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Africa / Morocco / Desert & Coast Explorer

Desert & Coast Explorer — 7 Days

4.6/5 Duration: 7 days From $1,199 pp

Trip Overview

One unforgettable week: cross the High Atlas, ride camels into glowing dunes for a starlit camp, then trace the Atlantic to Essaouira’s breezy ramparts. The route balances signature sights with free time and flexible add-ons.

  • Starts: Marrakech • Ends: Marrakech or Essaouira
  • Style: Small group or private • 3–4★ riads + desert camp
  • Best months: Mar–Jun • Sep–Nov
  • Activity level: Easy–Moderate (some steps, alleys, sand)

Itinerary — Day by Day

D1 Arrive MarrakechMeals: –
Daily snapshot
  • Airport pickup & riad check-in (old-town or nearby).
  • Orientation walk to the main square as the city warms up for the evening.
  • Welcome talk with your trip leader—money, etiquette, and tomorrow’s mountain drive.
Optional add-ons
  • Hammam & spa (60–90 min).
  • Rooftop dinner with live oud.
Riad stayOrientationOld medina
D2 High Atlas → Aït Benhaddou → OuarzazateMeals: B, D • Drive: 4.5–5.5h
Morning
  • Ascend the Tizi n’Tichka pass (photo stops & coffee views).
  • Visit an Atlas village for mint tea with a local family.
Afternoon
  • Guided walk through the UNESCO ksar of Aït Benhaddou.
  • Continue to Ouarzazate; check-in and dinner.
Atlas passesUNESCOKasbahs
D3 Draa Valley → Merzouga (Camel trek & Camp)Meals: B, D • Drive: 5h
Morning
  • Drive the Draa Valley palms and kasbahs; picnic or café lunch en route.
Late afternoon & evening
  • Camel trek at golden hour.
  • Sahara camp dinner & music; stargazing.
Camel trekSahara campStargazing
D4 Sunrise dunes → Rissani → Skoura/OuarzazateMeals: B • Drive: 4–5h
Early
  • Sunrise on the dunes (walk up a ridge for huge views).
Day
  • Stop in Rissani market for dates & spices.
  • Continue through oasis towns to Skoura or back to Ouarzazate.
SunriseOases
D5 Overland to the Atlantic → EssaouiraMeals: B • Drive: 5–6h
Route
  • Cross argan hills; spot goats in argan trees (seasonal).
  • Arrive Essaouira: breezy lanes, port & ramparts.
Evening
  • Fresh seafood by the harbor or a rooftop terrace.
CoastArgan grovesSeafood
D6 Essaouira at leisure (surf or argan cooperatives)Meals: B • Easy walking
Ideas
  • Guided medina walk (Skala, wood workshops, Mellah).
  • Surf / kitesurf lesson on the long bay.
  • Visit argan oil cooperatives in the hills.
Food finds
  • Sardine “balls”, grilled sea bream, orange–cinnamon salad.
Leisure dayBeachLocal crafts
D7 Return to Marrakech & departMeals: B • Drive: 2.5–3h (ESS→RAK)
Final day
  • Morning drive to Marrakech airport (or add extra nights).
  • Depart with sand in your shoes and sea salt in your hair.
TransferExtensions available

What’s Included

  • 6 nights accommodation (riads/guesthouses + 1 night Sahara camp)
  • Private A/C transport with professional driver throughout
  • Camel trek at sunset • Guided Aït Benhaddou visit • Essaouira old-town walk
  • Daily breakfast; 2 dinners (Ouarzazate & desert camp)
  • Entrance fees per itinerary & on-trip support

Not included: international flights, insurance, tips, optional activities, and meals not listed.

Good to Know

  • Luggage: Soft bags pack best for 4×4/camp legs.
  • Weather: Desert nights can be cool—bring a warm layer year-round.
  • Dietary: We can accommodate; please note needs at inquiry.

Dates & Prices

Sep 17 → Sep 24
Route: Marrakech ⇄ Essaouira • 6 nights • Double
FROM $1,199 pp
Sep 24 → Oct 1
Route: Marrakech ⇄ Essaouira • 6 nights • Double
FROM $1,199 pp
Oct 2 → Oct 9
Route: Marrakech ⇄ Essaouira • 6 nights • Double
FROM $1,249 pp
3 seats left Book Now
Oct 9 → Oct 16
Route: Marrakech ⇄ Essaouira • 6 nights • Double
FROM $1,249 pp
7 seats available Book Now

Prices are “from” per person, double occupancy, land-only. Final price varies by season, group size, and room type.

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