A Stunning Region
The Sahara Desert has always held a certain mystique in Western minds. Countless tales, films, and images are based on this region and its people. Come and experience a glimpse of what makes the Sahara so special.
While the focus of our excursions is on the culture and life of the Berber people, we recognize the desire to see this stunning part of Morocco. Our Sahara excursions, then, still give you a sense of the life of this region, but also give you a chance to see—we’ll admit it—camels and palm trees!
We offer two sample itineraries below: four-day and six-day excursions. We are happy to accommodate other schedules and needs, however. Feel free to contact us regarding details and for a price quote.
Sahara Four-Day Excursion
| Day 1: | Marrakech > Tinghir (361 km) Head south on the winding Tizi n'Tichka pass. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Move on to Ouarzazate and Tinghir. |
| Day 2: | Tinghir > Merzouga (195 km) Visit the Todgha Gorges, have lunch at Tinjdad, and drive to Merzouga. Travel by camel to an overnight camp and explore Erg Chebbi and its highest sand dunes. Immerse yourselves in desert culture with dinner, a bonfire, and music for a majestic night. |
| Day 3: | Merzouga > Ouarzazate (368 km) Wake up before dawn and climb one of the sand dunes to catch a Sahara sunrise and experience the stillness the desert offers. Ride the camels back to the hotel for breakfast, then head towards Ouarzazate through Alnif and the famous “road of a thousand kasbahs.” |
| Day 4: | Ouarzazate > Marrakech (195 km) Visit the film studios in Ouarzazate, where productions such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Kundun (1997), Legionnaire (1998), Hanna (2011), and an episode from the third season of Game of Thrones were filmed. Afterwards, return to Marrakech. |
Sahara and Coastline Six-Day Excursion
| Day 1: | Marrakech > Tinghir (361 km) Head south on the winding Tizi n'Tichka pass. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ancient Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Move on to Ouarzazate and Tinghir. |
| Day 2: | Tinghir > Merzouga (195 km) Visit the Todgha Gorges, have lunch at Tinjdad, and drive to Merzouga. Travel by camel to an overnight camp and explore Erg Chebbi and its highest sand dunes. Immerse yourselves in desert culture with dinner, a bonfire, and music for a majestic night. |
| Day 3: | Merzouga > Ouarzazate (368 km) Wake up before dawn and climb one of the sand dunes to catch a Sahara sunrise and experience the stillness the desert offers. Ride the camels back to the hotel for breakfast, then head towards Ouarzazate through Alnif and the famous “road of a thousand kasbahs.” |
| Day 4: | Ouarzazate > Marrakech (195 km) Visit the film studios in Ouarzazate, where productions such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Kundun (1997), Legionnaire (1998), Hanna (2011), and an episode from the third season of Game of Thrones were filmed. Afterwards, return to Marrakech. |
| Day 5: | Marrakech > Essaouira (177 km) Drive towards Essaouira on the coast. Stop at an argan cooperative for a demonstration, normally given by local women, of how argan oil is produced and used. Arrive in Essaouira to discover this coastal city’s history, music, art, fishing, colours, and more. |
| Day 6: | Essaouira > Marrakech (177 km) Visit the port and explore more of the medina. Have lunch at the fish market and then drive back to Marrakech. Transfer back to the airport if necessary. |