A 3 Day Adventure to the Sahara Desert
An exciting adventure to see the Atlas Mountains, Game of Thrones Locations and spending a night in the Sahara Desert!
A trip to the Sahara Desert has to be done when you’re in Morocco right?! I didn’t get a chance to do much exploring last year when I was in Marrakech for my hen weekend and spending a night in the Sahara definitely had to be ticked off our list!
Sunset over the dunes
How pretty is this!
Valley of the roses
A 3 day/ 2 night Sahara Desert tour was organised to depart from Marrakech with Camel Trekking to visit Aït-Benhaddou, Todra Gorge, Todra Valley, Valley of the Roses and an overnight stay in the Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Let’s show you the highlights of the Sahara Tour …
Day One
We were to meet our driver by the Ben Youssef Mosque at 08.10am, however, our manager at the Riad kindly arranged for the driver, Aziz, to meet and walk us straight to the car instead. Once we arrived at Jemaa El-Fnaa, we met the rest of our tour group. Our group consisted of 6 people in total and the drive was in a 4×4 Black Toyota Jeep. Large pieces of luggage were placed on the roof rack and small rucksacks in the boot. We decided to just take a rucksack each and left the rest of our belongings at the riad as it was just 3 days… When I saw the 4×4, I thought yes this was going to be a comfy ride compared to a mini van. Just my luck, Ian and I were to be seated in the middle row and I was stuck right in the middle between the two guys. A bit squashed and not much room to move! In our opinion we felt the group should have consisted of a maximum of 5 adults for a more comfortable experience when using the 4×4 Jeep.
Amazing views!
So off we went and we all quickly got to know each other and had a good laugh during the entire trip. We made a quick stop at O.Zate for our driver, Ibrahaim, to show us our tour route and where we would be stopping along the way. Shortly after we made another stop as Ibrahaim swapped with Aziz again (we had no idea why the change in driver!) and after a brief coffee stop, we made our way to the High Atlas range.
Tizi Ntichka Pass
We travelled this windy road between Marrakech and Ouarzazate which takes you through the High Atlas mountain. Here at 2260m high, we stopped and admired the beautiful views of both the mountains and valley.
Tizi Ntichika Pass
During the drive we noticed how dry and rocky the land was; an arid, reddish, rusty brown landscape with sparse trees.
Mountain pass in Morocco
The road zigzagged around the mountain and there were so many bends I lost count! If you do get car sick, then I recommend taking travel tablets. Luckily Aziz was a careful driver although we did notice some crazy local drivers out there overtaking cars and lorries even on blind bends! Yes that’s right… blind bends! Seriously dangerous and I was so glad that Aziz was not one of those crazy drivers.
Aït Benhaddou
After a couple of hours driving we arrived at Aït Benhaddou – luckily we had a 4WD as we were able to drive up onto a steep dirt track road for panoramic views of Aït Benhaddou. The view of Aït Benhaddou was stunning … WOW.
Ksar of Aït-Benhaddou
Aït Benhaddou is a fortified city located in Ouarzazate, in the foothills, on the southern side of the High Atlas Mountains. The closely built red earthen buildings (also known as Ksar) are surrounded by high walls, which were used as a means of defence. This UNESCO world heritage site is renowned in the film industry, as it has been used in many film scenes such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade to name a few. Recently it was used in the scene with Daenarys Targaryan freeing the Unsullied in the global hit series ‘Game of Thrones’. This was the site we were most looking forward to exploring, being avid Game of Throne fans!
The bridge to Aït-Benhaddou
The architecture is striking with the red clay houses built so close knit with towers reinforcing the defensive walls. Even though some areas are in need of repair and restoration, tourists are still able to walk through the narrow streets here. There’s plenty of photo opportunities, which makes this site a very popular tourist destination. As you walk through the village, you can browse the shops and pick yourself up a range of souvenirs.
Fancy any souvenirs?
As we arrived here at 2pm, our small group decided to lunch first to work up an appetite then explore the area to avoid the crowds. The lunch was much needed – Ian and I shared a set menu and unfortunately for me, melon was for dessert!
After lunch, we headed to Aït Benhaddou and meandered our way past the little shops through the narrow streets and up many uneven steps, to finally reach the top for those panoramic views. At this point I was super hot and sweaty, but these stunning views were worth it!
