This unforgettable Marrakech to Essaouira Desert tour offers an incredible exploration of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from the rugged Atlas Mountains to the serene Sahara. The adventure begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, famous for its film history. Continue through Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” and along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing lush valleys and ancient adobe fortresses. The Marrakech to Essaouira desert tour 4 days ventures to the Merzouga Desert, where you’ll embark on a camel ride across the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, staying at a traditional luxury camp for an authentic desert experience. Enjoy live music, and stargazing under the vast desert sky. The 4 days desert tour Marrakech to Essaouira Culminates in the coastal city of Essaouira, famous for its medina, beaches, and vibrant culture.
Embark on a captivating 4 days desert tour from Marrakech to Essaouira, our friendly driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel/riad in Marrakech and traverse the High Atlas Mountains towards Boumalne Dades. Stop in Tizi N’tichka Pass, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Berber villages.
Onward onto the forteil village of Ait Ben Haddou, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah. The Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah is located on the caravan route and is home to numerous famed movies such as Game of Thrones, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and much more.
After lunch in a local restaurant nearby, we will wander through the iconic mud-brick kasbah. Later on, drive further to reach Ouarzazate city famed as the Hollywood of Africa and known as the gateway to the Sahara desert. You’ll have the option to visit the Atlas Studio, several movies were filmed in this largest Studio in Africa.
Then set out on the fabled “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” an ancient caravan route that weaves between oasis towns and adobe fortresses. Stop in Kelaat MGouna in the fertile Valley of the Roses, where thousands of roses bloom in the spring and an annual festival held in May.
Continuing our journey to reach our hotel overlooking Dades Valley. Before you check in to your hotel, we will visit the rock formations known as Monkey Fingers and the awe-inspiring Dades Gorge, with each twist and turn revealing new wonders of Morocco’s diverse natural landscape.
Today’s driving distance: Approximately 313 Km / 194 Miles
Today’s driving time: Approximately 5 hrs
After a flavour breakfast at your hotel, we will recommence our Marrakech to Essaouira desert tour on a 4-hour journey along the edge of the High Atlas range towards Merzouga desert. Stop to visit the village of Tinerhir, set among palm groves, and walk through the spectacular 984-foot Todra Gorge, home to rare bird and plant species.
Then, we continue directly to Merzouga desert, passing by Tinjdad, Tourog, and Erfoud. Lunch will be served in a certain town along the way and your driver will accommodate you to find the best restaurant for your meal. Arriving in Erfoud in the Afternoon, this town is known for its annual festival of dates in the end of October and fossil factories. Learn how the desert fossils are polished by locals in different ways.
Afterward, we reach Merzouga desert, as the sun begins to set, you’ll leave the vehicle behind and hop on a camel ride crossing the Erg Chebbi sand dunes towards your featured Berber tent. Your experienced Berber camel leader will make sure to stop on a high dune to catch the spectacular sunset. After your phone’s gallery is full of some fabulous sunset photos, you arrive at a traditional desert camp nestled in the heart of the dunes. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, followed by some traditional songs around an open fire played by locals under the star-filled sky.
Today’s driving distance: Approximately 246 Km / 152 Miles
Today’s driving time: Approximately 3 h 44 minutes
Dawn enthusiasts wake up to watch the spectacular sunrise, witnessing the stunning desert landscape bathed in golden light. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the camp, then head towards Ouarzazate passing by Rissani and Draa Valley.
Arrive in Rissani, where you can briefly explore the town known for its lively souks, including the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif. An important historical figure in Morocco, known as the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, which is the current ruling royal family of Morocco. The mausoleum is a revered pilgrimage destination for Moroccans, particularly those who trace their ancestry back to the Alaouite family.
Our journey takes us through picturesque landscapes of desert and mountains, with stunning views along the way to reach Draa Valley, the longest valley in Morocco, stretching over 1,000 kilometers, and it is often considered the gateway between the mountain ranges and the desert.
