9-Day Sahara Expedition — 4WD Adventure

Welcome to Morocco! Your guide will pick you up at the Menara Airport to your riad in Marrakesh.

Begin your exploration of Marrakesh with a local guide, includes visit to the Bahia Palace, built in the late 19th century, is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture with its intricate tilework, lush courtyards, and ornate rooms. Next, visit Saadian Tombs from the late 16th century, these tombs house the remains of Saadian dynasty members and are celebrated for their architectural beauty and historical significance. You’ll also visit Ibn Youssef School, a 14th-century Islamic madrasa founded by Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf. Then explore Badi Palace, built in the late 16th century by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur, stands as a grand example of Moroccan grandeur and opulence. Stroll through the bustling narrow alleyways of the Medina, leading to Jemaa El-Fna Square, where the souks stalls offer handmade crafts and jewelry. Enjoy a delicious local lunch before exploring the serene Majorelle Garden. Optionally, you can also take a brief tour of the modern Gueliz district. Overnight in your riad.

Marrakesh – Tizi n’Tichka – Taourirt Kasbah – Roses Valley – Dades Gorges

After breakfast, we will collect you from your Marrakesh riad and drive south towards the Dades Gorges. Our first stop is Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaching 2,660 meters in elevation. Pause here to enjoy local refreshments and, if you wish, visit a cooperative run by local women specializing in Argan oil. As we head south, we’ll make stops to photograph the picturesque Berber villages. Our next destination is Ouarzazate city, where we’ll visit Taourirt kasbah is a grand 19th-century fortress, famed for its intricate mud-brick architecture and ornate details, offering a glimpse into Morocco’s rich past. Later, we’ll continue to Kalaat M’Gouna, the “city of roses” famous for its annual rose festival. Enjoy panoramic views of the Roses Valley before heading to the Dades Gorge. Here, marvel at the unique “Monkey Fingers” are fascinating rock formations shaped like outstretched fingers, perfect for capturing striking photos. The last stop is Panorama of Tisseldrine, where you’ll enjoy for sweeping views of the Dades Gorge and its dramatic landscape. Overnight in your riad at Dades.

Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Ksar El Khorbat – Merzouga

Today, we will collect you from your Dades riad and head towards Merzouga. Our first destination is Todra Valley, where you can take in panoramic views of the lush oasis along the river. Next, we’ll move to visit Todra Gorge, where features towering limestone cliffs that soar up to 300 meters, creating a breathtaking canyon. Its stunning scenery and dramatic rock formations make it a destination for nature lovers and photographers alike. Afterward, we’ll drive to Ksar El Khorbat is a historic fortified village renowned for its traditional architecture. This ancient kasbah offers a glimpse into Morocco’s past with its preserved structures and sweeping vistas of the surrounding area. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in El Khorbat before heading to Merzouga desert. Overnight in riad at Merzouga.

Merzouga – Khamlia – Nomad Family – Tour of the Dunes

After breakfast, we’ll start the adventure by 4×4 to explore Merzouga desert. Your first stop is Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people, known for their rich African heritage, unique music, dance, and spiritual traditions. Next, we’ll visit local nomad families to experience their traditional lifestyle, where you’ll be warmly welcomed with traditional Berber tea upon arrival at the tent. This refreshing mint tea, a staple of Moroccan hospitality. Following this, enjoy an exhilarating off-road drive through the dunes to witness the desert’s diverse landscapes. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Merzouga. In the evening, conclude your day with a 1-1.5 hours camel ride to the desert camp, where you’ll enjoy the sunset above the dunes, a traditional dinner under the stars, and local folk songs and dance around the campfire.

Merzouga – Taouz- Dakar Race Road – Ouzina – Ramlia – Foum Mharech – Tafraoute Sidi Ali

In the early morning, you will enjoy a memorable experience!, where you’ll climb the dunes upwards to watch the sunrise (optional). Afterward, return to the camp to enjoy a traditional breakfast. Next, we will continue our desert adventure passing through the old track of the Paris-Dakar Race, that is surrounded by a mix of sand and the Rocky Mountains. Our first stop today is Ouzina village, upon arrival, we’ll explore how they live, witnessing their communal traditions such as using the shared oven, and how they cultivate their garden in almost impossible places. Later on, we then follow our way to our last destination via Ramlia and Ziz river, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch beneath the shade of acacia trees in the Sahara. Alongside the road, there are some nomad’s tents where we shall stop to explore their hard life in this harsh desert, they are very kind to their visitors as they share with them any food that they have in their tents. Overnight in your riad at Tafraoute Sidi Ali.

Tafraoute Sidi Ali – Hamada Desert – Zagora – Agdz – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, your adventure begins with a journey through the stunning Hamada desert, where the arid terrain contrasts with the colors of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll see traditional Berber nomads living in tents. Next, we will have free time for lunch in Zagora city before head to the Kasbah of Tamnougalte, a historic fortress in the Draa Valley, where this well-preserved kasbah offers a glimpse into traditional Berber life. Next, conclude your day to your riad at Ouarzazate.

Ouarzazate – Atlas Studios – Aït Benhaddou Kasbah – Telouet – Marrakesh 

After breakfast, we will collect you from your Ouarzazate riad and head to visit Atlas Studios, one of the world’s largest film studios, renowned for its role in producing iconic films and TV series. Later, we’ll move to explore Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning mud-brick architecture and ancient fortifications.  It has been used for filming various movies such as Gladiator, The Mummy, Black Hawk Down, The Message, and most recent critically acclaimed series Game of Thrones. As we continue our journey, we’ll traverse the scenic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, arriving in Marrakesh city. Overnight in your riad at Marrakesh.

Today, there’s free time until the transfer to the Marrakesh airport for the flight to the next destination.