View of the site from the top
View from the top
Quick stop before heading down
We took lots of photos as our driver waited very patiently for us. Aziz then led us back down towards the river for more photo opportunities. As we approached the river, my first thought was … oh no, knowing my luck I’m going to fall in! No, no Lana be positive keep going and don’t stop! Sand bags had been placed for people to cross the river, a couple were a bit of a stretch for my little legs and involved a little leap of faith. There were kids hanging around wanting to help you, but really expected money – just ignore them as you won’t need their help. If I managed to cross the river, so can you!
View of Aït-Benhaddou across the river
The river at low tide
Crossing that river was definitely worth doing for the pictures! The views were so pretty with the reflection of Aït Benhaddou on the river water.
I was in need of something refreshing from the walk and what better way to cool down than having an ice lolly! Oooh that ice lolly was a god send at 15 Dirhams – much needed in that heat. We then packed ourselves into the 4WD as our next stop was the Atlas Studios.
Tip: Wear trainers and be careful with the uneven steps.
Atlas Studios
Arriving at the Atlas Studios, I felt quite disappointed as this stop didn’t excite me. Personally I felt that this part of the trip could have been missed off. Atlas Studios is one of the largest film sets in the world and was first used for the film ‘Lawrence of Arabia’. Ouarzazate has been the location for many films, such as The Mummy, Star Wars, Gladiator, The Living Daylights and Body of Lies. I snapped a few pics of the area and jumped back into the car for the next stop.
Atlas studios
Valley of the Roses
Here at the Valley of the Roses, it’s known for the beautiful roses that bud during April and May, thousands of pink roses bloom everywhere, which are then sold to the rose cooperatives in the valley. The pink roses are harvested by local families who then separate the buds from the pink petals. Did you know that the buds can be used for cooking?
Sunset over the valley of the roses
Dried pink roses
The roses are bought by distilleries to produce rose soaps, rose water and pot-pourri. The petals are also distilled for rose oil, which is an important ingredient for the perfumeries. Apparently when the roses are in season, it’s a beautiful sight to see and very fragrant. Unfortunately for us the roses were not in season in September, although a stop was made if you wished to learn more on the rose distillery and the chance to purchase rose scented products.
Overnight stay at La Gazelle du Dades Hotel
We finally made our way to the Dades Gorge via ‘The Thousand Kasbahs Route’ and arrived at our hotel fairly late at 8pm. This hotel was pretty popular with various tour groups staying here overnight. We were allocated a private room on the third floor – the room was basic, very spacious, clean, furnished with two firm double beds, a private bathroom and toiletries were provided. There was even a large balcony area with a view of the river. Great for one nights stay.
Two double beds
Dinner was served on the first floor; the starter was harira soup, the main course was chicken tajine served with local bread and dessert included fresh fruit and sweet pastries. The pastries were lurrrvely! They were so good that I even ate the pastries from the next table! (Note that the drinks are not included with the evening meal). Straight after dinner we were invited to another area to enjoy some entertainment … live music from the staff!
Breakfast was served at 8.30am, although we did notice that the other tour groups had already left by this time. For breakfast we gobbled up fresh bread served with butter, jam, honey, boiled eggs, crepes and washed down with fresh mint tea.
Breakfast choices
Day Two
Dades Valley & Monkey Fingers
Leaving Dades Gorge around 9.30am, we stopped at Monkey Fingers Valley to capture the views over Dades Valley. What a beautiful view of the red rocky mountains against the bright green fertile land of the valley, surrounded by the mud brick kasbah. Monkey Fingers Valley is named due to the strange natural rock formations that have been eroded, and now resemble ‘fingers’. The Dades Valley is great for those who love to hike – why not hike through the mountain ridges of the Monkey Fingers.
Dades valley
Monkey fingers
Todra Valley
Stepping out of the car to be met by the lush green valley was a magnificent sight! The green fields and palm trees on the valley floor completely surround the red mud brick Kasbahs. What makes the area so lush and green, is the fresh water from the river feeding into the farmland. We even spotted local women working down in the fields.
Beautiful scenery
Todra Gorge
Our driver dropped us off at the entrance to the gorge, which then allowed us to take a short walk through the canyon. The walls of the gorge are separated by a clear trickling stream – the water is so fresh it’s safe to drink.
