Luxury Escape in the Spectacular Sahara, Where Starry Skies, Dazzling Dunes, and Ancient Kasbahs Await
The Sahara Desert is a truly timeless destination, combining unparalleled opportunities to encounter fascinating history, vibrant culture, and nature at its most awe-inspiring.
Join us on an immersive two-night, three-day journey from Marrakech to Fes, taking in the wonders of the Sahara desert. Let this adventure ignite inspiration for your personalized journey — crafted to your every desire, from choosing the perfect accommodations to selecting captivating sites to explore along the way.
Wander in the footsteps of nomads and filmstars at Ksar Aït ben Haddou
From Marrakech, the four-hour drive to Ouarzazate at the Sahara’s edge is full of captivating scenery that will keep you glued to your window. Wind through the High Atlas Mountains, passing Amazigh (Berber) villages amid the vertiginous peaks and rugged, ever-changing landscape. At the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka mountain pass, gaze in wonder as the scenery takes on myriad shades of sandy oranges, yellows, and reds.
Set in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains near the desert town of Ouarzazate, the 11th-century fortified village of Ksar Aït ben Haddou is today famous as a film set for blockbusters such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Jewel of the Nile, and Gladiator. A World Heritage Site since 1987, it’s described by UNESCO as “an extraordinary ensemble of buildings offering a complete panorama of pre-Saharan earthen construction techniques”.
A historically important stop along the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, the vast village is characterized by striking North African clay architecture, with collections of dwellings enclosed by defensive walls reinforced by imposing towers and punctuated by impressive gates. In the company of your expert guide, wander through the labyrinthine streets to discover what life was like for residents over the centuries and look out for backdrops from your favorite action movies.
Relax among the palms at the enchanting oasis of Skoura
Less than an hour’s drive from Ouarzazate lies the oasis village of Skoura, where the arid terrain transforms into a lush landscape of towering palm trees. After the long journey and exploration of Ksar Aït ben Haddou, there’s no better place to rest than the enchanting Ksar el Kabbaba, an unforgettable property that combines timeless traditions and iconic desert design with contemporary luxury.
On arrival, enjoy a cup of traditional mint tea and dates harvested fresh from the garden’s palms. Then wander through a wonderland of indulgence, where the clay-and-straw kasbah complex is cooled by a garden of soaring palm and olive trees. From your indulgent sanctuary, go quad biking or e-biking through the desert oasis with an expert guide, and stop for a desert picnic amid the palm trees or take part in a pottery workshop with a local artisan. Back at the hotel, hone your Moroccan culinary skills in an exclusive cooking class using olive oil from the garden’s ancient tree, and then cool off with a dip in the inviting outdoor pool.
Spend a night beneath the stars at a luxury desert camp
Continue deeper into the desert along the Road of 1000 Kasbahs, passing endless ancient clay fortresses as your route winds between the High and Low Atlas Mountains, casting a panorama of burnt orange peaks. In the sprawling Valley of the Roses, a region of rose plantations fed by the Asif M’Gouna river, inhale the inimitable floral fragrance and stop at a women’s cooperative to browse perfumes, creams, and cosmetics made with precious rose water or oil. As your trip continues, keep an eye out for roadside stalls and stop to soak up the atmosphere at a local food market as villagers from the surrounding area buy and sell fresh fruit and vegetables, herbs and spices, meat, and sundries.
For a refreshing break in your desert journey, stop in Tinghir and stroll through the incredible Todgha Gorge, where a natural spring turns into a stream flowing through soaring red rocks. Dip your toes in the cooling waters and snap photos of the breathtaking scenery, before enjoying a lunch of tagine served on the beautiful riverside terrace of Le Petit Gorge restaurant while enjoying views of the fresh flowing stream and rugged rocks.
As you travel onwards towards Merzouga, classic Saharan landscapes begin to emerge, with endless vistas of sand and soft, wind-carved dunes rising up from the horizon. Meet your desert guide, transfer to a 4x4, and head offroad into the Sahara. The last leg of your journey is undoubtedly the best: connect with your local Amazigh guide for a sunset camel ride on the way to your luxury desert camp, in what promises to be a memorable and soul-stirring experience.
As dusk descends, arrive at Itran Royal Camp, which provides everything you need to immerse yourself in this extraordinary Saharan landscape in comfort and style. Luxury tents include large windows, comfortable beds, air conditioning, and bathrooms with a hot shower and toilet. After an indulgent four-course dinner of local specialities, gather around the campfire to listen to hypnotic Amazigh drumming and watch for shooting stars as the Milky Way puts on its nightly spectacle. In the morning, wake early to catch the sunrise as you round off this true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Continue the magic as you journey through diverse landscapes to Fes
After immersing yourself in the wonders of the desert, the magic continues as you journey through the country to Fes, stopping first in the town of Erfoud to visit a fossil workshop, Fossiles D’Erfoud, and watch local workers extracting up to 500-million-year-old fossils from rocks from the nearby desert. There’s also the opportunity to shop for smaller fossils, and precious rocks, as well as impressive larger pieces like tables and sculptures made from fossil-filled stone which can be shipped internationally.
As you travel northwards and ascend into the Atlas Mountains, the landscape changes dramatically, transforming into a fragrant alpine paradise complete with winter ski resorts and pine forests. Stop to stroll through the upscale, flower-lined streets of Ifran, with its Swiss-style architecture and quaint coffee shops, before continuing to the wondrous city of Fes.
