6-Day Journey Through Marrakech, the Sahara Desert, and the Legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Duration: 6 days
- From: Marrakech
- Arrival: Marrakech
The Route of the Thousand Kasbahs is a journey with a name as captivating as the experience itself. It takes you through a remarkable region south of the Atlas Mountains, where countless ancient Berber fortresses have stood the test of time. The tour also includes a visit to the desert’s mesmerizing dunes and unique rock formations. And on the return leg, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and enchanting city of Marrakech.
Services included
- Pick-up in Marrakech, at your hotel or at the agreed location
- 4x4 route, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
- Camel ride to the tent camp
- Dinner at the tent camp
- Accommodation in a Berber tent
- Assistance at destination
Services not included
- Arrival and return flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tickets to monuments
- Tips
- Schedule
Day 1
No matter what time you arrive in Marrakech, the first day of your tour is dedicated to discovering the city. Our team will welcome you at the airportor at the train station if you’re arriving by rail and transfer you to your accommodation: a lovely riad where you’ll check in upon arrival. This charming hotel will provide both your dinner and a comfortable overnight stay.
Summary of the day
- Arrival in Marrakech
- Pick-up and transfer in a private vehicle, with our Spanish-speaking driver
- Check-in at the charming riad
- Dinner and overnight in Marrakech
Day 2
After enjoying breakfast at your riad in Marrakech, the adventure begins as we set out to explore the famous Route of a Thousand Kasbahs. Our driver will meet you at the entrance and head southeast, taking us through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, where snow blankets the peaks from autumn through spring.
Along the way, we’ll pass through Berber villages and pause for panoramic photo stops before arriving at our first major highlight: Ait Ben Haddou. Far from just an introduction to the route, this iconic adobe ksar is a centerpiece of the journey. Once a thriving village, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admired by travelers and frequently used as a backdrop for films and series—Game of Thrones being a recent example.
Following this visit, we’ll continue on to discover many more kasbahs smaller in size but equally rich in charm. Some we’ll explore up close, while others will be admired from afar, creating a scenic and culturally immersive drive. Notable stops include Taourirt and Skoura. The route follows the gentle curves of two beautiful valleys: the Valley of the Roses and the Dades Valley, offering breathtaking scenery throughout the day.
We’ll spend the night in the Dades Valley, where a cozy riad awaits with a delicious dinner included.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a riad in Marrakech
- Hotel pickup and departure by private vehicle
- Visit to Ait Ben Haddou
- Roadtrip along the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs
- Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in the Dades Valley
Day 3
On the third day, following breakfast at the riad, we continue our journey along the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs. One of the highlights along the way is the Todra Gorges, an awe-inspiring natural wonder. Over thousands of years, a modest river has carved through the rock, creating towering cliffs that in some places rise more than 200 meters. We’ll take time to admire these dramatic formations, both from the vehicle and on foot, exploring the most iconic viewpoints.
Our route then takes us through Tinerhir, a charming village that perfectly embodies the spirit of the kasbah route. Soon after, we’ll reach two notable palm groves: Tinjdad and Touroug, where we’ll have the chance to learn more about the daily life and traditions of the local people. In Erfoud, a town known for its impressive fossil deposits dating back millions of years, we begin our descent south toward Merzouga.
Once we arrive, it’s time to change our mode of transport. We’ll leave the 4×4 behind and mount camels, each traveler guided by an experienced handler, to cross the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. In the heart of this vast sandy expanse lies our desert camp, where we’ll witness a stunning sunset and marvel at a sky filled with stars that seem to glow with unusual brilliance. Dinner will be served at the camp, and the comfortable, fully equipped tents will provide a peaceful night’s rest in the middle of the desert.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at the riad in the Dades Valley
- Route through the Todra Gorges
- Visit to the palm groves of Tinjdad and Touroug
- Arrival in Merzouga: camel ride to Erg Chebbi
- Sunset, dinner and overnight stay in a tent camp
Day 4
The fourth day begins with a truly special moment: witnessing a breathtaking sunrise in the heart of the desert, surrounded by a serenity unique to this landscape. Afterward, we’ll ride camels back to Merzouga, where you’ll have the chance to take a refreshing shower—either at the camp or in a nearby hotel, depending on the package you selected. A new leg of the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs awaits, this time heading east to west along a road farther south than those of previous days.
Our first stop will be Rissani, a town known for its charming traditional medina and historical landmarks that reflect its importance as the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty. From there, we’ll pass through the palm groves of Tafilalet and continue through a series of picturesque villages Alnif, Tazarine, and Nkob each featuring distinctive adobe architecture and a timeless atmosphere.
As we approach the final kilometers of the kasbah route, we’ll journey through the lush Draa Valley and the Berber village of Agdz before reaching Ouarzazate once more. From here, we begin our ascent through the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains, making our way back to Marrakech. By evening, we’ll arrive in the city, where a welcoming riad awaits, along with a delicious dinner and a restful night’s stay.
Summary of the day
- Sunrise in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Return by dromedary to the village of Merzouga
- Breakfast and shower (at the camp or in a hotel, depending on the package purchased)
- Road route by:
- Rissani
- Alnif
- Tazarine
- Nkob
- Draa Valley
- Return to Marrakech crossing the High Atlas
- Dinner and overnight stay in a riad in Marrakech
Day 5
One of the great advantages of this tour through the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs and the Merzouga Desert is that it includes time to explore Marrakech at your own pace specifically on the fifth day. After breakfast at the riad, the entire day is yours to enjoy however you choose. You may opt for guided tours of the city’s historic monuments (available upon request), wander through the lively souks and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, or savor the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Whatever you decide, your day will end with dinner and an overnight stay in the same charming riad.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast in riad
- Free day
- Dinner and overnight stay in a riad
Day 6
On the sixth day, you’ll have a bit of free time to enjoy some last-minute shopping in Marrakech or take a final morning walk through the city. At the scheduled time and meeting point, our driver will pick you up for a private transfer to the airport. This marks the end of your journey through the Route of the Thousand Kasbahs, the desert, and Marrakech but we part ways with the hope of welcoming you again on another adventure through Morocco.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at the riad and check-out
- Free morning (depending on flight schedule)
- Transfer to the airport
- Photos
- FAQ
Morocco Turism offers an extensive selection of tours, from explorations of the imperial cities to thrilling journeys through the Sahara Desert. For more information, check out our tours page.
Tour durations vary, ranging from quick weekend escapes to extended trips of over a week. You can select the option that best fits your schedule and interests.
The cities you’ll visit depend on the tour you select, but options often include Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and more. Each tour features a detailed itinerary available on our website.
Definitely. Your safety is our highest priority. We partner with professional guides and skilled drivers to provide you with a secure and unforgettable travel experience.
Our tours feature a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and traditional riads. Each option is thoughtfully chosen to provide both comfort and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Yes, at Morocco Turism, we recognize that every traveler is different. Reach out to us to tailor your tour according to your preferences and specific interests.
- Feedback