TYPOLOGIES
DIFFICULTY

Low

MIN. AGE

10 Years

From 1200 $

Amazing Experience 12 days Grand Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech

This private 12 days Morocco Grand Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech is suited to travelers with a thirst for culture and adventure. It offers a truly unforgettable Moroccan experience, allowing you to absorb the atmosphere and beauty of the diverse destinations along the northern coastline of Morocco and the Saharan south.

This Unveiling Morocco tour satisfies enquiring minds and anyone who prefers a fast-paced adventure. If you’re visiting Morocco and would prefer a tour that starts outwith Marrakech, our Morocco tours from Tangier, or our Morocco tours from Casablanca might be of interest to you.

Description of the Grand Sahara Desert tour

Grand Sahara Desert tour is a desert-inclusive tour and can be customized however you wish; if you need to shorten or lengthen your stay, please let us know and we will try our best to accommodate your needs.

Compass set and camera at the ready, our comprehensive tour offers you a packed itinerary showcasing a bedazzling variety of cities, mountains, seascapes, and deserts to the north and south of Morocco.

Throughout this Morocco tour from Marrakech, you’ll cover a lot of ground. We guarantee thrilling experiences and unique cultural exchanges as you journey through all of Morocco’s impressive imperial cities: Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, and Meknes. However, outside of the cities, we will also show you a completely different experience as we showcase Morocco’s incredible natural environment, including the immutable Moroccan Saharan desert. If this adventurous aspect of the tour is particularly appealing to you, you may like to browse our comprehensive range of Morocco Travel Packages.

On this Unveiling Grand Sahara Desert tour, you will visit ancient towns, the Kasbah-lined Dades Valley, and you will enjoy a two-night stay in the Sahara with one night in a desert hotel at Merzouga and one night in a deluxe desert camp at the Erg Chebbi Dune sets. This experience will provide you with plenty of opportunities to experience Morocco’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and its southern hospitality.

You will notice how opulent and atmospheric many of the accommodations are throughout this Morocco tour. You will have the opportunity to appreciate troves of incredible Moorish architecture, sandcastle Berber Kasbahs, epic mountains, and mighty palm oases. The Atlantic and Mediterranean coastline with its a myriad of sights and sounds. The ochre sands of the towering Erg Chebbi dunes await you on this considered 15-day Morocco tour.

Highlights of the Grand Sahara Desert tour

  • Tour Marrakech — the vibrant Pink Pearl of the south
  • Go off the beaten track and visit towns with stunning ocean views
  • Visit heavenly mosques and minarets
  • Step foot in palaces where sultans once ruled
  • Shimmering souks & medinas
  • Visit Chefchaouen — the Blue Pearl of the north
  • Explore Rabat — the royal capital on the Atlantic coast
  • Visit Dades Valley and 1001 ancient Kasbahs
  • Explore Merzouga, the ochre ocean of desert

Day 1: Arrival Marrakech.

Welcome, Mrehba to your Grand Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech!

  • We meet with you at Menera Airport.
  • Transfer to your accommodation.
  • Today will be determined by your arrival flight.
  • 1 Overnight Accommodation Marrakech Including Dinner & Breakfast.

Day 2: Marrakech.

Full Day Guided Historic & Cultural City Tour.

  • We meet with you at your accommodation after breakfast.
  • Meet with private professional Marrakech Guide.
  • Visit a stylish Yves St Laurent Majorelle Garden.
  • Admirative walk at Koutoubia Mosque & Gardens.
  • Visit an atmospheric Bahia Palace & Courtyards.
  • View the skilled Artisan work at Saadian Tombs.
  • Visit Tranquil Ben Youseff Madrassa.
  • Lunch in the oldest Riad in Marrakech Medina.
  • Exploration of the Souks within the UNESCO Medina.
  • We haven’t included dinner should you wish to visit a city eatery.
  • 1 Overnight Marrakech Including Breakfast only.

Day 3: Marrakech To Essaouira.

Argan Trees & Artisans.

  • We meet with you at your accommodation after breakfast.
  • Scenic open plains drive to UNESCO Essaouira.
  • Spot on the route the occasional person from who knows where.
  • An optional visit to Argan oil co-operative.
  • Arrive Essaouira approx mid-day.
  • Visit the fish market to choose your catch of the day.
  • Your choice will be cooked for you in a restaurant/café.
  • Meet with private local Essaouira Guide for walking tour.
  • Experience the relaxed atmospheres of the Medina and Souks.
  • Tour the medieval ramparts with Artisans working below.
  • Free time to enjoy the sweeping bay and beach should you wish to do so.
  • Arrive at your accommodation approx late afternoon/ early evening as you wish.
  • Photograph & refreshment stops as you like.
  • We haven’t included dinner tonight should you wish to visit a local eatery.
  • 1 Overnight Accommodation Essaouira Including Dinner & Breakfast.

