15 Marrakech & the Sahara

Overview

Our recommendations

Season: September to June (the desert region is very hot in peak summer months).

Length: 7 nights recommended but longer itineraries make a more leisurely journey or can include other places.

Flights: Marrakech (if taking the trip outlined below) or Agadir (if taking a southerly loop circuit through Taroudant, taking in the dunes at M'Hamid).

Pricing: See Details tab - from £670 pp for 7 nights based on 2 persons sharing (B&B in Marrakech, half board elsewhere), excl. flights. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.

Transport options: Car (self-drive or with driver). All travel times are approximate.

Extension options: Ouarzazate, M’Hamid or travel south west to the traditional Berber town of Taroudant via the Tiz n Bachkoum mountain pass (1700m), Tazenakt (home to carpet making) and Taliouine (home to Saffron harvesting).

Activity options: Longer camel treks from Zagora or M’Hamid, visit to Kasbah Tamnougalt, a 16^th century Kasbah near the small town of Agdz or the Ancient Koranic Library in Tamegroute (south of Zagora).

Weather: Please have a look at our 'Weather' page with further details and an average temperature guideline in various locations throughout the year.

Details

Marrakech and the Sahara Holiday Suggestion

A holiday to the Sahara is an adventure to remember but the distances involved are large so the more time you have the better, we suggest a minimum of 7 nights, for example:.

Prices from per £670 per person (7 nights) excluding flights*

Pricing: *Based on 2 persons sharing (B&B in Marrakech, half board elsewhere), chauffeur driven tour including fuel and driver, airport transfers, excl. flights. Price varies by room, season and exchange rate.

Staying at Kasbah Ellouze (Tamdaght, nr Ait Benhaddou), Riad Lamane (Zagora), desert camp at Erg Lihoudi dunes (nr M’Hamid), L’Ma Lodge (Skoura) and Riad El Borj (Marrakech). Naturally Morocco can offer a range of alternatives if required.

Location

Ait Benhaddou

A striking fortified settlement (ksar), renowned as a backdrop to many films (including Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator), and deservedly designated as a World Heritage Site, it houses some of the best conserved Kasbahs in Morocco.

Zagora

Zagora is reached via the magical Draa valley, a string of palmeries in a scenic mountain setting, stretching from Ouarzazate south east for around 125 km. It is the gateway to the Sahara and the most convenient stopping off point before travelling on to the sand dunes.

Skoura

An oasis settlement 45 minutes' drive to the north east of Ouarzazate, it boasts magnificent Kasbahs such as the magical Kasbah Amerhidil and significant palmeries with lovely off-the-beaten-track guest houses.

Marrakech

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so. One of the four Imperial Cities, it is an exciting city with true Moroccan soul and culture, a feast for the senses that caters well for visitors. From the atmospheric souks of the medina, to the villages of the High Atlas Mountains a short drive away, Marrakech offers a vast range of options for the visitor either on a short trip or as part of a longer adventure.