5-Day Morocco Desert Journey: Kasbahs, Oasis Valleys & the Sahara

Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. Enjoy a brief stop to admire the exterior of the Koutoubia Mosque, followed by a visit to the Menara Gardens, before leaving the city. Travel into the High Atlas Mountains, with scenic stops along the way to appreciate the mountain landscapes and Amazigh villages. Continue to Telouet for lunch and discover the historic Glaoui Kasbah, with an interior visit subject to local access conditions. In the afternoon, follow the Ounila Valley towards Ait Ben Haddou. Explore the earthen village on foot, walking through its narrow lanes and climbing to a viewpoint overlooking the surrounding countryside.

Depart early for a full day of travel towards the Sahara. Journey through Ouarzazate and across the mountain landscapes leading to Agdz, where the scenery opens onto the palm groves of the Drâa Valley. Visit the historic Kasbah of Tamnougalt near Agdz and discover the earthen architecture of the valley. Continue through southern Morocco towards Alnif, stopping for lunch along the way. In the afternoon, travel to Rissani for a short visit, time permitting, before continuing to Merzouga and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Arrive in time for your arranged transfer to the desert camp. Enjoy the changing colours of the dunes before dinner and an evening beneath the Sahara sky.

Wake early to enjoy sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast at camp. Spend the day exploring the Merzouga area. Meet a local nomadic family, when available, and learn about daily life in the desert through a respectful visit arranged with your hosts. Continue to Khamlia to enjoy a Gnawa music performance, then visit the gardens and palm groves of Hassi Labied for a different view of the Sahara: a green oasis beside the dunes. For those seeking adventure, an optional ATV quad-bike excursion can be arranged with a local operator. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your hotel or take a walk near the dunes.

After breakfast, leave the desert and travel towards El Khorbat, near Tinejdad. Walk through this traditional fortified village and visit its Oasis Museum, subject to opening, for an introduction to the architecture and daily life of southern Morocco’s oasis communities. Continue towards Tinghir, with stops to admire its palm-filled valley, before reaching Todra Gorge. Enjoy time to walk beneath the towering rock walls, take photographs and appreciate the cooler atmosphere of the canyon. In the afternoon, travel to the Dades Valley, where winding roads, villages and striking rock formations create a memorable end to the day.

After breakfast, travel through the Rose Valley towards the oasis of Skoura. Visit Kasbah Amridil to discover its traditional earthen architecture and gain an insight into life inside a Moroccan kasbah. Continue to Ouarzazate for a film-studio visit, subject to opening times, before beginning the return journey across the High Atlas Mountains. Stop for lunch along the route and enjoy the mountain scenery before arriving in Marrakech in the evening. Your five-day journey ends with drop-off at your hotel or riad.