6 Days Rabat to Marrakech via Sahara Desert

Experience the magic of Morocco in 6 days Rabat to Marrakech via Sahara Desert Tour adventure with Morocco On Tour, blending Morocco’s imperial history, rich culture, and dramatic landscapes. Begin your journey in the capital and travel through ancient Roman ruins, imperial cities, and majestic mountain ranges before reaching the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert.

This carefully curated tour offers immersive experiences in Volubilis, Meknes, and Fes, followed by a stunning drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the heart of the desert in Merzouga. Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes, spend the night under a starry sky in a Berber desert camp, and explore remote desert villages and nomadic life. Continue through the striking Todra Gorges and Dades Valley, visit film-famous Ait Ben Haddou, and cross the High Atlas Mountains before concluding in vibrant Marrakech.

Perfect for those seeking a deep cultural journey and natural wonders, this tour combines comfort, authenticity, and adventure in one unforgettable Moroccan experience.

• Departure: Rabat
• Arrival: Marrakech (with an option to return to Rabat)
• Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights
• Tour Type: Private or Small Group Tour
• Accommodation: Traditional riads, desert camp
• Transport: Comfortable 4×4 or minivan with English-speaking driver

Tour Highlights: Rabat to Marrakech Desert Tour 6 Days

• Explore the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Discover the imperial cities of Meknes and Fes, including guided tours of historical medinas
• Drive through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains, stopping at Ifrane, Azrou, and the Ziz Valley
• Enjoy a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes and spend the night in a traditional Sahara desert camp
• Visit the Gnawa village of Khamlia, abandoned mining towns, and meet nomadic Berber families
• Spend a peaceful night in the tranquil dunes of the Ouzina Desert
• Walk beneath the towering cliffs of the Todra Gorges and travel the Dades Valley, the route of 1,000 Kasbahs
• Tour the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a film set for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones
• Cross the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains
• Conclude your journey in the colorful, bustling streets of Marrakech

Itinerary: Private 6 Days Rabat desert tour :

At Morocco On Tour, we’re passionate about crafting personalized experiences tailored to your preferences. If you have special requests, would like to adjust the itinerary, or are interested in extending your adventure, simply share your details with us via the contact form below. We’re here to make your journey unforgettable!

Day 1: Rabat → Volubilis → Meknes

Your journey begins as our friendly driver picks you up from your hotel in Rabat to kick off your unforgettable 6 days Rabat to Marrakech via Sahara Desert Tour. The first stop is Volubilis, a fascinating site of Roman ruins and mosaics nestled in the rolling countryside. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Volubilis offers a glimpse into Morocco’s ancient Roman past, with remarkably preserved columns, arches, and intricate mosaic floors.

After exploring the archaeological site, we continue to Meknes, one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Set at the base of the Middle Atlas Mountains, Meknes once served as the capital under Sultan Moulay Ismail in the 17th century. Here, you’ll explore grand architecture including Bab Mansour, one of the most beautiful gates in North Africa, the Royal Stables, and the tranquil Moulay Ismail Mausoleum.

In the evening, you’ll check into a charming riad located in the heart of Meknes. Relax and enjoy the quiet beauty of this historic city.

Overnight in Meknes, with breakfast included.

Day 2: Meknes → Fes (Guided Tour)

After breakfast, we depart for Fes, the oldest imperial city in Morocco and widely regarded as its spiritual and cultural heart. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your local guide for a comprehensive guided walking tour of the Fes el-Bali medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest intact medieval cities in the world.

The day is filled with exploration: walk through narrow, winding alleyways buzzing with artisans, locals, and merchants. Visit the Royal Palace and admire its stunning golden doors, then explore religious and educational landmarks such as the Bou Inania Madrasa, the Al-Qarawiyyin University—the oldest existing university in the world—and the beautiful Nejjarine Fountain.

You’ll also visit the world-famous Chouara Tanneries, where traditional leather dyeing methods are still practiced, and the pottery district, where you can watch craftsmen at work creating the intricate zellige tiles Morocco is known for.

After a full day immersed in culture and history, you’ll retire to a peaceful riad in the heart of the medina.

Overnight in Fes, with breakfast included.

Day 3: Fes → Ifrane → Azrou → Midelt → Ziz Valley → Erfoud → Merzouga (Camel Ride & Desert Camp)

After breakfast, your adventure continues as you leave the city behind and begin the scenic journey south. The first stop is Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” thanks to its alpine architecture and pristine, pine-scented air.

Next, we visit the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may spot the wild Barbary macaques that live among the ancient trees. Continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains, we reach the town of Midelt for a relaxed lunch.

Afterward, the road descends into the dramatic Ziz Valley, famous for its lush palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and views of rugged canyons. We’ll pass through Erfoud, a town known for its fossils and date production, before reaching the Sahara Desert at Merzouga.

Here, your camel caravan awaits. You’ll embark on a camel trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, catching the sunset as the landscape transforms into waves of gold and red. Upon arrival at your Berber desert camp, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, live music around the campfire, and a magical night beneath the desert stars.

Overnight in the Sahara Desert Luxury Camp, with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 4: Merzouga Desert Exploration → Ouzina Desert

Wake up early to witness a spectacular sunrise over the dunes, a truly unforgettable sight. After breakfast, return to Merzouga village either by camel or 4×4 vehicle.

This morning, you can choose to add some excitement with a thrilling quad bike or buggy ride across the vast dunes. We then visit Khamlia, a small village known for its community of Gnaoua musicians, descendants of sub-Saharan African slaves. Enjoy a performance of their traditional spiritual music.

Next, head off-road to the abandoned mining village of M’Fis, which gives you a unique glimpse into the desert’s hidden industrial history. A truly special experience awaits as we visit a nomadic Berber family living behind the dunes near the Algerian border. Share a cup of tea in their tent and learn about their simple but rich way of life, far from modern civilization.

After a local lunch, we continue deeper into the desert until we reach the Ouzina Desert, a lesser-visited gem with mesmerizing orange dunes and complete tranquility. You’ll spend the night in a quiet desert hotel facing the dunes.

Overnight in Ouzina Desert hotel, with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 5: Ouzina → Rissani → Tinghir → Todra Gorges → Dades Valley

After breakfast, we leave the silence of Ouzina and travel to Rissani, the first capital of the Alaouite dynasty and home to a bustling traditional souk. It’s also considered the gateway to the desert.

From there, the journey continues west toward Tinghir, where lush palm groves stretch along the riverbed, and traditional Berber homes cling to the hillsides. Next, we visit the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges, where sheer cliffs rise 200 meters high—ideal for a short hike or memorable photos.

In the afternoon, we drive through the scenic Dades Valley, a region dotted with ancient kasbahs, unusual rock formations, and the famous “Monkey Fingers” cliffs. You’ll check into a charming kasbah or riad nestled in the valley.

Overnight in the Dades Valley, with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 6: Dades Valley → Ouarzazate → Ait Ben Haddou → Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

After breakfast, our route takes us along the Valley of Roses, famous for its springtime blooms and fragrant distilleries. We then reach Ouarzazate, often dubbed the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios and desert landscapes. Visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, once the stronghold of the Glaoui dynasty.

We then travel to Ait Ben Haddou, a breathtaking fortified village made of clay and stone. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has served as the backdrop for numerous films including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Stroll through its alleyways and take in its panoramic views.

Our final leg crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), offering spectacular scenery with every turn. By late afternoon, we descend into the vibrant city of Marrakech, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad—marking the end of your unforgettable 6-day adventure.

Tour Gallery: Rabat to Merzouga desert tour 6 Days