Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech & Essaouira

Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech Immerse yourself in an 8-day journey exploring Marrakech’s vibrant medina, the cinematic charm of Ouarzazate, and the breathtaking Sahara Desert. Witness magical sunrises, ride camels through Erg Chebbi dunes, and sleep in Berber tents. Discover UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou and the coastal beauty of Essaouira. Enjoy guided tours, cultural experiences, and unforgettable views of Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

Why book this trek?

Experience the Magical City of Marrakech
Cross the High Atlas via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass
Enjoy a camel ride in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
Visit Kasbah Ait Benhaddou
Spending a nice time in Essaouira along the Atlantic Coast

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

Overview

Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech

For Atlas Trekking you need to prepare as you would for walking in any mountain region; it can be warm and sunny during the day but the weather in the mountains can quickly change from sunshine to snow and cold winds (autumn through late spring). Please do not leave any rubbish behind you; carry out what you carry in.

Atlas Treks are tailored to match the season and your level of fitness. You have the choice of basing yourself in Berber Guesthouses, from where you can take daily walks, or you can Atlas Mule Trek for 2+ days. On mule treks you usually have the choice of staying in Berber Guesthouse/with families or wild camping in 2-person tents. In addition to regular packing, here is a Check List for Atlas Trekking

Highlights

Departure & Return Location : Marrakech Airport
Meeting Time : Arrival time of your flight

Day 1 :

Day 1: Marrakech

Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech

Arrival at Marrakech Airport and spend the night at a riad in the medina.
Marrakech, one of Morocco’s favorite cities, is known as the country’s ‘pearl of the south’ and is surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Atlas Mountains. Take a step back in time and lose yourself in the maze of souks and spice markets in the ancient medina. Wander the labyrinthine of stalls with colourful skins of wool drying above your head against bright blue skies. Pick your way through alleys lined with elaborately decorated brass lamps while dodging donkeys as well as locals on scooters as you go. Watch artisans making their wares right where they sell them. Enjoy some banter and barter with a friendly seller, then indulge in a traditional mint tea or thick Moroccan coffee to recover.
There is non-stop action at the Djemaa el-Fna, the huge, open UNESCO-listed public square in the medina. See jugglers, henna tattoo-artists, potion-sellers, musicians, snake-charmers and acrobats by day and buy a freshly-squeezed orange juice from any one of a myriad of vendors. At night, witness musicians, Gnaoua musicians, storytellers, belly dancers and a massive alfresco restaurant complete with friendly maitre d’s calling for your custom in five different languages. The call to prayer from the iconic Koutoubia Minaret adds to the exotic atmosphere.

Day 2 :

Day 2 : Ouarzazate

Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech

Today we head to Ouarzazate, a resting point traditionally used by African traders. Today it has been used as the set of many great films like Alexander the Great and The Last Temptation of Christ. There is the chance to enjoy an optional tour of the film studios. Overnight at a small hotel.

Day 3 :

Day 3 : Sahara Desert

Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech

Today we will enjoy a scenic drive via the Draa Valley towards the great Sahara Desert. We will arrive at the dunes of Erg Chebbi and after a short break you will ride camels into the dunes, where you will spend the night in berber tents. After seeing a beautiful sunset you will enjoy a fantastic dinner.

Day 4 :

Day 4 : Ait Ben Haddou

Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech

After viewing the most beautiful sunrise and having breakfast at the camp site you will ride the camels back to the auberge. From there we will drive to Ait Ben Haddou. Arriving at Ait Benhaddou we can enjoy a guided tour of the Kasbahs & Ksars. Ait Ben Haddou is very known for its ancient and well preserved Kasbahs that are still occupied by a handful of families today.

Day 5 :

Day 5 : Essaouira

Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech

We will drive through the lush green argana forests towards Essaouira. Located on the South Atlantic Coast, Essaouira (pronounced esa-wera) is a peaceful seaside town with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina. Previously known as Mogador, the city is a beautiful example of an 18th century fortified maritime citadel and is a popular artists’ town with many cultural influences including Arab, Berber, Jewish, African and European.
The mild climate invites you to rest and relax, however, with its narrow streets lined by workshops and art galleries this pretty blue and white washed city has plenty to keep you busy during your stay. Essaouira also has a long, wild ribbon of beach which is a great place to watch windsurfers, kite surfers and sand-yachters show off their talents in the brisk sea breeze. In the evening you can enjoy a fresh fish dinner at the harbour or take a sunset stroll along the ramparts, a popular local activity.
You will spend 2 nights here.

Day 6 :

Day 6 : Essaouira

Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech

Free day in Essaouira to explore this coastal port town any way you like.

Day 7 :

Day 7 : Marrakech

Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech

We head back to Marrakech. The last and additional night in Marrakech gives the opportunity to follow own ideas for sightseeing and shopping in its magnificent medina. We provide you a stay at a Riad in the medina of Marrakech.

Day 8 :

Day 8 : Marrakech

Sahara Desert Tours from Marrakech

Transfer back to the airport and fly back home.