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9 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech

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    9 Day Desert Tour
    Tour Details

    This journey takes you through Morocco’s most iconic destinations, blending imperial cities, mountain landscapes, desert adventures, and cultural immersion. Starting in Marrakech, you’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains, explore kasbahs and valleys, ride camels into the Sahara dunes, and discover historic cities like Fes, Meknes, and Rabat before concluding in Casablanca.

    9 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech
    Highlights of the Tour
    • Crossing the High Atlas Mountains with breathtaking views.
    • Exploring UNESCO sites: Ait Ben Haddou and Volubilis.
    • Camel trekking and camping under the stars in the Sahara Desert.
    • Immersing in Moroccan culture through souks, kasbahs, and artisan workshops.
    • Visiting Morocco’s four imperial cities: Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat.
    • Experiencing both modern and ancient Morocco, from Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque to medieval medinas.
    Itinerary
    9 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech

    Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

    Upon landing at Marrakech Airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your riad. The rest of the day is free to explore one of Morocco’s imperial cities. A stroll through the lively Jemaa el-Fna square will immerse you in street performances, local food stalls, and traditional entertainment.


    Day 2: Marrakech – Dades Valley

    After breakfast, depart from the riad and head towards the Dades Valley. The journey crosses the High Atlas Mountains, with a scenic stop at the Tizi n’Tichka pass for panoramic views.

    Along the way, visit the impressive Kasbah Telouet, admired for its intricate craftsmanship. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village featured in films such as Gladiator and Babel. By evening, arrive in the Dades Valley, where dramatic landscapes and the “road of 1000 kasbahs” await. Dinner and overnight stay in a valley hotel.


    Day 3: Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

    Enjoy breakfast before setting off for the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering cliffs over 150 meters high. After a walk through its dramatic scenery, continue towards the desert via the Tafilalet palm grove.

    Arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you can wander across the golden sands. Dinner and overnight stay at a desert hotel.


    Day 4: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Desert

    Following breakfast, explore the surroundings of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Discover nomadic families, desert villages, and striking landscapes. Share a meal with a Berber family to learn about their traditions and way of life.

    Later, visit Khamlia village, home to descendants of Mali, and enjoy a performance of Gnawa music. In the afternoon, ride camels into the desert to witness a breathtaking sunset. Dinner, Moroccan tea, and drumming around the campfire will accompany your night under the stars in a traditional desert camp.


    Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes

    Wake early to watch the sunrise over the Sahara dunes. Return by camel to the hotel for breakfast and a refreshing shower.

    The journey continues to Rissani, where you’ll explore one of Morocco’s largest and most authentic souks. Passing through Erfoud, cross the lush Ziz Valley, home to thousands of palm trees. Stop in Midelt, known for apple production, before continuing through cedar forests inhabited by Barbary monkeys. A visit to Ifrane, nicknamed the “Moroccan Switzerland,” precedes your arrival in Fes. Overnight stay in a hotel.


    Day 6: Exploring Fes

    Known as Morocco’s cultural and spiritual capital, Fes offers a wealth of history. A guided tour may include the Royal Palace, the Jewish quarter (Mellah), the modern district, and the ancient Fes el-Bali medina.

    Wander through narrow alleys where donkeys carry goods, and observe artisans at work — potters, blacksmiths, tanners, and weavers. Highlights include the world’s oldest university, Al-Qarawiyyin, and remarkable examples of Islamic architecture. This day feels like stepping back in time.


    Day 7: Fes – Volubilis – Meknes – Rabat

    After breakfast, depart for Volubilis, the Roman ruins recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to Meknes, another imperial city, for lunch and sightseeing.

    The journey then leads to Rabat, Morocco’s administrative capital, known as the “City of Gardens.” Visits may include the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the Hassan Tower, showcasing Arab-Andalusian style.


    Day 8: Rabat – Casablanca – Marrakech

    Travel to Casablanca to visit the impressive Hassan II Mosque, located on the Atlantic coast. This architectural masterpiece is the second-largest mosque in the world, accommodating tens of thousands of worshippers.

    Later, return to Marrakech for the evening.


    Day 9: Departure from Marrakech

    After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Airport for your scheduled flight. Farewell and end of services.

    Includes and Excludes:

    9 Days Sahara Desert Tours
    WHAT INCLUDES
    WHAT EXCLUDES
    • Pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
    • Comfortable, air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan transport with a professional driver.
    • 2 nights in a desert camp in Merzouga with a private tent.
    • 6 nights in a hotel or riad  with private facilities.
    • Camel ride for the sunset and sunrise trek in Erg Chebbi.
    • Sandboarding activity in the dunes.
    • Dinner and breakfast.
    • English-speaking driver and guide.
    • Lunches and drinks throughout the tour.
    • Entrance fees to monuments, studios, or kasbahs.
    • Tips and gratuities.
    • Personal expenses and travel insurance.
    • Quad bikes or other optional activities.

    Map:

    9-Day Sahara Desert Tour

    FAQ:
    9-Day Sahara Desert Tour

    Is this tour private or shared?

    We specialize in private tours to ensure a personalized experience. This means the tour is just for your group. If you are a solo traveler or looking to meet people, please contact us. We can sometimes arrange shared group tours upon request.

    What is the alternative to a camel ride?

    If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can arrange for a 4×4 vehicle to take you to and from the desert camp so you can still enjoy the sunset and sunrise.

    What should we pack for this tour?

    Pack comfortable clothes, sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for the daytime. Evenings and early mornings in the desert and mountains can be very cold, especially from October to April. Warm layers, a jacket, and a scarf are essential.

    Can you accommodate dietary restrictions?

    Absolutely. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. We will make sure the hotels and camp are notified in advance.

    What is the driving distance like?

    The tour covers a significant distance with varying road conditions. We take a scenic route with multiple stops for photos, lunch, and breaks. The drive is broken up over three days with plenty of sightseeing along the way.