Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (2023)

Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (1)

7 days from £2,199pp (without flights)

Explore the diverse country of Morocco on tour, including the highlights of this fascinating African region. From bustling souks and ancient palaces to breathtaking desert vistas and lush botanical gardens -MoroccoThe perfect destination for adventurers, culture seekers and couples.

On the way from Marrakech Airport you will pass through extensive argan forests and learn how the locals produce the famous argan oil. From there, continue to the pretty seaside town of Essaouira, with its historic walls and active 16th-century fishing village, where you can enjoy fresh seafood. Escape the city and its hustle and bustle and sample some fine local wines in the vineyards of the Val d'Argan before heading to the Agafay Desert. Here you will find endless sand dunes. Spend a night under the stars in a luxury camp, secluded from the outside world.

Take another turn and rejoin civilizationMarrakechVisit El Djemaa Square, Marrakech Medina, magnificent mosques and Saadian Tombs. Nature lovers can visit the Majorelle Botanical Gardens, established in the 1920s and known for its coconut palms, banana trees and other diverse plants.

Learn authentic Moroccan recipes in a workshop at La Maison Arabe, try your own creations like tajines and couscous, then indulge in handicrafts and homegrown spices in the nearby souks.

Hayes & Jarvis are experts in luxury travel, offering guests around the world the trip of a lifetime. We are excited to share the highlights of our Morocco trip with you.

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Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (2)

Highlights of the itinerary

  • Explore the historic coastal city of Essaouira and the bustling markets and mosques of Marrakech
  • Camp under the stars at Scarabeo Stone Desert Camp in the remote Agafay Desert
  • Indulge in local wines from Val d'Argan wine producers
  • Take a cooking class at the famous La Maison Arabe and learn the art of preparing authentic Moroccan cuisine

Start your journey

first day

Arrive at Marrakech Airport

2 nights

Arrive at Marrakech airport where we will pick you up and drive you to the seaside town of Essaouira.

On the way you will get to know Morocco. Learn about the local argan trees as you walk through the forest and see first-hand how the argan kernels are made into the famous argan oil at a demonstration by a local argan oil producer.

Continue to Essaouira, a seaside town on Morocco's Atlantic coast. old Town--Medina– Protected by 18th-century walls and known as a relaxed alternative to busy Marrakech. Due to the windy weather, water sports are popular on the coast.

Spend the first of two nights in a charming hotel in the center of Essaouira, with a terrace with stunning views and a popular local restaurant.

  • recommended accommodation Darlucia
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (3)
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (4)

the next day

Essaouira

1 Nat

After enjoying your first Moroccan breakfast, explore central Essaouira — a 16th-century fishing village popular with locals and tourists alike for its bustling fish market.

The city is a mix of Portuguese and Moroccan military architecture from the time of the Portuguese invasion in the 15th century and can still be visited today. Experience the medina with its bustling markets and stalls. It's a feast for the senses, with bright colors and aromatic scents.

Grab some fish for lunch at the port and then spend the rest of the day exploring this unique and fascinating area.

  • Have a good meal Breakfast
  • recommended accommodation Darlucia
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (5)

third day

Domaine du Val d'Argan - Agafay desert

3 nights

Leave Essaouira and enter the world of the famous desert country of Morocco, in the famous Agafay Desert.

stop at tVal d'Argan is not thereThe vineyard was planted by the famous winemaker family Melia. Enjoy a drink or two with a delicious lunch renowned for producing excellent home-grown wines.

Your final destination today is the Agafay Desert, where you will spend the night at Scarabeo Camp by candlelight and fall asleep under the stars. Gazing at the majestic sand dunes and miles of desert will make you feel at one with nature.

  • Have a good meal breakfast and dinner
  • recommended accommodation Bearing jaws
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (6)

Tag 4

Agafay Desert - Marrakech

In the morning, get acquainted with the desert before continuing to the vibrant and popular city of Marrakech.

Discover lesser-known spots in Marrakech on a unique local tour with the help of a local guide. We introduce you to the best food stalls, best entertainment spots and historical corners that only locals know about.

Explore the famous Djemaa El Fna Square, Marrakech's Medina - the historic old town. From fortune tellers and snake charmers to dancers and cooking demonstrations, the range of live entertainment is sure to amaze you.

