7-Day Sahara Morocco Royal
7 Days / 6 Nights · Moderate
Embark on a Sahara Sands Odyssey, a captivating 7-day journey departing from and returning to Marrakech. This epic adventure takes you over the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, leading you to the mesmerizing Sahara Desert. Immerse yourself in the nomadic way of life, witness their agricultural practices, and gain insight into the camel's revered status in the desert. After a breathtaking night under the stars in Erg Chigaga, continue your expedition to the charming coastal village of Essaouira. Along the way, explore the legendary Draa Valley, discover ancient Jewish heritage in Amezrou village, witness traditional Berber craftsmanship, and experience the raw beauty of Morocco's diverse landscapes, from towering dunes to the windswept Atlantic coast.
Highlights
- Marrakech departure and return
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka Pass
- Visit the Telouet Kasbah and Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Draa Valley: Agdz, Zagora, Tamgrout, and M'Hamid
- Jewish heritage of Amezrou village and traditional silver jewelry-making
- 2 nights luxury camping at Erg Chigaga in the Sahara
- Camel ride to sunset from the highest dune
- Nomadic family visit and sand bread making
- Taroudant: medina exploration and local souks
- Essaouira: Atlantic coast, beaches, and vibrant souks
What's Included
- Private transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle
- Convenient pick-up and drop-off at your riad or hotel in Marrakech
- All-inclusive meals (breakfast and dinner, except in major cities)
- Vegetarian and vegan meal options available
- Accommodations in luxury riads, hotels, and desert camps
- Flexible itineraries with freedom to customize stops
- Complimentary water during travels
- Guided city tours with expert local guides
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou
Your driver picks you up at your riad in Marrakech and you journey south over the Tizi n'Tichka Pass through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Telouet Kasbah, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. Retire to your riad near Ait Ben Haddou for the evening and enjoy a lovely traditional Moroccan dinner.
Day 2: Ait Ben Haddou to M'Hamid via the Draa Valley
Traverse the Draa Gorges in the morning and explore the legendary Draa Valley, passing through the towns of Agdz and Zagora. In the afternoon, discover the Jewish heritage of Amezrou village with its traditional silver jewelry-making and explore Tamgrout's unique emerald glaze pottery production. Arrive in M'Hamid by evening, the end of the paved road, and spend the night in a camp nestled within the palm grove.
Day 3: M'Hamid to Erg Chigaga
Begin the morning with an agricultural walk observing local farming techniques and learning about precious water resources and desert agriculture. In the afternoon, venture further into the Sahara Desert towards Erg Chigaga, taking in the vast, ever-changing desert landscape along the way. By evening, arrive at your luxury camp at Erg Chigaga for a two-night stay and enjoy dinner under the stars accompanied by traditional Berber music.
Day 4: Erg Chigaga: Desert Immersion
Visit a local nomadic family in the morning and learn about desert life, participating in the making of traditional sand bread. In the afternoon, enjoy a camel ride across the golden dunes and witness a breathtaking sunset from the highest dune. The evening brings a campfire gathering with a delicious dinner and traditional music, followed by stargazing under the vast, unpolluted Sahara sky.
Day 5: Erg Chigaga to Taroudant
Depart Erg Chigaga in the morning, traveling through the rocky desert and the dry lake Iris, with stops to meet nomads and search for fossils along the way. Enjoy lunch in Foum Zguid village and explore the renowned Berber rug village of Tazenakht in the afternoon. Continue to Taroudant by evening, where you settle into a beautiful riad to relax and enjoy a wonderful dinner.
Day 6: Taroudant to Essaouira
Spend the morning exploring the medina of Taroudant and visiting the local souks, or embark on an early journey towards the Atlantic coast. Pass through Agadir in the afternoon and follow the scenic Atlantic coastline to arrive in the charming coastal town of Essaouira. Check into a beautiful riad in the Essaouira medina for the evening and indulge in dinner at a seaside restaurant with fresh seafood.
Day 7: Essaouira to Marrakech: Farewell
Stroll along Essaouira's picturesque beach in the morning, exploring the vibrant souks and observing the local fishermen's daily catch. In the afternoon, depart Essaouira for the return journey to Marrakech, reflecting on your unforgettable 7-day adventure. Arrive in Marrakech by evening, concluding your Sahara Sands Odyssey with drop-off at your riad or hotel.