This seven-day tour is the best choice if you want to start your Sahara desert tour from Ouarzazate, weaving in some of Morocco’s most memorable settings: the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, the Dades Valley, Todgha Gorge, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, the Ziz Valley, Midelt, the Azrou cedar forest, Ifrane, the imperial city of Fes, the blue city of Chefchaouen, and Casablanca. You ride camels and enjoy the desert, spend the night in a desert camp, explore the Sahara of Merzouga by 4×4, visit a nomadic Berber family, enjoy Gnawa music, discover the ancient medina of Fes on a guided tour, wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. The tour ends in Marrakech.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: OUARZAZATE -> AIT BEN HADDOU -> DADES VALLEY
Your 7-day Ouarzazate to Marrakech tour via the Sahara begins with a pick-up in Ouarzazate. We then head to the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a location for many films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and the famous Game of Thrones series, among others. After lunch in the village of Ait Ben Haddou, we continue to the Dades Valley, passing through Ouarzazate along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Arrival in the evening and overnight stay in a hotel/riad in the Dades Valley.
DAY 2: DADES VALLEY -> TODRA GORGE -> MERZOUGA DESERT
We begin the second day with a delicious breakfast, then set off for Todra Gorge, where we take a walk beneath the 300-meter-high cliffs. We then continue the journey to Merzouga, where an experienced camel guide and the camels await to lead us across the fabulous dunes of Merzouga, for about half an hour, until we reach the camp. You’ll spend the night with the locals under the stars.
DAY 3: FULL DAY TO EXPLORE THE MERZOUGA DESERT
After breakfast at the camp and a camel ride back to Merzouga, we begin our day exploring the Merzouga desert, crossing it aboard a 4×4 vehicle. We’ll also have the chance to visit a nomadic family near the Morocco-Algeria border, before heading to the village of the dark-skinned inhabitants, originally slaves who came from Sudan, to listen to Gnaoua music and learn about their way of life. Overnight in a hotel.
DAY 4: MERZOUGA -> ZIZ VALLEY -> MIDELT -> AZROU -> IFRANE -> FES
After breakfast in the hotel, we begin the journey to Fes around 8:30, travelling along the Ziz Valley. We make a stop at a panoramic viewpoint. Lunch is in Midelt, then we continue the journey: we may catch sight of the Barbary monkeys that live in the Azrou cedar forest. The next destination is Ifrane, also called the Switzerland of Morocco, where we make a stop before heading to Fes. Overnight in your hotel/riad.
DAY 5: FULL DAY TO EXPLORE FES
After breakfast in your riad, we begin the tour of Fes, the oldest city in Morocco and one of the four imperial cities. We spend most of the day in the old part of Fes (the medina), strolling through its narrow lanes. You’ll visit the gate of the Royal Palace, known for its golden door; the visit includes the University of Al-Qarawiyyin, the oldest still in existence. After lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant in the medina, we visit the famous Tanneries and the Jewish Quarter before returning to your riad. Overnight in your riad.
DAY 6: FES -> VISIT OF CHEFCHAOUEN
After breakfast in your riad, we head to Chefchaouen, passing through the city of Ouazzane. Arrival around midday and start of the exploration of Chefchaouen, known as the “blue city” or blue pearl of Morocco. This city is a wonderful destination for photographers, thanks to its walls painted in white and blue; we take a walk inside the medina to admire the beautiful buildings. Overnight in your hotel.
DAY 7: CHEFCHAOUEN -> CASABLANCA -> MARRAKECH
After breakfast in your hotel, we head to Casablanca, where we visit the Hassan II Mosque, the largest mosque after the one in Mecca. We have lunch near the Corniche before heading to Marrakech, with drop-off at the airport or at your hotel.
IMPORTANT NOTES
THE PRICE
The price varies depending on the number of travelers. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person can be. Transportation costs are fixed and shared between the travelers. The final price also depends on the accommodation category you choose, such as standard, superior, or luxury. Contact us for an exact quotation based on your group size, travel dates, and preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the tour private or shared?
The tour is a completely private experience. You will travel exclusively with the members of your own group, without joining other tourists. This gives you greater flexibility with the schedule, stops, pace, and overall experience.
How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels?
The camel ride usually takes about half an hour to reach the desert camp, depending on the camp location and conditions. If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can be transferred to the camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost. Quad biking and buggy excursions are also available at an extra cost.
Is the desert tent private? Does it have a private bathroom and shower?
Yes. Our luxury desert camp offers private tents equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, including a shower and hot running water.
What happens to our luggage during the camel ride?
During the camel ride, you only need to carry a small backpack with the essentials you need for the night. Your main luggage will be transported by the camp’s 4×4 vehicle and will be waiting for you at your tent when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best times to visit Morocco are generally spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are usually pleasant across much of the country. Winter can also be an excellent time to travel, especially for exploring the southern desert regions.
What type of vehicles are used?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles:
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. We can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requests. Please let us know when booking so we can arrange the included meals and stops along the route accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is suitable for travelers of different ages. Please note that some days involve several hours of driving to cover the distances between different regions of Morocco. Our vehicles are comfortable, and regular stops can be made during the journey.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Pick-up is available directly from Ouarzazate airport or your accommodation on the first day. The tour ends in Marrakech, with a drop-off at Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation on the final day. If preferred, the itinerary can also start or finish in another city upon request.
Expenses and additional costs
Currency exchange: Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) at banks, airports, and exchange offices. ATMs are also widely available throughout Morocco.
Cost of meals: Lunches are not included in the tour price and generally cost around 5–20 EUR per person, depending on the restaurant and location.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices in souks and traditional markets is a normal part of shopping culture in Morocco.
BOOKING PROCESS
1. Contact us
Contact us through our contact form, email, or WhatsApp and provide the number of travelers, your approximate travel date, and your preferred accommodation category.
2. Confirm your booking
A small deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Payment can be made through PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash in EUR, USD, or MAD directly to the driver upon arrival.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE MOROCCO TOUR?
A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace, with greater flexibility over departure times, sightseeing stops, breaks, activities, and accommodation choices.
You will have an experienced private driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group, giving you more freedom and comfort throughout the journey. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, group of friends, or a small private group, the itinerary can be adapted around your interests and travel preferences.
Días intensos y gratificantes. las Gargantas del Todra y las dunas de Erg Chebbi fueron lo mejor del viaje.
Días intensos y gratificantes. las Gargantas del Todra y las dunas de Erg Chebbi fueron lo mejor del viaje.
Maravilloso y bien equilibrado. las dunas de Erg Chebbi y el Valle del Dades valen por sí solos el viaje. Muchas gracias.
Maravilloso y bien equilibrado. las dunas de Erg Chebbi y el Valle del Dades valen por sí solos el viaje. Muchas gracias.
Giorni indimenticabili insieme. le dune dell’Erg Chebbi e le Gole del Todra hanno regalato ai bambini un’esperienza che raccontano ancora.
