Marrakech to Agadir: 6-Day Adventure Through Atlas and Sahara

A Quick Overview of the Tour

Embark on an exceptional journey through southern Morocco from Marrakech to Agadir in 6 days. From the High Atlas mountains to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, via historic kasbahs, lush valleys, hidden oases, and Berber villages, this trip immerses you in the natural and cultural richness of Saharan Morocco.

Hiking in the gorges, camel rides, nights under the stars in a luxury bivouac, Gnaoua music, desert buggy exploration, and crossing spectacular landscapes to the Atlantic coast – a complete, authentic, and unforgettable itinerary.

Price:

From €1200 / person

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Fint Oasis – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, depart at 8:30 am from your accommodation in Marrakech for an unforgettable adventure through southern Morocco’s spectacular landscapes. Take the winding road through the High Atlas, climbing to the Tizi-n-Tichka pass at 2,260 meters – one of Morocco’s highest road passes. This route offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains in winter, Berber villages clinging to slopes, and juniper and pine forests. First stop at the mysterious Telouet Kasbah, once home to the powerful Pacha El Glaoui, the “Lord of the Atlas.” Though partly in ruins, this kasbah retains remarkable Andalusian and Moorish architectural elements: carved stucco, colorful zelliges, and painted cedar ceilings, a poignant testament to past opulence and Morocco’s 20th-century political history. Continue along the splendid Ounila Valley, an off-the-beaten-path route winding through ochre cliffs, adobe villages, and cultivated gardens. This is one of southern Morocco’s most beautiful stretches, once used by caravans linking the Sahara to Marrakech. Arrive at the majestic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fortified village, a stunning example of traditional pre-Saharan architecture, has been featured in films like Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Explore its alleys, climb to the top for views over the Ounila wadi, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, head to Ouarzazate, the "Gateway to the Desert." Visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, among Africa’s largest, where numerous blockbusters were filmed. Then, proceed to the Fint Oasis, a hidden gem nestled in the mountains. Accessible via a track, this peaceful haven is home to a small Berber community living off agriculture and crafts. Take a short walk among palm trees, irrigated gardens, and adobe houses. By late afternoon, check into your hotel in Ouarzazate. Enjoy a traditional dinner and overnight stay in a warm, authentic atmosphere.

Day 3: Todra Gorges – Tinghir Palm Grove – Ziz Valley – Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic morning walk through the Todra Gorges, a natural limestone cathedral with cliffs up to 300 meters high. A favorite spot for hiking and climbing, it offers a peaceful, mineral atmosphere. Continue with a stroll through the lush Tinghir palm grove, one of southern Morocco’s greenest, with cultivated fields, irrigation canals, date palms, and adobe kasbahs, immersing you in traditional Berber rural life. Around 10:30 am, head east toward the Sahara. The route crosses dramatic landscapes of arid plateaus, ochre mountains, and green valleys. Enter the Ziz Valley, striking for its endless palm grove along the riverbed, dotted with fortified ksour villages. Further along, pass through the Tafilalet Valley, a historic region known for its oases, dates, and as the cradle of the Alawite dynasty, once a major trans-Saharan trade hub. Arrive at Erfoud, the gateway to the desert, famous for marine fossils over 350 million years old. Enjoy lunch and an optional visit to a fossil and marble craftsmanship workshop. In the afternoon, reach the majestic Merzouga dunes, known as Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco’s most beautiful sand deserts, with dunes up to 250 meters high. Embark on an unforgettable 1-hour camel ride, moving at the slow, peaceful pace of these desert animals, to a high vantage point for a magical sunset over the dunes. Check into a luxury bivouac, welcomed with mint tea, followed by a traditional Moroccan dinner under tents or the starry sky, accompanied by Saharan music around a campfire. Spend a comfortable night in a tent under a spectacular starry sky.

Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Tazarine – N’Kob – Drâa Valley – Agdez

After a magical sunrise over the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoy a morning walk in the breathtaking Saharan landscape. The desert’s silence, changing sand colors, and golden dawn light create a unique, serene atmosphere. After breakfast at the camp, head southwest to Rissani, a historic town considered the cradle of the Alawite dynasty, still reigning in Morocco. Once a major caravan hub between sub-Saharan Africa and the north, Rissani boasts rich architecture with adobe ksour, lively souks, and mausoleums. A short visit to the traditional souk may be possible, time permitting. Continue through the desert and mineral landscapes of southern Morocco, passing through the semi-arid villages of Alnif and Tazarine, surrounded by desert plateaus where nomadic cultures persist. Lunch in N’Kob, an authentic village known for its numerous adobe kasbahs and panoramic views of the Jbel Saghro mountains. In the afternoon, enter the Drâa Valley, Morocco’s longest valley, formed by the confluence of the Dades and Ouarzazate rivers. Follow the ancient caravan route through the vast palm grove, dotted with fortified villages, traditional kasbahs, and irrigated farmlands. This is an authentic Saharan experience, blending nature, culture, and history. Arrive in Agdez by late afternoon, a peaceful town at the foot of Jbel Kissane. Check into a traditional riad in the heart of the palm grove for a homemade dinner and a warm, Berber-style overnight stay.

Day 6: Agdez – Taznakht – Taliouine – Taroudant – Agadir

After a traditional breakfast at the riad, take a morning walk through the Agdez palm grove, one of the Drâa Valley’s oldest. This lush landscape of date palms, irrigated gardens, and adobe houses showcases traditional irrigation systems still used by local farmers, a living testament to a deeply rooted rural lifestyle. Depart the Drâa Valley for Agadir on the Atlantic coast, crossing the vibrant Anti-Atlas mountains, wild plateaus, and perched Berber villages. Stop in Taznakht, known for its handwoven Berber carpets, true works of traditional art. Continue to Taliouine, Morocco’s saffron capital. Depending on the season (October-November), witness the harvest or visit a cooperative to learn about this precious spice, valued for its subtle flavors and medicinal properties. Lunch on-site. In the afternoon, head to Agadir via Taroudant, nicknamed “Little Marrakech” for its impressive adobe ramparts, lively souks, and authentic atmosphere. Arrive in Agadir by late afternoon, a major Moroccan seaside resort on the Atlantic Ocean. End of the tour.