Experience the grandeur of the Sahara on a journey that takes us from Marrakech and across the High Atlas Mountains. En route, explore the historic ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou, before a camel trek and night under a thousand stars at a camp in the Sahara. On our return to the city, we stop in the remote mountain village of Tighza to enjoy a peaceful walk and authentic hammam. Finally, there is time to explore Marrakech, one of the great cities of the Arabic world.
— All breakfasts and three dinners
— All accommodation
— All transport and listed activities
— Tour leader throughout
— Arrival and departure transfers
Not Included In The Price
— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation Information
— Accommodation: 5 Classic nights (hotels), 2 Simple nights (1 gite, 1 Sahara camp)
— Travel by private minibus and camel
— Group normally 5 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
— Combine this trip with Discover North Morocco & Chefchaouen
Map
Itinerary
Day 1 Start Marrakech
The adventure begins at our hotel in Marrakech. We have a welcome briefing this evening, in which we gather as a group for the first time and meet our tour leader. If you have time beforehand, there’s a pool at the hotel for a post-flight dip, or you could catch a five-minute taxi to Djemaa El Fna, the central square, where you can explore the souks and watch the world pass from a cafe.
Accommodation: Hôtel Palais Al Bahja (or similar)
Day 2 Across the High Atlas to Ait Benhaddou
With time to explore Marrakech at the end of our adventure, we leave the Red City and head into the Atlas Mountains. Our destination for the day is the well-preserved ksar (fortified village) of Ait Benhaddou. This World Heritage site is one of the most spectacular landmarks in the Atlas and the filming location for several Hollywood movies, including Gladiator (2000). Our route takes us over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, the highest in Morocco, and we arrive mid-afternoon.
We then join our tour leader for a tour of the ksar, navigating the maze of alleys as we make our way to a hilltop granary, where we can enjoy views back over the site and to the Atlas Mountains. We then return to our hotel for dinner.
Drive time: Four hours with two stops
Accommodation: Rose du Sable (or similar)
Day 3 Hike through Todgha Gorge; lunch prepared by a local family
Leaving Ait Benhaddou after breakfast, we travel through Ouarzazate, nicknamed the door to the desert because it used to be a crossing point for African traders on their way to Europe. It is now home to the Atlas Film Studios, the setting for many Hollywood films and Game of Thrones.
We then carry on to Todgha Gorge, a spectacular river canyon with towering limestone walls. Here, our tour leader takes us on a 1hr 30min walk and we enjoy lunch cooked by a food-loving family in their home.
Drive time: 4hr 30min with two stops
Accommodation: Hotel Kasbah Taborihte (or similar)
Day 4 Camel trek into the Sahara; night at an Amazigh camp
We journey to the largest hot desert on Earth after breakfast. Upon arrival, we explore the dunes and desert landscape on a one-hour camel trek with expert handlers showing us the ropes and guiding our convoy.
The trek ends at our desert camp, where we are sleep on beds in Amazigh-style tents. Surrounded by silence and millions of stars, we can appreciate the immensity of the desert and enjoy dinner in the communal dining tent.
Please note: You need to pack an overnight bag for the Sahara – your remaining luggage stays with the vehicle.
Drive time: 4hr 30min
Accommodation: Yasmina Chebbi camp (full-service camping)
Day 5 Transfer to Zagora; optional walk in the Draa Valley
We wake in the desert silence. Rise early to climb a nearby dune and catch sunrise from the top, a magical experience. After breakfast, we return to our vehicle and drive to Zagora, a town in the Draa Valley.
After a night in the desert, you might like to relax in the hotel gardens or take a dip in the pool. Later in the afternoon, we can take an optional walk into the valley and around this famous desert outpost.
Drive time: Five hours
Accommodation: Hotel Chez Ali (or similar)
Day 6 Walk to Tighza in the Atlas Mountains
After breakfast, we travel west through the Draa Valley to join the Ounila Valley in the High Atlas Mountains. We then leave our vehicle for a hike with steep inclines, which takes us through a series of small mountain villages. After about 1hr 30min, we arrive at our gite (a simple inn) in the village of Tighza, where we spend the night.
From the terrace, you can look down into the valley and watch the sun set over the mountains. It is a peaceful retreat and provides the opportunity to meet local villagers and share their way of life.
In the evening, we visit the village hammam, built with money raised by our groups. This is a truly authentic experience. It is very much a traditional hammam and you are likely to get the opportunity to mix with the villagers, which further adds to the experience. Please don’t expect a spa treatment. A standard treatment is included, but you need to purchase a scrubber and soap for 20 Moroccan dirham (US$2) and pay a customary tip of 20 dirham. We return to the gite for our dinner in the mountains.
Drive time: 4hr 30min to 5hr
Accommodation: Tighza gite
Day 7 Explore Marrakech: Djemaa el Fna, Bahia Palace and souks
We leave the gite after breakfast, making the scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech, with some stunning scenery along the way.
In the afternoon, we have a walking tour to see the spectacular sites of Marrakech. Our city guide leads us to the Bahia Palace, we see the outside of the Koutoubia, the largest mosque in Marrakech, and continue through the labyrinthine of souks where you can barter for souvenirs.
We can then have dinner together in a restaurant overlooking the square. Alternatively, you may prefer to head off on your own today and take a calèche (horse-drawn carriage) to Yves St Laurent’s Majorelle Gardens.
Drive time: Four hours
Accommodation: Hôtel Palais Al Bahja (or similar)
Day 8 End Marrakech
Our journey comes to an end after breakfast. Hop into your free transfer to Marrakech Airport to catch your flight. If you’d like to extend your adventure, take a free transfer from Marrakech to Casablanca and join our Discover North Morocco and Chefchaouen trip – speak to your sales representative to book.
