Marrakech to Timbuktu Route

An adventurous 8‑day itinerary exploring southern Morocco, including classic desert dunes and the wild landscapes of the far south. This route offers a deeper desert experience with nights in tented camps and visits to local villages, oases and remote oases along ancient caravan paths.

Day 1 – Arrival in Marrakech (29/10)

Arrival at Marrakech airport at 13:45. Transfer to the riad by riad vehicle, free time to stroll the medina, dinner and overnight in riad (hotel/riad booked independently).

Day 2 – Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Rose Valley / Dades Valley

Meeting point at the riad from which we depart at 8:30. We will pass through the High Atlas crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass with panoramic stops over mountains and surrounding villages. On the way we visit an argan cooperative to discover the production process of this oil. Continue south and take a 6 km detour on a track to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou and visit the UNESCO kasbah. After lunch we head to the Rose Valley where we spend the night. Dinner and overnight in riad.

Day 3 – Rose Valley → Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Erfoud → Erg Chebbi (31/10)

After breakfast we proceed to the Dades Gorges, continuing along a route dotted with beautiful kasbahs to reach the Todra Gorges. In ancient times the river carved its bed into soft limestone, creating vertical gorge walls considered a paradise for climbers. Stop by the riverbank to enjoy the coolness and take a walk. Then head to Touroug for lunch and in the late afternoon arrive at the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes. After the welcome tea, change vehicle for camels and ride across the dunes to the Berber bivouac. Dinner accompanied by the sound of drums and Berber songs. Overnight in tent under the starry sky.

Day 4 – Erg Chebbi → Alnif → Nekob → Zagora (01/11)

The last day in the desert starts with Rissani: visit the traditional souk known for dates and donkeys. We leave the desert and admire pre‑desert landscapes until reaching Nekob and then the Draa Valley. Dinner and overnight in riad.

Day 5 – Zagora → Tamgroute → Mhamid → Erg Chegaga (03/11)

Explore the hidden treasure of Tamgroute, visiting the Zaouïa and the ancient Quranic library and the underground Kasbah ‘Ait Isfoul’. This village is known for its pottery craft. Continue to Mhamid (the gateway to the desert) for lunch, then drive on sandy tracks into the deep south to reach the wild Erg Chegaga dunes. Cross the rocky desert to admire an oasis on the slopes of Jbel Bani. Arrive at the dunes at sunset and spend the night in a tent.

Day 6 – Erg Chegaga → Iriki Lake → Foum Zguid → Ouarzazate (03/11)

Wake early to enjoy the desert sunrise light. After breakfast depart towards Foum Zguid, cross the dried Iriqui lake with its acacia trees. Stop in Foum Zguid for lunch, then continue towards Ouarzazate; time permitting visit the Tamnougalt kasbah. Arrival in Ouarzazate, dinner included and overnight in riad.

Day 7 – Ouarzazate → Tizi n’Tichka → Marrakech (04/11)

After breakfast possible visit to Ouarzazate and its film studios, then visit the beautiful Taourirt Kasbah. Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m) with spectacular panoramas, and return to Marrakech. Dinner at leisure and overnight in riad.

Day 8 – Marrakech → Airport (05/11)

After breakfast guided tour of the medina, souks and monuments of Marrakech. Visit the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace, stroll the souks and alleys, finish at Jemaa El‑Fna square. After the guided visit transfer to the airport and end of tour.