This seven-day tour is a journey from the vibrant city of Marrakesh to the heart of the Sahara Desert and back. The adventure begins with a trip to the coastal town of Essaouira, known for its seafood and surfing, before heading south along the Atlantic to Sid Ifni, a town with a Spanish feel. The tour then turns inland, exploring the scenic Anti Atlas mountains and visiting Tafraoute and its famous painted rocks before reaching Taroudant, a city resembling a miniature Marrakesh. The highlight is a deep dive into the Sahara Desert, where you’ll cross stony landscapes, hunt for fossils, ride camels, and spend a night under the stars in a nomad bivouac in Chagaga. The final leg of the journey takes you through the Dra’a Valley, with stops at historic kasbahs like Ait ben Haddou—a famous film location—before concluding back in Marrakesh.
Departure Time and Location: The tour begins at 8:00 AM with a pickup from your riad or hotel.
Journey: You’ll travel along the motor-way, passing by thousands of argane trees .
Destination: The destination is Essaouira, a distinctive “blue and white” seaside town and port.
Historical Name: Essaouira was formerly known as Mogador to the Portuguese.
Local Culture: The town is famous for its local handicrafts, especially items made from thuja wood.
Cuisine: A key feature is the opportunity to select and have freshly caught fish prepared right at the seafront.
Climate: Essaouira has a favorable micro-climate—mild in winter and cool in summer—but is frequently windy, making it a popular spot for surfers .
Departure: The trip begins after breakfast from Essaouira.
Route: The journey follows the coastal road south, offering continuous views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Scenery: The route features dramatic scenery, with the ocean often creating picturesque spray as it hits the rocks.
Cities Passed: The journey passes through Agadir.
Stop 1 – Tiznit: The tour stops at Tiznit, a town famous for its silver jewelry.
Coastal Road to Sidi Ifni: From Tiznit, the trip takes a particularly beautiful coastal road to the final destination.
Destination – Sidi Ifni:
Appearance: A “neat blue and white town” with a “distinctly Spanish feel.”
Origin of Name: Named after a local holy man.
Historical Significance: It was the capital of the Ait Ba’arame tribe, known for their resistance against the Spanish.
Route: The journey begins by traveling north from Sidi Ifni, heading back towards Tiznit.
Stop 1 – Tiznit: A stop in Tiznit allows time to wander the souks.
Scenery Change: The route transitions from the coast to the Anti Atlas mountains.
Scenic Road: The road to Tafraoute is described as “one of the most beautiful roads in the Moroccan mountains.”
Key Landmarks: The journey passes through specific locations including Tighmi, the Kerdous pass, and Tizourhane.
Final Destination: The final destination is Tafraoute.
Morning Activity in Tafraoute:
After breakfast, the tour visits the famous painted rocks.
The rocks were colored in 1984 by Belgian artist Jean Verame, using 18 tons of blue, pink, red, and black paint.
The artwork is described as controversial and individual.
Journey to Taroudant:
The route heads northwards, following a spectacular road alongside the Ait Baha river to the town of the same name.
The tour then turns right to travel towards Taroudant.
Destination – Taroudant:
Nickname: Taroudant is known as “the little Marrakesh.”
Reason for Nickname: This is due to the similarity of its ramparts and town walls to those of Marrakesh.
Activities: The night is spent in Taroudant after exploring the town.
Departure: The trip begins after breakfast in Taroudant.
Route: The journey heads towards the desert, crossing two mountain passes: Tizi-n-Tighatine and Tizi-n-Ikhsane.
Stop 1 – Taznakht: The tour reaches the small town of Taznakht, which is famous for its Berber gelims and carpets.
Entering the Sahara: From Taznakht, the journey continues south, driving into the Sahara Desert.
Desert Terrain: The route crosses different types of desert landscapes, including the stony desert “reg” and “hammada,” and the dried-up Lake Iriqui.
Fossil Hunting: An opportunity to search for fossils is available in the middle of Lake Iriqui.
Destination – Chagaga:
Setting: Lunch is served in Chagaga, which is far from any villages or civilization.
Afternoon Activities: The afternoon includes a camel ride and a climb to the top of the high dunes to watch the sunset.
Evening Activities: Dinner is served at the foot of the dunes.
Accommodation: The night is spent in a bivouac of nomad tents.
Morning Departure: The day begins with breakfast at the bivouac.
Desert Crossing: The itinerary includes a 60 km desert drive passing through the Sacred Oasis to reach M’hamid.
Camel Riding: Another camel ride is offered at Erg Lihoudi.
Lunch: Lunch is served just outside the village before continuing the journey.
Dra’a Valley: The journey follows the Dra’a Valley northwards, along an ancient caravan route.
Stop 1 – Zagora: The route passes through Zagora, the largest oasis in the valley, which is famous for its dates.
Scenery: The road offers a glimpse into local life, passing between the river and mountains, with numerous kasbahs and local gardens.
Stop 2 – Kasbah Tamnougalte: A stop in Agdez allows for a visit to the oldest and most famous kasbah in the valley, which is still partially inhabited.
Mountain Pass: The final part of the journey involves crossing the Tizi-n-Tififte pass, where scenes from the film “Babel” were filmed.
Final Destination – Ouarzazate:
The journey ends in Ouarzazate.
Accommodation for the night is in “one of the nicest riads in the town.”
Departure: The day starts with breakfast in Ouarzazate.
Route: The journey heads north, taking a side road from the main route.
Stop 1 – Ait ben Haddou:
This kasbah is described as the most famous in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It has a historical connection to the Glaoui family, the “Lords of the Atlas.”
The site is famous as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, including “Alexander,” “Gladiator,” and “Kingdom of Heaven.”
Ounila Valley: The journey continues along the Ounila Valley, which is characterized by beautiful villages and stunning mountain views.
Stop 2 – Telouet:
A stop in Telouet allows for a visit to the kasbah and a possible lunch.
Final Destination: The journey concludes with an arrival in Marrakesh in the early evening.
Q1: Is the 7 Days Morocco Private Desert Tour customizable?
Yes, the itinerary can be tailored to your preferences and needs.
Q2: What should I pack for the desert?
Q3: Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, this private tour is family-friendly and suitable for travelers of all ages.
Q4: When is the best time to take this tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather.
Q5: Can I request a specific type of accommodation?
Yes, accommodations range from standard to luxury options and can be adjusted based on your preference.
At Sahara Soul Tours, we are passionate about sharing the heart and soul of Morocco with travelers from around the world.
