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10 Day Morocco Tour to the Sahara Erg Chebbi and Essaouira
Overview
10 Days Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chebbi Desert.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate and visit the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”, and explore the famous Atlas Film Studios. Travel through the scenic Roses Valley and the dramatic landscapes of Dades Valley.
During this 10-day tour, you will experience a memorable night in a traditional Berber tent nestled in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the desert skies and stunning sunset views.
- Duration: 10 days/9 nights
- Start: Marrakech
- End: Marrakech
- Tour Style: Private & Small group
- Price: Check it below
Highlights of the 10 Day Morocco Tour to the Sahara Erg Chebbi and Essaouira:
- Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit the historic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO site)
- Explore Ouarzazate and the Atlas Film Studios
- Discover the stunning rock formations of the Dades Valley
- Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorges
- Experience a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in Merzouga
- Spend a magical night in a Sahara Desert Camp under starry skies
- Visit Nomad families and enjoy Gnawa music in Khamlia village
- Travel through the lush Draa Valley and authentic Berber villages
- Day trip to the majestic Ouzoud Waterfalls
- Enjoy the oceanside charm of Essaouira with its medina, port, and beach
Itinerary of the 10 Day Morocco Tour to the Sahara Erg Chebbi and Essaouira:
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MARRAKECH ⇢ HOTEL
Pick-up at Marrakech Airport and transfer to the Riad. Overnight in Marrakech.
DAY 2: FULL DAY TO VISIT MARRAKECH
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day private guided tour of Marrakech. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque, explore the Medina and its colorful souks, and uncover hidden gems such as Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and Majorelle Gardens. Overnight at a riad in the Medina.
DAY 3: MARRAKECH ⇢ HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS ⇢ KASBAH AIT BENHADDOU ⇢ OUARZAZATE ⇢ DADES VALLEY
After breakfast at the riad, the 10 Days tour from Marrakech departs toward Ait Benhaddou over the High Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi N’tichka Pass (2,260 m altitude). Along the way, stop to admire the spectacular mountain views and the Berber villages. Visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the afternoon, drive to Ouarzazate, where you will have the opportunity to visit the Atlas Film Studios. Continue to the city center for a panoramic view of the Taourirt Kasbah, then head to Kalaa M’gouna or Boumalne du Dades for the night. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 4: DADES VALLEY ⇢ TODRA GORGES ⇢ ERFOUD ⇢ MERZOUGA DUNES
Depart from Dades Valley and journey toward Tinghir to explore the breathtaking Todra Gorges Canyon. Enjoy leisure time to take in the river and the dramatic cliffs surrounding the area. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant before continuing to Tinejdad, known for its historic irrigation system. Upon arrival in Erfoud, visit a local fossil craft workshop. Then proceed to the magnificent Merzouga Dunes at Erg Chebbi, where you will transfer to camels for a guided trekking ride and enjoy the sunset over the golden desert dunes. Overnight in a desert camp under the starry sky.
DAY 5: MERZOUGA ⇢ NOMAD FAMILIES ⇢ MERZOUGA
Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back to meet your vehicle. Spend the day exploring the desert, visiting Nomad families and the Gnawa village of Khamlia, enjoying traditional music performances. Lunch will include a Berber pizza. Return to your hotel or riad in Merzouga for overnight.
DAY 6: MERZOUGA ⇢ RISSANI ⇢ ALNIF ⇢ NKOB ⇢ AGDZ ⇢ DRAA VALLEY ⇢ OUARZAZATE
After breakfast and a final sunrise in the desert, depart Merzouga for Ouarzazate, passing through Rissani, Alnif, Nkob, Agdz, and the Draa Valley, admiring Berber villages and desert landscapes along the way. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
DAY 7: OUARZAZATE ⇢ HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS ⇢ MARRAKECH
Leave Ouarzazate in the morning and travel back to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi N’Tichka Pass, enjoying dramatic views of valleys, mountains, and Berber villages. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening for overnight stay.
