Morocco Sahara Road Trip

7 Days / 6 Nights Marrakech
• Atlas Mountains • Dades Valley • Todra Gorge • Sahara Desert (Merzouga) • Aït Ben Haddou
➕ Optional Day Trip to Essaouira

Why Choose This Morocco Experience?

This Morocco road trip is a journey through ever-changing landscapes, culture, and history – from the vibrant souks of Marrakech to the silence of the Sahara Desert. Crossing the Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, palm-filled valleys, and dramatic gorges, the experience blends scenic drives with cultural depth. Camel treks at sunset, nights in a luxury desert camp, and stays in traditional riads make this itinerary immersive yet comfortable, offering a perfect balance of adventure, heritage, and slow, soulful travel.

Day 1 – Arrival in Marrakech – First Taste of Morocco

  • Arrive in Marrakech and meet your driver for a smooth airport transfer
  • Check into a traditional riad in the heart of the Medina
  • Take time to relax and soak in the colours, sounds, and aromas of Morocco
  • Evening at leisure — stroll through nearby lanes or enjoy dinner at the riad

 

Overnight: Marrakech

Day 2 – Marrakech City Walking Tour

  • Explore Marrakech with a local guide who brings the city’s history to life 
  • Walk through the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa, filled with storytellers and street food
  • Visit iconic landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs
  • End the tour at the serene Majorelle Garden
  • Afternoon free for shopping in the souks, a hammam visit, or café hopping

 

Overnight: Marrakech

Day 3 – Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Dades Valley

  • Leave the city behind and begin your Sahara road journey
  • Drive through the scenic High Atlas Mountains
  • Cross the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass with panoramic views
  • Stop at Ouarzazate, known for its film studios and desert landscapes
  • Pass through the palm-filled Skoura Oasis and ancient kasbahs
  • Arrive in the rugged and beautiful Dades Valley by evening

 

Overnight: Dades Valley

Day 4 – Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga (Sahara Desert)

  •  Travel through winding roads and rock formations of the Dades Gorge
  • Visit the towering limestone cliffs of Todra Gorge
  • Reach Merzouga, where the Sahara begins
  • Late afternoon camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
  • Watch the sunset in the desert before reaching your luxury camp
  • Enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music, and stargazing

 

Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp

Day 5 – Merzouga → Draa Valley → Aït Ben Haddou

  • Wake up early for a peaceful sunrise over the Sahara dunes
  • Camel ride back to Merzouga village
  • Breakfast and departure by late morning
  • Drive through the lush Draa Valley, lined with palm groves and kasbahs
  • Arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous film location

 

Overnight: Aït Ben Haddou

Day 6 – Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

  • Explore the ancient mud-brick kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou in the morning
  • Stop in Ouarzazate to visit a historic kasbah or local museum
  • Browse small local markets for dates, spices, and Moroccan tea
  • Scenic drive back to Marrakech by evening
  • Enjoy your final night in the city

 

Overnight: Marrakech

Day 7 – Optional Essaouira Day Trip OR Departure

Option 1: Day Trip to Essaouira

  • Relax by the Atlantic coast with cool sea breezes
  • Explore the historic medina and fishing harbour
  • Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the ocean

OR

Option 2: Departure

  • Transfer to Marrakech Airport for your onward journey

Morocco Sahara Road Trip

7 Days / 6 Nights Starting From: €1099 per person

Price Varies Based On:
  • Group size (solo / couple / small group)
  • Hotel & desert camp category (standard / luxury)
  • Travel season (peak vs shoulder)
  • Optional experiences (Essaouira, hammam, quad biking)
🔹 Price Includes
  • All ground transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
  • Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Luxury desert camp in Merzouga with dinner and breakfast included
  • Camel trek experience in the Sahara Desert
  • Guided Marrakech city walking tour
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Experienced English-speaking driver
Price Excludes
  • International flights
  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments (approximately €5–10 per site)
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
Optional Add-Ons (On Request)
  • Essaouira full-day coastal trip
  • Quad biking or sandboarding in the Sahara
  • Hammam & spa experience in Marrakech
  • Photographer in desert or Marrakech
  • Upgrade to ultra-luxury desert camp

1️⃣ Is Morocco safe for tourists?

Yes. Morocco is one of the safest countries in North Africa for travelers. Tourist routes like
Marrakech, Sahara Desert, and Aït Ben Haddou are well-established and secure. Local
guides and private transport further enhance safety.

2️⃣ Do I need a visa for Morocco?

Many nationalities (UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia) do not need a visa for stays up to 90
days. Always check with your local embassy before travelling.

3️⃣ What is the best time to do this trip?

March–May (Spring): Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and road trips
September–November (Autumn): Comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds
June–August (Summer): Very hot in the Sahara, but still popular with travelers
Winter (December–February): Cool desert nights — warm clothing recommended

4️⃣ How physically demanding is this trip?

This is an easy to moderate itinerary.
● Walking tours are relaxed
● Camel trek is gentle and suitable for most travelers
● No hiking or extreme activity required

5️⃣ What should I pack for the Sahara Desert?

Essentials include:
● Light layers for daytime
● Warm jacket for desert nights
● Comfortable shoes
● Sunglasses, sunscreen & scarf
● Small backpack for camel trek

6️⃣ Is the camel trek mandatory?

No. If you prefer, a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp can be arranged instead of camel riding.

7️⃣ What type of food is available?

Moroccan cuisine includes:
● Tagines
● Couscous
● Fresh bread, vegetables & grilled meats
🌱 Vegetarian meals are widely available and can be arranged in advance.

8️⃣ Will there be Wi-Fi during the trip?

● Available in hotels & riads
● Limited or no Wi-Fi in desert camps (perfect for digital detox ✨)

9️⃣ Can this itinerary be customized?

Absolutely. This trip can be customized for:
● Honeymoons
● Luxury travelers
● Slow travel
● Family or small groups
● Content creators

🔟 Is Essaouira worth adding?

Yes! Essaouira offers:
● Cool coastal breeze
● Relaxed vibe after the desert
● Fresh seafood & beach walks
Highly recommended if you have an extra day.

We are Megha & Saurabh, aka Desi Couple On The Go — global travel creators who
believe the best trips are built on real experiences, not brochures.
We don’t sell destinations we haven’t experienced ourselves.

🌍 Why Travel With Us?

✈️ We Travel First. Then We Curate.

Every route, hotel, and experience in this itinerary is inspired by real travel on the ground
— the good, the challenging, and the magical.

🤝 Trusted Local Connections

We collaborate only with reliable local partners who understand safety, comfort, and
responsible tourism — especially important for first-time travelers.

🛡️ Travel Safe, Travel Smart

From realistic drive times to seasonal considerations and cultural guidance, we help
travelers avoid common mistakes and tourist traps.

📍 Honest, Practical Planning

No unrealistic schedules. No over-promising.
Just well-paced journeys that respect your time, energy, and travel style.

🌏 For Travelers Who Want More Than “Just a Trip”

Our itineraries are designed for:

  • Curious explorers
  • Couples & small groups
  • Content creators
  • Travelers seeking meaningful experiences
💬 Our Promise to You

We curate trips the same way we plan our own travels – with care, authenticity, and
real-world experience, so you can explore Morocco with confidence.

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