

Explore Moroccan Kasbahs and Camp in the Sahara
- Morocco
- 5 nights
Stroll through remarkable gorges, explore ancient kasbahs and ride camels through the dunes to a Berber camp
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesAll Lodging
2 nights in a riad, 2 nights in a hotel, and 1 night in a Berber campMeals
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinnersTransfers
Airport transfers and everything in betweenSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
What's it like?
Highlights
Wander the winding streets of ancient, walled kasbahs and through the pathways of dramatic deep gorges
Spend a night at a traditional Berber camp and sleep under the huge desert sky spotting shooting stars
Experience the best of Moroccan culture and nature as you soak up vast landscapes, sleep in riads and learn about ancient traditions
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Marrakech
Driving15 minsRiadTwin shareShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Your host will meet you at the airport and take you to your traditional riad accommodation in Marrakech’s historic medina. You'll then get the chance to spend the day exploring the city’s colorful souks, wander the UNESCO-listed main square and indulge in some amazing Moroccan food.
Day 2
From Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou
Driving4-5hrs · 118miHotelTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
You will be picked up in a modern 4x4 or minibus before setting off on a journey that will take you up and over the Atlas Mountains before descending to the desert on the other side. Along the way you'll stop at a high mountain pass, a 17th-century kasbah, and an oasis where you'll learn a bit about Berber folklore and grab lunch. The day ends in Ait Ben Haddou, a red clay city where films and shows like Gladiator and Game of Thrones have been filmed. Relax with dinner and sunset in this picturesque walled city.
Day 3
Draa River Valley and camel trekking in the Sahara
Driving6-7hrs · 242miCampsiteTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
Heading to the scenic Draa River Valley today you'll check out the area’s numerous kasbahs and oases. Calm water backed by the snowy Atlas Mountains makes this valley particularly beautiful. Later in the day you will arrive in Merzouga to meet your camels and gear up for an epic night in the Sahara Desert. The 1.5-hour sunset camel trek will end at a traditional Berber camp in the dunes. Enjoy hot mint tea and fresh dinner around the fire, and sleep under the stars or in a comfortable Berber tent.
Day 4
Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
Driving5-6hrs · 186miHotelTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
After a leisurely breakfast in the camp (and an incredible sunrise if you're early enough) you’ll be picked up by your driver and taken to Todra Gorge, an impressive canyon with sheer 525 ft cliff walls. Hike around to check out the views, and when you’re done exploring continue the drive through the Dades Valley to your hotel. Known as the 'Valley a Thousand Kasbahs', this rose-red landscape is spectacular.
Day 5
Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Driving7-8hrs · 227miRiadTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
This morning’s drive will take you along the Rose Valley to Skoura Oasis, a surprisingly green village in the desert. Continue onto Ouarzazate to have lunch at a kasbah, then finish the trip with a leisurely drive back over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech for a final night in the old town.
Day 6
Goodbye Morocco
Driving15minsBreakfast includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
Relax over your last Moroccan breakfast, explore the town some more if you have time, then transfer to the airport to catch your flight home.
Getting There
- Nearest airport
- Menara Airport (RAK)
- Pick up
- Marrakech Airport (RAK)
Arrive anytime on Day 1 - Drop off
- Marrakech Airport (RAK)
Depart anytime on Day 6
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Road trip from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, with stops at a high mountain pass, a 17th-century kasbah, and an oasis along the way
- Visit the kasbahs and oases of the Draa River Valley
- Guided sunset camel ride in Merzouga
- Road trip through the Dades Valley, stopping at Todra Gorge along the way
- Road trip through the Rose Valley, Skoura Oasis, Ouarzazate, the Atlas Mountains and back to Marrakech
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
- 2 nights in a beautiful riad in Marrakech
- 2 nights in small, local hotels in Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley
- 1 night in a Berber camp in the Sahara Desert
- All (5) fresh, local breakfasts
- 4 tasty lunches
- 3 classic Moroccan dinners
- Arrival transfer from Marrakech Airport at any time on Day 1
- Departure transfer to Marrakech Airport at any time on Day 6
- All transfers during the trip
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion, but there is a cultural expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest budgeting for a minimum of 300 Dirham per person, to be split and offered directly to the following individuals:
- Guides: MAD150
- Drivers: MAD105
- Riad staff: MAD45 (total)
Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.
Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travelers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (opens in new tab) (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield (opens in new tab), both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.
Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
What You'll Eat
Food in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains is shaped by Amazigh (Berber) traditions and historic trade routes, giving it a distinctive mix of sweet and savory flavors, with staples like tagines, couscous, and pastilles, often spiced with cumin, turmeric, and…
Optional Extras
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation
- Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Double/Twin Room
- …/per night
- Pre/Post Trip Accommodation Single Room
- …/per night
Upgrades
- Optional Private Room Upgrade
- …
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
Transfers
- Private transfer between Marrakech Airport and Marrakech City (per vehicle)
- …
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
This Trip is Graded Level 1
Ratings & Reviews
- 2 stars (0)
- 1 star (0)
Category rating
- Food
- 4.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 4.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
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Departure dates
Thursday 24th September 2026
to Tuesday 29th September 2026
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Got a Group of 6 or More?
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
Sure can. If you would like to leave anything in Marrakech, your host will take care of this for you.
How will Ramadan affect my vacation in Morocco?
Ramadan is an Islamic festival where the religious do not eat or drink during daylight hours. While this is a really interesting time to travel, especially to witness celebrations where the fast is broken in the evenings, you can expect some business hours will be shortened, alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours, and some restaurants will be closed during this festival period. Activities for local people tend to be limited during the day, and the nights are very active in cities with lots of different foods being sold and consumed. Ramadan will not affect the inclusions on your trip, although you should be aware that dinners will be served after locals break their fast in the evenings.
As Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, the dates change from year to year. We recommend checking whether your chosen trip dates fall during this period.
Can my dietary requirements be accommodated on this adventure?
At Much Better Adventures, we work hard to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies so your trip is safe, inclusive and enjoyable. That said, options can vary by country, location and accommodation, and in some places options may be limited or unavailable. The information below has been provided by your host so you’re fully informed about what will be possible on your trip depending on your individual requirements. This information should be read carefully prior to your trip to ensure that you are adequately prepared for the situation ‘on the ground’.
Once you have booked on your trip, please fill out your passenger information form asap with any dietary requirements. Once you complete your passenger information, your dietary needs and any allergies are automatically shared with your host and, in turn, your guide. Please submit this as early as possible so they can plan accordingly and deliver the best experience. Please also remind your guide about your dietary requirements upon arrival, as mentioning these in person allows your guide to comprehend individual preferences and limitations as soon as you arrive.
BACKGROUND Food in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains is shaped by Amazigh (Berber) traditions and historic trade routes, giving it a distinctive mix of sweet and savoury flavours, with staples like tagines, couscous and pastilles, often spiced with cumin, turmeric and ginger. While on the trek, your meals will be cooked by the Berber muleteers. The food is fresh and healthy, and will consist of things like bread, jam, cookies, fruit, juice, and coffee for breakfast; salad, tomatoes, carrots, lentils, beans, rice or pasta, and fish for lunch; soup, classic Moroccan tagine, couscous, olives, nuts, and seasonal fruit for dinner. Vegetarian and vegan eating is often possible with vegetable tagines and bean dishes, and dairy-free can be managed by avoiding yoghurt, milk and butter. Coeliac disease and allergy needs can be trickier because bread and couscous are staples and kitchens may share utensils, so it helps to plan ahead with your guide and carry translation cards or safe snacks.