DAY 8: MARRAKECH ⇢ OUZOUD WATERFALLS ⇢ MARRAKECH
The 10 Days tour from Marrakech takes us toward Ouzoud Waterfalls, located about 170 km northeast of the city. You will discover the magnificent waterfalls, approximately 110 meters high, surrounded by a beautiful landscape full of birds and monkeys. On arrival, if you like, you can negotiate the services of a local guide to take walks or hikes at an altitude of 1,068 meters. After enjoying the waterfalls and the surrounding scenery, we will return to Marrakech in the evening.
DAY 9: MARRAKECH ⇢ ESSAOUIRA ⇢ MARRAKECH
In the morning, depart from Marrakech to the coastal city of Essaouira, arriving after approximately a 2.5-hour drive. During your visit, you will explore the Port and its ramparts, the Old Medina, and the Scala of Essaouira. At the port, you can savor fresh, grilled fish served by a local restaurant. The ambiance of this city is both incredible and captivating. As you stroll through the ancient Portuguese streets of the Old Medina, also known as Mogador, you will feel transported back in time. The tour concludes with a return to Marrakech in the evening.
DAY 10: MARRAKECH ⇢ AIRPORT
Transfer from your hotel to Marrakech Airport for your departure flight.
End of the 10-Day Tour.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Price Includes:
- Private transportation by air-conditioned 4×4, minibus, or bus
- Multilingual driver/guide
- Fuel for the vehicle
- 8 nights in hotels or riads (dinner and breakfast included)
- 1 night in a desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)
- Camel ride in the desert
- Sandboarding activity
Price Excludes:
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Dinner in Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira
- Flight tickets
- Entrance fees to monuments
Map of the tour
tour price:
The pricing for This tour starts at €160 per person. Please note that the cost can vary based on factors such as the number of travelers, your choice of accommodations, and the time of year. Larger groups benefit from lower per-person rates.
The €160 per person rate applies to groups of 17 or more.
For smaller groups, such as 2 travelers, the price starts at €269 per person.
For personalized pricing tailored to your group, please contact us using the form below. Our team will provide the rates that best match your needs.
Booking
Please use the form below to email us at compassmoroccotours@gmail.com, and we will respond as fast as possible. You can also send a WhatsApp message or call us at +212 676-594706. We look forward to hearing from you!
REVIEWS
Reviews
★★★★★
Our 7-day Morocco tour with Compass Morocco Tours was simply incredible! From Marrakech to the Sahara, everything was perfectly organized. Our driver Youssef was knowledgeable and friendly, and the desert camp in Merzouga was beyond amazing. Highly recommend this company for anyone visiting Morocco!
★★★★★
We had such a wonderful experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The team was professional, our guide was patient and informative, and the landscapes were breathtaking. The camel ride and night under the stars in the Sahara were unforgettable moments for my family.
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours made our trip seamless and stress-free. The itinerary covered so much — from the bustling souks of Fes to the peaceful dunes of Erg Chebbi. The vehicle was super comfortable, and we felt safe and well cared for the entire journey.
★★★★★
Traveling through Morocco with Compass Morocco Tours was a dream come true. Every detail was thought out — beautiful riads, delicious food, and amazing hospitality. Our driver Hassan shared so much about Moroccan culture and history. A truly authentic experience!
★★★★★
I can’t say enough good things about Compass Morocco Tours! The desert night was magical — luxury tents, great music, and friendly Berber hosts. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and I’d absolutely do it again.
★★★★★
What a fantastic journey! Compass Morocco Tours made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish. The views through the Atlas Mountains and the sunset over the dunes were simply breathtaking. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
★★★★★
Amazing experience with Compass Morocco Tours! The driver was very kind and flexible, always making sure we were comfortable. The tour was well-balanced between cultural visits and time to relax. Morocco completely stole my heart!
★★★★★
Our 5-day desert tour was outstanding. The Compass Morocco Tours team handled everything perfectly — great communication before the trip, comfortable hotels, and a driver who became like a friend. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to see the real Morocco.