Day 4: Essaouira To Rabat.

Seascapes & Oysters.

  • We meet with you at your accommodation after breakfast.
  • Depart Essaouira travelling north following the beautiful Moroccan coastline.
  • Visit the 16th-century port town of Safi and known for its hand-crafted decorative pottery.
  • Lunch on arrival in Casablanca on the Corniche the Ocean Boulevard.
  • Visit the spectacular Hassan 11 Mosque overlooking the Ocean.
  • Tour the interior with its part glass floor exposing the ocean below.
  • Photograph & refreshment stops as you like.
  • Arrive at the Royal capital of Rabat approx late afternoon /early evening.

Day 5: Rabat To Chefchaouen.

Royal Walk About & Mountain Blue Town.

  • We meet with you at your accommodation after breakfast.
  • Meet with private local Rabat Guide.
  • Approx 2 hour walking tour of the city.
  • Visit the ramparts surrounding the Royal Palace.
  • Visit the majestic Mohammed Mausoleum & Hassan Tower.
  • Stop for refreshments at the Oudaya Kasbah offering picture-perfect views.
  • The Oudaya Kasabh overlooks the Atlantic and houses Moroccan Artisan galleries.
  • Lunch on route to Chefchaouen.
  • Scenic drive travelling through fertile Valleys & Riff Mountains.
  • Photograph & refreshment stops as you like.
  • Arrive Chefchaouen approx late afternoon/early evening.

Relaxation In The Blue Pearl of Morocco.

  • Free relaxed day to explore Chefchaouen at your leisure.
  • Chefchaouen is small enough not to need an official Guide.
  • Freedom to explore its winding lanes and narrow alleys with numerous souks.
  • Many Artisan products are native to the North and not found elsewhere in Morocco.
  • Relax in the square with its many cafes and restaurants.
  • We haven’t included dinner tonight should you wish to visit a local eatery.
  • 1 Overnight Accommodation Chefchaouen Including Breakfast Only.

 

Day 6: Chefchaouen To Fes.

Imperial Cities.

  • We meet with you at your accommodation after breakfast.
  • Depart Chefchaouen for Fes reached by a scenic drive.
  • Descending journey from Riff Mountains to Meknes.
  • Arrive in the Imperial city of Meknes in time for lunch.
  • After lunch, meet with private local Meknes Guide.
  • Approx 3hr walking tour of some of Meknes’s iconic sites.
  • View iconic Bab Monsour Gate.
  • Visit ornately tiled Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.
  • Visit the vast historic Sultans granary & stables
  • Continue to the most ancient of the Imperial Cities, Fes.
  • Photograph & refreshment stops as you like.
  • Arrive Fes approx early evening.
  • 1 Overnight Accommodation Fes Including Dinner & Breakfast.

 

Day 7: Fes.

Full Day Guided Historic & Cultural City Tour.

  • We meet with you at your accommodation after breakfast.
  • Meet with private local Fes Guide.
  • Experience the Medina the largest in the world.
  • Tour the stunning and oldest university complex in the world at Al Karaouine.
  • Visit the impressive Karouiyiane Mosque.
  • Tour the beautiful Dar Batha Palace.
  • Follow your nose and Guide to the outdoor leather Tanneries and iconic dye vats.
  • We return to your accommodation approx late afternoon.
  • Should you wish to have a Hamman late afternoon/ early evening we can organise.
  • Photograph & refreshment stops as you like.
  • 1 Overnight Accommodation Fes Including Dinner & Breakfast.

 

Day 8: Fes To Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Luxury Camp.

Mountains, Berber Towns & Mighty Sahara.

  • We meet with you at your accommodation after breakfast.
  • The scenic mountain drives into the ski resort town of Ifrane.
  • Viewings of Barbary Monkeys in their natural habit of the cedar forests.
  • Lunch in the small Berber village of Zaida or Berber mountain village of Midelt.
  • Descent Journey through the Middle Atlas Mountains.
  • Marvel at the vast date palm oases of Tafilalt as they come into view.
  • Visit the Saharan 7th-century Berber spice market town of Rissani.
  • We now follow the tracks into Merzouga village.
  • Photograph & refreshment stops as you like.
  • Arrive Merzouga approx late afternoon / early evening.
  • 1 Overnight Accommodation Merzouga Including Dinner & Breakfast.

