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8 days Morocco trip with Essaouira: 8 Days Morocco Trip with Essaouira: Sahara & Atlantic
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8 days · Desert & coast

8 Days Morocco Trip with Essaouira: Sahara & Atlantic

Sand first, sea second: five days to cross the High Atlas and sleep in the dunes of Merzouga, then the Atlantic port of Essaouira for an active day on the ocean.

See the day-by-day route
8 days / 7 nightsStarts in MarrakechEnds in MarrakechPrivate tour
Marrakech→Aït Benhaddou→Dades Valley→Todra Gorge→Merzouga→Ouarzazate→Marrakech→Essaouira→Sidi Kaouki→Essaouira→Marrakech

About this 8 days Morocco trip with Essaouira

This 8 days Morocco trip with Essaouira joins the Sahara and the Atlantic in one route. You sleep in the dunes of Merzouga, then relax by the sea.

First, you cross the High Atlas and walk through Aït Benhaddou on the way to the Dades Valley. Then you walk in the Todra Gorge and ride camels at sunset to a desert camp. After that, you try sandboarding at sunrise and drive back west. Next, you reach Essaouira, with a stop at a women’s argan cooperative. Finally, a surf, kitesurf or horse ride fills your day on the ocean. As a result, our 8 days Morocco trip with Essaouira balances sand and sea. It is a private trip, on your dates.

Highlights of this 8 days Morocco trip with Essaouira

  • Aït Benhaddou
  • Todra Gorge walk
  • Camel ride & desert camp
  • Sandboarding at sunrise
  • Argan cooperative
  • Essaouira ramparts & port
  • Surf, kitesurf or beach ride

8 days Morocco trip with Essaouira: day by day

  1. 1day
    Day 1

    Marrakech

    Arrive in your riad and spend the afternoon in the souks and on Jemaa el-Fna.

    Stay: Riad in Marrakech
  2. 2day
    Day 2

    Over the Atlas to the Dades Valley

    The Tizi n’Tichka pass, a walk through Aït Benhaddou and the road of the kasbahs to the Dades Valley.

    On the road: about 7–8 h with stopsStay: Riad in Dades Valley
  3. 3day
    Day 3

    Todra Gorge & camel ride

    A walk in the Todra Gorge, then Merzouga and a camel ride at sunset to the desert camp.

    On the road: about 5–6 h with stopsStay: Desert camp
  4. 4day
    Day 4

    Sandboarding at sunrise, then west

    Sunrise and sandboarding on the dunes, then the long road west through Tinghir to Ouarzazate.

    On the road: about 7–8 h with stopsStay: Riad in Ouarzazate
  5. 5day
    Day 5

    Back to Marrakech

    Over the High Atlas with a short walk in a Berber village, arriving in Marrakech in the afternoon.

    On the road: about 5 h with stopsStay: Riad in Marrakech
  6. 6day
    Day 6

    To Essaouira

    Drive to the coast with a stop at a women’s argan cooperative, and walk the ramparts at sunset.

    On the road: about 3 h with the argan stopStay: Riad in Essaouira
  7. 7day
    Day 7

    Active day on the Atlantic

    A surf or kitesurf lesson in Essaouira bay or at Sidi Kaouki, or a horse ride along the beach.

    Stay: Riad in Essaouira
  8. 8day
    Day 8

    Essaouira port & back to Marrakech

    The fishing port and the medina in the morning, then the drive back to Marrakech for your flight.

    On the road: about 2.5–3 h

What’s included in this 8 days Morocco trip with Essaouira

Included

  • 7 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
  • 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

  1. Night 1Riad in Marrakech
  2. Night 2Riad in Dades Valley
  3. Night 3Desert camp
  4. Night 4Riad in Ouarzazate
  5. Night 5Riad in Marrakech
  6. Night 6Riad in Essaouira
  7. Night 7Riad in Essaouira

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

March to May and September to November give warm days in the desert and good wind and waves in Essaouira. Summer is very hot in the Sahara, and in winter the camp nights are cold.

  • JanPossible
  • FebGood
  • MarBest
  • AprBest
  • MayGood
  • JunPossible
  • JulAvoid
  • AugAvoid
  • SepGood
  • OctBest
  • NovBest
  • DecGood

What to bring for this trip

  • Scarf or cheche for sand and sun
  • Warm layer for the desert night
  • Windproof jacket for Essaouira
  • Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
  • Sunglasses and sun cream
  • Walking shoes for the Todra Gorge
  • Long trousers for the beach ride
  • Small overnight bag for the camp
  • 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.

