We take pride in customizing each tour to suit your individual needs. If you have any special requests, would like to modify this tour, or are interested in an extended adventure, please share your details with us using the contact form below.
7 Day Marrakech Adventure and Desert Journey
- Overview
Travel from Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains via Ouarzazate, visiting the historic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”. Stop for photos at Atlas Studios, the largest film studio in Africa. Explore the scenic Roses Valley and Dades Valley, and spend a night in the Dades Gorge.
Continue down to the Merzouga Desert for camel trekking and an overnight stay in Berber tents among the Sahara dunes. Follow the old Rally Dakar route to the M’harech Gorges, spending the night in a hotel under a starry sky. The journey then continues back to Ouarzazate via Alnif, Tazarine, and the Draa Valley, completing this unforgettable desert adventure.
- Duration: 7 days/6 nights
- Start: Marrakech
- End: Marrakech
- Tour Style: Private & Small group
- Price: Check it below
- Highlights of the 7 Day Marrakech Adventure and Desert Journey:
- Full day to visit Marrakech – Koutoubia Mosque, Medina, Ali Ben Youssef, Saadian Palace, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens
- Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi-n-Tichka Pass
- Visit traditional Berber villages in the High Atlas
- Explore the historic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou – UNESCO World Heritage
- Visit Ouarzazate – Atlas Studios, Valley of Roses, Dades Valley
- Cross Todra Gorges and see Berber villages
- Experience the desert on a camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes
- Visit Khamlia village – enjoy Gnawa music
- Traverse Ouzina dunes and Tafraout desert
- Drive through M’harech Gorge, Alnif, Tazarin, and Draa Valley
- Return to Ouarzazate and overnight
- Drive back over the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech – end of tour
- Itinerary of the 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tours:
Day 1: Marrakech Airport ⇢ Riad/Hotel
Upon arrival at Marrakech Airport, our driver will pick you up and transfer you to your Riad or hotel. Spend the day relaxing and begin to explore the vibrant city with a walk around the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the lively souks, experiencing the heart of Marrakech. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 2: Marrakech ⇢ Medina ⇢ Majorelle Gardens ⇢ Bahia Palace
After breakfast, enjoy a full day guided tour of Marrakech with an official local guide. Visit the iconic Mosque of Koutoubia, wander through the bustling Medina and its colorful souks, and discover hidden gems such as the Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia Palace. Conclude the day at the stunning Majorelle Gardens. Return to your Riad in the Medina for the night.
Day 3: Marrakech ⇢ Tizi N’Tichka Pass ⇢ Aït Benhaddou ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Dades Valley
After breakfast, depart Marrakech and travel southeast over the Tizi N’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters, enjoying the panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains and traditional Berber villages along the way. Stop for lunch, then visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou, a historic kasbah and iconic filming location. Continue to Ouarzazate, with a photo stop at the Atlas Film Studios, known for films such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Drive through the Valley of Roses in Kelaat M’Gouna before arriving in Dades Valley for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Dades Valley ⇢ Todra Gorges ⇢ Tinjdad ⇢ Erfoud ⇢ Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, depart Dades Valley and head towards the Erg Chebbi dunes, passing scenic Berber villages, Todra Gorges, Tinghir, and Tinjdad. Continue through Erfoud, entering the oasis region of Tafilalet, and reach Merzouga. After a short rest, embark on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a stunning desert sunset. Overnight in a Sahara Desert Camp under the stars, with traditional Berber drumming to complete the experience.
Day 5: Merzouga Desert ⇢ Khamlia ⇢ Ouzina Dunes ⇢ M’harech Gorge
Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by breakfast in the desert camp. Mount your camels to return to Merzouga, then begin a full day journey through spectacular landscapes. Visit Khamlia, a unique Gnawa village, and traverse diverse terrains including sand rivers, remote Berber villages, nomad camps, and dry lakes until reaching the Tafraout Desert and the dramatic M’harech Gorge, accessible only via off-road tracks. Overnight at a desert lodge or camp.
Day 6: M’harech Gorge ⇢ Alnif ⇢ Tazarin ⇢ Draa Valley ⇢ Ouarzazate
Depart early through desert trails, passing the villages of Tafraout Ait Atta and Oumjrane. Pause for lunch en route, then continue your journey through Tazarin and the lush Draa Valley, famous for its palm groves and kasbahs. Arrive in Ouarzazate in the evening. Overnight in a hotel or riad with dinner and breakfast included.
Day 7: Ouarzazate ⇢ High Atlas Mountains ⇢ Marrakech
After breakfast, depart Ouarzazate and cross the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying panoramic views of the valleys and Berber villages along the Tizi N’Tichka Pass. Stop for photos and lunch while admiring the breathtaking landscapes. Arrive in Marrakech in the evening. Overnight in a hotel or riad. End of the 7-day desert tour.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Price Includes:
- Private transportation by 4×4
- Multilingual driver/guide
- Fuel for the vehicle
- 5 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 and lunches
- Dinner in Marrakech
- 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.