: Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Morocco?
Yes, it offers a perfect introduction to Morocco’s culture, history, and landscapes.
Q2: What is the best time to take this tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather.
Q3: Are there opportunities for photography?
Absolutely! The tour includes stunning landscapes and historic landmarks perfect for photos.
Q4: Can dietary preferences be accommodated?
Yes, vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs can be accommodated upon request.
Q5: Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, the itinerary can be customized for families with children.
At Sahara Soul Tours, we are passionate about sharing the heart and soul of Morocco with travelers from around the world.