8 Days Morocco Trip with Essaouira: your questions

Is it worth adding Essaouira to an 8 days Morocco trip with Essaouira and the desert?

Yes – after the heat and long roads of the south, Essaouira’s ocean breeze is the perfect way to slow down, and the drive from Marrakech is only about 2.5 to 3 hours.

What can we do on the active day in Essaouira?

A surf or kitesurf lesson for beginners, or a horse or camel ride along the beach. Essaouira is windy, which suits kitesurfing very well.

How many nights in the desert on this 8 days Morocco trip with Essaouira?

One night in a desert camp at Merzouga. If you would like more time in the dunes, we can add a night and shorten the stay in Marrakech.

Is the drive back from the desert long?

Yes, Merzouga to Ouarzazate is about 7 to 8 hours with stops, and the next day takes you over the High Atlas to Marrakech.

What is the best season for this trip?

Spring and autumn are ideal for both the desert and the coast. In summer the dunes are very hot but Essaouira stays cool.

Local team in MoroccoYour trip is planned and run by our own team on the ground.
Private, on your datesOnly you and your travel companions, starting when you want.
Every day can changeAdd a night, an activity or a slower pace – the plan adapts to you.
Answers on WhatsAppAsk us anything before you book: +212 600 643 098.

What our travellers say

TA5.0 ●●●●●
Moroccan Active Adventures on Tripadvisor
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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…
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Activities on this trip

Read more about each experience – what to expect, who it is for and what to bring.

Camel & horseback treksCamel & horseback treksDay 3 – Todra Gorge & camel rideDetails →Desert camping & stargazingDesert camping & stargazingDay 3 – Todra Gorge & camel rideDetails →Hiking & trekking adventuresHiking & trekking adventuresDay 2 – Over the Atlas to the Dades ValleyDetails →Surf & kitesurf experienceSurf & kitesurf experienceDay 7 – Active day on the AtlanticDetails →Kite surfing lift-offKite surfing lift-offDay 7 – Active day on the AtlanticDetails →A family in front of the golden doors of the Royal Palace in FesCultural explorationDay 1 – MarrakechDetails →

Optional activities

Add one or more of these to your 8-day trip. They are not included in the price – ask us and we add them to your programme.

Quad & buggy ridesOptional · extraQuad & buggy ridesQuad or buggy ride in the Erg Chebbi dunesSee the activity →4x4 & off-road safarisOptional · extra4x4 & off-road safaris4x4 tour around the dunes and nomad familiesSee the activity →Cycling & mountain bikingOptional · extraCycling & mountain bikingCycling in the oasisSee the activity →Windsurfing adventureOptional · extraWindsurfing adventureWindsurfing sessionSee the activity →Hot air balloon rideOptional · extraHot air balloon rideSunrise flight before or after your tripSee the activity →Authentic culinary experiencesOptional · extraAuthentic culinary experiencesCooking class or food walk in the medinaSee the activity →
Quick request

Request this 8-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

More ideas for 8 days in morocco

8 days in Morocco: Camel Trek in the Sahara8 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech: Camel Trek in Erg ChebbiPrivate tour · Round trip from Marrakech · Desert trekkingMore than one night in the dunes: three days walking with camels across Erg Chebbi, two nights in quiet camps, nomad families and sandboarding, with the gorges and a horse ride at Aït Benhaddou on the way. 8 days in Morocco: A family in front of the golden doors of the Royal Palace in Fes8 Days Tour from Marrakech to FesPrivate tour · Marrakech to Fes · Desert & cities, slower paceA one-way crossing with time to breathe: a day in Marrakech, Telouet and Aït Benhaddou, cycling in Skoura, a hike in the Dades and climbing in Todra, two nights at Merzouga and the cedar forest on the way to Fes. 8 days in Morocco: Waterfalls, Atlas Valleys & Agafay8 Day Private Morocco Tour from Marrakech: Waterfalls, Valleys & AgafayPrivate tour · Round trip from Marrakech · Mountains, lakes & AgafayGreen Morocco, far from the classic road: the Ouzoud waterfalls, a kayak on the lake of Bin el Ouidane, three nights hiking in the Aït Bouguemez valley, then camels, quads and a night in the Agafay desert.

