9-Day Sahara Desert Expedition — 4WD Adventure

ARRIVAL AT MARRAKECH AIRPORT (RAK)

Welcome to Morocco! Your guide will meet you at Menara Airport and take you to your riad in Marrakech.

MARRAKECH GUIDED TOUR WITH A LICENSED LOCAL GUIDE

Begin your exploration of Marrakech with a local guide. Your tour includes a visit to the Bahia Palace, built in the late 19th century and considered a stunning example of Moroccan architecture, with its intricate tilework, lush courtyards, and ornate rooms.

Next, visit the Saadian Tombs, which date back to the late 16th century. These tombs house the remains of members of the Saadian dynasty and are celebrated for their architectural beauty and historical significance.

You’ll also visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, an impressive 14th-century Islamic school associated with Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf. Then, explore El Badi Palace, built in the late 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, which 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 offer a wide variety of 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.

MARRAKECH ⤍ HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS ⤍ AÏT BENHADDOU KASBAH ⤍ ROSES VALLEY ⤍ DADES VALLEY

Today, we leave Marrakech and head south towards the Dades Valley. We cross the High Atlas Mountains and stop at the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, at 2,260 meters, to enjoy the views and take a short break. Along the way, we can also stop at a local women’s cooperative to learn about the production of Argan oil.

We continue through the mountains, passing small Berber villages and stopping at a few viewpoints along the way. Next, we visit Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah known for its traditional earthen architecture and fortified walls. The kasbah has also been used as a filming location for Gladiator, The Mummy, Black Hawk Down, and Game of Thrones.

After Aït Benhaddou, we continue through Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses before reaching the Dades Valley. In the Dades Gorge, we stop to see the unusual rock formations known as the Monkey Fingers and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Before reaching the hotel, we stop at the Tisseldrine viewpoint for a panoramic view of the Dades Gorge.

Overnight in the Dades Valley.

DADES VALLEY ⤍ TODRA GORGES ⤍ ERFOUD ⤍ MERZOUGA DESERT

Today, we’ll pick you up from your riad in Dades and set off towards the Merzouga Desert. Our first stop will be the beautiful Todra Valley, where you can enjoy wonderful views of the green oasis along the river. We’ll then continue to the famous Todra Gorges, surrounded by impressive cliffs rising up to 300 meters. With its dramatic rock formations and beautiful natural scenery, it’s a great place to take a walk, enjoy the views, and capture some memorable photos.

Afterward, we’ll continue towards Merzouga, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant in Tinejdad. As we travel, the landscape gradually changes from green valleys and rugged mountains to the wide, open desert. Once we arrive in Merzouga, you’ll meet your camel guide and begin your ride through the golden dunes towards the desert camp. Along the way, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and watch the sun set over the Sahara.

At the camp, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by local music and folk dancing. Take some time to relax, enjoy the desert surroundings, and experience the magic of the Sahara under the stars.

MERZOUGA DESERT ⤍ NOMAD FAMILY ⤍ KHAMLIA ⤍ HASSI LABIED OASIS

After breakfast, we’ll set off to explore the Merzouga Desert by 4×4. Our first stop will be with a local nomadic family, where you’ll have the chance to learn about their traditional way of life and enjoy a glass of Moroccan mint tea in their tent.

We’ll then continue with an exciting off-road drive through the dunes, discovering the different landscapes of the Sahara and enjoying the beautiful views along the way.

Our next stop will be Khamlia Village, home to the Gnawa people. Here, you can meet local musicians and experience their traditional music, dances, and rich African heritage. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Merzouga.

Finally, we’ll head to Hassi Labied Oasis, a peaceful spot surrounded by palm trees and sand dunes. Take some time to enjoy the scenery and relax before returning to Merzouga.

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Merzouga.

MERZOUGA ⤍ TAOUZ ⤍ DAKAR RACE ROAD ⤍ OUZINA ⤍ RAMLIA ⤍ FOUM MHARECH ⤍ TAFRAOUTE SIDI ALI

In the early morning, you’ll enjoy a memorable experience as you climb the dunes to watch the sunrise (optional). Afterward, return to the camp to enjoy a traditional breakfast. Next, we’ll continue our desert adventure along the old track of the Paris-Dakar Rally, surrounded by a striking landscape of sand and rocky mountains.

Our first stop of the day is Ouzina Village. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the traditional way of life in the village, witnessing communal traditions such as the use of a shared oven and learning how local residents cultivate their gardens in these seemingly impossible conditions. Later, we’ll continue towards our final destination via Ramlia and the Ziz River, where we’ll enjoy a picnic lunch beneath the shade of acacia trees in the Sahara.

Along the way, we’ll encounter nomadic tents where we’ll stop to learn more about the challenging lifestyle of nomadic communities living in this harsh desert environment. The nomads are known for their warm hospitality and may generously share food and refreshments with visitors.

Overnight at your riad/hotel in Tafraoute Sidi Ali.

TAFRAOUTE SIDI ALI ⤍ HAMADA DESERT ⤍ ZAGORA ⤍ AGDZ ⤍ OUARZAZATE

Following breakfast, the adventure starts with a trip to the magnificent Hamada Desert where the dry landscape makes an appealing contrast with the hues of the surrounding mountains. You will also encounter traditional Berber nomads in tents.

Secondly, there will be free time to have lunch in the city of Zagora followed by a visit to the Kasbah of Tamnougalte, a traditional Berber fortified village that is situated in the valley of Draa.

Lastly, we will continue with our trip to Ouarzazate, where you will check in at your riad/hotel.

OUARZAZATE ⤍ TAOURIRT KASBAH ⤍ ATLAS STUDIOS ⤍ TIZI N'TICHKA ⤍ MARRAKECH

After breakfast, we’ll pick you up from your riad in Ouarzazate and begin with a visit to the historic Kasbah of Taourirt, one of Ouarzazate’s most impressive landmarks, known for its traditional earthen architecture and rich history.

Next, we’ll head to Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world, known for hosting the production of many internationally renowned films and series.

From there, we’ll continue through the beautiful landscapes and valleys of the High Atlas Mountains before reaching Marrakech.

Overnight stay in your riad/hotel in Marrakech.

MARRAKECH ⤍ AIRPORT (RAK)

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