★★★★★
This was one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had. Compass Morocco Tours exceeded all expectations. The camp in Merzouga was so peaceful, and waking up to the sunrise over the dunes was just magical. Merci for such wonderful memories!
★★★★★
Compass Morocco Tours provided excellent service throughout our journey. The tour was well-paced, full of local insights, and every stop felt meaningful. Morocco is beautiful, and this company made it even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to pay for the tour?
Our payment process is simple and flexible. To confirm your booking, we ask for a small deposit, which can be paid through PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The remaining balance can be settled in cash on the first day of your tour directly with your driver or guide. We accept euros, US dollars, or the equivalent in Moroccan dirhams.
What is the best desert tour from Marrakech?
The best desert tour from Marrakech depends on how much time you have. The 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is the most popular, as it allows you to experience the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, ride camels, and sleep in a luxury desert camp under the stars. If you have more time, the 4-day or 5-day desert tours offer a deeper and more relaxed exploration of Morocco’s desert landscapes and kasbahs.
Can I skip the camel ride to the camp?
Yes, absolutely. If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can take you to the camp in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle instead
How far is the desert from Fes?
The desert is around 500 km (about 311 miles) from Fes, which takes roughly 7 and a half hours to drive.
What type of vehicles are used for this trip?
Your comfort is our top priority. At Compass Morocco Tours , we provide modern and comfortable vehicles suited to every group size. Depending on your needs, you’ll travel in vehicles such as a Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford Tourneo Custom, or a Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus for larger groups. We believe that a smooth and comfortable journey makes your entire travel experience more enjoyable.
Does the camp have private bathrooms?
Certainly. All the camps we offer are luxury desert camps, designed to provide maximum comfort and equipped with private en-suite bathrooms for your convenience.
Can you do a day trip to the desert from Marrakech?
Technically, you cannot reach the real Sahara Desert on a day trip from Marrakech because it is too far away. However, you can take a day trip to the Agafay Desert, located just 40 minutes from Marrakech. Agafay offers a desert-like experience with rocky landscapes, camel rides, quad biking, and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.
Is it worth going to the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
Absolutely! A visit to the Sahara Desert is one of the most unforgettable experiences in Morocco. Watching the sunset and sunrise over the vast dunes, riding camels across the golden sands, and spending a night in a luxury desert camp under the starry sky create truly magical memories that stay with you forever.
What is the closest desert to Marrakech?
The Agafay Desert is the nearest desert to Marrakech, located about 30 to 40 km southwest of the city. Unlike the Sahara, it’s a rocky desert with rolling hills and arid landscapes, but it provides a perfect short getaway for travelers looking to experience a desert atmosphere without the long journey.
Is the Sahara Desert close to Marrakech?
Not exactly. The Sahara Desert lies about 560 km from Marrakech. Traveling to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga takes approximately 8 to 10 hours by road. Most tours break up the journey over two days, with an overnight stay in either the Dades Valley or Ouarzazate to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
How far in advance should we book this tour?
It’s always a good idea to book your tour as early as possible to guarantee your preferred dates and ensure availability — after all, the early bird gets the best experience!
How long does it take to get to the desert from Marrakech?
The journey to Merzouga, home of the famous Sahara dunes, takes around 8 to 10 hours by road. Most desert tours divide the trip into several days to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to explore breathtaking sites such as the High Atlas Mountains, the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and the stunning Dades Gorges.
How do I get from Marrakech to the desert?
The easiest and most comfortable way to reach the desert is by joining a private or small-group tour from Marrakech. Your driver-guide will take you on a scenic journey across the Atlas Mountains, passing through picturesque valleys and historic kasbahs before arriving in the Sahara Desert. While renting a car is also an option, a guided tour provides local insight, stress-free travel, and a richer overall experience.
Where is the best desert in Morocco?
The Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga are widely regarded as the best desert experience in Morocco, known for their breathtaking golden sand dunes and genuine desert ambiance. Another excellent choice is Erg Chigaga, located near M’Hamid, offering a more remote and untouched landscape—ideal for travelers in search of adventure, peace, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.