9 Days Morocco Desert Tour From Marrakech
9 Days Morocco Desert Tour
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day expedition from Marrakech into the heart of Morocco. Cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains, step back in time at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, and stand in awe within the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge. Experience the magic of the Sahara with a camel trek over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes and a night under the stars in a traditional desert camp. Your journey continues through the imperial cities of Fes and Meknes, the mesmerizing blue pearl of Chefchaouen, and concludes with the elegant capitals of Rabat and Casablanca./9 Days Morocco Desert Tour
9 Days In Morocco itinerary
This comprehensive 9-day tour from Marrakech offers the ultimate Moroccan experience, featuring:
- Stunning Landscapes: Cross the High Atlas Mountains and explore the dramatic Todra Gorge.
- Ancient History: Visit the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Desert Adventure: Camel trek and overnight camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara.
- Imperial Cities: Discover the cultural treasures of Fes and Meknes.
- The Blue Pearl: Wander the photogenic streets of Chefchaouen.
- Modern Capitals: Conclude your tour in the historic Rabat and vibrant Casablanca.
- Description: Welcome to Morocco! Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), you will be met by our driver and transferred to your pre-booked riad (traditional guesthouse) within the medina. After settling in, you have the day at your leisure to relax after your journey. Perhaps take a first stroll through the vibrant Djemaa el-Fna square, where the city's pulse is most palpable as storytellers, musicians, and food stalls come to life in the evening./9 Days Morocco Desert Tour
- Overnight: Marrakech
- Meals: None
- Description: After breakfast, meet your official local guide for a full-day tour of Marrakech's historical and cultural treasures. Your tour will include:
- The iconic Koutoubia Mosque and its magnificent minaret.
- The beautiful Bahia Palace, a stunning example of Moroccan architecture.
- The ancient Saadian Tombs, sealed for centuries.
- A wander through the bustling souks, where you can find everything from spices to leather goods.
- In the afternoon, explore the serene Majorelle Garden, a botanical gem gifted to the city by Yves Saint Laurent.
- The day concludes back at Djemaa el-Fna square, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Overnight: Marrakech
- Meals: Breakfast
- Description: Today, your desert adventure begins. Depart Marrakech and cross the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m) of the High Atlas Mountains, with breathtaking views at every turn. Your first major stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site, Ait Ben Haddou. This fortified village is Morocco's most famous ksar and a famed filming location for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After lunch and exploration, continue through the Valley of the Roses towards the Dades Gorge. You'll spend the night in a hotel overlooking the dramatic valley.
- Overnight: Dades Valley
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Description: After breakfast, drive through the stunning Dades Valley, known as "the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs." Your next stop is the Todra Gorge, where you can walk between its towering 300-meter-high canyon walls, a paradise for rock climbers and photographers. After some free time, continue towards the Sahara Desert. Arrive in the village of Merzouga in the afternoon. Here, you will leave your vehicle and mount camels for a 1-2 hour trek into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Witness a spectacular sunset before arriving at your traditional Berber desert camp. Enjoy a delicious tagine dinner, listen to Berber music around a campfire, and sleep in a nomadic tent under a blanket of endless stars./
- Overnight: Luxury Desert Camp at Erg Chebbi
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Description: Wake up early for an unforgettable sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, camel-trek back to Merzouga. Your driver will be waiting to begin the long but scenic journey north to Fes. You'll pass through the dramatic Ziz Valley, known for its vast palm groves and gorges. Stop for lunch in Midelt, a town nestled in the Middle Atlas mountains. The landscape changes dramatically as you continue, passing through the cedar forests of Azrou (where you might spot Barbary macaque monkeys) and the unique European-style town of Ifrane, known as "Morocco's Switzerland." Arrive in Fes in the evening./9 Days Morocco Desert Tour
- Overnight: Fes
- Meals: Breakfast
- Description: Today is dedicated to exploring the ancient medina of Fes el-Bali, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest living medieval city. With your expert local guide, you will discover:
- The intricate gates of the Royal Palace.
- A panoramic view of the medina from the Borj Sud.
- The famous Chouara Tannery from a leather shop terrace.
- The Al-Attarine Madrasa and the Bou Inania Madrasa.
- The spiritual heart of the city, the Moulay Idriss II Zaouia.
- The ancient Al-Qarawiyyin University (exterior view).
- Explore the vibrant souks dedicated to different crafts.
- Overnight: Fes
- Meals: Breakfast
- Description: After breakfast, depart for the Rif Mountains and the breathtakingly beautiful Chefchaouen. Known as the "Blue Pearl of Morocco," this city is famous for its striking blue-washed buildings and narrow, winding streets. The entire afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Get lost in the blue lanes, shop for unique local handicrafts, hike to the Spanish Mosque for a panoramic sunset view, and simply soak in the serene and photogenic atmosphere.9 Days Morocco Desert Tour
- Overnight: Chefchaouen
- Meals: Breakfast
- Description: Enjoy one last morning in the blue hues of Chefchaouen before driving west towards the Atlantic coast. Your first stop is Morocco's capital city, Rabat. Here, you will visit key sites including the Hassan Tower, an incomplete minaret of an ambitious mosque, and the elegant Mohammed V Mausoleum. You'll also see the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. After the tour, continue your drive to the economic hub of Casablanca. Upon arrival, you will visit the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world, spectacularly perched over the ocean./9 Days Morocco Desert Tour
- Overnight: Casablanca
- Meals: Breakfast
- Description: Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time in Casablanca for last-minute sightseeing or shopping. Afterwards, you will be transferred to Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Casablanca for your departure flight, marking the end of your incredible 9-day Moroccan journey.
