Featuring an Unforgettable Night in a Historic Berber Kasbah and Luxury Desert Camp
This 7-day Morocco tour offers a rich combination of culture, nature, and history as it moves from the vibrant city of Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains and into the vast Sahara Desert. Travelers will visit traditional Berber villages, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, experience dramatic mountain and desert landscapes, and stay in unique, locally rooted accommodations—including a night in a centuries-old kasbah and a luxury camp among the dunes.
From mountain trails to golden sands, this itinerary is designed for those who value meaningful cultural experiences, authentic encounters, and striking scenery.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you’ll be welcomed by your driver and transferred to a traditional riad in the heart of the city’s historic medina. After check-in, enjoy time to relax in your peaceful courtyard or rooftop terrace before heading out on a guided evening walk through the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square. This iconic hub of Marrakech comes alive after sunset with storytellers, musicians, street performers, and bustling food stalls. If desired, your evening can include an optional welcome dinner at a local restaurant featuring live Moroccan music—such as Gnawa or Andalusian ensembles, for a flavorful and atmospheric introduction to the country.
Day 2: Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains (Imlil or Ouirgane)
After breakfast, leave behind the city’s energy for the calm of the High Atlas Mountains. The drive south takes you through the plains toward either the Imlil or Ouirgane valley, both serene, green regions at the base of the Atlas range. En route, you’ll stop at small Berber villages and a women-run argan oil cooperative to learn about this traditional craft. On arrival in the mountains, enjoy a guided walk or mule trek through terraced fields, juniper forests, and walnut groves, surrounded by dramatic peaks and authentic rural life. Your evening is spent in a locally-run guesthouse, where you’ll dine on freshly prepared regional dishes and enjoy the warmth of Berber hospitality in a peaceful mountain setting.
Day 3: Atlas Mountains to Aït Ben Haddou and Historic Kasbah Stay
Today you journey over the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of North Africa’s highest road passes at 2,260 meters. The route offers sweeping views of the mountain landscape and small roadside villages clinging to the hillsides. By early afternoon, you’ll arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Morocco’s most famous ksar, a fortified village made of clay and straw, once an important stop along ancient caravan routes. After a guided exploration of the site, continue to a nearby authentic Berber kasbah, such as the renowned Kasbah Amridil in Skoura or Kasbah Tifoultoute in Ouarzazate. Here, you’ll settle in for the night within the thick earthen walls of this historic structure. Dinner is served in a traditional dining area or under the stars in the courtyard, surrounded by date palms and the quiet ambiance of southern Morocco’s architecture and history.
Day 4: Skoura to Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
Leaving the kasbah behind, you’ll head deeper into the south along the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, a lush and scenic corridor lined with palm trees and ancient fortified homes. Pass through small Berber towns and follow the winding road through the rose-growing town of Kelaat M’Gouna before reaching the dramatic rock formations of the Dades Gorge. After a short break, continue on to the equally impressive Todra Gorge, where towering limestone cliffs frame a narrow canyon carved by the Todra River. You’ll have time to explore the gorge at your leisure, walking, relaxing by the river, or even trying a short climbing session if desired. The evening is spent at a comfortable guesthouse set near the base of the gorge, offering incredible views and traditional meals prepared by local hosts.
Day 5: Todra Gorge to Merzouga and Camel Trek into the Sahara
After breakfast, the route heads southeast toward the desert, passing through desert towns like Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and date harvests. As you approach the golden Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, the landscape transforms into a dramatic sea of sand. In the late afternoon, meet your camel caravan and ride into the dunes just as the sun begins to set, casting long shadows and warm hues across the Sahara. Arrive at your luxury desert camp nestled in the dunes, where you’re welcomed with mint tea and shown to your private tent—complete with comfortable bedding and modern amenities. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner by the campfire, followed by live Berber music and stargazing in one of the clearest night skies on Earth. The stillness and silence of the desert offer an unforgettable sense of peace.
Day 6: Merzouga to Draa Valley and Ouarzazate
Wake early to catch the sunrise over the dunes before riding camels back to the edge of the desert. After breakfast, begin the journey west through the Draa Valley, a ribbon of green running through an otherwise arid landscape. The valley is home to ancient ksour (fortified villages) and endless palm oases that have sustained life here for centuries. You may stop in the town of Agdz or visit local pottery makers and village markets. In the afternoon, arrive in Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Depending on your interests and timing, visit the Atlas Film Studios, where scenes from movies such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones were filmed. Your final night is spent in a riad or guesthouse, offering comfort and a chance to reflect on the journey through Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
Day 7: Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Your last day takes you back to Marrakech via the same scenic Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass. Along the way, there will be stops for photography, refreshments, or a relaxed lunch in a traditional roadside café. Arrival in Marrakech is scheduled in the afternoon, with drop-off at your accommodation or directly at the airport depending on your departure plans. The tour concludes with a deeper understanding of Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, from the High Atlas peaks to the vast sands of the Sahara.
What's Not Included
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What's Included
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Tour Details
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Key Tour Highlights
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Remember
Remember, this itinerary is just a guiding light. For an even richer experience, consider joining local guides on your desert adventures, embrace the opportunity to become a culinary master, and pack comfortable clothing and footwear for your excursions. Don't be afraid to engage with locals, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Berber culture. Finally, capture the stunning landscapes and unforgettable moments with your camera, ensuring these treasured memories remain forever etched in your heart.