Sahara and Atlas Mountains in 5 Days

Upon arrival at Casablanca airport, you’ll be picked up and head directly to Marrakech. Meet your local guide for a comprehensive Marrakech tour. Marrakech is undoubtedly a town that showcases Morocco’s exotic culture and charm. With your guide, you will visit the Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 11th century, and the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful space filled with cacti, palms, and ferns, created by painter Jacques Majorelle. You’ll also explore various monuments, such as the Saadian Tombs, a 16th-century graveyard adorned with stunning mosaic tiles.

After lunch, take some free time to wander through the fascinating souks. These bustling markets are the heart of the city and feature the Babouche Souk, Chouari Souk, El-Attarine Souk, and the Cherratine Souk specializing in leather. In the evening, experience the lively atmosphere at Djemâa El-Fna Square, where you can enjoy performances from snake charmers, singers, acrobats, dancers, narrators, and storytellers. Overnight in a traditional Riad.

Your driver guide will pick you up at 8:15 AM from your Riad and begin the journey to Dades Valley. Travel through the high Atlas Mountains, where you can stop to take in breathtaking views and snap some photos. Continue on to a small village where you’ll have the opportunity to see women creating Moroccan oil, before visiting the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. This famous village has served as the backdrop for many films, such as ‘Lawrence of Arabia’, ‘Gladiator’, and ‘Alexander’. Enjoy lunch here before heading on, passing through the scenic Roses Valley known for its annual Festival of Roses, and small Berber villages such as Skoura. Continue to Boumalne Dades, where you’ll stay overnight in a local hotel, with dinner and breakfast included.

After breakfast, depart from Dades Gorges towards the Merzouga Desert. On the way, pass through the stunning Todra Gorges, and take a short walk to enjoy its natural beauty. Continue through Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, where you’ll begin to feel the atmosphere of the Tafilalet oasis, a pre-Saharan region. Once you arrive in Merzouga, you’ll have time to freshen up at your hotel before embarking on your camel trek. Your luggage will be transported by car to the camp, but it’s recommended to bring a small bag with essentials like water and your camera. Ride your camel across the vast Erg Chebbi sand dunes, capturing stunning sunset photos along the way. Upon arrival at your desert camp, you’ll have time to try sandboarding and enjoy the view from the highest dunes. As the evening unfolds, feast on a traditional dinner accompanied by desert drums and music. Sleep under the stars in a Berber nomad tent, immersing yourself in the magic of the desert.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, followed by a camel ride or transfer back to the village of Merzouga. After breakfast, continue your journey back to Marrakech, passing through Alnif, Tazzarine, Nkob, and the Draa Valley. Along the way, enjoy stunning views and pass through Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco” for its famous film studios, before making the final ascent back over the high Atlas Mountains. Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon to conclude the journey.
Optionally, you may choose to dine at the famous Chez Ali restaurant, where you can enjoy an authentic Moroccan dinner while watching a traditional Berber music and horse show.

Depending on your flight time, you will be driven to Casablanca airport for your departure, ensuring that you arrive at least two hours before your flight’s take-off.
End of tour.