MOROCCO DESERT TOURS FROM MARRAKECH
Marrakech Desert Tours take you on an amazing adventure through the beautiful Moroccan desert. On these Sahara Desert tours, you can ride camels across the sandy dunes and explore the stunning landscapes around you. You’ll have the chance to visit traditional Berber villages, where you can learn about the local culture and way of life. Plus, delicious Moroccan food, allowing you to taste local dishes. in the Desert as the sun sets, the sky fills with stars, creating a magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for fun, relaxation, or a chance to connect with nature, Marrakech Desert Tours offer a perfect escape into the heart of the desert.
2 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH
An excellent trip for those with limited time in Morocco but a desire for a fabulous experience, including the camel ride and a night in the desert.
2 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
Perfect chance for those with limited time in Morocco, yet who desire to do the enriching experience of a camel trek and a night in middle of the desert
2 DAYS FROM MARRAKECH TO ZAGORA
Join an unforgettable journey to Zagora, providing travelers with a taste of Morocco's diverse landscapes and the Desert experience.
3 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH
Explore the best part of Morocco including historical monuments, epic High Atlas Mountains, incredible valleys and the sweeping Desert
3 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
The trip offers a great mix of artistic diversity disquisition, literal discovery, and the magical geographies of Morocco Desert in a short time.
4 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH
Join us on a 4 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert to explore the best Instagrammble spot in M0rocco, the stunning Merzouga Desert.
4 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
A 4 days tour from Marrakech to Fes offers a fantastic journey through diverse landscapes, including the Atlas Mountains, valleys, and the Sahara
4 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO ESSAOUIRA
Enjoy an enriching tour that blends the exotic allure of the Merzouga Desert with the coastal charm of Essaouira exploring fabulous places in Morocco.
5 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO ESSAOUIRA
The 5-day tour from Marrakech to Essaouira via the gorgeous Merzouga desert offers a unique blend of desert adventures and coastal charm.
5 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO FES
The Touroffers a comprehensive exploration of Morocco's diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the vibrant Sahara Desert.
A Bit of History of Marrakech City:
The Almoravids:
The 1st encampment, surrounded by an enclosure of branches, gradually led to a few solid constructions around a kasbah and a mosque. Youssef ben Tachfin, the cousin of Abou Bekr, built irrigation canals and dug wells connected by underground pipes (khettara) to supply the site with water. For several centuries, the city acquired the historic status of the southern capital of the Maghreb.
In 1062, Youssef ben Tachfin seized Fez, Meknes, and Taza. In 1086, he landed at Algeciras and extended his empire to Lisbon and Toledo.
His son Ali (1107-1144), who succeeded him at the age of 23, surrounded Marrakech with a veritable belt of adobe ramparts, pierced by monumental gates.
He perfected the water supply system, built the 1st public fountains, and developed cultivation by creating numerous orchards. A great lover of art and architecture, the young monarch called Andalusian artists to endow his capital with magnificent buildings. Musicians, scholars, writers, and a wide range of artists all worked at his court.
Ibn Toumert, a formidable orator from Tinmel, shocked by the pomp of the court and the religious decline of the kingdom, preached a reform to re-establish a pure faith.
With a few companions, he founded a brotherhood called the Almohads (from al-muwahiddun, “those who affirm the oneness of God”). Aware of the danger, the sovereign consolidated the defensive system of Marrakech’s ramparts. This precaution did not prevent Abd al-Moumin ben Ali, Ibn Toumert’s favorite disciple and successor, from seizing the capital in 1147, after a 9-month siege.
His fanatical troops plundered it, executed some of the population “to eliminate bad Muslims” and razed religious buildings to the ground, on the pretext that they were not well oriented towards Mecca.
Ishak, Ali’s youngest son, was massacred. It was the end of the Almoravid dynasty.
Of all the splendors of this golden age, only rare vestiges remain, such as the koubba, rediscovered in 1948.
