The Route
of Dreams

The Journey

Six days through Morocco's most spectacular transition — from the High Atlas to the deep Sahara. Ergs, hammadas, kasbahs, oases and the immense silence of the great desert. This is the complete southern Morocco experience, designed for those who want to feel the full power of the Sahara.

Follow ancient caravan routes to Erg Zahar, explore the secret dunes of Zmila, meet nomadic communities at remote wells, and sleep each night in a different bivouac under the Milky Way.

Day by Day Program

• Day 1Depart Marrakech early morning. Cross the High Atlas via the legendary Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m). Stop at the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou. Continue south through the Draa Valley with its palm groves and mud-brick villages. Arrive at M'Hamid El Ghizlane. First evening in a comfortable fixed bivouac on the desert edge.
• Day 2Begin the camel caravan trek into the open desert. The palm trees recede as the sandy immensity unfolds. Cross ancient settlement sites with visible pottery fragments. Lunch under a tree. Afternoon visit to the Sidi Naji mausoleum. Bivouac set up among the dunes. Traditional dinner by campfire. Night under the stars.
• Day 3Caravan heads toward Zmila, where sand meets rocky mountains. Morning crossing of golden dunes. Lunch under a tamarisk. Afternoon ascent to heights offering a panoramic view of the Sahara. Discover traces of ancient nomadic dwellings. Evening descent to the bivouac at the foot of the dunes.
• Day 4Depart toward Erg Zahar, one of Morocco's most beautiful ergs. The caravan advances between undulating dune lines, the scenery growing ever more spectacular. Stop at the Sidi Omar mausoleum. Lunch sheltered from the heat. Climb a colossal dune for a sweeping view of the Draa Valley. Night bivouac in the heart of the dunes.
• Day 5Continue toward Erg Aït Ounnir. Stop at the Draa Valley well, a meeting place for shepherds and camels. Afternoon exploring the dunes. Final unforgettable sunset over the Saharan horizon. Traditional dinner, mint tea, last night in the profound silence of the desert.
• Day 6Final nomad breakfast. Leave the desert on foot, returning to M'Hamid. Lunch at the bivouac, then transfer toward Marrakech. Cross the Draa Valley and the spectacular landscapes of southern Morocco once more. Arrive in Marrakech in the late evening.

What's Included

✅ Round-trip transportation from Marrakech or Ouarzazate

✅ A comfortable overnight stay in our traditional desert camp in M'hamid, including dinner and breakfast

✅ An authentic desert experience guided by our local team

✅ Full-board accommodation during your stay (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

✅ Support and assistance from the Desert Lotus Retreat team throughout your journey.

Not Included

* Optional camel ride for guests who wish to enjoy the desert on camelback (€20 per camel, per day)

* Drinks and meals during the road transfer

* Entrance fees to attractions and monuments

* Personal expenses and tips

* Travel and repatriation insurance.

What to Bring

Light comfortable clothes for walking · Warm layers for cold desert nights · Good hiking shoes · Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) · Light backpack with water · Camera.

How Your Trip Works

We pick you up from your chosen city — Marrakech, Ouarzazate, or Zagora — and take care of everything from there. Your luggage travels by camel so you can walk freely and enjoy every moment.

Nights are spent in nomadic bivouacs sheltered between the dunes. Sleep under a blanket of stars or inside a traditional tent — your choice, every night.

All meals are freshly prepared by your guide team using local ingredients: think Saharan bread baked in the sand, tajines, and endless mint tea around the fire.

Every trip is fully customizable — want to add a 4x4 day, visit a specific dune, or adjust the pace? Just ask.