Travel Blog: One Week in Morocco - From Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @35mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 400 - f/6.3 - 1/640 sec

Hey there! Morocco is an amazing country full of surprises! It's where ancient meets modern, where the desert meets the mountains, and where the bustling cities meet the vast emptiness of the Sahara. If you're looking for an adventure, there's no place quite like it. In this post, I'll take you on a journey from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert, sharing my experiences along the way.

So, we flew from Munich to Marrakesh, where our trip began, the bustling city known for its vibrant markets, maze-like alleys, and stunning architecture. We spent a few days exploring the city, taking in the sights and sounds of the medina, and marveling at the intricate tilework and colorful mosaics of the Bahia Palace.

One tip I can immediately give you is not to bring a drone with you. I didn't know they are forbidden in Morocco and had to leave mine at the airport for a week and pay $20 for storage.

When we were in the medina, we felt like we were transported to another world. The narrow alleys were lined with vendors selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and pottery. The smells of exotic spices filled the air, and the colorful displays of goods were a feast for the eyes. It was easy to get lost in the maze-like streets, but that was part of the fun. We stumbled upon hidden courtyards and stumbled upon local artisans at work.

Haggling is a way of life in the medina, and we quickly learned the art of bargaining. The vendors would start with a high price, and we would counter with a lower offer. It was a game of back-and-forth, and we often ended up paying less than half of the initial asking price. The key was to be polite but firm and to know when to walk away.

Overall, the medina was a sensory overload, but in the best possible way. It's a place that will test your bargaining skills and immerse you in the vibrant culture of Morocco.

Where to stay in Marrakesh

There are many great options for accommodations in Marrakesh, but one of our favorites was the Riad Anjar. This beautiful riad was located in the heart of the medina and offered a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city. The rooms were beautifully appointed, the courtyard was filled with greenery, and the staff was incredibly welcoming and helpful. It was the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring Marrakesh.

Our riad
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @15mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 1000 - f/4.5 - 1/160 sec

The rooftop of our riad
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @20mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 100 - f/2.8 - 1/200 sec

Where to eat in Marrakesh

Marrakesh is known for its delicious food, and there are plenty of options to choose from. One of our favorite spots was the Nomad restaurant, which offers a modern take on traditional Moroccan cuisine. The rooftop terrace offers stunning views of the city and the food is delicious.

In general, it's best to avoid the main square because it can be crowded and distracting. Instead, try going one or two streets away for a better experience..

Road to the Sahara

The Sahara Desert
Canon EOS RP + Canon RF 24-105mm @82mm f/4-7.1 IS STM/ ISO 800 - f/7.1 - 1/320 sec

Next, it was time to hit the road and head south three days towards the desert. We were warned that the journey would be long and arduous, but we were undaunted. The landscape outside of Marrakesh quickly changed from lush greenery to dry, rocky terrain as we made our way towards the Atlas Mountains.

As we climbed higher into the mountains, the air grew cooler and the scenery more dramatic. We stopped for lunch at a small roadside café, where we were served a delicious tagine and a lot of water. From there, we continued on towards the desert, passing through small towns and villages along the way.

On the first day of our trip from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert, we embarked on an exciting journey to explore some of the most fascinating places in Morocco. We visited Ait Ben Haddou, Ourzazate, and Dades Valley, which are all unique and breathtaking in their own way.

Our first stop was Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified city made entirely of clay. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been featured in many famous movies and TV shows, including "Game of Thrones" and "Gladiator." Walking through the winding streets and climbing up to the top of the fortress was a surreal experience, and the views of the surrounding desert were awe-inspiring.

Ait Ben Haddou
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @35mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 100 - f/10 - 1/160 sec

After Ait Ben Haddou, we headed to Ourzazate, which is known as the "Gateway to the Sahara." The city has a rich history as a stopping point for caravans heading from the Sahara to Marrakesh, and it is also home to several famous movie studios. We visited the Atlas Film Studios, which have been used to film many Hollywood blockbusters, including "The Mummy."

Finally, we visited Dades Valley, which is known for its stunning scenery and beautiful rock formations. The valley is located in the High Atlas Mountains and is home to several Berber villages.