In the early evening, we will reach our hotel in Ouarzazate. Check into your typical hotel for a restful night’s stay. Unwind in the tranquil ambiance of your kasbah, reflecting on the/window’s captivating experiences of the day and the wonders that lie ahead.
Today’s driving distance: Approximately 366 Km / 227 Miles
Today’s driving time: Approximately 5 hrs
After having an early hearty breakfast at your hotel Ouarzazate to start your day refreshed, we’ll leave Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Tizi n’Tichka is famous for its winding paths and high-altitude views. The views from the pass are breathtaking, with deep valleys on both sides and distant snow-capped peaks in winter.
Along the route, we make stops at the Berber villages scattered across the mountains. Many villages are built with traditional mud-brick houses, blending harmoniously into the landscape. Lunch will be served in Marrakech or somewhere along the road to Essaouira.
Since our last day of Marrakech to Essaouira desert tour 4 days is a bit long, which is approximately 6 hours driving. We will keep making stops through farmland and small villages. The drive is relatively straight and easy, with some scenic views as you approach the coast.
Arrive in Essaouira in the late afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy the laid-back charm of the coastal city, famous for its medina, beaches, seafood, and cultural history.
Today’s driving distance: Approximately 382 Km / 237 Miles
Today’s driving time: Approximately 6 h 10 minutes
Once you book your 4 days Marrakech desert tour to Essaouira with us, you should expect to stay at authentic hotels and luxury camps in the Sahara desert, including private rooms and ensuite tents with essential amenities, complete with private showers and flush toilets, ensuring a comfortable and private stay. Our guests can choose from various accommodation options, from luxurious suites to all-inclusive resorts. We have narrowed down the best accommodation options to suit all preferences, budgets, services, decorations, and locations. We gathered the top-rated hotels and desert camps in Morocco based on our deep experiences and we’ve organized them by luxury, mid-range, and budget to help you choose the best hotel for your group.
All our accommodations are decorated in Moroccan style. The rooms are clean and well-maintained, providing a truly outstanding experience such as complimentary breakfast, and guests praise the helpful staff, which is the perfect place to unwind after an exploration day full of activities. We constantly allow our guests to match between Our best-selected accommodations also. In case, these accommodations are not available on your requested dates, we’ll book the alternative ones in the same category and let you know in advance. If you have a preferred alternative accommodation in mind, just let us know and we’ll be happy to accommodate your request, ensuring it aligns with your travel plans and preferences. Your comfort and convenience are our priority! We invite you to get in touch with us, selecting the accommodation level and our local team will share the accommodation links.
The price of our Marrakech to Essaouira desert tour 4 day varies depending on several factors, including accommodations, the size of your group, and the season of your travel. The more participants in your group, the lower the cost per person, making it ideal for larger groups seeking affordability.
For those who prefer to travel in October, April, or the end of December, we highly recommend contacting us in advance. This will not only help you avoid peak season fees but also provide a greater chance of securing your preferred accommodations during these popular travel periods.
For a pricing quote, we invite you to get in touch with us as soon as you know your dates. Our expert team shall provide the best price that meets your requirements and budget.
We had an unforgettable experience traveling through Morocco and the Sahara with our guide, Mohamed! From exploring the vibrant cities to the breathtaking desert landscapes, his knowledge and passion brought the culture and history to life. He made sure every detail was taken care of, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the country. The camel trek through the dunes and night under the stars was a highlight. I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for an authentic and enriching adventure!
Yes, Morocco is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s essential to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
The best time to visit the Sahara Desert is during the cooler months, from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for exploring.
Visitors from many countries can enter Morocco visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. However, it’s essential to check visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling.
Moroccan cuisine is diverse and flavorful, known for dishes such as tagine (slow-cooked stews), couscous, and pastilla (a savory pastry). It often features a blend of spices like cumin, saffron, and cinnamon.
Tipping is appreciated for good service in Morocco, especially in restaurants, hotels, and for tour guides. Around 10% of the bill is usually considered appropriate.
Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
+212 663 606 413
contact@traversemorocco.com