SPECIAL DIETS
Vegetarian Vegetarian diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Moroccan cuisine features plenty of delicious vegetarian-friendly options such as vegetable tagines (often with olives and preserved lemon), couscous topped with seasonal vegetables, lentil or chickpea soups, loubia (white beans in tomato sauce), bissara (fava bean soup/purée), and cooked salads like zaalouk (aubergine and tomato) or taktouka (pepper and tomato), usually served with bread and olives.
Vegan Vegan diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Vegan-friendly options include vegetable tagines cooked with olive oil, lentil and bean dishes (such as loubia or bissara), roasted seasonal vegetables, simple tomato-and-cucumber salads, and mezze-style plates of olives, salads and dips such as zaalouk and taktouka made without butter. It’s worth noting that bread, pastries and couscous can sometimes include butter, milk or eggs, so it helps to flag this clearly to your guide and host.
Kosher Fully certified kosher options are limited in Morocco and are mainly found in larger cities such as Casablanca and Marrakech. On this trip in the Atlas Mountains, kosher-supervised kitchens and ingredients may not be available, so vegetarian or vegan meals can be the most reliable alternative if this is acceptable to you. Please read the related sections above, and plan ahead with your guide.
Halal Halal diets can be catered for on this trip, provided your host is made aware in advance. As Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, most local restaurants, hotels and suppliers prepare food in line with halal norms.
INTOLERANCES
Gluten Free (for Coeliac, please see Allergies section below) Gluten-Free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. However, options may be more limited compared to those without dietary requirements. While your local hosts will do their best, it’s worth knowing that gluten-free supplies are generally only available in the major cities. In more remote areas, it's harder to source specialist products, so meals will be based on naturally gluten-free dishes rather than substitutes. That said, most standard meals already include several options without gluten, even without special preparation. Please do consider bringing your favourite snacks or food supplements from home to ensure that you always have enough fuel for your adventure.
Lactose Free Lactose-Free diets can be catered for on this trip, provided that your host is made aware in advance. Many traditional dishes are naturally lactose-free or can easily be prepared without dairy, such as vegetable dishes, couscous, legumes, salads, and mezze based on olive oil rather than yogurt or cheese.
ALLERGIES
Our host has confirmed that they are able to accommodate mild allergies to the 14 allergens identified by the UK Food Standards Agency, where these are disclosed in advance. However, if you have a severe or life-threatening food allergy (including Coeliac disease), please get in touch with our CX team prior to booking to discuss whether your requirements can be accommodated safely on this trip. This will allow us to carefully consider the sensitivity and severity of your allergy, the available provision on the trip and the accessibility of medical care should a reaction occur. Your safety is always our top priority.
*Please note that when travelling overseas, local ingredients, food preparation methods and labelling standards may vary, particularly in remote areas. It is also worth noting that any allergies may result in more limited options and repetitive provision in some areas. Whilst your guide will help communicate dietary requirements where possible, customers remain responsible for managing their own allergies during the trip.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers review the practical information available on the UK Government’s FCDO website, where you can find up-to-date advice by searching for your destination(s).
If you are based in the United States, you can also check the latest travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State.
For customers joining from other international locations, we recommend checking the official travel advice issued by your country of residence, as guidance may vary.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates daily, so prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips typically consist of a mix of solo travelers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves, and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
The desert can get quite hot, with daytime temperatures averaging 59-104°F from March to October, and 41-68°F from November to February. Nighttime temperatures drop significantly and can even approach freezing in the winter. As much as 0.4 inches of rain can fall in any month, particularly from October to January, but generally the desert is dry.
In the summer (June, July, August), daytime temperatures have been known to approach 113°F on occasions in the desert and in the towns and cities on this trip, so please ensure that you come prepared with sun protection, light and airy clothing and electrolytes/rehydration solutions if traveling at this time of year. If it becomes unsafe to camp in the desert due to extreme summer temperatures, your host will accommodate you in a nearby hotel instead.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre program, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 296kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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