Overall, our first day in Morocco was an incredible adventure, and we couldn't wait to see what the rest of the trip had in store for us.

On the second day of our journey from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert, we continued our drive towards the desert and made a stop at the beautiful and Todra Gorges. The Todra Gorges are a series of limestone river canyons that have been carved out by the Todra River over thousands of years. The towering canyon walls reach up to 400 meters high and offer an unforgettable sight that will leave you breathless.

Todra Gorges
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @15mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 200 - f/6.3 - 1/125 sec

After taking in the stunning views of the Todra Gorges, we continued our journey towards the edge of the Sahara. As we drove through the arid and barren landscape, the anticipation of what lay ahead began to build up. Finally, after a long day of driving, we arrived at the edge of the Sahara, where we visited the Jorf Palm Grove.

Jorf Palm Grove
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @15mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 200 - f/6.3 - 1/320 sec

The Jorf Palm Grove is a desert oasis located on the edge of the Sahara in Morocco. It is a beautiful and peaceful place that offers a welcome respite from the harsh and unforgiving environment of the desert. The palm grove is home to thousands of palm trees, and the lush greenery provides a stark contrast to the surrounding desert landscape. As we strolled through the palm grove, we were surrounded by the sound of rustling palm leaves and the sweet fragrance of the fruit. It was truly a unique and unforgettable experience.

Edge of the desert by Leonie
Canon EOS RP + Canon RF 24-105mm @102mm f/4-7.1 IS STM/ ISO 100 - f/7.1 - 1/800sec

After exploring the Jorf Palm Grove, we made our way to our campsite. We rode our camels through the vast expanse of sand, watching as the sun began to set behind us. The desert sky was ablaze with color, and the sand beneath our feet was soft and warm. As we settled into our tents for the night, we knew that we were in for a truly unforgettable experience in the days ahead.

The next day was spent exploring the desert, camping under the stars, and experiencing the unique beauty of this incredible landscape. We rode our camels across the dunes, watched the sunset from the top of a sand dune.

The Sahara Desert
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @35mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 200 - f/6.3 - 1/400 sec

As our trip came to an end, we made our way back towards Marrakesh, stopping along the way to take in the stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains. We were exhausted but exhilarated, grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique and unforgettable adventure.

Atlas Mountain Range
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @29mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 100 - f/7.1 - 1/160 sec

To sum it all up, traveling from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert is an experience like no other. From the bustling streets of Marrakesh to the vast emptiness of the desert, this journey is one that will stay with you forever. So, don't hesitate, Morocco is the place for you if you're looking for an adventure that will take you out of your comfort zone and into the heart of one of the world's most incredible landscapes!

Which tour should you take?

There are several options, but the standard tour is always three days from Marrakesh to Marrakesh, and four days from Marrakesh to Fez.

The price difference is mainly affected by the level of accommodation in the desert and the mode of transport you use. You can either go on a tour with more people or in a private car. In the desert, there are only two kinds of accommodation: standard camping tents with shared bathrooms and fancy tents with private toilets. I highly recommend booking better accommodation because it is not that much more expensive and provides a more complete experience with better food. Personally, I have done both. In 2017, I did the same tour with the standard tent, and in 2023, I went with the premium tents and I would always choose them because of the whole experience.

My camera gear selection

For this trip, I decided to bring my Canon EOS R5 with a wide-angle lens, the 15-35mm f/2.8. Additionally, I brought a drone…

Leonie also brought her Canon EOS RP with a 24-105mm lens, which proved to be very useful for making a video about our trip and taking amazing pictures that I just couldn't capture with my wide-angle lens.

The Sahara Desert by Leonie
Canon EOS RP + Canon RF 24-105mm @102mm f/4-7.1 IS STM/ ISO 200 - f/7.1 - 1/320sec

We are thrilled to share with you the amazing video we made during our trip to Morocco! It was an adventure full of surprises, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.

We wanted to make sure that we could share our adventure with others, so we took great care in filming and editing the video. We used high-quality equipment and techniques to capture the beauty of Morocco and to create a cinematic experience for you!

So sit back, relax and enjoy the video of our journey from Marrakesh to the Sahara Desert in Morocco.