Day 1 · Depart≈210 km · about 3.5 hrs driving
Marrakech → Dades Valley via Ait Benhaddou
Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stopping at the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou kasbah, continuing to the Dades Valley for the night.
Group Tour · 8 Days
8-Day Morocco Desert & Atlantic Coast Tour
- Marrakech
- Sahara Desert Camp
- Marrakech
- Essaouira
- Marrakech
Duration8 days
RouteMarrakech → Essaouira
GroupMax 16 travelers
DepartsDeparts every Saturday
From€678
Trip Overview
Dunes, medina, and sea air in one trip
This route balances our two most-requested Marrakech experiences — the Sahara desert camp and the laid-back Atlantic port of Essaouira — with two free days in Marrakech itself to recover, shop, and explore at your own pace.
Total driving distance is around 1,345 km, spread over eight days with two full rest days built in.
Marrakech to EssaouiraMax 16 travelersDeparts every Saturday
Day by Day
The journey, day by day
Day 2 · Desert≈235 km total · about 4.5 hrs driving
Dades Valley → Merzouga Sahara camp
Morning at the Dades Gorge, then across the Todra Gorge (≈55 km/1 hr) to Merzouga (≈180 km/3.5 hrs). Camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a night at the shared desert camp.
Day 3 · Return≈330 km · about 5 hrs driving
Sahara camp → Ouarzazate
Optional sunrise over the dunes, then a scenic drive back across the Atlas via Tinghir and Todra, arriving in Ouarzazate for the night.
Day 4 · Marrakech≈210 km · about 3.5 hrs driving
Ouarzazate → back to Marrakech
Final crossing of the High Atlas, arriving back in Marrakech by mid-afternoon with the evening free in the medina. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 5 · Free Day
Free day in Marrakech
A full rest day in Marrakech — join an optional add-on (hammam, cooking class, or Atlas Mountains half-day) or simply explore the souks and gardens at your own pace. Overnight in Marrakech.
Day 6 · Coast≈180 km · about 2.5–3 hrs driving
Marrakech → Essaouira
Drive west through argan forests to the Atlantic coast. Guided walk through Essaouira's UNESCO-listed medina and sea ramparts on arrival. Overnight in Essaouira.
Day 7 · Coast
Essaouira free day
Free day to explore the fishing port, art galleries, and beach, with grilled seafood lunch at the port a local highlight. Optional surfing or horseback riding add-ons available. Overnight in Essaouira.
Day 8 · Depart≈180 km · about 2.5–3 hrs driving
Essaouira → back to Marrakech
Return drive to Marrakech for onward travel. Trip ends.
Where You'll Stay
Accommodation on this route
Seven nights, shared throughout. Expect the same style and price bracket as these real budget properties in each location.
Night 1 · Dades Gorges
Luxury Dades Riad or Auberge Tissadrin, half board (HB) — a kasbah-style riad with mudbrick rooms and terrace gorge views, dinner included.
Night 2 · Merzouga desert camp
Ideal Desert Camp, half board (HB) — dorm tents at the dunes' edge, shared bathrooms, dinner and breakfast included.
Night 3 · Ouarzazate
A budget guesthouse near the medina, similar to Le Petit Riad — simple twin rooms, rooftop terrace.
Nights 4–5 · Marrakech
A medina riad in the same bracket as Riad Jennah Rouge or Riad les Oliviers — dorm beds from around €15, walking distance to Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Nights 6–7 · Essaouira
A coastal medina guesthouse comparable to Riad Aylal — simple rooms a short walk from the port and ramparts.
Private upgrade
Private rooms are available on every night as a paid upgrade — let us know at booking, subject to availability.
What's included
- Shared transport in an air-conditioned minivan
- English/Spanish/French-speaking driver-guide throughout
- 7 nights' accommodation (shared twin/dorm rooms)
- Camel trek and 1 night at the desert camp
- Guided walking tours in Marrakech and Essaouira
- Breakfast daily and 4 dinners
Not included
- Flights and travel insurance
- Optional add-ons (hammam, cooking class, surfing, horseback riding)
- Lunches and remaining dinners
- Tips for driver and guide
- Private rooms (available on request, extra cost)
Good to Know
Two rest days built into the route
Groups are capped at 16 travelers. Departures run every Saturday year-round — book early for October–April, our busiest season.
The two free days in Marrakech and Essaouira are intentionally unstructured — a good chance to book a spa, cooking class, or surf lesson on top of the base trip.
Booking terms: Send an enquiry first; we confirm the departure, final price, and payment instructions by email. No payment is taken through this website.
FAQs
8-Day Desert & Coast Questions
Are the free days really free, or guided?
Fully free — no scheduled activities. We're happy to recommend or help book optional add-ons like a hammam, cooking class, or surf lesson.
Do I need to rejoin the same group after the free days?
Yes — the group and vehicle stay together for the whole route, including the Marrakech-to-Essaouira legs.
Is accommodation shared for all 7 nights?
Yes, the €678 price is based on shared twin/dorm rooms throughout. A private room upgrade is available on request, subject to availability.
What should I pack for the desert night?
Desert nights get cold even in summer — bring a warm layer, plus sunscreen, a scarf or hat for wind and sun, and comfortable walking shoes.
What if the group doesn't fill up?
Departures run on fixed weekly dates regardless of group size — your trip runs even if only a few seats are booked.
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