from €380,00
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8-Day tour starting from Marrakech to explore south

Duration

8 Days

Tour Type

Private Tour

Free Cancellation

Up to 1 day

Languages

English, Multilingual

Tour overview

This 8-day Morocco tour begins in Marrakech and takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, Berber villages, and the Sahara Desert. When you arrive at Marrakech airport, a driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel. If you arrive early, you can take a short walk to explore the city.

The next day, you’ll discover Marrakech. You’ll visit the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, walk through the colorful souks, and explore the old medina and famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

On the third day, you’ll travel through the mountains toward Dades Valley. Along the way, you’ll visit the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and pass through small Berber villages and palm oases before arriving in Dades for the night.

Day four takes you to the desert. You’ll visit the Todra Gorges, then head to Merzouga where you’ll ride a camel across the sand dunes and spend the night in a desert camp under the stars with dinner and local music.

The next day, you’ll drive to Ouarzazate, stopping at the Rissani market and passing through desert villages like Alnif, Nkob, and the long palm-filled Draa Valley.

On day six, you can visit the Taourirt Kasbah or film studios in Ouarzazate before returning to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains.

Day seven is free for you to relax, shop, or enjoy more of the city at your own pace.

On the final day, a driver will take you to the airport for your flight home. This tour gives you a perfect mix of culture, adventure, and natural beauty in Morocco.

Brief itinerary of the 8-day trip visiting Marrakech and the desert

Day Departure Arrival Distance
#1 Airport Marrakech
#2 Marrakech Marrakech
#3 Marrakech Dades 350 km
#4 Dades Merzouga 330 km
#5 Merzouga Erg Chebbi desert 45 km
#6 Merzouga Ouarzazate 367 km
#7 Ouarzazate Marrakech 200 km
#8 Marrakech Airport

What should I know about the 8-day visiting Marrakech and the desert?

  1. The tour begins and finishes in Marrakech, making it easy to arrange flights in and out of the city.
  2. You’ll stay in a mix of comfortable hotels and traditional riads, plus two nights in a desert camp with cozy, comfortable private tents.
  3. The tour offers a balance between exploring vibrant cities like Marrakech and visiting peaceful Berber villages in the mountains and desert.
  4. You’ll have a full day in Marrakech to visit, try local food, and visit places like gardens or museums.
  5. Throughout the trip, you’ll have a car and a private professional driver/guide to ensure your safety, answer questions, and help make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Tour highlights

  • Explore Marrakech with a guide
  • Drive through the Atlas Mountains and stop to take photos
  • Walk through the old kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou
  • Visit Ouarzazate
  • Spend a night in the beautiful Dades Valley
  • Walk and hike in Todra Gorge (Tinghir Canyon)
  • Ride a camel for 1 hour in the sand dunes
  • Enjoy the sunrise and sunset over the dunes
  • Stay overnight in a desert camp
  • Visit Berber nomad families
  • Listen to traditional Gnawa music
  • The panoramic view of the Draa Valley

Tour itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Marrakech

When you arrive at Marrakech airport, our driver will be waiting to meet you. He will help with your luggage and take you safely to your hotel or accommodation. Once you check in and settle into your room, if your flight arrives early enough, you may have time for a short tour around Marrakech to start exploring the city’s beautiful streets and sights.

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Marana or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Bahia Salam or similar

Day 2: A day to visit Marrakech

After meeting your guide, you will spend the entire day exploring the beautiful city of Marrakech. Your day will begin with a visit to some of the city’s most famous landmarks. First, you will see the impressive Koutoubia Mosque, known for its tall, beautiful minaret. Next, you will visit the Saadian tombs, where members of the Saadian dynasty are buried, showcasing stunning architecture and history.

After that, you will explore the elegant Bahia Palace, famous for its intricate decorations and peaceful gardens. Then, you will walk through the historic Jewish quarter called the "Mellah," where you can learn about the rich cultural history of Marrakech. You will also visit the Menara Gardens, a calm and green space with a large reflecting pool and beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains.

Later, you will enjoy a peaceful stroll in the colorful Majorelle Gardens, known for their vibrant blue colors and exotic plants. After visiting these famous spots, your guide will take you into the heart of the Medina of Marrakech. Here, you will experience the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a busy marketplace full of energy, where storytellers, musicians, dancers, and jugglers gather to entertain visitors.

As the day winds down, you will have some free time to relax. You can choose to watch the beautiful sunset either from your hotel or riad, or from the terrace of a nearby local restaurant that offers a fantastic view of Jemaa el-Fnaa square below. This will be the perfect way to end a full day of discovery and new experiences in Marrakech.

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Marana or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Bahia Salam or similar

Day 3: Marrakech City - Atlas Mountains - Ait Ben Haddou - Skoura - Roses Valley - Dades Valley

Today, we will start traveling south, crossing the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we will stop several times to enjoy the stunning views of the mountains and the famous Tizi N’tichka pass, which is 2,260 meters high. This is one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Morocco.

