7 Days from Marrakech to Sahara

Day 1: Marrakech – Immersing in the Red City

Begin your adventure in Marrakech, a city where modernity and tradition coexist harmoniously. Explore the medina, a labyrinth of lively souks offering everything from spices to handcrafted jewelry. Visit the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs to delve into the city’s royal past. As the sun sets, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where the air buzzes with the energy of performers, storytellers, and food vendors.

Day 2: Across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass to Ait Benhaddou

Leave Marrakech and ascend through the majestic Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying breathtaking views and passing traditional Berber villages. Your destination is Ait Benhaddou, a striking ksar (fortified village) that seems frozen in time. Wander through its alleys, climb to the top for panoramic views, and imagine life here centuries ago.

Day 3: Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses

Journey to Ouarzazate, a city known as the gateway to the Sahara and the film-making capital of Morocco. Visit the Taourirt Kasbah and the Atlas Film Studios, where famous movies were filmed. Continue to the Valley of Roses, celebrated for its fragrant rose products. If you’re here in spring, the sight of blooming roses against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains is unforgettable.

Day 4: Dades Gorges and Todra Gorges

Travel through the Dades Valley, admiring the dramatic landscapes and peculiar rock formations known as ‘monkey fingers.’ Explore the Dades Gorges, where steep cliffs tower above the road. Next, visit the Todra Gorges, a towering canyon that’s a paradise for climbers and a marvel for all visitors. The contrast of the lush river valley and the massive rock walls is a highlight of the trip.

Day 5: The Sahara Desert – Merzouga

Arrive in Merzouga, a small village on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. These massive sand dunes are a gateway to the Sahara and offer an otherworldly landscape. Embark on a camel trek and ride into the desert to your camp. Spend the evening enjoying traditional Berber music, savoring a Moroccan feast, and gazing at the stars in one of the clearest night skies you’ll ever see.

Day 6: Exploring the Desert and Rissani Market

Wake early to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunrise. After breakfast, explore the desert further, visiting local nomad families or trying sandboarding. Later, head to Rissani, a traditional market town where traders sell crafts, spices, and livestock. It’s a chance to experience authentic Moroccan culture and perhaps taste the local specialty, Medfouna (Berber pizza).

Day 7: Return to Marrakech

Your journey back to Marrakech takes you through changing landscapes and by small oases towns. Reflect on the experiences of the past week, from the vibrant chaos of Marrakech to the serene vastness of the Sahara. You return enriched with memories of Morocco’s stunning diversity, warm hospitality, and timeless charm.

This 7-day journey from Marrakech to the Sahara offers an immersive exploration of Morocco’s cultural and natural wonders. It’s an adventure that will leave you with a deeper understanding of this captivating country and memories that will last a lifetime.