Desert Discovery: 9-Day Morocco Desert Tour
Private tour from Marrakech | Atlas Mountains, kasbahs & Sahara dunes
Discover southern Morocco on a nine-day private journey from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert and back. Cross the High Atlas, explore Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, travel through the Drâa Valley to Zagora, and continue to Erfoud and Merzouga for a camel excursion and desert overnight.
Travel with a private English-speaking driver and local guides in major cities. Your itinerary can be tailored to your interests, accommodation preferences and pace. Contact us to confirm departure availability for your travel dates, especially during June–August.
Plan Your Private Desert Tour or request the complete itinerary.
Desert Tour Highlights
Marrakech and the High Atlas: Begin with Marrakech’s medina and city sights, then cross the mountains to Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate.
Drâa Valley and Zagora: Discover palm groves, kasbahs and southern Morocco’s oasis landscapes before continuing through Alnif to Erfoud.
Merzouga and the Sahara: Travel to the dunes for a camel excursion, dinner and a night in a desert tent. Explore our Sahara Desert guide for more inspiration.
Todra Gorge and the return to Marrakech: Continue through the valley landscapes and Ouarzazate, cross the High Atlas, and enjoy time in Marrakech before departure.
9-Day Itinerary Overview
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Private escorted highlights of Marrakesh.
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Morning departure via private transport over Atlas Mountains. Afternoon in Ait ben Haddou. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
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Morning private escorted tour of Ouarzazate. Afternoon departure for Zagora and overnight.
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Private transport to Erfoud. Visit Alnif and Berber villages enroute.
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Morning private tour of Rissani and the ruins of Sijilmassa. Afternoon private transport to Merzouga. Private camel caravan to dunes. Overnight in nomad tent.
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Private transfer through Dadès Valley to Ouarzazate. Visit Todra Gorge enroute.
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Private transport over Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka. Arrive Marrakesh for two nights.
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Full-day private touring.
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Private transfer to Marrakesh airport.
Cost and accommodations level
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$4,545 per person based on 2 people on your party
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$5,495 per person based on 2 people on your party
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$6,575 per person based on 2 people on your party
Accommodation Options
Choose Classic Comfort, Deluxe or Luxury accommodation. The itinerary includes seven nights in hotels or riads and one night in a desert tent. Ask us about specific properties when planning your journey.
The total price includes
- Lodging at charming riads or hotels (4* and camping/nomad-style )
- All transportation, including recent-model sedan or minivan with air conditioning, private English-speaking driver, and fuel
- Government-certified tour guides in major cities
- Entrance fee to monuments and sightseeing
- Camels and desert guide
- Four wheel drive to Merzouga
- Breakfast daily
- Three dinners.
- All applicable taxes
- Sahara Soul Travel credit of 3% upon your return (can be used by any member of your family or friend)
Not included in price
- Air fare
- Travel insurance
- Lunches and some dinners
- Drinks
- Personal needs expenditures
- Gratuities
Features of this trip
- Private guided travel with English-speaking driver (not a group tour)
- Itinerary can be customized based on your interest and budget. Also, you can lengthen or shorten the trip.
- Private departures; contact us to confirm availability for your travel dates, especially during June–August
- Designed for First Class (4* accommodation and services). Upgrade to Deluxe and Luxury (Elite) is available; also the trip can be altered to lower budget.
- Group discounts available
- 9-day trip begins in Marrakesh and ends in Marrakesh
- 7 nights first-class and best-available hotels or riads, 1 night expedition-style camping/nomad-style
- Activities: cultural connections, UNESCO World Heritage sites, exploration, stunning Berber villages, camel trek, seaside towns, Atlas mountains, meet Nomads, Berbers, and Touaregs, souks and shopping, handicraft production, formal gardens, holy sites, historical sites, sightseeing, hiking, walking, trekking, authentic local culture
- Activity level: Easy to Challenging, depending on your preference.
Notes
- A deposit of $500 per person is required to confirm reservations. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure.
- Prices quoted for land arrangements are subject to change without notice.
Transportation
- A recent-model sedan (1-2 people)
- Luxury minivan or van (3+ people)
See Book Your Trip to request the complete itinerary for the above tour, or Customize Your Trip to begin customizing your own itinerary.