The Best Excursions from Marrakech to the Moroccan Desert

Desert tours are designed for travelers who are looking for the peace and the authenticity of nomadic life.

An Excursion from Marrakech to the Moroccan desert is an invitation to plunge into the heart of the real Morocco, to cross panoramic desert landscapes, palm trees and oases, to finally find yourself in the middle of the sand dunes.

Join our unique excursions to the desert, and offer yourself an exceptional and very original experience that will remain in your memory for years.

If you plan to organize an excursion from Marrakech to the Sahara, here are the most recommended destinations on travel guides and websites: 

One Day Excursion to Ouarzazate

This one excursion from Marrakech will takes you to discover one of the most beautifull cities in the south of Morocco, Ouarzazate or Moroccan Hollywood.

On the road you will cross over the High Atlas Mountains chain as well as the famous Tizi N’Tichka’s pass, the highest pass in Africa with 1412 miles (2260 meters) of height. Along the road, you will enjoy amazing views, landscapes and the Mountain villages.

When you get close to Ouarzazate, the landscapes become more deserted and semi-arid. Before reaching your destination, you will stop at Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, an old palace considered as a UNESCO World Heritage, built inside of the beautiful valley of Ounila.

You will continue your excursion to Ouarzazate city, and you will start your city tour by visiting the famous Kasbah Taourirt, the old residence of the Pasha of Marrakech, then youwill visit some film studios where several great movies have been shot, such as: The Diamond of the Nile, Lawrence of Arabia, The Kingdom of heaven, the Mommy, Gladiator, 7 days in Tebet, Babel…

At the end of the day, we will return back to Marrakech.

2 Days Excursion to Zagora

Zagora is a fabulous moroccan city located in southern Morocco and surrounded by several beautiful valleys and kasbahs. From Zagora, the desert becomes very close and the landscapes more attractive.

While discovering this beautiful region you will realize that Zagora is a favorite destination for the  lovers of cinema and art-deco architecture. Zagora has impressive oasis, palm groves, monuments, ksours and kasbahs…

During this 2-day excursion to Zagora, you will be invited to visit Draa Valley, Ouarzazate and Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou :

1st day: Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Zagora

Early departure across the wonderfull Tizi N’Tichka pass, located at 2260 meters of height. Direction to Ait Ben Haddou, where you will visit the Kasbah and have a lunch break, then continuation to Zagora along the Draa Valley, an amazing oasis with palm groves and rivers… At about 5 Km from Zagora, you can enjoy one hour of camel ride, the air is so pure and nothing disturbs the silence of the desert…

In the evening, you will see one of the most beautiful sunset on the planet. Dinner and night in Bivouac.

2nd day: Zagora - Draa Valley - Ouarzazate - Marrakech

After breakfast, have a short walk inside the beautiful palm groves and meet the locals. Transfer back to Marrakech with lunch in Ouarzazate, where you can visit of the Kasbah Taourirt and a film studio.

3 Days Excursion to Merzouga

Located in the south-east of Morocco at 50 km from Erfoud, Merzouga offers beautiful surprises. After crossing charming landscapes, you will face an unforgettable panorama of views: the yellow or ochre colour dunes of Erg Chebbi.

As soon as you arrive in Merzouga, you will immediately be immersed in another universe. The Saharawis, the famous blue men will be glad to welcoming you in their authentic desert village.

During this excursion from Marrakech to Merzouga will enjoy the real atmosphere of Saharian nomadic lifestyle, a village entirely dedicated to desert tourism.

1st day: Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Boumalne Dadès

Early departure cross the High Atlas and the Tizi N’Tichka, Direction Ait Ben Haddou, where you will visit a wonderful historical village « Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou »... Then continuation to Ouarzazate where you will visit a cinema studios as well as the famous Kasbah of Taourirt… Cross the beautiful desert roads, “Route of thousand Kasbahs”,  and continue to Boumalne Dadès. Here you will spend your first night in the Moroccan desert.

2nd day : Dades Boumalne - Todra Gorges - Arfoud - Merzouga Dunes

Departure in the morning to the dunes of Merzouga, 20 Km after Tinghir, we will visit the palm grove then the Todra gorges… Lunch on site and continuation to the palm groves of Tinjedad and Touroug then to Erfoud. Continuation to Merzouga for a camel ride through the fascinating dunes of Erg Chebbi… Night under nomadic tents between the dunes of Merzouga in a warm atmosphere…

3rd day: Merzouga - Rissani - Nqob - Tamnougalte - Ouarzazate - Marrakech

After breakfast, we will have a short sunrise trekking on the dunes before returning to Marrakech. On the way back to Marrakech, enjoy the exceptional desert landscapes, berber villages and oasis…

During your next vacations in Marrakech, don’t miss an authentic nomadic experience in the Moroccan desert, purify your mind and come back full of energy.