Next, we will drive through small Berber villages and the peaceful Ounila Valley. Our destination is Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This kasbah is one of the most impressive red-earth castles found along the old Kasbah route.

Ait Benhaddou was an important trading center in the 17th century. It has also been featured in many famous movies like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and the TV series Game of Thrones. After we arrive, we will have lunch and take time to explore the kasbah, learning about its history and architecture.

After visiting Ait Benhaddou, we will continue our journey through the beautiful palm groves of Skoura and then pass through the famous Valley of Roses, known for its colorful rose gardens and fragrant air.

In the evening, we will arrive in the Dades Valley, a breathtaking and peaceful area surrounded by impressive rock formations and cliffs. Here, we will spend the night and enjoy the calm atmosphere of this wonderful valley.

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Kasbah Didis or similar
Superior: Hotel Ksar Sultan or similar

Day 4: Dades Valley - Tinghir - Todra Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga Desert

On the third day, we will travel from Dades to the Sahara Desert. Along the way, we will drive through many small villages and beautiful valleys. Our first stop will be at the Oasis of Tinghir, a peaceful green area surrounded by the desert. After that, we will continue to Todra Gorge, a stunning natural site made of tall limestone cliffs carved by a river. We will spend some time here to explore and enjoy the amazing views of the gorge.

Next, our journey will take us through several towns and cities, including Tinjdad, Melaab, Erfoud, and the large Saharan oasis called Tafilalet. This area is rich in history and culture, and you will see the changing landscapes as we get closer to the desert.

When we reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, your schedule will depend on the time of day. If you arrive early, you may have a short rest before the next activity. Otherwise, you will begin the camel ride right away. During the summer months, the camel trek starts around 5:30 PM, while in the winter it usually begins between 3:00 and 4:00 PM.

You will enjoy about one hour riding a camel across the dunes, watching the sun set, and painting the sky with beautiful colors. After the ride, you will arrive at the desert camp where you will be welcomed with a warm cup of traditional tea. You can check into your comfortable tent and then have some free time to explore the dunes around the camp or try sandboarding on the soft sand.

In the evening, local guides will play traditional drum music around a bonfire. This is a wonderful chance to listen, dance, and experience the magic of the desert night under the clear sky filled with stars. Please note, the bonfire and drum performances usually happen during the cooler months and only when the weather is good, since hot temperatures and desert storms may prevent the fire from being lit.

Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Desert Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Desert Camp or similar

Day 5: Merzouga - Berber Families - Old Villages - Mines of Fossiles - Erg Chebbi Desert

After breakfast and a shower, we will start our desert adventure in Erg Chebbi by a 4WD car. You will travel through charming Berber villages, including Hassi Labied and Khamlia. At Hassi Labied, we will take a short break in a peaceful garden where you can see an ancient irrigation system made up of small canals that help water the plants. It’s a great place to learn about traditional desert farming methods.

Next, we will continue our 4×4 journey toward Khamlia. On the way, you may meet local people who will show you their beautiful desert foxes, along with other unique animals and plants that only live in the Sahara Desert. When we arrive in Khamlia, you will discover its special history as a village settled by black people who came from Sudan many years ago. Here, a member of a local music group will warmly welcome you. You can enjoy a cup of tea while listening to their calming Gnawa music, which has a deep spiritual meaning.

After leaving Khamlia, we will drive to a spot that offers a stunning view of the golden sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see. Then, we will visit a nomadic family nearby. You will meet the family members, learn about their simple desert lifestyle, and share some of your own traditions with them while enjoying a delicious cup of tea together.

Our journey will then take us to a high plateau where you can explore fascinating black volcanic rocks and discover ancient fossils hidden in the desert soil. We will stop here to enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch under the shade of a tamarisk tree, surrounded by the peaceful desert landscape.

Finally, after exploring these amazing desert places, we will head back to your accommodation.

Accommodation:
Standard: Mouhou Standard Desert Camp or similar
Superior: Mouhou Luxury Desert Camp or similar

Day 6: Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif - Nkob - Agdz - Draa Valley - Ouarzazate City

On the fourth day, we will wake you up early so you can experience the beautiful sunrise in the desert. It is a magical moment when the sky changes colors and the desert comes alive with soft light. After enjoying this peaceful scene, you will have breakfast and take a refreshing shower to get ready for the day ahead.

Once we are ready, we will start our journey towards Ouarzazate by taking the southern road. Along the way, you will see many amazing landscapes. The road passes through a wide, black rocky desert that stretches as far as the eye can see. We will travel through several small towns and villages, including Rissani, Alnif, Tazarine, and Nkoub. Each place has its own unique charm and traditional atmosphere.

Next, we will reach Agdez, a peaceful town where the desert meets the beautiful Draa Valley. The valley is full of green palm trees, ancient kasbahs (old fortified homes), and small farms that contrast beautifully with the surrounding desert. You can enjoy the calm and quiet of this lovely area as we drive through it.