The Almohads:
Abd al-Moumin ben Ali, the new emir of the Almohad dynasty (1144-1163), established his capital in Marrakech, where he built the Koutoubia (1157), the largest mosque in the Maghreb, and designed an orchard that would become the Menara garden. As ruler of an empire stretching from Castile to Tripolitania (now Libya), the “Caliph and Prince of Believers” pursued the Islamization of the Berbers. He died at the age of 63.
His son Abu Yacoub Youssef (1163-1183), governor of Seville, immediately returned to Marrakech and continued his father’s work as a builder. He was responsible, among other things, for the Agdal garden and the construction of the mosque and Giralda in Seville. In Marrakech, he gathered a large number of artists, historians, and scholars at his court. His personal physician was none other than the philosopher Averroès, commentator on Aristotle and inventor of the 1 therapeutic bloodletting of children.
His son Yacoub (1184-1199), born of a black slave, endowed Marrakech with a new mosque, the Kasbah, which can still be seen today. Under his reign, the Maghreb capital was covered with palaces, civil and religious buildings, and gardens.
Trade flourished and the city grew considerably. The city walls were extended and new gates were built, such as the magnificent Bâb-Agnaou, which still stands today. The sovereign took his nickname of El-Mansour, “the Victorious”, after defeating the Spaniards at Alarcos in 1195.
The decline:
El-Mansour’s death in 1199 marked the end of his empire and the decline of Marrakech. His son, Mohammed en-Nacir (1199-1213), born of a Christian mother, preferred to settle in Fez. This marked the beginning of a long period of unrest. The young king, who was just 17 when his father died, suffered a series of defeats in Spain in the face of the Pope’s crusade. On his return to Morocco, he abdicated in favor of his son and died in unspecified circumstances. These were tragic years for the empire: the provinces regained their independence, and Marrakech was no longer the superb capital it once was.
In 1269, Abou Youssef Yacoub, chief of the Beni-Merine tribe, took advantage of the Almohades’ divisions to seize the city and transfer its capital to Fès-el-Jédid, the “new city”. The Almohads tried to resist, notably at Tinmel, where their founder, Ibn Toumert, had set off from, but their dynasty died out in 1276. In less than 1 century, they succeeded in making Marrakech the country’s largest and most populous city, with 150,000 inhabitants.
From then on, the city entered a period of lethargy lasting over 250 years.
The Saadians:
In 1524, the Saadian sultan Ahmed Aredi re-established Marrakech as the capital.
The city gradually regained its splendor. First under the reign of Moulay Abdallah (1557-1573), who, among other things, enlarged the Ben-Youssef Medersa and ordered the construction of the Mouassine fountain.
Then came the reign of the famous Ahmed el-Mansour (1578-1603), nicknamed Ahmed “the Victorious” after the Battle of the Three Kings.
The conquest of new territories gave him control of all caravan trade between the Niger River and Morocco. He could therefore add to his name that of “El-Dehbi” (“the Golden”). The gold of Sudan enabled him to build sumptuous structures, such as the El-Badi palace, “incomparable”, or the Saadian tombs, where he had his mother buried.
In his death, Marrakech was once again abandoned: Moulay Ismail (1646-1727), a great admirer of Louis XIV, preferred Meknes as his capital. The El-Badi palace was dismantled and the Saadian tombs walled up. Subsequent sultans nevertheless carried out work in the fallen capital.
Moulay Hassan, one of King Sidi Mohammed ben Abdel-lah’s sons, enlarges Dar El-Beida, the “White House”, to house his harem in the Agdal gardens. Moulay Abdel Aziz’s grand chamberlain built the Bahia palace, “la Merveilleuse”. His more modest brother was content to build the Dar Si-Saïd, now transformed into the Musée d’Art Régio-nal. The Agdal and Menara gardens were replanted. But Marrakech was gradually depopulating: by 1912, its population had dwindled to just 75,000.
