12-Day Grand Tour: Marrakech to Sahara & Back

📌 Overview

Twelve days from Marrakech and back — the ultimate Morocco southern loop. Every highlight covered with maximum comfort: the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, Rose Valley, Sahara dunes at Erg Chebbi, Ouarzazate, Telouet Kasbah, Marrakech city tour, Essaouira Atlantic coast, Ourika Valley waterfalls, Ouzoud Falls and a day trip to the coast. This comprehensive tour offers the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.

🗺️ Itinerary

🌅 Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

Welcome to the Red City

Arrive in Marrakech and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, begin your exploration with a visit to the Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Evening at leisure to explore the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Welcome dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant.

🌅 Day 2: Marrakech City Tour

Imperial landmarks and hidden gems

Full day exploring Marrakech’s highlights. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, and Ben Youssef Madrasa. Explore the labyrinth of the souks and try your hand at haggling. Optional visit to a traditional hammam.

🌅 Day 3: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou to Ouarzazate

High Atlas crossing and UNESCO kasbah

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village famous for its role in many films. Continue to Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film capital. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah and Atlas Film Studios.

🌅 Day 4: Ouarzazate to Skoura to Rose Valley

Palm groves and floral landscapes

Drive to Skoura, known for its beautiful palm groves. Visit the well-preserved Amridil Kasbah. Continue to Kelaat M’Gouna, the heart of Morocco’s rose-growing region. If you visit during May, you might catch the famous Rose Festival. Explore the Rose Valley with its colorful fields.

🌅 Day 5: Rose Valley to Dades Valley to Todra Gorge

Canyons and dramatic landscapes

Drive through scenic landscapes to the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Continue to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering rock walls up to 300m high. Enjoy a short hike through the narrowest part of the gorge.

🌅 Day 6: Todra Gorge to Merzouga & Erg Chebbi

Desert arrival and camel trek

Drive to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, embark on a camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Witness the mesmerizing sunset from the top of a dune. Overnight in a luxury Bedouin camp with traditional dinner, music, and stargazing.

🌅 Day 7: Merzouga Desert Exploration

Sunrise, 4×4 adventure and Berber culture

Wake up early for sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, explore the desert by 4×4, visiting Khamlia village for traditional Gnawa music. Try sandboarding on the dunes. Visit a nomad family to learn about their way of life. In the afternoon, relax at the camp or take another camel ride.

🌅 Day 8: Merzouga to Rissani to Alnif to Ouarzazate

Historic towns and desert landscapes

After breakfast, visit Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty and home to one of Morocco’s largest souks. Continue through Alnif, known for its fossil-rich landscapes. Drive to Ouarzazate for overnight.

🌅 Day 9: Ouarzazate to Telouet Kasbah to Marrakech

Ancient kasbahs and mountain passes

Visit the Telouet Kasbah, once the seat of the El Glaoui family. Drive back to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Stop at scenic viewpoints for photos. Arrive in Marrakech for overnight.

🌅 Day 10: Day Trip to Ourika Valley

Mountain villages and waterfalls

Day trip to the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas Mountains. Visit traditional Berber villages and see the beautiful Setti Fatma waterfalls. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a local home. Return to Marrakech for overnight.

🌅 Day 11: Day Trip to Ouzoud Falls

Morocco’s most beautiful waterfalls

Day trip to the Ouzoud Falls, Morocco’s most famous waterfalls. Take a boat ride to the base of the falls and visit the caves behind the water. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant with stunning views. Optional short hike to explore the area. Return to Marrakech for your final night.

🌅 Day 12: Marrakech to Essaouira to Casablanca

Atlantic coast and farewell

Drive to Essaouira, a charming coastal city with Portuguese heritage. Visit the Skala de la Ville, port, and medina. Enjoy fresh seafood at the harbor. Continue to Casablanca for your farewell dinner and transfer to the airport.

✅ Includes

  • Private air-conditioned transportation throughout
  • Professional English/French/Spanish-speaking guide
  • 11 nights accommodation in 3-4 star hotels and luxury desert camp
  • Daily breakfast and 9 dinners
  • Camel trek in Erg Chebbi with sunset and sunrise views
  • 4×4 desert excursion in Merzouga
  • Entrance fees to all mentioned historical sites and attractions
  • Local taxes and service charges

❌ Excludes

  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks (except water during meals)
  • Personal expenses and shopping
  • Tips and gratuities (recommended: 5-10 EUR per person per day)
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages

ℹ️ Trip Facts

Transport Private minibus (2-12 pax)
Accommodation 3-4 star hotels & luxury desert camp
Meals Breakfast daily, 9 dinners
Start Point Marrakech (airport/hotel pickup)
End Point Casablanca (airport/hotel drop-off)
Group Size 2-12 people (private groups available)
Best Time to Go March to November
Difficulty Easy to Moderate
Language English, French, Spanish

❓ FAQ

Can I start and end this tour in Marrakech instead of Casablanca?

Yes! We can easily modify the itinerary to start and end in Marrakech. This would give you more time in Marrakech and eliminate the drive to Casablanca.

What is the driving time between destinations?

Driving times vary: Marrakech to Ouarzazate is about 4 hours, Ouarzazate to Merzouga is about 5-6 hours, and Marrakech to Essaouira is about 2.5 hours. We include comfort stops and scenic viewpoints.

Are the desert camps private or shared?

Our luxury desert camps offer both private and shared options. Private tents are available for couples or those who prefer more privacy.

What should I pack for the desert?

Warm clothes for desert nights (temperatures can drop to 5°C/41°F), comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera, small backpack for the camel trek, and a power bank.

Can I add Chefchaouen to this itinerary?

Yes! We can add 2-3 days in Chefchaouen by adjusting the route. This would typically involve adding time after Fes or before returning to Marrakech.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, this tour can be adapted for families. The desert camp experience is particularly enjoyable for children, and we can adjust the pace and activities for younger travelers.

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

12-Day Grand Tour: Marrakech to Sahara & Back
WhatsApp