A truly special tour offering the experience of the imperial city of Marrakech, the dunes of the “Moroccan Sahara” and the picturesque walled sea town of Essaouira fronting the Atlantic Ocean
Wander through the exotic souks of the medina of Marrakech before driving over Tizi n’Tichka, to reach Ouarzazate, “gateway to the desert”. Head onwards to Erg Chebbi/Merzouga, “the Moroccan Sahara”, and take a camel ride onto the dunes for an unforgettable night under the stars. Finally, head back over the Atlas Mountains, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou to see the best preserved ksar in Morocco, before finally returning to Marrakech, for one last night amongst the throng of story tellers and snake charmers in the main square, Djemaa el-Fna, surely the greatest city in Africa.
Morocco
& Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
Duration
8 days
& Culture Tour
Leisurely
Intro to Marrakech, Essaouria & Moroccan Sahara
A special tour providing the experience of the imperial city of Marrakech, the dunes of “the Moroccan Sahara”, and the picturesque walled sea town of Essaouira fronting the Atlantic Ocean.
Your senses will be bombarded by wandering through the bustling lanes and exotic souks of the medina of Marrakech before we drive over Tizi n’Tichka, the highest motorable road across the High Atlas Mountains, to reach Ouarzazate, “gateway to the desert”. Head onwards to Erg Chebbi/Merzouga, “the Moroccan Sahara”, and take a camel ride onto the dunes for an unforgettable night under the stars, sleeping in a traditional Berber tent.
Finally, head back over the Atlas Mountains, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou to see the best preserved ksar in Morocco, the traditional architecture of southern Morocco at its very best, before finally returning to Marrakech for one last night amongst the throng of story tellers and snake charmers in the main square, Djemaa el-Fna, surely the greatest city in Africa.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Experience the magical Imperial City of Marrakech
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Enjoy a camel ride across the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Sleep on the dunes under the stars in a traditional Berber tent
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Benhaddou
- Relax in the beautiful eighteenth-century walled town of Essaouira on the wild Atlantic Coast
PLACES TO BE VISITED
- Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Erg Chebbi – Aït Benhaddou – Essaouira – Marrakech
KEY INFORMATION
- Pick-up & drop-off at Marrakech airport to suit your flight arrival & departure times
- It would alternatively be possible to start and finish this tour in Casablanca. Please ask for details.
- You can start your tour on any date you wish
- This trek is available throughout the year
- Blankets provided at the desert camp, although you may bring your own sleeping bag if you prefer
- If this itinerary is not exactly what you had in mind, please do contact us for a discussion as all itineraries can be adapted according to your wishes
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Full escort: our tours are fully escorted by an English-speaking driver and by local guides for your city tours as specified in the itinerary
- Meals: breakfast and dinner on Day 2 to 4, plus breakfast on Days 5 to 8
- Accommodation: 4 nights in a riad, 2 nights in a small hotel and 1 night in a desert camp
- Transport: a modern, air-conditioned minibus or 4×4 vehicle with a professional driver
- Activity: guided camel ride
- Provided documents include a personalised itinerary for your tour and facts about the country
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Entry charges
- Tips
- Soft drinks and items of a personal nature
Best Season
January to December
DATES
- Sun 1st February – Sat 7th February 2026
- Sun 24th May – Sat 30th May 2026
- Sun 25th October – Sat 30th October 2026
PRICES
PER PERSON
£900pp
Maximum group size – 12
Bespoke, private tours: Please talk with us if you would prefer a private, bespoke, tailor made tour for dates of your own choosing.
DAY 1
Arrive in Marrakech
We transfer you from the airport to your riad in the medina of Marrakech. The rest of the day is then free for you to settle in and to explore this remarkable city independently. Marrakech, set against the wonderful backdrop of the High Atlas Mountains, is one of Morocco’s four great imperial cities. Take a step back in time and lose yourself within the maze of souks and spice markets of the ancient medina. Wander through the labyrinth of stalls, pick your way through alleys lined with elaborately decorated brass lamps, watch artisans making their wares in small workshops, and dodge the donkey carts going about their daily business. Enjoy bantering and bartering with friendly stall holders, then indulge in a traditional mint tea or thick Moroccan coffee while recuperating afterwards.