The origins of Marrakech are mysterious, but it is commonly accepted that it began as a military camp established by Abu Bakr, a powerful Almoravid leader, in 1070. It was his cousin and successor, Yusef Ben Tachfin, who transformed this primitive oasis into a majestic capital for his vast empire that stretched from the Atlantic to Algeria and from the Sahara to the Ebro River.
Although the Almohad conquest almost wiped out the early constructions, many of the structures that we can admire today are witnesses to its glorious past.
The heart of Marrakech beats strongly in its famous square, the Jemaa el Fna, which has been declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This cultural space is the soul of the city, located within the labyrinthine old town, and is a place where jugglers, storytellers, snake charmers, magicians, and musicians gather to entertain visitors in a unique atmosphere.
But it is not just the square that makes Marrakech special, but also its bustling souks, which are some of the best in the country. Here you can enjoy a unique shopping experience, with a wide range of handcrafted and exotic products that delight the senses.
Marrakech is a city full of life and color, captivating visitors with its charm and unparalleled energy. No wonder it is one of the favorite destinations for tourists from all around the world seeking adventures and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Before traveling to Marrakech, be sure to read more about this fascinating city and prepare for an adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Discover the hidden treasures of Marrakech and let yourself be carried away by its magic!
Best time to do the Marrakech Desert Tours:
The best time to visit Marrakech city is during the cooler seasons, which are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather with highs in the low 70s to low 90s Fahrenheit (20 Celsius to 32 Celsius) which are the best temperatures
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each season:
Spring: This is the most popular time to visit Marrakech, due to the perfect weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. However, it can also be the most crowded and expensive time to visit because the spring is high season in Morocco
Summer (June to August): The weather in Marrakesh is hot and dry during the summer, with highs often reaching 37 degrees Celcius (100 degrees Fahrenheit). If you can handle the heat, this can be a good time to visit as there are fewer crowds and lower prices.
Autumn: The weather in autumn is mild and comfortable, making it a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer heat, the autumn weather is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities, such as hiking in the Atlas Mountains, visiting the Majorelle Garden, or taking a day trips to nearby villages such as Ouzoud Waterfalls, Essaouira and Agafay Desert, in addition, 3 days trip to see the golden dunes in the Sahara Desert.
Winter (December to February): The weather in Marrakesh during the winter offers a different experience compared to the scorching summer months, with amazing temperatures of 15 degrees Celcius (60s Fahrenheit). Next, nights can be chilly while days are pleasant, nights in Marrakech during winter can get quite chilly, sometimes dropping below 10 degrees Celcius (50 Fahrenheit). So pack layers of clothing so you can adjust to the temperature changes.
Furthermore, if you to make your Marrakech Trips extra special check out the amazing cultural festival in early June which is a lively celebration of everything in Marrakech, with music, dancing, crafts, and local traditions filling the streets. Next, it’s a fantastic way to experience the real Marrakech and create memories that will last a lifetime!
In summary, the ideal time to visit Marrakech city is during the cooler months, from September to May, when the weather is pleasant and allows you to enjoy all that the city has to offer. If you are looking for an even more intense cultural experience, the festival in early June is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the cultural richness of Marrakech – be ready for a unique and unforgettable experience in this magical city!
How to get to Marrakech City ?
There are several ways to get to Marrakech easily:
Fly: This is the most popular and convenient way to get to Marrakech from European and Western countries. The city has an international airport, Menara Airport (RAK), which is located about 6 kilometers (four miles) southwest of the city center.
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is the main airport serving Marrakech, Morocco, it’s the second busiest airport in Morocco, so expect it to be lively, especially during the high season.
Next, the airport offers flights to over 60 destinations, including many European cities, Casablanca, some destinations in the Arab world, and as of 2024, North America and it has two terminals in one building, offering a good range of services for arriving and departing passengers.
Several airlines such as Ryanair which is known for its low fares, Air Arabia, and Royal Air Maroc offer nonstop and connecting flights to Marrakech from major cities around the world.
Train: Traveling by train is another option to move from one city to another, especially if you are already in Morocco. Next, Marrakech has a central train station, Gare Marrakech, that was built in 1923 during the French protectorate, the station underwent a major renovation in 2008 to modernize it and make it more functional.
