Eight days linking the cool Atlantic at Essaouira with the orange dunes of the Sahara: coast and medina first, then over the High Atlas via Aït Ben Haddou to an Erg Chebbi camp — Morocco's two extremes in one trip.
Day by day
Your 8-day plan
- 1
Day 1
Essaouira medina & port
Arrive on the coast: the UNESCO medina, the Skala cannons and the blue fishing harbour, with seafood at the port grills.
- 2
Day 2
Essaouira beach & argan
A bay morning of watersports or a beach walk, plus a women's argan co-operative inland and the tree-climbing goats.
- 3
Day 3
Coast to Marrakech
Drive east through the argan groves to Marrakech (about 2.5–3 hours): the Koutoubia, the souks and Jemaa el-Fna at dusk.
- 4
Day 4
Tizi n'Tichka to Aït Ben Haddou
Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass to the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, overnighting near Ouarzazate or Skoura.
- 5
Day 5
Dadès & Todgha gorges
Through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Dadès and Todgha gorges, with their towering rock walls, en route east.
- 6
Day 6
Erg Chebbi desert camp
Reach the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, ride camels at sunset and overnight in a desert camp under the stars.
- 7
Day 7
Desert sunrise & return west
Sunrise over the dunes, then the long scenic drive back toward Ouarzazate.
- 8
Day 8
Return to Marrakech
The final stretch over the Atlas back to Marrakech for your onward flight.
Good to know
Practical notes
- This is a driving-heavy trip — the contrast between cool coast and hot desert is the whole point, but expect long days on the road in the middle.
- A private 4x4 with a driver-guide is the comfortable way to do the Atlas-and-Sahara loop.
- Pack layers: Essaouira is breezy and cool, while desert nights are cold even in summer.
Frequently asked
Can you combine Essaouira and the Sahara in one trip?
Yes, in about eight days — start cool on the Atlantic coast at Essaouira, then loop through Marrakech, over the Atlas via Aït Ben Haddou, to an Erg Chebbi desert camp and back. It's a long but spectacular contrast.
How far is Essaouira from the Sahara?
It's a long way — Essaouira is on the west coast and the dunes of Erg Chebbi are far to the southeast, so you route via Marrakech and the High Atlas over two driving days each way.
Private & tailored
Want this Essaouira trip priced for you?
Every itinerary is private and fully adjustable — change the dates, pace, riads or length. Tell us your group and travel window and we'll send a written plan and an itemised quote within 24 hours.
Contact us for pricingMore itineraries