See all 10 ideas for 8 days

A similar trip, shorter or longer

All Morocco itineraries, 4 to 30 days · Luxury tours · Small group tours · Women only tours · Activities · Travel tips · About our team

Camel & horseback treks
Land adventure

Camel & horseback treks

On this trip: Day 3 – Todra Gorge & camel ride

Camel trekking Morocco’s Sahara is the slow, quiet way into the desert: a line of camels led by a guide on foot, swaying over the orange dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga as the light turns soft. Most of our guests ride at sunset to a camp in the dunes and come back at sunrise. It is calm, not sporty – anyone who can sit on a saddle for an hour can do it.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), Agafay desert, Marrakech palm grove
Duration
1 hour to 6 days
Level
Easy, no experience needed for camels
Minimum age
Children ride with an adult; ask us for small kids
  • The classic Sahara moment
  • Local camel men
  • Slow travel
See the full activity page
 Desert camping & stargazing
Land adventure

Desert camping & stargazing

On this trip: Day 3 – Todra Gorge & camel ride

Sahara desert camping in Morocco is about one evening you will not forget: arriving at a camp hidden between the dunes of Erg Chebbi, climbing a ridge for sunset, eating tagine by the fire while drums play, then lying on a rug under more stars than you thought possible. Our camps near Merzouga range from simple nomad-style tents to comfortable tents with real beds and private bathrooms.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), Agafay desert near Marrakech
Duration
1 to 3 nights
Level
Easy, for all ages
Camp types
Nomad-style, standard and luxury tents
  • Real dunes
  • A sky full of stars
  • Choose your comfort
See the full activity page
 Hiking & trekking adventures
Land adventure

Hiking & trekking adventures

On this trip: Day 2 – Over the Atlas to the Dades Valley

Hiking Morocco’s High Atlas is a walk through a lived-in landscape: terraced fields, walnut trees, flat-roofed Berber villages built from the same red earth as the mountains, and mule paths that people still use every day. Our local mountain guides grew up around these valleys. They choose the route, set a steady pace and arrange lunch or a night in a village house.

Where
High Atlas (Imlil, Ourika, Toubkal), Dades & Todra gorges, Merzouga dunes
Duration
Day hikes to 5-day treks
Level
Easy valley walks to challenging summit treks
Minimum age
Valley walks for families; Toubkal for fit teens and adults
  • Real mountains near Marrakech
  • Toubkal, the big one
  • Village life on the trail
See the full activity page
 Surf & kitesurf experience
Water adventure

Surf & kitesurf experience

On this trip: Day 7 – Active day on the Atlantic

Surfing Morocco means long right-hand point breaks, sandy beach breaks for learning and warm sun when Europe is cold. The coast north of Agadir – Taghazout, Tamraght and the fishing village of Imsouane – is the heart of it, with Essaouira and its windy beaches further north. We organise lessons and surf guiding with licensed local surf schools and instructors, from your first wave to your first point break.

Where
Taghazout, Tamraght, Imsouane, Essaouira
Duration
Half-day lesson to a week-long surf camp
Level
Complete beginners to experienced surfers
Minimum age
Children who swim well, in lessons suited to them
  • World-class point breaks
  • A great place to learn
  • Surf in winter sun
See the full activity page
 Kite surfing lift-off
Air adventure

Kite surfing lift-off

On this trip: Day 7 – Active day on the Atlantic

Kitesurfing Morocco means steady Atlantic wind, long beaches and two very different playgrounds. In the far south, the Dakhla lagoon offers wide, flat, shallow water that is ideal for learning and for freestyle. Further north, Essaouira is known for its strong trade winds in spring and summer, with choppy water in the bay and powerful waves on nearby beaches for experienced riders.

Where
Dakhla lagoon, Essaouira and other Atlantic spots
Duration
Single lessons to a full kite week
Level
Beginner courses to independent riders
Minimum age
Set by the school – children need enough weight to control a kite
  • Reliable wind
  • Flat water for learning
  • Waves for advanced riders
See the full activity page
 A family in front of the golden doors of the Royal Palace in Fes
Moroccan experience

Cultural exploration

On this trip: Day 1 – Marrakech

Our Morocco cultural tours are built around people, not just monuments. You walk the medinas of Fes and Marrakech with a guide who grew up there, drink mint tea in a Berber village in the Atlas, watch craftsmen cut zellige tiles or dye leather, and share a meal with a family. The aim is simple: to understand how Moroccans live today, and where those traditions come from.

Where
Fes, Marrakech, Meknes, Chefchaouen, Atlas villages, Merzouga
Duration
Half-day city walk to 10+ day tours
Level
Easy – mostly walking
Group
Private or small group
  • Living medinas
  • Amazigh heritage
  • Crafts you can watch being made
See the full activity page
 Quad & buggy rides
Land adventure

Quad & buggy rides

Optional extra: Quad or buggy ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes

Quad biking Marrakech style means leaving the city noise behind in minutes: dusty palm grove tracks, Berber villages and the rocky hills of the Agafay desert, with the Atlas Mountains on the horizon. Our guides ride in front, set the pace to the slowest rider and stop for photos and mint tea. You do not need any experience – we show you the controls and do a short practice loop before we leave.