Plus, it has six platforms and several service tracks, making it Morocco’s most important train station which offers connections to major cities within Morocco, such as Casablanca, Meknes, Fes, Rabat, and Tangier.
Bus: Traveling by bus is a budget-friendly option for getting to Marrakech from other cities in Morocco like Tangier, Casablanca, Merzouga and so many more. Several bus companies offer connections to Marrakech from other cities in Morocco
Car: Want to explore Morocco on your terms? Renting a car for your Marrakech adventure is a great choice! Hit the road and stop whenever you see something interesting, like charming villages or cool sights.
If you’re planning a longer Moroccan stay, driving your own car across the Strait of Gibraltar might be even better. It can be cheaper than renting a car in Morocco! This way, you can explore at your own pace and create an unforgettable Moroccan road trip!
How to get around Marrakech?
Marrakech offers a variety of ways to get around, catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are some popular options:
Guided Tour: The Medina, Marrakech’s historic center, is mostly pedestrian-friendly. This makes walking a great way to explore the bustling streets, colorful souks, and hidden gems. Just keep an eye out for motorbikes and scooters because they are everywhere in the medina, and wear comfortable shoes
Petit Taxis: Taxis are a convenient and affordable way to get around the city, especially for longer distances. You can hail one on the street (Petit Taxis) or find them at taxi ranks. An important thing to keep in mind is to be sure to agree on a fare before starting to avoid any confusion.
Bus: The city has a public bus network operated by ALSA. While it can be a budget-friendly option, the buses can be crowded and the routes might be confusing for first-time visitors.
Bus tickets can be purchased on board from the driver and must be paid for with the exact change in Moroccan dirham for example 4 Dirhams equals 0,37 Euro
Horse-drawn carriage: Enjoy a charming and traditional way to explore the city with a horse-drawn carriage ride. This is a great option for a leisurely sightseeing tour, especially around the Djemaa el-Fna square moving for example to the Bahia Place, Badi Palace, and Majorelle Garden
How many days is recommended to stay in Marrakech?
The recommended amount of time to spend in Marrakech depends on what you want to see and do
Short trip (2-3 days): This is a good amount of time to see the highlights of the city, such as the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Bahia and Badi Palace. You’ll also have time to do some shopping in the souks and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere, so only 2 days are enough to see the most important spots in Marrakech
Medium trip (4-5 days): With a few extra days, you can delve deeper into Marrakech’s culture and history. You could visit museums like the Dar Si Said Museum or the Marrakech Museum, take a cooking class, or learn about traditional Moroccan crafts. Also, you could take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, Agafay, the Ourika Valley, or maybe a desert tour of 3 or 4 days toward the Merzouga Desert.
Long trip (1 week or more): If you have 7 days or more, you can explore Marrakech at your own pace spend a few days relaxing in a traditional riad, take a multi-day excursion to the Sahara Desert, or go on a road trip to other parts of Morocco, such as Essaouira or the blue pearl of Morocco, Chefchaouen.
To summarize, don’t settle for a rushed visit to the red city, Marrakech is a city that deserves to be savored calmly, allowing you to enjoy its charm and magic in every corner. So, get ready for a unique experience in Marrakech and book at least 2 or 3 days to enjoy it to the fullest! You won’t regret it!
What to visit in Marrakech city?
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square:
The heart of Marrakech city is the Djemaa el-Fnaa Square, a bustling marketplace and entertainment hub. Next, this amazing place has a lovely atmosphere filled with food stalls, snake charmers, acrobats, musicians (guitar and banjo players with drums and castanets), and fortune tellers.
First, it is a historical landmark and the origins date back to the 11th century, and it has been a center of commerce and entertainment ever since. It was even designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2001, recognizing its unique role in Moroccan culture interacting with the locals is a great way to experience the vibrancy and energy of Marrakech.