Depending on how many stops you want to make along the way to take photos, explore, or rest, we will arrive in Ouarzazate in the afternoon or early evening. Ouarzazate is known as the “Hollywood of Africa” because many famous movies have been filmed here. It is a great place to relax after a long day of travel and to prepare for the next part of your adventure.

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Dar Barbara or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Dar Chamaa or similar

Day 7: Ouarzazate - Tizi N Tichka Pass - The High Atlas - Marrakech

The sixth day of our trip will start with exploring the city of Ouarzazate, often called the "Gateway to the Sahara Desert" and also known as the "Hollywood of Africa." This city is famous because many popular movies have been filmed here. We will visit some of the famous film studios where scenes from well-known films were shot. It’s a great chance to see the sets, props, and learn about how movies are made in this unique desert location.

Next, we will visit Taourirt Kasbah, a beautiful old palace built in the 19th century. This kasbah was once home to powerful rulers and offers stunning views of the surrounding desert and countryside. Walking through its narrow passageways and decorated rooms will give you a glimpse into the history and traditional architecture of the region.

After our visit to Ouarzazate, we will continue our journey by driving through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains. The road winds through high mountain passes, deep valleys, and picturesque villages, offering amazing views along the way. Finally, we will arrive back in Marrakech, where our adventure continues.

Accommodation:
Standard: Hotel Riad Marana or similar
Superior: Hotel Riad Bahia Salam or similar

Day 8: Free time in Marrakech & Transfer to the Airport

On the last day of the trip, you will have free time in Marrakech before the airport transfer.

Inclusions/Exclusions

  • 8 days of transportation in a private, modern car with air conditioning
  • Pick-up and drop-off at Marrakech airport
  • 3 nights in a hotel in Marrakech
  • 1 night in a hotel in Dades Valley
  • 2 nights in a desert camp in Merzouga
  • 1 night in a hotel in Ouarzazate
  • Breakfasts and dinners
  • Camel ride in the desert
  • Option to try sandboarding on the dunes
  • Flights
  • Drinks and lunches
  • Tickets and entrance fees to the museum and tourist attractions

Map of the "8-Day tour starting from Marrakech to explore south"

FAQs about 8-Day tour starting from Marrakech to explore south

How do we travel during the tour?

Depending on your group size, you'll ride in a spacious, air-conditioned SUV, van, or minibus—all driven safely by your professional chauffeur.

Is the tour suitable for children and seniors

Yes, the 8-day tour is suitable for most age groups. However, it involves some walking and desert activities, such as camel riding. We recommend that participants be reasonably fit, especially seniors over 70, pregnant women, and those with back problems.

Will I have internet access during the tour?

Internet access is generally available in all hotels and some cafes and restaurants along the way. However, it may be limited or unavailable in remote desert areas, mountain camps, and while traveling through the High Atlas Mountains (even if just for short periods).

How to book and pay this tour?

To secure your booking, an advance deposit is required. The remaining balance can be paid via:



  • PayPal

  • Credit Card

  • Bank Transfer

  • Cash


Booking Conditions:
Please note that accommodations are only confirmed upon your approval. If your preferred option is unavailable, we will arrange a similar alternative of the same category and service standards.

Is it possible to do this tour with a group?

Yes, you can join a group tour for this 8-day trip from Marrakech. For more details, please contact us with your preferred travel dates, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

What’s the price for this 8-day Marrakech tour

The price for this trip starts at 380 euros per person for groups of 16 or more. Our rates vary depending on the season, group size, and the category of accommodation selected.

Do you offer similar tours to the 8-day tour from Marrakech?

Yes, below are the two similar tours to the 8-day tour from Marrakech:


12-day tour from Marrakech
10-day tour from Marrakech

Tour Reviews

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Marrakech 8 day tour
John
29/08/2021

Ask for Mohammed, he is the best!!!

Mohamed was our driver/guide on our seven-day tour of Morocco and, we got to see so many things. The hotels in Marrakech, Dades, and Ouarzazate, were fantastic, and the highlight of the trip was the camel excursion and the overnight camping in the Sahara desert. Mohamed was so helpful the entire trip and, we enjoyed our time with him.
Marrakech 8 day tour
Teddy
29/08/2021

10/10

We spent just over three weeks traveling across Morocco, and our luxury 7-day tour from Marrakech to the south was without a doubt the highlight of our vacation. Hamid was our tour guide, and he was friendly, highly aware of the region, and a great source of information about the Moroccan culture. We had a fantastic experience and would highly recommend it to all of our relatives and friends. According to what the company offers, the unbelievable high review rating comes as no surprise.
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Marrakech 8 day tour
Benjamin
29/08/2021

Unforggetable 7-day trip in Morocco

We just returned from a seven-day trip in Morocco, and all I can say is that it was a fantastic experience. Each of the riads where we stayed was lovely and served delicious food. Said, our driver/guide, showed us the real Morocco and the Sahara desert. Many thanks to Said, our helpful and knowledgeable guide who was attentive and accommodating to all of our needs
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