  • Have a good meal Breakfast
  • recommended accommodation Nice Gardens in the Medina
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (7)
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (8)
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (9)

fifth day

Marrakech

Visit the Koutoubia Mosque - the most famous mosque in the city and learn about Marrakech's past and culture. Hear the chants of the 12th Imam prayerThVisit the Century House of Worship five times a day.

Visit the 16th-century El Badi Palace, now in ruins, and see where the royal family once lived and learn about the city's past wars and wealth. The Bahia Palace - meaning 'magnificence' - was built in the late 19th century and proudly displays beautiful gardens and stunning Moroccan architecture. Visit the Saadian Tombs, rediscovered in the early 20th century and the final resting place of the Saadian people, for an interesting insight into the city's past.

If you love nature and immaculate garden design, you will love the beautiful Majorelle Gardens, named and designed after the 1920's French painter. Stroll around stunning banana, coconut and bougainvilleas as well as stunning lily ponds and fountains. This famous garden was recently taken over by Yves Saint Laurent.

Take a trip to Marrakech, stroll the bustling streets lined with Arabic goods and discover every hidden gem of this enchanting and culturally rich city, from Moroccan teapots to mint tea and oodles of spices.

  • Have a good meal Breakfast
  • recommended accommodation Nice Gardens in the Medina
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (10)
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (11)

sixth day

Marrakech

Today, unleash your creativity with a cooking class at La Maison Arabe, a stunning professional cooking school in the luxury hotel. This is the perfect way to learn and practice Moroccan cuisine, as you'll understand how to prepare local specialties like lamb tagine, fudge, and couscous under the chef's expert guidance. Then sit down for lunch and enjoy the delicious meal that you have prepared yourself.

In the afternoon visit some souks and shopping districts and then follow the path of Djemma El Fna to the Marrakech Museum. With a wide range of Moroccan goods such as spices, perfumes and groceries for sale here, one can quickly become addicted to Moroccan shopping.

Return to the hotel for an overnight stay and dine at the rooftop restaurant while people-watching.

  • Have a good meal Breakfast
  • recommended accommodation Nice Gardens in the Medina
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (12)
Luxury Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech - Hayes & Jarvis (13)

Tag 7

Marrakech

Say goodbye to Marrakech with a final visit to the markets and mosques before returning to your hotel and transfer to the airport.

  • Have a good meal Breakfast

contain

  • A total of 6 nights accommodation (double room, shared room) (other but similar accommodations can be used at certain times of the year)
  • All accommodation includes breakfast, except for Scarabeo Camp, which offers half board: breakfast and dinner
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
  • Assistance and baggage handling: Meeting and assistance on arrival/departure at airports and hotels
  • All tours listed in the itinerary are accompanied by a local English speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees to all guided tours of monuments and palaces specified in the itinerary (camera fees not included)

does not include

  • International flight and ticket taxes
  • Visa Matters and Fees
  • travel insurance
  • Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, phone calls, laundry, camera fees, hotel spa and business amenities
  • Fees for video and photo camera during the tour
  • Gratuities for drivers, guides, local guides, naturalists and hotel staff
  • Meals (unless otherwise stated)
  • Optional attractions and excursions (unless otherwise specified)

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FAQs

Is it worth going to the Sahara desert in Morocco? ›

The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world and is a bucket-list destination for many. The idea of spending a night in a camp under millions of stars and climbing sand dunes to watch the sunset is definitely an attractive one.

Can you do a day trip to Sahara Desert from Marrakech? ›

It takes approximately 8-9 hours to get to Merzouga from Marrakech or Fes, requiring quite a bit of time and effort to get out to the desert. So, it is definitely not possible to do a daytrip to the Sahara desert from Marrakech, you'll for sure need the 3 days to do a desert tour justice.

How long does it take to get to the Sahara desert from Marrakech? ›

How do I get to the desert from Marrakech? Visiting the Sahara Desert from Marrakech is the most common way to access it. But it's not close! It's typically about 12 hours to the desert (one way), spread across two days of transit on the way there and then one full day on the way back.

What do you wear in the Sahara desert Morocco? ›

Appropriate Clothing

Pack comfortable and lightweight clothing as temperatures here are hot especially when traveling during summer or to the desert in Morocco. Shirts that cover your shoulders and do not have a low neckline or show cleavage are recommended. Think long tunic tops or shirts with ¾ length sleeves.

