Marrakech

Experience the ancient history & beaches

Culinary Tourism

Experience the world through your taste

(145 Reviews) $

Enjoy the Adventure

Looking for a real Moroccan adventure? Our 9 Days – Crossing the Desert to Reach the Ocean tour is just what you need. This amazing journey starts in Marrakech and takes you through the High Atlas Mountains, old kasbahs, green oases, and the big dunes of the Sahara Desert. You'll visit small villages, meet local people, ride camels, and sleep under the stars in a desert camp. After the desert, the tour continues to the Atlantic coast, ending in the peaceful seaside town of Essaouira. Along the way, you’ll see many beautiful places, learn about Moroccan culture, and enjoy delicious food. This tour is perfect if you want to see the best of Morocco – from mountains and deserts to the ocean – all in just 9 days.

Included / Excluded

To help you plan your trip, we have put together a list of what's included and what's not included in your tour package. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect and help you make any necessary arrangements before your journey begins.

  • Private transportation in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle
  • Bilingual speaking driver/guide
  • Accommodation in handpicked hotels, riads, or desert camps (standard or luxury options based on package)
  • Daily breakfast, and selected dinners depending on itinerary
  • Local guided tours in major cities or historical sites (if specified)
  • Camel trekking experience in the desert (if part of the itinerary)
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, riad, or airport (as arranged)
  • Fuel and road taxes
  • Entrance fees to monuments, museums, or optional activities
  • Lunches and some dinners (depending on package)
  • Personal expenses, drinks, and extras
  • Tips for guides, drivers, or staff (optional, but appreciated)

Tour Map

This comprehensive map is designed to guide you through an exciting journey filled with remarkable destinations and captivating experiences.

Itinerary

We have carefully planned out each day of the 9 Days – Crossing the Desert to Reach the Ocean tour to give you the best possible experience. From exploring historic landmarks to tasting delicious local cuisine, each day is packed with adventure and excitement. Join us as we take you on a journey through some of the most fascinating destinations in Morocco, from the Sahara Desert to the Atlantic coast.

DAY 1 - Marrakech to Skoura Oasis (240 km)

Welcome at Marrakech airport and departure towards Ouarzazate. The road crosses the High Atlas mountains, gently climbing up to the Tizi-n-Tichka pass at 2,260 meters above sea level. You will pass through villages and traditional markets, getting a first glimpse of everyday Moroccan life. The route leads into the Ounila Valley and to the Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a magnificent example of fortified architecture typical of the region. After visiting the site, the journey continues through Ouarzazate and onward to the lush Skoura Oasis, where you can admire the sunset over the palm grove and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

DAY 2 - Skoura Oasis – Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga (320 km)

After breakfast, the adventure continues surrounded by palm trees, eucalyptus, oleander, apple, almond, and pomegranate trees as we cross the Skoura Oasis. Among the crops and greenery rise the spectacular ruins of fortified Berber architecture – the kasbahs. The route passes through the Rose Valley and the Dades Valley with their dramatic geological formations until reaching the great oasis of Tafilalet and the Todra Gorges, a red rock canyon rising 300 meters, separating the High Atlas from the Jebel Saghro range. After a walk through the gorges, we continue toward Erfoud and Rissani, and finally reach Merzouga. From here, you’ll ride camels for about an hour and a half across the dunes at sunset to reach your desert camp in the Erg Chebbi. Dinner under the stars and overnight in the camp.

DAY 3 - Merzouga – Taouz – Ramlia (80 km off-road)

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes. After an hour and a half camel trek back to Merzouga for breakfast and a shower, we head south. A stop in the village of Khamlia to enjoy traditional Gnawa music, then continue toward Taouz, a former mining town. Surrounded by rocks, dunes, and remote desert villages, we arrive at Ramlia, a small oasis filled with palm trees. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

DAY 4 - Ramlia – Oum Jrane – Zagora (200 km off-road)

After breakfast, the journey continues toward Zagora, crossing the wide dry riverbed of the Oued Rheris and passing through the Jebel Zireg and the Maider lake plain. The route cuts through wild and rugged landscapes, reaching the village of Oum Jrane and descending into the spectacular Draa Valley, lined with palm groves and kasbahs. Arrival in Zagora, a town established by the French in the 1920s to control the region. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.

DAY 5 - Zagora – M’hamid – Erg Chegaga (160 km with off-road)

After breakfast, departure toward Tamegroute, a desert village known for its underground kasbah and ancient Quranic library. Continue to the village of M’hamid, the last stop before entering the deep desert. The route travels through varied desert landscapes, including Reg and Hamada, before reaching Erg Chegaga, where the dunes reach up to 300 meters. Enjoy free time to walk among the dunes, take in the silence, and embrace the desert’s vastness. After sunset, enjoy a magical night with a delicious Moroccan dinner. Overnight in a desert camp.

DAY 6 - Erg Chegaga – Foum Zguid – Taroudant (350 km)

After breakfast, we venture deeper into the desert, crossing the “dune river” to reach Lake Iriki. From here, we travel to Foum Zguid, the first town after the desert. After a short break, the journey continues through Tazenakht, a town famous for its handmade carpets, before arriving in Taroudant, also called “Little Marrakech.” Nestled in the Souss Valley and surrounded by the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountains, Taroudant is a charming walled city. Dinner and overnight in a riad.

DAY 7 - Taroudant to Marrakech (200 km)

After breakfast, we leave the fertile Taroudant plain and travel through the mountains, reaching the Tizi n’Test pass. The road offers breathtaking views and a rainbow of colors that fill the landscapes. After crossing the pass, the road descends toward Marrakech, passing through traditional red-earth Berber villages frozen in time. Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon. Overnight in a riad.

DAY 8 - Marrakech (Guided City Tour)

After breakfast, meet with a certified guide for a half-day tour of the imperial city known as “Red Marrakech,” founded by the Almoravids in the late 11th century. Discover historical palaces, gardens, and monuments. Walk through alleys and streets, admire the Koutoubia minaret, and arrive at the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where music, dancing, and performances bring the souks to life. After the tour, you may continue exploring the medina independently.

DAY 9 - Marrakech (departure)

After breakfast, free time to explore, shop, or relax before meeting your driver for the transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. End of services.*

Gallery

Each image tells a unique story, inviting us into a world of emotion, beauty, and complexity. Get ready to be moved, inspired, and challenged as we journey through this captivating collection of images.