Todra Gorge
Fresh water from the stream
Sahara Desert
We couldn’t contain our excitement to finally be sleeping in the dunes of the Sahara Desert. This is what we had been waiting for! Our bags could be left at the hotel, which was located on the edge of the dunes, however as we only brought a small rucksack each during our trip we decided to take them with us during our camel ride.
Our camels parked for the evening
The orange sand of the Sahara desert
Sahara desert
It was a camel each for the camel ride and hold on tight; the last thing you want is a face full of sand. I actually enjoyed the camel massage ride, taking in the views of the Sahara Desert and the orange sand dunes. After an hour and a half ride we spotted our luxury camp, and was welcomed by the berbers with a glass of mint tea in hand. And time to relax.
Our luxury camp
Who would have thought that the luxury tents would have electricity with running hot and cold water in the private bathroom. Yes, you heard it right … we had our own bathroom. Dinner included a 3 course meal and drinks. After dinner all the guests in the camp gathered around the camp fire to listen to live music from the berbers.
The next morning we woke up bright and early for the sunrise – this is what we were all waiting for to capture that picture perfect sun rising over the dunes.
Walking up the dunes early in the morning
Camel ride
A quick breakfast was consumed, bags packed and we headed back to the hotel with the option to either return by jeep or by camel (we chose the camels again – why not).
Details of the overnight stay in the Sahara Desert can be found in our post Luxury Camping in the Sahara Desert.
Day Three
We met the rest of our group back at the hotel and prepared ourselves for the long drive back to Marrakech. The majority of the time on day 3 is spent in the car, so get comfy. Luckily there were only 3 of us on the return journey as the other 3 went on to Casablanca – so lots of room to stretch out. There were a couple of breaks during the long drive back with a stop for lunch. Aziz was very accommodating and allowed me to jump out of the car to take those scenic shots.
Atlas mountains
High Atlas Mountains
The drive back was pretty long and it took around 9 hours to eventually arrive at our riad. We did however capture the prettiest sunset over Koutobia Mosque.
Koutoubia Mosque
Tips:
- Lunch is not included during the tour and drinks were not included during the evening meal on the first night.
- Before arriving at the hotel in Merzouga, stop off at the shop to buy your bottles of mineral water . It’ll be cheaper here than the hotel.
- Bring comfortable shoes with you for walking around especially at Aït Benhaddou.
- For the desert, wear your flip flops when walking on the sand dunes. I stupidly wore trainers and my toes were drowned in the sand.
- If you’re taking an expensive camera with you to take the sunset/sunrise photos over the sand dunes, be careful as the sand may get into your lens.
How to Book:
We arranged our 3 day adventure with Camel Trekking via emails which was pretty easy. Omar was very helpful and responded to my queries very quickly. Full payment was made during the tour and no deposit was required.
Overall, the Sahara Desert tour is definitely worth doing and if time is on your side and not in rush, then we’d recommend the 3 days/2 nights tour. Just be prepared with the long drive back to Marrakech. Otherwise you can make your way to Fes from the Sahara Desert. Our driver Aziz, drove safely at all times, was helpful, patient and funny too!
Price: 150 Euros per person. For a luxury tent, it’s an additional 30 Euros per person.
Have you done the Sahara desert tour from Marrakech? What did you think of the tour?
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* Disclaimer: We did receive a discount from Camel Trekking, in exchange for an unbiased review of our experience, and as always, all opinions are our own.
* The links used are affiliate links. By buying through the links we may receive a small commission for the sale. This has no effect on the price you pay.
Cathy Ulrickson 08/10/2018 (22:35)
Wow! This is my dream trip. Planning on a 17 day tour trip with Gate 1 – who I love. Been in several trips with them. Would this be safe for a single female? I absolutely loved this post! It painted a picture of the entire adventure. Thank you!!
Lana 09/10/2018 (09:32)
Yes this trip is safe for a single female. In our small group, we had a single female travelling with us. Everyone in the group were so friendly and got along well. You’ll have an amazing time! 🙂
Constance 01/07/2018 (09:16)
This tour looks like so much fun! It has so many things I’d love to do in the Marrakesh area, like see Game of Thrones filming spots, learn about history, see ruins, AND desert camping. I’ve totally been DYING to ride a camel and stay in a tent in the desert. I’ll totally need to do this tour when I go to Morocco!
