Tour description

8-Day Moroccan Desert Tour - Draa Valley Trekking

Morocco boasts a rich and varied desert: green oases and palm groves, arid stony plateaus, magical sand dunes, fortified kasbahs and ksours. Camel trekking, camel trekking, discovery tours and sunrise and sunset bivouacs in the dunes are the most popular activities.

You'll see both the life of the oasis, a paradise of greenery, and the unforgettable life of a starry desert sky amidst the dunes. You'll understand the importance of water and the art of conserving it. You'll also see the incredible fortified villages inside the cool, secret passages, inhabited by the semi-nomadic AIT ATTA, descendants of the Arab and Berber tribes of sub-Saharan Africa.

These tours can also be enjoyed by camel trekking, hiking, mountain biking or 4x4.

The team will be made up of a qualified guide and a camel team to transport supplies and luggage.

Tour highlights

  • Discover the rich and varied Moroccan desert with its oases and verdant palm groves.
  • Camel trekking through magical dunes and arid plateaus.
  • Bivouac in the dunes to admire spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
  • Immerse yourself in oasis life and understand the importance of water.
  • Discover the fortified villages inhabited by the AIT ATTA semi-nomads.
  • Nights under the stars in the desert with exceptional starry skies.

Detailed itinerary of the 8-day tour

Day 1

Arrival and transfer to hotel

Welcome at the airport, transfer and overnight at the hotel in Marrakech. Settle in and prepare for the start of your desert adventure.

Day 2

Marrakech - Tichka Pass - Ouarzazate - Zagora - Zawiat Sidi Saleh Tidri - Camp (440 km)

Departure from Marrakech and crossing of the magnificent Tichka Pass. Passage through Ouarzazate and Zagora before arriving at Zawiat Sidi Saleh Tidri for the first night in a desert camp.

Day 3

Tidri - Oued Draa - Dunes Rgabi - About 5h walk - Camp

First day of hiking in the desert. Cross the Oued Draa and discover the magnificent Rgabi dunes. Overnight in a camp in the middle of the dunes.

Day 4

Dunes de Rgabi - Dunes Mzouria - About 4h30 walk

Continuation of the hike to the Mzouria dunes. Discover the varied desert landscapes and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the desert.

Day 5

Dunes Mzouria - Dunes Oued Naam - 4h walk

Hike to the Oued Naam dunes. Experience nomadic life and discover desert survival techniques.

Day 6

Oued Naam - Mhamid palm grove - 4h30 walk

Last day of hiking to the magnificent Mhamid palm grove. Back to civilization after this total immersion in the desert.

Day 7

Transfer to Marrakech

Departure from Mhamid and return to Marrakech. Check-in at the hotel and free evening to share memories of this desert adventure.

Day 8

Airport transfer

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for your return flight with unforgettable memories of the Moroccan desert.

What's included

Included

  • Pick-up on arrival at the airport
  • Airport - Hotel - Hiking - Hotel - Airport transfers
  • The assistance of a qualified guide and a camel team for the transport of supplies and luggage
  • Nights in a hotel or Riad in town
  • Nights in tents in the desert
  • Full board during the tour

Not included

  • Cancellation and assistance insurance (Compulsory!)
  • Beverages and personal expenses
  • Tips for local staff
  • Meals in town

Additional Tour Details

Hiking time

8 days

Hiking difficulty

Medium hike

Best Season

October - April

Group size

From 2 persons

Type of hike

Draa Valley Desert Tour

Hiking Price

On request

Frequently asked questions

How difficult is this desert tour?

This is a medium-level hike. Walking days vary from 4 to 5 hours in the desert. Elevation changes are generally slight, but walking in the sand can be more demanding. Accessible to anyone in good general physical condition.

How do you transport your luggage in the desert?

We use a camel team with dromedaries to carry luggage and supplies to the bivouac each evening. You carry only your day backpack on the treks.

When is the best time to visit the Moroccan desert?

The best season for this tour is from October to April. Temperatures are pleasant during the day and cool at night. Summer should be avoided, as temperatures can be extremely high in the desert.

What are the meals during your desert trek?

Full board is provided throughout the tour. Meals are prepared by our team and include Moroccan specialties. Most lunches are picnics, and dinners are prepared at the bivouac. Special diets can be catered for on request.

Moroccan Desert Photo Gallery