9-Day Morocco Tour from Marrakech

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Overview

  • Duration:9 days 8 nights
  • Tour Type:Daily tour, Group tour, Package tour, Private tour
  • Language:English, French, German, Italian

This 9-day Morocco desert tour from Marrakech is ideal for travelers who want to experience the Sahara while also discovering southern Morocco's lesser-known mountain, oasis and coastal landscapes.

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Highlights

  • Cross the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass.
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou.
  • Explore Ouarzazate, the gateway to southern Morocco.
  • Travel through the palm-filled Draa Valley.
  • Discover Agdz and Zagora.
  • Visit the traditional pottery workshops and historic heritage of Tamgroute.
  • Travel by 4x4 from M'Hamid to the remote Erg Chegaga dunes.
  • Enjoy a camel trek at sunset in the Sahara.
  • Spend two nights at a desert camp in Erg Chegaga.
  • Experience a 4x4 desert excursion around Erg Chegaga.
  • Meet a local nomadic family and learn about traditional desert life.
  • Try sandboarding in the Sahara.
  • Cross the spectacular landscapes around Lake Iriki.
  • Discover the oasis town of Tata.
  • Explore the beautiful Ait Mansour Gorge.
  • Visit Tafraoute and its dramatic pink granite landscapes.
  • Pass through Tiznit, famous for its traditional silver jewellery.
  • Discover the Atlantic coast and the historic city of Essaouira.
  • Enjoy a full free day in Essaouira.
  • Return to Marrakech via Morocco's scenic argan-growing countryside.

Includes/Excludes

  • Private transportation throughout the tour.
  • Experienced English-speaking driver/guide.
  • Air-conditioned private vehicle.
  • 8 nights of accommodation.
  • Breakfasts and dinners as specified.
  • Camel trek in Erg Chegaga.
  • 4x4 desert excursion.
  • Two nights at an Erg Chegaga desert camp.
  • Visit to Tamgroute.
  • Visit to a nomadic family in the Sahara.
  • Sandboarding opportunity at Erg Chegaga.
  • Hotel/riad pickup and drop-off in Marrakech.
  • Private travel experience.
  • Lunches and drinks.
  • Entrance fees to monuments and attractions.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Tips.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Flights.
  • Any activities not specifically mentioned as included.

Cancellation policy

You can cancel up to 72 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

  • Your 9-day Morocco tour from Marrakech begins with a morning departure from your hotel or riad.
  • Leave Marrakech and travel south through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. The road climbs towards the famous Tizi n'Tichka Pass, reaching approximately 2,260 metres above sea level.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, traditional Amazigh villages and dramatic valleys as you cross the Atlas.
  • Continue towards the historic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, one of Morocco's most famous fortified villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through its ancient alleys and explore the traditional earthen architecture of this remarkable ksar.
  • After the visit, continue to Ouarzazate, often called the Gateway to the Sahara.
  • Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to visit Taourirt Kasbah or the Atlas Film Studios.
  • Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Ouarzazate.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Agdz – Draa Valley – Zagora

  • After breakfast, continue south through the landscapes of the Anti-Atlas towards Agdz, one of the gateways to the spectacular Draa Valley.
  • From Agdz, follow the Draa Valley through extensive palm groves, traditional villages and ancient kasbahs.
  • The changing scenery provides excellent opportunities for photography, with green oasis landscapes contrasting against the surrounding dry mountains.
  • Continue towards Zagora, an important oasis town and historic starting point for trans-Saharan journeys.
  • Enjoy some free time to explore Zagora or relax at your accommodation.
  • Dinner and overnight stay in Zagora.

Day 3: Zagora – Tamgroute – M'Hamid – Erg Chegaga

  • After breakfast, depart Zagora and continue towards Tamgroute, a historic village famous for its traditional green pottery.
  • Visit the local pottery workshops and discover the traditional techniques used to create the distinctive green-glazed ceramics.
  • Continue towards M'Hamid El Ghizlane, the last major oasis settlement before the deep Sahara.
  • From M'Hamid, leave the paved road and begin an exciting 4x4 journey across desert tracks towards Erg Chegaga.
  • As the landscape becomes increasingly remote, the first large sand dunes of Erg Chegaga appear on the horizon.
  • Arrive at your desert camp and enjoy lunch before relaxing in the peaceful surroundings.
  • In the late afternoon, climb onto your camel and enjoy a memorable camel trek through the Erg Chegaga dunes.
  • Watch the Sahara sunset from the top of the dunes before returning to camp.
  • In the evening, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, Berber music around the campfire and the spectacular desert night sky.