Lana 01/07/2018 (14:23)
If you’re a Games of Thrones fan you have to do this trip. Desert camping was on our bucket list! It took me a little while to get used to the camel riding ha ha 😉
Krista 01/04/2018 (22:47)
I love your travels and website! Really amazing to travel to a lot of places! Beautiful!
Lana 02/04/2018 (14:10)
Thanks for the lovely comment Krista! Glad you’re enjoying reading our travels 🙂
Becca Talbot 18/12/2017 (11:47)
Looks like you took nearly as many photos as I would, had I been there! This trip sounds absolutely amazing Lana – I’d love to visit the Sahara one day! x
Lana 18/12/2017 (11:59)
I do get super clicky with the camera! 😉 I hope you do visit the Sahara one day 🙂
Alice 13/12/2017 (15:14)
Wow this is incredible! When I think ‘Sahara’ I don’t think of lush gardens, but those photos show a lot of greenery! What an amazing experience.
Lana 13/12/2017 (15:16)
Sahara was on our bucket list for ages! Thanks for the kind comment 🙂
Anthony (one of FourFriendsOneWorld) 09/12/2017 (01:40)
When someone says desert you assume there isn’t much to see. You have proven the opposite is true.
Thank you for sharing this adventure. The photos and description of the journey has encouraged me to put this region on my list.
When thinking of Africa I tend to think of Safari and wildlife. Or the usual Egyptian tourist spots. What you have shown is so on point for cultural immersion and very us.
Keep travelling and blogging. Adventure is always better when shared with friends.
Lana 09/12/2017 (12:03)
Thank you so much for the lovely comment. I’m so please you enjoyed our post and we could be of help with your future holiday planning! 🙂
Eric Gamble 08/12/2017 (19:10)
I dont know where to start Lana. Darcee & I have been dying to go to Morocco and I desperately want to do a Sahara Tour. I have never even heard of Aït Benhaddou but that place looks amazing. I too would have not cared much about the studio.
On day 2 that canyon would be right up my alley for backpacking if I had the time to trek it.
But the highlight for me outside of all the food is the camel riding through the desert! Thanks for the info on the tour. This is getting added to my list!
Lana 08/12/2017 (19:24)
You two have to go if you get the chance! You’ll love the camel ride and you get to stop to watch the sunset! 🙂
Alexander Popkov 08/12/2017 (17:34)
Well done! Loved your adventure. I think from all these, Benhaddou is my favorite. It looks surreal with its red architecture and absence of people.
Lana 08/12/2017 (17:50)
Ait Benhaddou was incredible and I didn’t realise how many films were done in this area 🙂
The Wildest Tales 08/12/2017 (09:56)
I did the same thing couple of years ago but a 2 days/1 night thing – it’s definitely better to go for 3 days / 2 nights option as nights there are so magical! I live in London and I’ve never seen so many stars! We did it in March and it was so cold in the desert and in the mountains – my friend was suffering from that camel ride lol
Lana 08/12/2017 (13:57)
I must say it was a little bit wobbly on the camel ride! It was warm end of September, didn’t even need a jacket. Can you believe that it actually started to rain when we were there!
Trace 06/12/2017 (14:25)
Your post makes the Sahara trip look much less intimidating. I’ll need to add that to my list, huh?
Lana 06/12/2017 (14:51)
Yes definitely add to your list 😉
Lisa 05/12/2017 (17:47)
Hey Lana, looks like a great trip. We hope to visit Morroco sometime in the near future as well 🙂
Lana 05/12/2017 (18:28)
Morocco is a fantastic country to visit! 🙂
Rachel 05/12/2017 (16:59)
What an amazing adventure! I always love deserts but haven’t been to the Sahara yet! Thanks for all the great info.
Lana 05/12/2017 (17:01)
Such a great experience! Thanks for the comment! 🙂
Liz Gen 05/12/2017 (11:06)
Morocco and Sahara desert has been on our long list for a very long time. I’m glad you were able to ticked it off from your list. That was amazing adventure you had. 🙂
Lana 05/12/2017 (12:17)
Yes we finally ticked it off. We just need to get through the long list! 😉
Ella 04/12/2017 (15:08)
That’s an impressive itinerary! It looks like a lot of fun, especially walking across the sand dunes. I’m love to go there at some point. Wonderful images!