Next, The square’s origins are shrouded in some mystery, but it’s believed to have emerged around the 11th century, coinciding with the founding of Marrakech itself and the square might have served a different purpose. Some theories suggest it was the location of public executions, which is reflected in the square’s name. “Jemaa” means “congregation” or “mosque” in Arabic, while “el-Fna” can translate to “death/extinction” or “a courtyard, space in front of a building.”
Also, there’s an interesting story about a Sultan from the Saadian dynasty who planned to build a mosque somewhere in the square. The name for this planned mosque was “Jemaa el-Hana,” which means “mosque of prosperity.” However, construction was never completed, and the name changed to “Jemaa el-Fna,”
Today, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square continues to be a colorful blend of tradition and modernity. In addition, it remains an amazing space that retains the vibes of Marrakech.
Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a prominent symbol of Marrakech, is one of the important buildings in Marrakesh, like a famous landmark that is one of the biggest mosques in the Muslim world, and has a super tall tower, almost 70 meters high! This tower sticks way up above all the other buildings in the city. Legend has it that the caliph purposely limited the height of the mosque to avoid surpassing the height of the Great Mosque of Mecca, so no building is even allowed to be taller
The mosque was built by a ruler named Abd el Moumen a long time ago, but his son Yacoub El Mansour finished it around the year 1189. The name “Koutoubia” actually comes from an old market that used to be nearby where they sold books, so it’s also called the Mosque of the Booksellers.
Even though you can’t go inside if you’re not Muslim (like most mosques), it’s still amazing to see the mosque from the outside because the towering minaret is visible for miles around. The tall tower and fancy details are a big part of Morocco’s history and culture.
If you ever go to Marrakesh, be sure to check out the Koutoubia Mosque, especially during sunset when the warm light bathes the mosque in a golden glow and enjoy the surrounding gardens that are a peaceful place to relax and take photos with the mosque as a backdrop.
It’s a great and beautiful piece of history you won’t want to miss.
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace boasts a rich history that reflects the rise and fall of powerful figures in Marrakech, its construction started in the late 19th century by Si Moussa, a powerful official who served as Grand Vizier (chief minister) for the Sultan, Si Moussa envisioned a palace that would showcase his wealth and status. The grand scale and intricate details of the palace reflect his ambition.
Also, it’s a magnificent residence located near Jemaa el Fna Square in Marrakech, Morocco. It is a stunning example of a rich, princely, and realistic late 19th-century abode,
The Bahia Palace was designed and built by the renowned Moroccan architect Muhammad al-Mekki, who called upon the best handicraftsmen of the time for its construction. Over 150 rooms, including private quarters for the family, reception halls for guests, and quarters for servants with lush courtyards with fountains and gardens, offering tranquil spaces for relaxation.
The Bahia Palace stands out for its beautiful 8-hectare garden, which is one of the main attractions of the place.
The name “Bahia” has an interesting legend behind it. It is said that Ahmed ben Moussa dedicated this splendid palace to his favorite concubine among the 24 concubines and 4 wives of his harem. In fact, “Bahia” means “the beautiful or the Gorgeuous” in the Arabic language, which refers to the beauty and elegance of the palace.
In the early 20th century, the Bahia Palace was restored and opened to the public as a museum.
Today, it serves as a window into Moroccan history and architecture, showcasing the grandeur of a bygone era.
El Badi Palace
Marrakech’s El Badi Palace is a fascinating place, offering a glimpse of a once-great palace and a reminder of the city’s rich history. Right next to the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, you’ll find El Badi Palace. This palace was built way back in the 1500s by a king named Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour, this incredible spot was a symbol of his power and wealth.
He wanted to build the most amazing palace ever, so amazing it couldn’t be compared to anything else! That’s why they named it El Badi, which means “The Incomparable.”
