Departing and returning to Marrakech, this 5 day/4-night expedition is designed for travellers who want to experience Morocco’s desert beyond the classic routes.
Travelling through mountain passes, kasbah landscapes, dramatic gorges, remote desert tracks and vast dune systems, the journey gradually moves from inhabited valleys into the silence of the deep Sahara.
We can organize additional activities for you before, during and after your trip.
Options include:
This itinerary gives you a flavor of the trip, however all our trips are custom designed, so once you get in touch with us, we can make any additions or adjustments based on your dream itinerary!
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech in the morning before departing across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The winding road offers panoramic viewpoints and views of Amazigh villages scattered across the mountains. The journey continues toward Ait Ben Haddou, where you will have time to explore the historic ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its earthen architecture and cinematic history.
After lunch nearby, the route continues east through changing desert landscapes toward the Dades Valley. Known for its dramatic rock formations and oasis scenery, the valley provides a peaceful setting for the first evening. Dinner and overnight accommodation are arranged overlooking the surrounding valley.
After breakfast, the journey continues toward Todra Gorge, where sheer canyon walls carved by the river create one of southern Morocco’s most impressive landscapes.
Following time to walk through the gorge, the route passes through Alnif before leaving the main roads behind.
As the scenery shifts into rocky plains and remote desert tracks, arrival in the Mharech region marks the beginning of a full desert immersion. The day is spent exploring the surrounding settlements and meeting nomadic families who continue to live in this environment. You will enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of an acacia tree.
In the evening, you will learn traditional desert cooking techniques, preparing tagine over a wood fire and baking bread beneath the sand using hot embers. Dinner is shared in this remote setting before spending the night under a vast sky filled with stars.
Overnight in a traditional nomadic goat hair tent, or retreat into a tiny desert auberge.
This day is a full off-road desert journey. Travelling across wide plains, dry riverbeds and hidden oasis corridors, the route reveals the raw beauty of Morocco’s lesser-visited Sahara landscapes. The journey passes through Sidi Ali and other remote desert areas where the scale of the environment and the absence of infrastructure create a strong sense of exploration.
Gradually, palm groves begin to reappear as the route approaches Zagora, historically an important caravan crossroads. Arrival in Zagora provides time to relax and explore the oasis town before dinner.
After breakfast, the journey continues south along the Draa Valley with a stop in Tamgroute, known for its traditional green pottery. The route then passes through Tagounite and reaches Mhamid, the final village before the open Sahara.
From here, the journey continues off road toward Erg Chegaga, one of Morocco’s largest and most remote dune systems. Upon arrival, there is time to walk among the dunes or enjoy a sunset camel ride. In the evening, dinner is served at camp followed by traditional music around the fire and stargazing beneath the desert sky.
After sunrise and breakfast, departure from the dunes begins with an off-road crossing toward Foum Zguid, passing dry lake beds and rocky desert landscapes that offer a final perspective on the Sahara. Rejoining the main road network, the journey continues north toward the Atlas Mountains.
Scenic stops are made along the route before returning to Marrakech in the late afternoon, where the expedition concludes.
We focus on authentic, locally owned accommodation for all of our trips, both to offer you a truly ‘Moroccan’ experience but also to support sustainable tourism and the local economy. On this tour you will stay in a mix of hotels and a desert camp. Once you contact us to book your trip, we will work with you to select the perfect accommodation for your budget and needs.
We work with solo travelers, couples, families – all the way to large groups – and have a range of transport options to suit groups of all sizes.
We believe the magic of the Moroccan desert is best experienced away from large tour groups and rigid schedules. A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace, stop whenever you like for photos or breaks, and enjoy a much more authentic and comfortable journey.
Unlike many shared group tours, there are no forced shopping stops, crowded vehicles, or rushed itineraries. You’ll have your own private driver, personalized service, and carefully selected accommodations to ensure a more relaxed and memorable experience.
For families or groups travelling together, private tours also offer excellent value, as the cost per person can often be similar to a shared tour — but with a far higher quality experience.
To confirm your trip, we require a 20% deposit, which can be securely paid online using a debit or credit card.
We are a UK registered company and accept all major international cards, including American Express, with no additional payment fees.
The remaining balance is due 14 days before your arrival date.
We understand that travel plans can sometimes change, and we always try to be as flexible and helpful as possible wherever we can.
You can read our full cancellation policy and terms & conditions on our website. If you do need to cancel or amend your trip, please contact us as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to assist you.
We focus on authentic, locally owned accommodation for all of our trips, both to offer you a truly ‘Moroccan’ experience but also to support sustainable tourism and the local economy. On this tour you will stay in a mix of hotels and a desert camp. Once you contact us to book your trip, we will work with you to select the perfect accommodation for your budget and needs.
The starting price for this trip is £450 per person, based on a family of 4 travelling. Please note that the price per person varies dependent on group size, choice of accommodation and time of year.
Please use the below form to email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you do not hear back from us within 24 hours, please send us a WhatsApp message at +212675321420. We look forward to hearing from you.