Lana 04/12/2017 (15:10)
Thanks Ella! Hope you get to go soon 🙂
Jean 04/12/2017 (01:07)
What an epic adventure. I’m desperate to do this myself. One day I’ll make it to Morocco and remember to BYO travel sickness tablets.
Lana 04/12/2017 (10:54)
If you do get motion sickness, then I would recommend the tablets for those windy roads! 🙂
Matilda 03/12/2017 (15:01)
Even though the drive sounds scary would risk it just to make it to the Sahara Desert! Seeing those beautiful dunes and staying at a luxury tent sounds amazing.
Lana 03/12/2017 (15:41)
It’s a bit of a drive but worth it 🙂
Panchami 02/12/2017 (21:30)
Visiting the Sahara desert is high on my list. 🙂
I loved the Aït Benhaddou and the Valley of Roses. I had seen those dried roses in the Morocco Counter in the global village, Dubai.They smell divine. Yes! I was told that it is used for cooking. I was wondering what dish do they prepare with roses! (Maybe desserts)
Lana 02/12/2017 (22:06)
The scent from the roses is amazing! Ooh maybe you’re right, they might add them to the desserts! 🙂
Ritika 02/12/2017 (14:09)
This sounds pretty good . We have booked our flight to Morocco for April .. Will take this tour now after reading ur blog . Thanks for sharing
Lana 02/12/2017 (14:45)
How exciting! You’ll have a great time in Morocco 🙂
Sudipta 02/12/2017 (06:32)
That’s a very well written travel piece Lana. Glad I came across it.
Lana 02/12/2017 (14:43)
Thanks for the comment Sudipta!
Penny Protopapa 02/12/2017 (01:15)
Oh I’m going to Marrakech next month for my birthday!! But unfortunately I won’t have the time to reach Sahara desert!! 🙁
Lana 02/12/2017 (14:30)
You’ll have a fantastic time in Marrakech. You can spend one night in the Sahara Desert but to the smaller dunes – would be too rushed though. Have a fab time next month 🙂
Penny Protopapa 02/12/2017 (18:08)
Thank you!! 😀 I know, but I don’t think I’ll enjoy the other dunes 😂😂
Shreya Saha 01/12/2017 (14:49)
This must have been so exciting. I have not been to the Sahara yet. The pictures here are captivating. I would love to go there and stay in camps. Jealous of you, haha! Hope you had a great time!
Lana 01/12/2017 (15:02)
The camp was really comfortable in the Sahara desert. Thanks for the comment 🙂
Iuliana Marchian 01/12/2017 (11:43)
When I was in Morocco I did a four day tour only in Sahara Desert – the real big one from erg Chegaga, near Zagora. For me rushing to see everything in three days is not a good choice, so that I chose to start my camel trekking tour in Zagora and end it in M’Hammid – which was a perfect choice. For three nights we slept only in the desert, rode camels every day, hiked sand dunes almost every day, bared the heat for four days. This is the real desert. And sometimes can be difficult.
Lana 02/12/2017 (12:42)
That sounds fun! Unfortunately we did not have the time and this is a great tour to do if you’re short on time. We might look into this next time.
Deborah Regen 30/11/2017 (15:43)
Oooh, I am so jealous, Morocco is on my bucket list! Those village artisan made fabrics look to die for. Everything about this country is fascinating.
Lana 01/12/2017 (09:22)
I’ve been to Marrakech twice now and absolutely love it. The Sahara Desert tour is a great trip to do. Thanks for the comment 🙂
Followingtherivera 29/11/2017 (13:50)
I was just here in October, and absolutely loved it! We didn’t do a trip from Marrakech, but a self-drive to the desert. I love Ait Benhaddou, it’s so magical there!
Lana 29/11/2017 (16:01)
We were there the same time! Ait Benhaddou is a beautiful place! 🙂
Laura Brawn 28/11/2017 (23:38)
Sounds incredible. Would love to do this tour. Now to talk Russell into going to Marrakech xc
Lana 29/11/2017 (11:46)
Yeah definitely worth doing! Hope you manage to persuade him x
Jasmin 28/11/2017 (21:02)
This sounds like an amazing adventure Lana!! Beautiful scenery!! Jxx
Lana 28/11/2017 (21:08)
Thanks Jasmin! A great trip to do from Marrakech! 🙂