13 Day Trip to Morocco: Marrakech, the Atlantic & the Anti-Atlas
A 13 day trip to Morocco with no very long drives: Agafay, Essaouira, surf in Taghazout, bikes in Tafraoute, Taroudant and the High Atlas.
See the day-by-day routeAbout this 13 day trip to Morocco
This 13 day trip to Morocco explores the south-west without very long drives. You trade the long road to Merzouga for the ocean and the Anti-Atlas.
First, you explore Marrakech and sleep in a camp in the Agafay desert. Then you head to Essaouira for kitesurf, surf or a beach ride. After that, you follow the coast to Taghazout for surf and Paradise Valley. Next, you cycle to the Painted Rocks of Tafraoute and walk in the Ammeln valley. Finally, Taroudant and a High Atlas walk end the loop. We run this 13 day trip to Morocco as a private tour, on your dates.
Highlights of this 13 day trip to Morocco
- Camel & quad in Agafay
- Night in a desert camp
- Kitesurf or surf in Essaouira
- Surf lessons in Taghazout
- Paradise Valley pools
- Cycling to the Painted Rocks
- Ammeln valley walk
- High Atlas day hike
13 day trip to Morocco: day by day
- 1dayDay 1
Arrival in Marrakech
We meet you at the airport and take you to your riad; evening on Jemaa el-Fna.
- 2dayDay 2
Guided Marrakech
The palaces, the souks and the Majorelle Garden with a local guide.
- 3dayDay 3
Agafay desert
A camel ride and a quad in the stone desert of Agafay, and a night in a desert camp.
- 4dayDay 4
To Essaouira
Drive to the coast with a stop at an argan cooperative, and sunset on the ramparts.
- 5dayDay 5
Wind & waves in Essaouira
A kitesurf or surf lesson in the bay, or a horse ride on the beach.
- 6dayDay 6
Coast road to Taghazout
South along the coast with a stop in the surf village of Imsouane.
- 7dayDay 7
Surf lesson
A morning lesson on a beginners’ beach, with board and wetsuit, and a free afternoon.
- 8dayDay 8
Paradise Valley & sandboarding
A swim in the natural pools of Paradise Valley, then sandboarding on the dunes near Tamraght.
- 9dayDay 9
Into the Anti-Atlas
Drive inland through the argan hills to Tafraoute, among pink granite boulders and almond trees.
- 10dayDay 10
Tafraoute by bike & on foot
Cycle to the Painted Rocks, then walk between the villages of the Ammeln valley.
- 11dayDay 11
Taroudant
Drive to Taroudant and walk or ride a calèche around its great earthen walls and souks.
- 12dayDay 12
Back to Marrakech
Return to Marrakech and enjoy a calm evening in the medina.
- 13dayDay 13
High Atlas morning & departure
A short walk in the valleys around Imlil, then back to Marrakech for an evening flight.
What’s included in this 13 day trip to Morocco
Included
- 12 nights of accommodation as listed (riads, guesthouses and a desert camp)
- Breakfast every morning
- Dinner and breakfast at the desert camp
- Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel, riad, airport)
- Camel ride as described in the programme
- Local guide for the guided visits
- Surf lessons with board and wetsuit
Not included
- International flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Optional activities (for example quad, buggy or balloon) unless listed
- Travel insurance
- Tips for drivers and guides
Draft based on this programme – our team confirms the exact list with your quote.
Where you stay
- Night 1Riad in Marrakech
- Night 2Riad in Marrakech
- Night 3Desert camp in Agafay
- Night 4Riad in Essaouira
- Night 5Riad in Essaouira
- Night 6Surf house in Taghazout
- Night 7Surf house in Taghazout
- Night 8Surf house in Taghazout
- Night 9Guesthouse in Tafraoute
- Night 10Guesthouse in Tafraoute
- Night 11Riad in Taroudant
- Night 12Riad in Marrakech
Comfort level: Standard + – comfortable riads, guesthouses and a traditional desert camp, chosen by our team. Luxury camps and riads are possible on request.
Best time for this trip
September to June is best. The coast stays mild all year, but Marrakech, Taroudant and the Anti-Atlas are hot in July and August.
- JanGood
- FebGood
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGood
- JulPossible
- AugPossible
- SepGood
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGood
What to bring for this trip
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
- Rash vest for the surf
- High-factor water-resistant sun cream
- Windproof jacket for Essaouira
- Comfortable clothes for cycling
- Walking shoes for the Ammeln valley and Imlil
- Warm layer for the desert camp
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
Booking & payment
- How to book
- Send your request; we confirm the programme and the price in writing on WhatsApp or by email.
- Payment
- A deposit secures your booking and the balance is paid on arrival.
- Cancellation
- Our cancellation conditions are sent with your quote, before you pay anything.
- Weather & changes
- If the weather stops an activity, we adapt the day or replace the activity.
13 Day Trip to Morocco: your questions
Who is this 13 day trip to Morocco for?
Travellers who want the ocean, the mountains and a desert night without the long road to Merzouga. The longest drive is about four hours.
Is Tafraoute worth the detour?
Yes – the Anti-Atlas around Tafraoute is quiet, with pink granite rocks, almond trees and very good cycling and walking.
Do I need surf experience on this 13 day trip to Morocco?
No, the lessons in Essaouira and Taghazout are for beginners, with board and wetsuit.
Can we add the Sahara?
Yes, but Merzouga adds at least three days of travel. For a desert night on this route, the Agafay camp near Marrakech is the easy choice.
When is the best time for this route?
September to June is best. The coast stays mild in summer, but Marrakech, Taroudant and Tafraoute are hot in July and August.
What our travellers say
A holistic experience
Booking a trip with Moroccan active adventures gave us the most memorable new years celebration of our lived. Our guide Mouhssin was especially talented at turning down deserted mountain/desert roads and finding beautiful riads…
Activities on this trip
Read more about each experience – what to expect, who it is for and what to bring.
Quad & buggy ridesDay 3 – Agafay desertDetails →
Camel & horseback treksDay 3 – Agafay desertDetails →
Desert camping & stargazingDay 3 – Agafay desertDetails →
Cycling & mountain bikingDay 10 – Tafraoute by bike & on footDetails →
Hiking & trekking adventuresDay 10 – Tafraoute by bike & on footDetails →
Surf & kitesurf experienceDay 5 – Wind & waves in EssaouiraDetails →Optional activities
Add one or more of these to your 13-day trip. They are not included in the price – ask us and we add them to your programme.
Optional · extraKite surfing lift-offKitesurf lesson in windy EssaouiraSee the activity →Optional · extraWindsurfing adventureWindsurfing sessionSee the activity →Optional · extraJet ski adventure on the coastJet ski on the bay of AgadirSee the activity →Optional · extraBoat cruise along the coastBoat trip along the coastSee the activity →
Optional · extraHot air balloon rideSunrise flight before or after your tripSee the activity →
Optional · extraAuthentic culinary experiencesCooking class or food walk in the medinaSee the activity →Request this 13-day trip
Fill in the form and press send: your request comes straight to our team’s inbox (or WhatsApp, if you prefer) and we reply with the full programme and a clear price.
- No payment to send a request
- Private tour on your dates
- Or write to us: +212 600 643 098
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