This 7 Days Ouarzazate to Marrakech Sahara Trip is the most expansive and rewarding journey available from Ouarzazate. In seven days, it takes you from the film city of southern Morocco on a grand circuit through the Sahara desert, the historic city of Fes, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the Atlantic coast of Casablanca, and finally back to Marrakech — an unforgettable loop through Morocco’s greatest destinations.
Along the way, you will walk through the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges, ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, spend a night in a desert camp under the stars, explore a full day in the Merzouga desert including a nomadic family visit, discover the ancient medina of Fes, wander the blue-painted alleyways of Chefchaouen, and visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca before the final drive to Marrakech.
Every detail is managed privately, with a dedicated driver and fully customisable itinerary.
– Visiting the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage Site
– Walking through the soaring Dades and Todra Gorges
– Riding camels across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
– Spending the night in a desert camp under a sky overflowing with stars
– Dedicating a full day to exploring the Merzouga desert
– Visiting a nomadic Berber family at the edge of the Sahara
– Experiencing the Gnawa music culture in a traditional desert village
– Exploring the ancient imperial medina of Fes
– Discovering the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen
– Admiring the Hassan II Mosque on the Atlantic coast of Casablanca
– Arriving in the vibrant Red City of Marrakech
DAY 1: OUARZAZATE → AIT BEN HADDOU → DADES GORGES
Departing from Ouarzazate airport or your hotel, the first destination is the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic monuments. This ancient fortified village of earthen towers has served as a set for some of history’s most celebrated films. After lunch in the Ait Ben Haddou village, the road continues east along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Dades Gorges, where your hotel or riad is set among the canyon’s dramatic layered walls. Dinner and overnight in the Dades Gorges.
DAY 2: DADES GORGES → TODRA GORGES → MERZOUGA DESERT
After breakfast, the drive continues east to the extraordinary Todra Gorge — a narrow natural corridor flanked by limestone walls rising over 300 metres. A walk through the gorge floor is one of the journey’s most powerful experiences. From Tinghir, the road pushes eastward through pre-Saharan valleys until the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon.
Camels await at the edge of the dunes to carry you into the heart of the Sahara as the sun descends in brilliant colour. At the desert camp, dinner is served under the stars, followed by an evening of traditional Berber music around the fire. Your private tent awaits for the night.
DAY 3: FULL DAY TO EXPLORE MERZOUGA DESERT
After breakfast at the camp and a camel trek back to Merzouga, the day is devoted entirely to desert exploration. A 4×4 excursion ventures deep into the Erg Chebbi — including a visit to a nomadic Berber family near the Algerian border, where you are welcomed with tea and gain a rare understanding of desert life. The day also includes a visit to a local Gnawa village — where the music, history, and ceremonial culture of this extraordinary community offer a profound cultural encounter. Overnight in Merzouga hotel.
DAY 4: MERZOUGA → ZIZ VALLEY → MIDELT → AZROU → IFRANE → FES
Departing Merzouga in the morning, the road heads north along the scenic Ziz Valley — a long ribbon of date palms tracing the river through the pre-Saharan landscape. Lunch in Midelt, then the road climbs into the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas. Near Azrou, Barbary macaques may be spotted in the roadside trees. A stop in Ifrane — Morocco’s charming alpine town — precedes the final drive to Fes, where you check in to your hotel or riad for the night.
DAY 5: FULL DAY GUIDED TOUR OF FES
A complete day in the ancient medina of Fes with a local expert guide. Founded in the 9th century, Fes is Morocco’s oldest and most complex imperial city. Its 9,000-plus alleyways, ancient mosques, madrasas, tanneries, and artisan souks form one of the world’s most extraordinary living medieval environments. Key stops include the Chouara Tanneries, the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, the Jewish Mellah, and the vibrant craft markets. An immersive and unforgettable day. Overnight in Fes.
DAY 6: FES → CHEFCHAOUEN
After breakfast, the drive northwest through the Rif Mountains brings you to Chefchaouen — Morocco’s most photographed and beloved destination. The Blue City’s medina is a dreamscape of narrow blue-painted alleyways, hanging flower pots, artisan shops, and mountain light. The afternoon and evening are yours to wander freely, explore the souks, and absorb the extraordinary atmosphere of this mountain gem. Overnight in Chefchaouen.
DAY 7: CHEFCHAOUEN → CASABLANCA → MARRAKECH
After breakfast, the final day begins with the drive west toward Casablanca on the Atlantic coast. In Casablanca, you visit the Hassan II Mosque — the largest mosque in Morocco and one of the most architecturally magnificent in the Islamic world, its soaring minaret rising above the ocean. After lunch near the Corniche waterfront, the road heads south to Marrakech, where you are dropped off at your hotel or airport in the evening.
– The itinerary is fully customisable — please get in touch with any specific needs.
– Please inform us of any dietary requirements when booking.
– All vehicles are air-conditioned and well maintained.
– Nomadic family and Gnawa village visits may vary depending on access on the day.
– Pick-up from Ouarzazate airport or your hotel
– Drop-off at your accommodation or airport in Marrakech
– Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver
– Camel trekking to the desert camp
– Private tent in the desert camp
– 6 nights accommodation
– Breakfasts and dinners
– Lunches and beverages
– Entrance fees where applicable
– Tips (optional but appreciated)
Please fill out the form below to contact us, and we will respond as soon as possible. For a faster response please send a WhatsApp: +212 668-342513 message or call us at +212678099129 . We look forward to connecting with you. Email: info@merzougadunestours.com
Paying for your tour is straightforward. A small upfront deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your spot — this can be sent via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise. The outstanding balance is then settled directly with your driver or guide on the first day of your trip, accepted in euros, US dollars, or Moroccan dirhams.
Morocco’s official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While major hotels and larger establishments tend to accept credit cards, smaller markets and towns generally operate on a cash-only basis, so it’s advisable to carry local currency.
Absolutely. The tour can be fully tailored to match your preferences — whether that means adding extra destinations, upgrading your accommodation, or switching to alternative transport such as a private 4×4 vehicle.
Yes, camel rides are commonly included in desert tour packages, typically used to cross the dunes on the way to your overnight camp.
Camel rides are a standard part of desert experiences and are used to reach the overnight camp by crossing the dunes.
Guests stay in traditional Berber-style tents within a desert camp setting. Amenities include comfortable bedding, warm blankets, shared or private bathroom facilities (depending on the camp category), and a shared dining area for meals and socializing.
The policy varies based on how far in advance you cancel relative to your departure date. A booking deposit is required to hold your reservation, and partial or full refunds may apply depending on the notice given.