- Overnight: None
- Meals: Breakfast
9-Day Morocco Desert Tour Itinerary from Marrakech
9-Day Morocco Desert Tour Itinerary
- Private transportation with A/C vehicle & professional driver.
- English-speaking guides in Marrakech and Fes.
- Accommodation for 8 nights in hotels/riads & desert camp.
- Camel Trekking in Merzouga.
- Overnight in a luxury desert camp (private tents).
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (8 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners).
- Airport transfers on first and last day.
9 days trip itinerary from marrakech
- Flights.
- Lunches & drinks. and some dinner
- Entrance fees to monuments.
- Tips and personal expenses.
9-Day Morocco Desert Tour
Q1: What is the best time of year to do 9 Days Morocco Desert Tour?
A: The ideal times are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is generally mild and pleasant across the country, making it perfect for exploring cities and the desert. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert, while winters can be very cold, particularly at night in the mountains and desert.
Q2: How strenuous is this tour? Is it suitable for children and elderly travelers?
A: The 9 Days Morocco Desert Tour is moderately paced with long driving days on Days 3, 4, 5, and 8. The camel trek is about 1-2 hours and is generally gentle, but it can be uncomfortable for those with back problems. Most sightseeing involves walking on uneven surfaces. The tour can be suitable for children and active elderly travelers, but it’s important to be prepared for the journey. Private tours can often be customized for a more comfortable pace.
Q3: What type of accommodation can I expect in 9 Days Morocco Desert Tour?
A: You will stay in a variety of authentic accommodations:
- Cities (Marrakech, Fes, etc.): Charming Riads (traditional Moroccan houses with interior courtyards) or modern hotels.
- Dades Valley: A typical hotel or kasbah-style accommodation with stunning valley views.
- Desert: A luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi. These typically feature private tents with proper beds and en-suite bathroom facilities (often with showers and toilets).
- Chefchaouen: A cozy hotel or guesthouse within the blue medina.
Q4: What should I pack for this 9 Days Morocco Desert Tour?
A: Key packing tips include:
- Clothing: Layered clothing is essential. Include light clothes for daytime, warm layers (fleece/jacket) for cool evenings, especially in the desert and mountains. Modest clothing is recommended (covering shoulders and knees) for visiting religious sites.
- Footwear: Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes for cities and sturdy shoes or sandals for the dunes.
- Accessories: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a scarf (for sun and sand), and a reusable water bottle.
- Essentials: Personal toiletries, any medications, and a flashlight/headlamp.
Q5: Is the desert camp comfortable? Are there real bathrooms?
A: Yes, most standard tours now use “luxury” or “deluxe” camps that offer a comfortable experience. Your tent will typically have proper beds with bedding, electricity (often from solar power or generators), and private en-suite bathrooms with a toilet, sink, and sometimes even a shower. It’s always best to confirm the specific amenities with your tour operator when booking./9 Days Morocco Desert Tour
Q6: What is the food like? Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
A: Moroccan cuisine is delicious and diverse. You will enjoy tagines, couscous, grilled meats, salads, and fresh fruit. Breakfasts usually consist of bread, jam, pancakes, coffee, and tea. Yes, dietary restrictions like vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergies can almost always be accommodated. It is crucial to inform us of these requirements well in advance./9 Days Morocco Desert Tour
Q7: How much spending money should I bring?
A: This depends on your personal spending habits. The tour includes accommodation, breakfasts, two dinners, and transport. You will need money for:
- Lunches, drinks, and snacks (~$10-$20 per day for lunches).
- Entrance fees to monuments (budget approximately $10-$15 total).
- Tips for guides, drivers, and staff.
- Personal shopping (souvenirs, crafts, etc.).
- It’s advisable to carry a mix of cash (Moroccan Dirham – MAD) for smaller purchases and a credit card for larger ones.
Q8: Do I need a visa to travel to Morocco?
A: Citizens of the EU, United States, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for tourist travel to Morocco for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry. Always check the latest visa requirements with your local Moroccan consulate or embassy before traveling, as policies can change./9 Days Morocco Desert Tour
Q9: What is the tipping culture in Morocco?
A: Tipping (or “baksheesh”) is a common and expected practice in Morocco for good service. It is not mandatory but is greatly appreciated.
- Guide: Approximately 150-200 MAD per person per day for a good guide.
- Driver: Approximately 100-150 MAD per person per day.
- Camel Guide: Approximately 20-50 MAD per person.
- Restaurants: Small change or 5-10% of the bill for good service is standard.
Q10: Is it safe to travel in Morocco?
A: Morocco is generally considered a very safe country for tourists. The government heavily prioritizes tourist safety. However, as with travel to any foreign destination, it’s important to exercise common sense: be aware of your surroundings, don’t flash valuables, be prepared to negotiate firmly but politely in souks, and respect local customs and dress codes. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep your belongings secure./9 Days Morocco Desert Tour