Morocco Sahara 7 Day Adventure

Your Moroccan adventure begins in the vibrant, historical city of Marrakech. When you arrive at the airport, our team will warmly welcome you and take you to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the ‘Red City.’ We recommend exploring the ancient medina, which leads to the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, and then to the sunset. There you’ll find storytellers, musicians, and food stalls showcasing Moroccan culture. This is your chance to acclimatize before heading out on your grand Sahara desert expedition tomorrow.

The Morocco Sahara 7 Day Adventure commences! We leave Marrakech and ascend into the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). This road offers panoramic views of the Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. Our first major stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a stunning mud-brick fortress and a premier example of traditional pre-Saharan habitat. Known as a famous filming location, it offers incredible photography opportunities. We conclude the day in Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara,” where you’ll settle into your accommodation, ready for the deep desert crossing ahead.

Today is dedicated to a major highlight: the drive to the remote and spectacular dunes of Erg Chigaga. This area is far less visited than Erg Chebbi, guaranteeing a truly authentic off-road desert experience. Our journey takes us off the main roads, tracing old caravan routes through the Draa Valley. Expect thrilling 4×4 driving across rough tracks and vast, open plains. As we approach Erg Chigaga, the massive sand formations rise dramatically into the sky. Spend the late afternoon enjoying a guided dune hike. The day culminates with a mesmerizing Sahara sunset followed by a traditional dinner and music under a sky dense with stars at an authentic desert camp.

Wake up to a glorious desert sunrise over the Chigaga dunes. Today features a substantial and challenging 4×4 traverse across the dramatic landscape of the Iriqui National Park dry lake bed. This route is the definition of off-road adventure. We follow ancient nomadic trails, seeking out authentic semi-nomadic camps for a profound cultural pause. This precious encounter provides invaluable insight into their traditional lifestyle and resilience in the desert. We will stop midday for a truly memorable experience: a traditional picnic lunch prepared by our team, served al fresco in the deep Sahara, perhaps under the shade of a lone Acacia tree. Refreshed, we continue driving across the vast, open plains. We settle in for the night at a remote auberge near the village of Tafraout Sidi Ali or Ramlia, providing an unparalleled view of the deep desert wilderness, rich with history and Berber culture.

We continue our journey through the deep Sahara, passing through the peaceful Ramlia Oasis and its ancient settlements. This is a day defined by deep Sahara tracks as we link the remote southern region with the eastern dunes. Crucially, our route today follows sections of the famous Dakar Rally tracks, providing an exhilarating and historic 4×4 driving experience as we navigate across the rugged terrain. The track eventually leads us towards the towering, famous dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. Upon arrival, you’ll go for an iconic camel trek into the heart of the golden sands. The highlight is climbing a dune for the most famous Sahara desert sunset view. Spend the night at a luxury desert camp, enjoying a traditional Berber dinner and music under the celestial canopy.

After a sunrise start, we begin our journey west. We’ll pause at the village of Khamlia to experience the spiritual Gnawa rhythms, celebrating their unique sub-Saharan heritage. Our route then takes us to the spectacular Todra Gorges, where you can take a walk beneath 300-meter-high sheer cliffs. Next, we journey through the dramatic landscape of the Dades Valley, famous for its winding roads and unique geological formations, known as the “Monkey Fingers.” The day offers continuous photo opportunities of ancient kasbahs and fortified villages. We spend the night in a charming riad in Dades Valley.

We begin our scenic return drive to Marrakech. The route follows the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through the lush Roses Valley, famous for its annual rose festival. We travel through Ouarzazate before ascending back into the magnificent High Atlas Mountains. Take one last moment to appreciate the breathtaking mountain views before completing our grand circuit and arriving back in Marrakech in the late afternoon, concluding the Morocco Sahara 7 Day Adventure.