What is the best month to visit the Sahara desert? ›

The best times to visit the Sahara Desert are the months of May and October, when temperatures are milder. During the winter (December and January), freezing temperatures that are hard to sleep through are often recorded, while sandstorms are alarmingly frequent between January and May.

What is the best time of year in the Sahara desert? ›

So when is the best time to visit Morocco and the Sahara Desert? While spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) are hailed as the best times to visit due to the pleasant temperatures, every season offers something different.

How do I choose a desert tour in Morocco? ›

This is mostly a budget question. If you have the money, I definitely recommend a private tour. This gives you flexibility in the itinerary, more stops and better food options along the way. But, if you travel alone and you want to be around more people, then a group trip is probably a better fit for you.

Where is the best place in Morocco to see the Sahara desert? ›

Arguably the best place to see the Sahara is Morocco - specifically Marrakesh. Marrakesh is a location like none other, and is the gateway to the grand Sahara Desert - just like it has been for thousands of years. Marrakesh was an important oasis trading city trading all the way south across the Sahara in Sub-Sahara.

Which country is the best to visit Sahara Desert? ›

The most popular, accessible place from which to reach the edge of the desert is in Morocco. You can drive from Marrakech to Merzouga or M'Hamid in a day to see the Moroccan Sahara.

Which Morocco desert is best? ›

  • Amassakoul. Deserts.
  • Morocco Travel Explorer. City Tours • Multi-day Tours. Open now.
  • Au Pays Du Sahara. Deserts.
  • Agafay Desert. Deserts.
  • Les Cavaliers d'Essaouira. Deserts • Forests. Open now.
  • Agafay Desert. Deserts.
  • The Erg Chebbi Dunes of Merzouga. Deserts. Open now.
  • Agafay Desert. Deserts. Open now.

What city is between Marrakesh to Sahara? ›

There are two gateway towns to the Moroccan Sahara: Zagora and Merzouga. Zagora, in the pre-Saharan Steppes, is about a seven-hour drive from Marrakech (223 miles/360 km). The desert here is quite rocky and has much smaller dunes, but is probably the better option if you are short on time.

How do I get from Marrakech to the Sahara desert? ›

The best option: an organized excursion

There are three entrances to the Sahara desert from Marrakech, one is through Agafay, one through Merzouga and one through Zagora. Any of the three options are interesting to choose an excursion and enjoy one of the favorite activities without worrying about how to get there.

Can you wear sandals in the desert? ›

It is not safe nor pleasant to wear flip-flops or sandals! During summer, they can come in handy at night time in the camp, though. Inside the tents, we only wear socks or walk around on our bare feet.

What shoes to wear in the Sahara desert? ›

You may think that sandals are the way to go since you'll be walking on sand. However, you'll want closed-toe shoes. It's a lot safer because you'll be climbing up and down off a camel and wandering around the desert in the dark. You don't want to step on a desert beetle barefoot…

What shoes to wear in desert Morocco? ›

In cities, you'll need comfortable walking shoes for winding through the medinas. If you travel into the mountains, you'll want supportive shoes for hiking; and in the Sahara Desert, you should bring closed-toed shoes to protect your feet from the hot sand.

Is it worth visiting the Sahara desert? ›

The beauty and serenity of the desert are unparalleled, and once you have a clear view of the sun sinking on the horizon and enjoy all it has to offer, you will never forget it. The best time of the year to visit Erg Chebbi is between March and May or between September and November.

Why visit the Sahara desert in Morocco? ›

If you are going to Morocco, visiting the Sahara Desert should be at the top of your bucket list. The tranquillity and infinite beauty of the rose gold Morocco sand dunes is like nothing else on earth.

Should I go to Sahara Desert? ›

The unique magic of a trek in the Sahara Desert is made even more memorable by the treasures to be found within them. Delve into this out-of-this-world landscape to discover ancient cultures, dramatic desert environments, and get lost in some of the starriest skies you'll ever see.

Do tourists visit the Sahara desert? ›

The Sahara can be visited year round, except for the summer months of July and August when it gets way too hot. Expect temperatures of around 40 to 55 degrees Celsius in summer. Temperatures drop below freezing at night during the Saharan winter (and especially in December and January).

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