The palace isn’t all shiny and grand anymore, but you can still visit. Walk around the big open spaces that used to have orange trees, and climb up the old walls to see cool views of the city. Even though it’s a bit broken down now, El Badi Palace is still a super historic place and worth checking out on your trip to Marrakech. They even sometimes have a big cultural festival there with music and dancing! Learning about El Badi Palace will help you understand why it’s such an important piece of Marrakech’s history.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
The Ben Youssef Madrasa also spelled Ben Youssef Medersa, is a place worth visiting in Marrakech thanks to its rich history.
The Ben Youssef Madrasa (another word for school) is a super old (built in the 1300s!) and important Islamic school in Marrakech. Back then, it was the biggest school in all of North Africa! Students came here to learn about the Quran and other Islamic studies.
The school itself is amazing to look at. Imagine beautiful carvings, colorful mosaics, and a big central courtyard with a fountain. It’s like stepping back in time!
The rooms inside the school are cool too. They’re decorated with furniture, carpets, and other things, making it feel like you’re back in ancient times when the school was full of students (over 900!).
If you ever go to Marrakech, check out the Ben Youssef Madrasa. It’s a historical landmark and a fun way to feel like you’re on a time travel adventure!
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs were forgotten for centuries! They were hidden away for over 300 years until their rediscovery in the early 1900s. Next, They were built as a luxurious cemetery for Saadian Dynasty royalty.
These tombs are like a time capsule, taking you back to the 1500s in Morocco. Built by a powerful dynasty called the Saadians, they’re a beautiful example of Morocco’s history and culture. Lots of tourists come to see these tombs because they’re so interesting!
The Saadian Tombs, a hidden treasure in Marrakech! These tombs are a super important part of Moroccan history, dating back to the 1500s and the reign of a powerful king named Ahmad al-Mansur. Located near the Kasbah Mosque, they were a burial ground for the Saadian Dynasty royalty.
The Saadian Tombs are famous for their amazing decoration and design, making them a high point of Moroccan architecture according to experts. Today, many tourists visit these tombs to experience this piece of history firsthand.
This is How We Organize Our Trips to Marrakech
At Marrakech Trips, we offer three main modalities:
All-inclusive and tailor-made trips to Marrakech.
We help you to prepare and carry out your trip to Marrakech with an all-inclusive package from the moment you set foot in the country. We adapt to your preferences and budget, offering proposals for all tastes.
Premium or luxury travel
If you are looking for an exceptional experience in Marrakech, we can organize a premium trip for you. This city is a leader in luxury tourism in Morocco, with the best infrastructures and highly qualified staff to satisfy a demanding and exclusive client looking for the best. Our high-end services can include:
- Accommodation in 5-star hotels, either in a riad in the medina or a resort in the outskirts.
- High-quality private vehicle with a driver who speaks your language whether English, Spanish, French, Japanese, Chinese…
- Selected the best restaurants to enjoy the best local cuisine.
- Shopping tourism with suggestions for leisure time or advice from personal shoppers.
- Wellness plans, such as hammam and spa
- Private excursions to different places proposed by the client.
- Leisure and adventure activities, such as quad tours and camel rides, always with accredited professionals and guaranteed safety conditions.
Tours all over Morocco with Marrakech as a starting point.
In addition to Marrakech, we offer tours that start from this city and allow you to discover other regions of Morocco, providing you with a complete and enriching experience.
In Marrakech Trips we adapt to your preferences and needs to offer you the best trip to Marrakech such as the 3-Day Desert Tour From Marrakech to Fes, contact us and we will start working on your personalized program!
Frequently Asked Questions about Marrakech
Marrakech is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. It’s known for its amazing bustling markets (souks), beautiful palaces, delicious food, and friendly people.
Generally, Marrakech is considered safe for tourists. However, as with any city, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft.
Tamazight is the official language in Morocco, but French and English are also widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Many people working in tourism also speak English, so basic communication is usually possible.
Citizens of many countries, including the United States of America, Canada, and European Union member states, don’t need a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Check with your embassy or consulate for specific requirements and you will get the pieces of information on whether you need the visa or not. Also, it is possible to check it online via https://www.passportindex.org/
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s best to have cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases and tipping.
