Overview
Embark on a remarkable 7-day desert tour from Essaouira, journeying through Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from coastal towns and imperial cities to the breathtaking Atlas Mountains and the golden dunes of the Sahara. This tour offers an immersive experience into the country’s rich culture, history, and natural beauty.
- Duration: 7 days/6 nights
- Start: Essaouira
- End: Marrakech
- Tour Style: Private
Highlights of the 7 days desert tour essaouira
- Explore the vibrant medinas of Essaouira, Marrakech, and Fez.
- Witness the iconic Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
- Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- Visit Morocco's oldest university in Fez.
- Experience the Sahara with camel trekking and a nomadic campfire dinner.
- Admire the dramatic Todgha Gorges and Dades Valley.
- Stroll through the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou.
Why private 7 days desert tour essaouira
This tour perfectly balances history, adventure, and cultural exploration. You’ll traverse Morocco’s coastal towns, imperial cities, and desert landscapes while enjoying local cuisines and authentic experiences. Whether marveling at architectural wonders or riding camels under a starlit desert sky, this tour offers an unforgettable journey.
itinerary
Day 1: Essaouira ⇢ Marrakech
Start your 7-day desert tour from Essaouira with a morning visit to this charming coastal town. Discover its fishing port, Thuya wood artisans, and Portuguese-era ramparts. Stroll through the medina, renowned for its craft shops and art galleries, and enjoy fresh seafood near the port. In the afternoon, travel to Marrakech for an overnight stay in a riad or hotel.
Travel distance: 191 KM
Places to see: Essaouira Medina, Skala du Port, Thuya wood souks, Jewish Synagogue, Essaouira beach.
Highlights: Essaouira medina, Thuya wood crafts, Portuguese ramparts, fresh seafood, art galleries.
Day 2: Marrakech ⇢ Casablanca
After breakfast, depart for Casablanca, Morocco’s largest city. Explore Casablanca’s modern vibe and enjoy a panoramic tour, including a visit to the Hassan II Mosque. Spend the evening at leisure, soaking in the city’s lively atmosphere. Overnight in a riad or hotel.
Travel distance: 242 KM
Places to see: Hassan II Mosque, Corniche, Casablanca city center.
Highlights: Largest Moroccan city, Hassan II Mosque, panoramic tour, modern architecture, seaside charm.
Day 3: Casablanca ⇢ Rabat ⇢ Meknes ⇢ Volubilis ⇢ Fez
Head to Rabat, Morocco’s capital, to explore its historical landmarks. Continue to Meknes, an imperial city known for El Hedim Square and the Mausoleum of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Visit the Roman ruins of Volubilis before arriving in Fez for the night.
Travel distance: 294 KM
Places to see: Hassan Tower, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, Volubilis ruins, El Hedim Square.
Highlights: Rabat landmarks, Meknes medina, Roman ruins, imperial history, Sultan’s mausoleum.
Day 4: Fez
Explore Fez with a local guide, visiting the Mellah, Al-Karaouine University, and the Medina. Witness traditional craftsmanship at the Chouara Tannery. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to your riad or hotel.
Travel distance: Minimal
Places to see: Fez Medina, Al-Karaouine University, BouInania Madrasa, Chouara Tannery.
Highlights: Oldest university, vibrant medina, Moroccan craftsmanship, tannery visit, local cuisine.
Travel distance: 370 KM
Places to see: Merzouga, Todra Gorges, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate
Highlights: Kasbah Amridil, Rose Valley cooperative, Skoura palm groves
Day 5: Fez ⇢ Ifrane ⇢ Cedar Forest ⇢ Erfoud ⇢ Merzouga
Journey through the “Little Switzerland” of Ifrane and the Cedar Forest, home to Barbary apes. Stop in Midelt for lunch before continuing to Erfoud, known for fossils and dates. Arrive in Merzouga, where you’ll trek by camel to a desert camp for an evening under the stars.
Travel distance: 470 KM
Places to see: Ifrane, Cedar Forest, Ziz Valley, Merzouga dunes.
Highlights: Cedar Forest wildlife, desert camping, camel trek, Ziz Valley, Saharan sunset.
Day 6: Merzouga ⇢ Todgha Gorges ⇢ Dades Valley
After a sunrise camel trek, travel to Todgha Gorges, famed for its towering rock walls. Continue to Dades Valley, passing the Valley of Roses and visiting local cooperatives specializing in rose products. Overnight stay in a hotel in the valley.
Travel distance: 250 KM
Places to see: Todgha Gorges, Valley of Roses, Dades Valley.