Day 4: Full-Day Erg Chegaga Sahara Desert Experience

  • Wake early to enjoy the sunrise over the Erg Chegaga dunes before breakfast.
  • Today is dedicated entirely to discovering the spectacular Sahara surrounding the camp.
  • Set out by 4x4 across the Erg Chegaga desert, exploring the dunes and surrounding landscapes.
  • One of the highlights of the day is a visit to a local nomadic family. Enjoy a traditional glass of Moroccan mint tea while learning more about life in the Sahara and the traditions of nomadic communities.
  • Return to camp for lunch.
  • The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the desert. You can walk through the dunes, take photographs, relax around camp or try sandboarding.
  • As evening approaches, watch another beautiful Sahara sunset.
  • Enjoy dinner around the campfire accompanied by traditional Berber music.
  • Spend a second peaceful night beneath the stars in Erg Chegaga.

Day 5: Erg Chegaga – Lake Iriki – Foum Zguid – Tata

  • After breakfast, leave Erg Chegaga by 4x4 and begin another spectacular desert journey.
  • Cross the remote landscapes around Lake Iriki, a vast desert area known for its unusual scenery and wide-open horizons.
  • The route continues towards Foum Zguid, where the paved road begins again.
  • From Foum Zguid, travel through the Anti-Atlas landscapes towards Tata, an oasis town surrounded by palm groves and traditional settlements.
  • Tata offers a peaceful and authentic atmosphere away from Morocco's major tourist destinations.
  • Enjoy time to explore the town and its palm-filled surroundings before dinner.

Day 6: Tata – Ait Mansour Gorge – Tafraoute

  • After breakfast, continue towards Tafraoute, one of the most distinctive destinations in southern Morocco.
  • The route crosses the spectacular landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, with dramatic rock formations and traditional Amazigh villages along the way.
  • A major highlight today is the Ait Mansour Gorge, a beautiful valley surrounded by dramatic cliffs and palm groves.
  • Take time to enjoy the scenery and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this lesser-known corner of Morocco.
  • Continue towards Tafraoute, a mountain town surrounded by distinctive pink granite formations and almond trees.
  • Tafraoute is also an excellent place to discover Amazigh culture and traditions.
  • Enjoy free time to explore the town.

Day 7: Tafraoute – Tiznit – Atlantic Coast – Essaouira

  • After breakfast, leave Tafraoute and continue towards Morocco's Atlantic coast.
  • Travel through the landscapes of southern Morocco towards Tiznit, a historic walled city particularly known for its traditional silver jewellery.
  • Depending on your schedule, enjoy a short visit before continuing north.
  • The route follows the Atlantic region through coastal landscapes and traditional villages before reaching Essaouira.
  • Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and take your first walk through the atmospheric medina.
  • Visit the historic harbour or enjoy the sunset along the Atlantic coast.

Day 8: Full Day Exploring Essaouira

  • Enjoy a relaxing full day discovering Essaouira, one of Morocco's most charming Atlantic destinations.
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed historic medina and walk through its narrow streets filled with artisan workshops, cafés, shops and galleries.
  • Visit the Skala ramparts overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and explore the traditional fishing harbour.
  • Essaouira is also known for its fresh seafood, relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beach.
  • You can enjoy freshly grilled fish, browse the local souks, visit art galleries or simply relax and enjoy the Atlantic breeze.
  • The day is intentionally free so you can experience Essaouira at your own pace after the desert and mountain sections of the journey.

Day 9: Essaouira – Marrakech

  • After breakfast, enjoy some final free time in Essaouira before beginning your journey back to Marrakech.
  • Travel through the scenic countryside and the region's famous argan tree landscapes.
  • Depending on your interests and timing, stop at a local argan oil cooperative to learn about traditional argan oil production.
  • You may also have the opportunity to see the famous goats climbing argan trees, depending on the season and location.
  • Continue towards Marrakech.
  • Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon and enjoy a private drop-off at your hotel or riad.
  • Your 9-day Marrakech to Erg Chegaga, Tata, Tafraoute and Essaouira tour comes to an end.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a private 9-day Morocco tour from Marrakech?

Yes. This is designed as a private tour, allowing you to travel with your own driver and vehicle.

Does this tour include Erg Chegaga?

Yes. Erg Chegaga is one of the main highlights of the itinerary. You travel from M'Hamid to the dunes by 4x4 and spend two nights in the Erg Chegaga desert.

How many nights do we spend in Erg Chegaga?

You spend two nights at the Erg Chegaga desert camp, giving you a full day to explore the surrounding Sahara.

Can we visit a nomadic family?

Yes. The itinerary includes a visit to a local nomadic family during the full-day Erg Chegaga desert experience.

Is sandboarding available?

Yes. Sandboarding can be enjoyed around the Erg Chegaga dunes, subject to conditions and equipment availability.

Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.

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