There is non-stop action in Djemaa el-Fna, the huge, open-aired UNESCO-listed public square at the edge of the souks. See jugglers, henna tattoo-artists, potion-sellers, musicians, snake-charmers and acrobats by day and keep yourself cool with a freshly-squeezed orange juice from any one of the line of vendors.
At night, witness Gnaoua musicians, storytellers, belly dancers and more as you take your seat at the massive alfresco restaurant at the centre of the square while the call to prayer from the iconic Koutoubia minaret adds even more to the exotic atmosphere. Spend the night in your riad.
DAY 2
Drive from Marakech to Ouarzazate
Today we head to Ouarzazate, a resting point traditionally used by African traders on their journeys across the Sahara. Today has developed a reputation for being the set of many great films, including Alexander the Great and The Last Temptation of Christ. There is even the option of enjoying a tour of its internationally renowned film studios. Overnight in a small hotel.
DAY 3
Drive from Ouarzazate to Merzouga plus a camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes
Today we enjoy a scenic drive via the Dades and the Draa Valleys to the great “Moroccan Sahara”.
We drive onwards from Ouarzazate, passing through the Dades Valley, “the Valley of 1000 kasbahs”, and its small market towns of Kelaat M’gouna and Boumalne du Dades, then Imider and Tineghir, stopping along the way to admire the views and make the most of the photo opportunities that the journey offers. We then head along the Draa Valley via Tinejdad and Erfoud to Merzouga and the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
After a short break, we will ride our camels across the dunes for about an hour and finally arrive at our camp right on the edge of the dunes. After seeing a beautiful sunset, we round off the day with a fantastic dinner and then sleep either in traditional Berber tents or directly under the stars.
A camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes and drive from Merzouga to Aït Benhaddou
After viewing the most beautiful early morning sunrise and taking breakfast at our camp, we ride our camels back across the sands. Rejoining our vehicle, we drive onwards to Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed ksar, or small fortified settlement. Here, we enjoy a guided tour around one of the very best-preserved and most sought-after historic sites in all of Morocco. Spend the night in a local hotel.
Drive from Aït Benhaddou to Essaouira
We drive through the lush green argan forests to Essaouira. Located on the Atlantic Coast, Essaouira is a peaceful seaside town with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina. Previously known as Mogador, the city is a beautiful example of an 18th century fortified maritime citadel. The town is popular with artists, partly on account of its fusion of Arab, Berber, Jewish, African and European cultural influences.
The mild climate invites you to rest and relax. However, with its narrow streets lined by workshops and art galleries, this pretty white-painted town has plenty to keep you busy during your stay. Browse the many shops for leather, jewellery, lamps or trinkets, or watch the brightly painted fishing boats bringing their catch into the busy harbour.
Beyond its walls, the town also has a long, wild beach, a great place to watch windsurfers, kite surfers and sand-yachters showing off their talents in the brisk sea breeze. In the evening you can enjoy a fresh fish dinner at the harbour or join locals taking their customary sunset stroll along the city ramparts.
Spend the first of two nights in a riad in Essaouira.
DAY 6
A full day in Essaouira
Today is a free day in Essaouira to explore this coastal port town independently. Spend a second night in Essaouira.
DAY 7
Drive from Essaouira to Marrakech
We head back to Marrakech. Our last night in the “Red City” allows us the opportunity to follow our own ideas for sightseeing and shopping, either in its magnificent medina or in the new part of town, the “Ville Nouvelle”, built by the French during the period of the Protectorate in the early twentieth century. We spend our last night in a riad in the medina of Marrakech.
DAY 8
Transfer to Marrakech airport
After breakfast, at a time to suit you, we transfer back to the airport in good time for your departure flight. back home.
Marrakech, Essaouira and Moroccan Sahara
With add-ons
Our Marrakech, Essaouira and Moroccan Sahara tour is also available with add-ons – which include:
- It would alternatively be possible to start and finish this tour in Casablanca. Please ask for details.
- Additional nights and/or accommodation upgrades can be organised in Marrakech & Casablanca. Please ask at the time of making your booking.