Highlights: Sunrise camel trek, Todgha Gorges, rose cooperatives, scenic valleys, local culture.
Day 7: Dades ⇢ Ouarzazate ⇢ Aït Benhaddou ⇢ Marrakech
Visit the Kasbah Taourirte and the Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate. Stop at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Benhaddou, a stunning fortified village. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass before reaching Marrakech, where the tour concludes.
Travel distance: 310 KM
Places to see: Kasbah Taourirte, Aït Benhaddou, Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Highlights: Film studios, fortified village, scenic mountain pass, Berber culture, final city.
Gallery
Inclusive and Exclusive of the tour
Inclusive
- Pick-up at your Hotel or Riad.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned 4x4, van/minibus.
- Driver/guide speaking English
- Exciting camel trekking
- Experience through the Erg Chebbi dunes
- 6 Dinners
- 6 Breakfasts
Exclusive
- Lunches
- Beverages
- Entrance fees, when needed
- Tips (optional)
- Anything not in inclusive
Price of 7 days desert tour essaouira
Map of the tour
Book this tour now
Know Before You Go
When making your reservation, please be sure to communicate any dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free preferences. Rest assured, we are committed to accommodating your specific meal preferences during your trip to ensure an enjoyable dining experience.
Throughout the desert tour, your guide will recommend lunch stops at local restaurants offering fresh, healthy options. However, if you have a particular restaurant in mind, feel free to inform your guide, and they will gladly assist in making it part of your journey.
For those seeking an added thrill, consider exciting activities like quad biking or buggy driving in the stunning Erg Chebbi Dunes. If you’re interested in these exhilarating desert experiences, just let your guide know, and they’ll help arrange the perfect adventure to enhance your trip.
To make the most of your desert experience, consider upgrading to our 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. This extended itinerary includes an extra night in Dades Gorges and another night in Ouarzazate, allowing you more time to explore the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Morocco. This tour breaks up the longer drive and offers a more relaxed pace, making it an ideal choice for those looking to fully experience the journey.
If you’re limited on time, a 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga might be a great option. This 4-day desert tour offers a perfect balance of exploration and adventure, giving you ample time to explore the Merzouga desert and its surroundings.
For those with only three days to spare, our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech provides a faster yet fulfilling experience. Please note, however, that this option includes just one night in the desert, ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience Morocco’s desert landscapes without the extended driving.
If you have an even tighter schedule, the 2-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is an excellent choice. Although shorter, it still provides a glimpse into the magic of the desert, with the highlights of Merzouga and the Sahara dunes.
No matter your choice, our goal is to provide you with an unforgettable desert adventure tailored to your interests and schedule.
Food Alergies
Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions you may have. We provide helpful information for vegans and vegetarians and will do our utmost to accommodate your needs, ensuring this information is communicated to your driver and hotels.
However, please be aware of the following considerations: We cannot guarantee the absence of allergen traces in containers, bags, or kitchens, as Morocco’s food standards may differ from those in your country. If any member of your tour has severe allergies, it is advisable to bring appropriate food items. Additionally, we cannot control potential insect encounters.
We recommend exercising extra caution in any uncertain situations.
FaQ
What type of vehicles are used for the trip ?
What a great inquiry! “Private desert trips” require comfortable transportation. For groups bigger than 8, we employ Land Cruiser TXs, Ford 8-seater vans, Mercedes Bens Sprinter minibuses, and a variety of other comfortable vehicles.What a great inquiry! “Private desert trips” require comfortable transportation. For groups bigger than 8, we employ Land Cruiser TXs, Ford 8-seater vans, Mercedes Bens Sprinter minibuses, and a variety of other comfortable vehicles.
How far in advance should we book this tour ?
Making your vacation plans as soon as you can is encouraged because the early bird gets the worm.
How to pay for the tour ?
Initially, we ask that a small deposit be given to our account via PayPal during the booking procedure. Second, the balance must be paid in cash and should be handed to our driver/guide on the first day of the tour in euros, dollars, or the equivalent in dirhams.
How do i take my luggage to the camp?
At the start of your camel trek, a 4×4 vehicle will convey your luggage. As a result, your bags will be there when you arrive at the camp.
Is it possible to have vegetarian food or vegan food?
Serving vegan or vegetarian food is possible. On the first day of your trip, please email me or let your driver/guide know as soon as you can.
I don’t want to ride camels to the camp, how i do I reach the camp?
If you don’t want to ride a camel, we can transport you to the camp in a 4 × 4 vehicle.
