9 Days of Desert Exploration: From the Sahara to Chefchaouen in Morocco

We pick you up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech at 8:00 AM and head towards the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m), with panoramic stops along the way. We then visit the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the backdrop of many international films. After lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa”, passing by the Atlas Film Studios and the Kasbah of Taourirt. In the late afternoon, we drive through the Valley of Roses to reach the Dades Valley, where we spend the night in a charming local hotel with dinner included.

After breakfast facing the Dades Gorges, we set off towards the impressive Todra Gorges, canyons with walls rising up to 300 metres, ideal for a walk along the river. We continue through the villages of Tinghir and the palm groves of the Ziz Valley towards Erfoud and Rissani, the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty. In Merzouga, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes, your camel caravan awaits you for an unforgettable trek into the heart of the Sahara. You will admire a magical sunset over the golden dunes before reaching your Berber camp, where a traditional dinner and an evening of drum music under the stars await you.

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, one of the most beautiful moments of the trip. After breakfast at the camp, we dedicate the whole day to exploring the Merzouga region by 4×4: we visit nomadic families living in caves and tents to share a mint tea and discover their ancestral way of life. We then stop at the village of Khamlia, famous for its Gnawa music, and tour the old lead mines and the seasonal lake of Dayet Srij, home to flamingos in spring. Dinner and overnight at a hotel or luxury camp in Merzouga.

Today we head north across the Ziz Valley with its endless palm groves, and stop in Midelt, the “apple capital” nestled between the Middle and High Atlas. In the afternoon, we cross the cedar forests of Azrou, where you can meet the famous Barbary macaques, before discovering Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco” for its alpine architecture. We arrive in Fes in the early evening. Dinner and overnight at a riad in the medina.

A full day dedicated to discovering Fes, the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco, with a local guide. Highlights include the Royal Palace gates, the Jewish quarter (Mellah), the Al Quaraouiyine University — one of the oldest in the world — the Bou Inania and Attarine Medersas, the famous Chouara tanneries, and the maze-like souks of the medina of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will also enjoy a panoramic view over the whole medina from the Marinid Tombs. Dinner and overnight at your riad.

After breakfast, we depart for the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the best-preserved archaeological site in Morocco, famous for its stunning mosaics. We then visit the imperial city of Meknes, with the monumental Bab Mansour gate and the Heri es-Souani granaries. In the afternoon, we drive through the Rif Mountains to reach Chefchaouen, the famous “Blue Pearl” of Morocco. Free evening to stroll through the blue-washed alleys. Overnight at a hotel or riad in Chefchaouen.

Enjoy a full day at your own pace in the most photogenic city in Morocco. Wander through the blue medina, visit the Kasbah museum and Outa el-Hammam square, shop for local handicrafts (woven blankets, goat cheese, natural pigments), or hike up to the Spanish Mosque for a breathtaking sunset view over the blue city. For nature lovers, an optional excursion to the Akchour waterfalls in the Talassemtane National Park can be arranged. Overnight in Chefchaouen.

We leave the Rif Mountains and head towards the Atlantic coast. In Rabat, the capital of the Kingdom, we visit the Hassan Tower, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V and the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas overlooking the ocean. We then continue to Casablanca for a panoramic city tour including the majestic Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest in the world, built partly over the sea. Dinner and overnight in Casablanca.

After breakfast, we return to Marrakech (approx. 2h30). Depending on your schedule, we can stop along the way or drop you off directly at your hotel or at Marrakech Menara Airport. End of our services — we hope this journey through the Sahara, the imperial cities and the Blue Pearl will remain an unforgettable memory!