12 days Marrakech Berber Culture Tour: Kasbahs, Oases & Desert.
Overview
This 12-day journey takes you deep into the heart of Berber culture, exploring the stunning landscapes of Southeast Morocco. Discover the majestic High Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, lush oases, and the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert. Immerse yourself in the traditions of Berber communities, ride camels across the desert, visit historic kasbahs, and experience the warm hospitality of the local people.
12 days Marrakech Berber Culture Tour itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech – Welcome to Morocco
Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Marrakech Menara Airport, where you will be transferred to a beautiful traditional riad in the heart of the Medina. After check-in, take the evening to explore the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where storytellers, musicians, and food stalls create an unforgettable atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner before resting for the night.
Day 2: Marrakech Sightseeing – Exploring the Red City
Today, embark on a guided city tour of Marrakech, beginning with the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in the city. Next, visit the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, followed by the Saadian Tombs. Stroll through the lively souks (markets), where artisans craft traditional Berber jewelry, textiles, and leather goods. After lunch, explore the Majorelle Garden, a peaceful oasis in the bustling city. Enjoy a free evening before overnighting in your riad.
Day 3: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Telouet – Ait Ben Haddou
Leaving Marrakech, travel through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Stop at Telouet Kasbah, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village with a maze of earthen buildings. Explore the historic kasbah, famous for its role in Hollywood films. Spend the night in a traditional kasbah hotel.
Day 4: Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura Oasis – Dades Valley
After breakfast, drive to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where many famous movies were filmed. Visit the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah. Continue to the Skoura Oasis, a lush green paradise filled with palm groves and ancient kasbahs, including Amridil Kasbah. Travel through the Valley of Roses, famous for its fragrant flowers, before arriving at Dades Valley, home to dramatic rock formations and Berber villages. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 5: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
Depart for Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon with towering rock walls. Take a short walk along the river before continuing towards Erfoud, known for its fossils and date markets. Arrive in Merzouga, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise dramatically from the desert floor. Ride camels into the desert to your luxury camp, where you will enjoy a traditional Berber dinner under the stars, followed by live music and storytelling around a campfire.
Day 6: Merzouga – Nomadic Villages – Khamlia – Desert Exploration
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking desert sunrise before riding camels back to the village. After breakfast, explore the desert landscapes by 4×4, visiting nomadic families and learning about their way of life. Stop at Khamlia village, home to the Gnawa people, who will welcome you with traditional music. Visit a Berber market before returning to your riad for an evening of relaxation.
Day 7: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Nkob – Agdz
After breakfast, travel to Rissani, an important trading town with a fascinating traditional souk. Continue through Alnif and Nkob, where stunning desert and mountain scenery surrounds small Berber villages. Arrive in Agdz, located in the lush Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley. Visit an authentic kasbah before checking in to your guesthouse for the night.
Day 8: Agdz – Draa Valley – Zagora – Tamegroute – M’hamid
Drive through the picturesque Draa Valley, an oasis of date palms and ancient kasbahs. Stop in Zagora, a desert gateway town, before visiting the historic Tamegroute Library, home to ancient manuscripts. Continue to M’hamid, where the road ends and the Sahara begins. Enjoy an evening of Berber hospitality and a peaceful night in a desert lodge.
Day 9: M’hamid – Erg Chigaga – Desert Camp
Today, take an adventurous drive across the Sahara Desert to reach the remote dunes of Erg Chigaga, one of Morocco’s most spectacular dune landscapes. Experience another camel trek, enjoy sandboarding, and relax in a luxury desert camp. The night will be filled with Berber music, traditional food, and stargazing.
Day 10: Erg Chigaga – Foum Zguid – Taznakht – Ouarzazate
Leave the desert and travel towards Foum Zguid, a small town marking the edge of the Sahara. Stop in Taznakht, famous for handwoven Berber carpets, before arriving in Ouarzazate for a well-deserved rest. Spend the evening at leisure.
Day 11: Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, cross the High Atlas Mountains once again, taking in the breathtaking landscapes. Arrive back in Marrakech, where you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace. Enjoy a farewell dinner in a traditional Moroccan restaurant.
Day 12: Departure from Marrakech
After breakfast, transfer to Marrakech Airport for your flight home. Take with you unforgettable memories of Morocco’s Berber heritage, kasbahs, oases, and desert adventures.
Tour Highlights:
- Camel trek & overnight in the Sahara
- Stay in traditional Berber villages
- Explore UNESCO-listed kasbahs & ancient medinas
- Discover lush oases & dramatic mountain landscapes
- Experience Berber hospitality & culture
