9 Days Tour from Marrakech: Medina, Dades Valley & Sahara
Why Choose This 9 Days Tour from Marrakech
This 9 days tour from Marrakech gives you time for the city, the mountains and the Sahara without long rushed days. To begin with, you explore the medina with a local guide. Then you cross the High Atlas to the Dades Valley, walk among Berber villages and spend two nights in the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Throughout the trip, you also travel with your own English-speaking driver in a private vehicle. As a result, you choose the pace and the stops. In fact, the route returns by Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou, so you see the south of Morocco from two sides.
However, if you have less time, see our 7 days in Marrakech tour or the 4 day desert tour to Erg Chebbi. Also see all our tours from Marrakech.
| Duration | 9 days / 8 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Marrakech airport or your hotel |
| Route | Marrakech – Dades Valley – Merzouga – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech |
| Nights | 3 to 4 star hotels and riads, 2 nights in a desert camp |
| Meals | Breakfast and dinner |
| Price | From 1,050 € per person |
Highlights of the 9 Days Tour from Marrakech
- To begin with, explore the souks, the Bahia Palace and Majorelle with a guide.
- Then cross the High Atlas to the Dades Valley.
- After that, walk through Berber villages and share lunch with a family.
- Also, ride a camel and spend two nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Later, hear Gnawa music in Khamlia and meet nomad families.
- Finally, visit Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou on the way back.
9 Days Tour from Marrakech: Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
To begin with, your driver meets you at Marrakech airport and takes you to your riad. Then you have free time, for example for a first walk to Jemaa el-Fna at sunset.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Marrakech
In the morning, a local guide shows you the medina. Along the way, you also see the Koutoubia, the Bahia Palace, the souks and the Majorelle Garden. In the afternoon, you have free time to shop or relax.
Day 3: Marrakech – High Atlas – Dades Valley
Then you leave Marrakech and cross the High Atlas on the Tichka pass. Later, you pass Ouarzazate and the El Mansour Eddahbi lake. In general, the drive takes about 6.5 hours with stops, so you reach your hotel in the Dades Valley in the evening.
Day 4: Walk in the Dades Valley
In the morning, you walk with a local guide through villages of earth houses and terraced fields. After that, a Berber family serves you lunch, for example couscous or a tagine. In the afternoon, you can also learn about carpet weaving, before a second night in the valley.
Day 5: Dades – Todra – Erfoud – Merzouga
Then you drive east, past the Todra gorge and the fossil town of Erfoud. Later, you reach Merzouga and ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset. In the evening, you enjoy dinner and music at the desert camp.
Day 6: A Day in the Sahara
Early in the morning, you watch the sunrise over the dunes. Then a 4×4 takes you around the desert to meet nomad families. After that, you also hear Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia. On request, you can try sandboarding or quad biking, before a second night in camp.
Day 7: Merzouga – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, you drive west through Rissani and the oases of the south. Along the way, you also stop for fresh dates in season. In the afternoon, you visit a film studio in Ouarzazate, before your night in a hotel.
Day 8: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech
Then you visit the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and walk up its lanes. Afterwards, you cross the Tichka pass, with stops at the viewpoints. As a result, you reach Marrakech in the late afternoon.
Day 9: Departure from Marrakech
Finally, your driver takes you to Marrakech Menara airport, about 25 minutes from the medina, for your flight.
Expert tip from our drivers
Plan this tour from March to May or from September to November, because the weather is mild. In addition, pack a small bag for the two desert nights, since the main bags stay in the car. Also, bring warm clothes for the mountains in winter. Finally, tell us if you want lunch stops with vegetarian food.
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What Is Included
- Included
- Airport transfers in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver
- 8 nights in 3 to 4 star hotels and riads, including 2 nights in a desert camp
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Guided tour of Marrakech and a guided walk in the Dades Valley
- Camel ride in Erg Chebbi
- Entrance fees to the visited sites
- Not included
- Lunches (except the Berber family lunch)
- Drinks
- Optional activities: sandboarding, quad bikes
- Travel insurance
- Tips
Good to Know Before Your 9 Days Tour
- Arrival: we also meet you at Marrakech airport on day 1.
- Level: walking is easy, so the tour suits most travellers.
- Desert camp: the tents have beds and bathrooms.
- Visa: many nationalities can visit Morocco without a visa, but check with your consulate.
- Season: read our Merzouga weather guide.
- Medina: also see our Marrakech souks guide.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 9 Days Tour from Marrakech
Prices start at 1,050 € per person, because every tour is private. Therefore, the final price depends on your group size and hotels, so ask us for a free quote.
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Marrakech → Dades Valley → Todra → Merzouga → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Marrakech
FAQ About the 9 Days Tour from Marrakech
What is the best time for the 9 days tour from Marrakech?
In general, spring and autumn are best, because the days are mild in the desert and the mountains.
Is the camel ride difficult?
No, the pace is slow and a guide leads each camel, so beginners enjoy it.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner are included. Also, the lunch with a Berber family in Dades is included.
How physical is the tour?
It is easy, because the walks are short and gentle.
Can I change the itinerary?
Yes, in fact the tour is private, so we can add a night or change a stop.
Is the 9 days tour from Marrakech good for families?
Yes, in general children love the camels, the dunes and the kasbahs.
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TripAdvisor Reviews
★★★★★
Amazing tour guide
I would like to share our experience and give feedback on the trip taken by us. We really enjoyed the trip with Mr. Mohammad, he really took very good care of us during the entire trip. He was very cordial, warm, and respectful during the entire journey…
— Tehseen A
★★★★★
Fantastic trip
Fantastic trip, Mohammed is an excellent guide, great person as well. He looked after our group of 5 people. He tailored the trip to our interests. We had lots of interesting stops and stayed in great places. He also made sure we were always safe and comfortable….
— Peter H
★★★★★
Private tour around Morocco
Absolutely fantastic! Great vista and wonderful people! Ate authentic Moroccan meals with local families. Experienced next level hospitality with some fantastic locals. Hit the highlights from the tree climbing and jumping goats, to shopping in the Marrakech ..
— Spring rabiea
★★★★★
Morrocos stays in the heart
Morocco leaves an indelible mark on our souls and hearts! With its captivating scents, flavors, and natural wonders, it enchants us effortlessly! And who better than Mohammed to lead and guide us through these paradisiacal destinations! Choukran..
— Quest60915749423
Read more reviews on Tripadvisor.