Where
Marrakech palm grove (Palmeraie), Agafay desert, Merzouga dunes
Duration
1 hour to 6 days
Level
Beginner friendly, no experience needed
Minimum age
Drivers usually 16+; younger children ride as buggy passengers
  • Desert right next to the city
  • Quad or buggy, your choice
  • Real landscapes, not a track
See the full activity page
 4x4 & off-road safaris
Land adventure

4x4 & off-road safaris

Optional extra: 4x4 tour around the dunes and nomad families

A 4x4 tour Morocco style takes you where normal cars cannot go: around the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, across the black stone plains near Merzouga, up rough mountain tracks in the Atlas and down into dry riverbeds where nomads still water their flocks. You sit back with an experienced local driver who knows the pistes, the weather and the best places to stop.

Where
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi, High Atlas tracks, Dades & Todra gorges, Agafay
Duration
Half day to multi-day private tours
Level
Easy – you are a passenger, no driving needed
Group
Private vehicle for your family or group
  • Reach the hidden places
  • Drivers who know the pistes
  • Private and flexible
See the full activity page
 Cycling & mountain biking
Land adventure

Cycling & mountain biking

Optional extra: Cycling in the oasis

Mountain biking Morocco’s High Atlas means riding mule paths between Berber villages, rolling down terraced valleys and stopping for tea where the trail meets a walnut grove. Our guides know the tracks around Marrakech, the Ourika and Imlil valleys and the Agafay hills, and pick routes that fit your level – from easy dirt roads to longer climbs and technical descents.

Where
Agafay desert, Ourika and Imlil valleys (High Atlas), Dades and Todra gorges
Duration
Half day to multi-day tours
Level
Easy to challenging – routes chosen for you
Bikes
Mountain bikes and e-bikes, helmet included
  • Mountains near the city
  • Village trails, not empty parks
  • Huge variety
See the full activity page
 Windsurfing adventure
Water adventure

Windsurfing adventure

Optional extra: Windsurfing session

Windsurfing Morocco starts with one word: wind. Essaouira is nicknamed the Wind City of Africa, because the trade winds blow along this coast for much of the year, strongest in spring and summer. The wide bay is a good classroom, Moulay Bouzerktoun to the north is a famous wave spot, and far to the south the Dakhla lagoon offers flat water on the edge of the Sahara. We organise lessons and rentals with licensed local windsurf centres and instructors.

Where
Essaouira bay, Moulay Bouzerktoun, Sidi Kaouki, Dakhla lagoon
Duration
2-hour lesson to a week-long windsurf camp
Level
Beginners (lessons) to advanced wave sailors
Minimum age
Children who swim well, with kids’ rigs where available
  • Reliable wind
  • Spots for every level
  • Wave sailing at Moulay
See the full activity page
 Hot air balloon ride
Air adventure

Hot air balloon ride

Optional extra: Sunrise flight before or after your trip

A hot air balloon Marrakech flight is the quietest way to see Morocco wake up. You leave the city in the dark, watch the burners light up the envelope, and lift off just as the sun climbs over the Atlas Mountains. Below you, red-earth villages, olive groves and dry riverbeds turn gold, and on clear winter mornings the snow on the High Atlas shines on the horizon.

Where
Countryside outside Marrakech (launch site set by the pilot each morning)
Duration
About 1 hour in the air, 4-5 hours door to door
Start time
Very early pick-up, before sunrise
Level
No experience needed
  • Sunrise over the Atlas
  • Silent, slow flying
  • Rural Morocco from above
See the full activity page
 Authentic culinary experiences
Moroccan experience

Authentic culinary experiences

Optional extra: Cooking class or food walk in the medina

A Morocco food tour is the quickest way into the country’s heart. With one of our local guides you taste fresh msemen pancakes at breakfast, follow the smell of cumin through the spice souk, try harira and grilled meat at the stalls of Jemaa el-Fna, and learn why a tagine needs time. We take you where locals actually eat, not where the menus are in five languages.

Where
Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Atlas villages, Merzouga
Duration
3-hour food walk to full-day class
Level
Easy – come hungry
Diets
Vegetarian options on request
  • Street food you would not find alone
  • Markets as a lesson
  • Cooking with real cooks
See the full activity page
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