 

Day 9: Merzouga & Erg Chebbi De-Luxe Camp.

Day of Relaxation & Adventure In The Sahara.

  • We meet with you at your accommodation after breakfast.
  • 4×4 adventure drive around the Dune area and Desert Villages.
  • Visit the Saharan musicians & village of Khamlia.
  • Lunch of local speciality Berber Pizza.
  • Relaxing afternoon at Hotel with a pool.
  • Alternatively, a Quad experience can be arranged.
  • Approx late afternoon meet with your camel & Guide.
  • Approx 1hr trek into Desert Camp.
  • Relax at camp enjoying Saharan hospitality, including Live Drumming, Dinner, Camp Fires.
  • 1 Overnight Accommodation Luxury Desert Camp Including Dinner & Breakfast.

 

Day 10: Erg Chebbi to Dades Valley .

Geological Wonders Of The Dades Valley.

  • An optional climb of the towering dunes to watch the sunrise over the Sahara.
  • An optional informal sandboarding for the fit and adventurous.
  • Depart Camp after breakfast by camel for 4×4 transfer at Merzouga.
  • Walking tour of the mighty Todra Gorge with professional Guide & a picnic lunch.
  • Visit Moroccan Rose oil-producing town of Kelaat M’Gouna.
  • Photograph & refreshment stops as you like.
  • Arrive Skoura Oasis approx late afternoon/ early evening.
  • 1 Overnight Accommodation Skoura Including Dinner & Breakfast.

Day 11: Dades Valley To Marrakech.

Rock the Red Kasbahs.

  • We meet with you at your accommodation after breakfast.
  • Short walking tour through the beautiful Palm lined oasis
  • Visit to Iconic Kasbah Amridil at Skoura.
  • Photography visit to Kasbah Tiffoultoute in Ouarzazate
  • Optional International Atlas Film Studio visit situated on Desert Piste.
  • Optional Quad Biking close to the Studio.
  • Exploration of UNESCO Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou an International film location.
  • Visit a crumbling but beautiful & ornate Kasbah Telouet.
  • Lunch around the area of Kasbah Telouet.
  • Spectacular & dramatic High Atlas Mountains & Tichka Pass drive.
  • Optional visit to culinary & cosmetic Argan Oil co-operative.
  • Photograph & refreshment stops as you like.
  • Arrive Marrakech approx early evening.
  • 1 Overnight Marrakech Including Dinner & Breakfast.

 

Day 12: Airport Transfer to Marrakech Or Casablanca.

  • Today will be determined by your departure flight.
  • Allow 45mins to arrive at Menera Airport Marrakech plus min 2hrs 30mins before your flight.
  • Allow 3 hrs to arrive at Casablanca Airport plus min 2hrs 30mins before your departure flight.
  • We say our Goodbyes, Bislema!

Included in this 12 Days Grand Sahara Desert tour From Marrakech

Private Moroccan multi-lingual driver for 11 days

Private A/C 4×4 vehicle and fuel

Private guide fee in Marrakech

Private guide fee in Fes

Private guide fee in Safi

Private guide fee in Rabat

Desert adventure tour

Camel guide fee

Camel trekking at several points in the tour

An optional informal sand boarding experience

All accommodation

All breakfasts

dinners in Sahara desert and Dades valley

Services NOT included

Flights

Lunches

Dinners in big cities

Entrance fees

Optional hammam (bath/sauna) experience

Personal drinks and snacks

Gratuities (at your own discretion)

view the tour on map

    TripAdvisor

    star rating  Awesome trip with Mahmoud. We saw and experienced things I don’t think we would with any other guide. He was friendly, accommodating, and seemed to know everyone. Gave us everything... read more

    Lucas R
    March 26, 2023

    star rating  I had a great trip to Morocco as a whole, but the highlights were definitely provided by the excellent tour I was lucky enough to take with Mouley and company.... read more

    B7255ILrobertc
    October 27, 2022

    star rating  Thank you Morocco First gate for the great desert experience we had with your great stuff . I highly recommand this tour operator

    421abdessamada
    December 5, 2021

    star rating  Just got back from Morocco. What a great trip! We visited Marrakesh, Essaouira and the desert of Marrakesh.
    We had a guide for each city and... read more

    gbrocksm
    February 17, 2020

    star rating  Morocco First Gate was amazing! Our driver Abdessamad, a friendly and hospitable Moroccan, drove us safely through our designated route with great knowledge about the places we’ve been. I cannot... read more

    Missaya25
    October 12, 2023