The Slow Sahara

Most desert tours squeeze Marrakesh to Merzouga into one exhausting day. This one doesn't. The Slow Sahara takes the same legendary road over the Atlas, past kasbahs, gorges and palm groves, but at a pace that lets you actually enjoy it, with a whole day in the dunes and no driving at all.

It's our signature route, and the one we'd recommend to anyone visiting Morocco for the first time.

Day by day

1. Day1

   Over the High Atlas

   Marrakesh → Tizi n'Tichka → Aït Benhaddou~4 h driving

   Climb the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass with time for viewpoints and mint tea in Berber villages. Arrive at the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou in the afternoon and watch the sunset over its earthen towers.

2. Day2

   Kasbahs and roses

   Ouarzazate → Skoura → Dades Valley~4 h driving

   Pass Ouarzazate's kasbahs, wander the palm oasis of Skoura, then follow the Valley of Roses to the Dades. Sleep surrounded by red rock formations.

3. Day3

   Gorges to the dunes

   Dades Gorges → Todra Gorge → Merzouga~5 h driving

   Morning on the famous zig-zag road of the Dades, a walk between the towering walls of the Todra Gorge, then east to the dunes of Erg Chebbi for a sunset camel ride and a night under the stars.

4. Day4

   A day with no driving

   Merzouga & Erg ChebbiNo driving

   The day most tours skip. Sleep in, climb the dunes at sunrise, visit the village of Khamlia for Gnawa music, explore the market town of Rissani, or simply do nothing at all. A second night in the desert.

5. Day5

   Through the Ziz Valley

   Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt~5 h driving

   Head north along the vast palm groves of the Ziz Valley and up into the Middle Atlas, breaking the journey in Midelt instead of rushing to Fes in one long day.

6. Day6

   Cedar forests to Fes

   Azrou → Ifrane → Fes~4 h driving

   Look for Barbary macaques in the cedar forests near Azrou, stop in alpine-style Ifrane, and arrive in Fes in time to settle into your riad.

Make it yours

This route is a starting point, not a package. Every day can change. Here are a few ideas:

• End in Marrakesh insteadLoop back via the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate rather than finishing in Fes.
• Add ChefchaouenTwo more days to reach the blue town in the Rif Mountains.
• Upgrade the desert nightChoose a luxury desert camp with private bathroom tents.
• Shorter on time?The same road in 4 days, with one night in the dunes.

What we can arrange for you

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver for the whole route
• Riads, kasbahs and hotels to match your style and budget
• Desert camps, from simple to luxury
• Licensed local guides for medinas and monuments
• Activities: camel rides, cooking classes, hammams, hikes
• Airport pick-up and drop-off

Prefer to book your own accommodation? No problem. We'll simply drive the route around your bookings.