Morocco truly is the quintessential North African country – centuries old medinas, bustling souks and markets, desert sand dunes and camels, hospitable locals and exotic cuisine. It has it all! But for those who want to see it all without the massive driving distances, this 8-day Morocco travel itinerary is perfect.
This 8-day itinerary takes you from the bustling souks of Marrakech to the historic hillside village of Ait Benhaddou and all the way to the fabulous dunes of the Sahara Desert from Zagora and M’hamid.
This part of Morocco is a fantastic introduction to North Africa.
Here is everything you need to know to plan an epic first 8-day Morocco travel itinerary.
- About this Morocco itinerary
- Summary
- Highlights
- Best time to visit?
- 8-DAY MOROCCO TRAVEL ITINERARY
Day 1-2 – Marrakech
Day 3 – Ait Benhaddou
Day 4 – Zagora
Day 5 – M’hamid; Southern Sahara
Day 6 – Ouarzazate
Day 7 – Marrakech
Day 8 – Ourika Valley - Have more than 8 days in Morocco?
- Where to stay in Marrakech
- More about Morocco
About this 8-day Morocco travel itinerary
With 8 days in Morocco, you can experience a great range of the cultural, historic and natural diversity of the country.
This 8-day Morocco travel itinerary is designed to maximise the variety of highlights (history, cities, villages and desert) as a return tour starting and ending in Marrakech.
This is an ideal itinerary if you want to try something a little bit different. But without the huge hours of driving!
Merzouga is the more-famous, iconic sand-dune destination of the Sahara in Morocco. But it is also notoriously touristic and can be overcrowded. (Yup! Even in the towering sand dunes of the Sahara).
However, this Morocco travel itinerary takes a similar route to Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate. But the final Saharan destination is in Zagora and the desert of M’hamid.
Tourists are significantly less likely to visit the Sahara Desert in Zagora than they are in Merzouga. Which is the beauty of an itinerary to Zagora!
It is a truly incredible experience – and a little more off the beaten track. (Plus without such distances of driving!).
- Read more about travel in Morocco.
Summary – 8-day Morocco travel itinerary – Marrakech to Zagora
See your complete adventure below.
- Day 1 – Marrakech – Arrival
- Day 2 – Marrakech
- Day 3 – High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou
- Day 4 – Zagora
- Day 5 – M’hmid and Southern Sahara
- Day 6 – Ouarzazate
- Day 7 – Marrakech
- Day 8 – *Ourika Valley
*Optional Day 8 trip from Marrakech to Ourika Valley or tour of Marrakech.
Highlights – 8-day Morocco travel itinerary – Marrakech to Zagora
There is so much of Morocco to choose from!
Highlights of this 8-day Morocco travel itinerary include:
- Marrakech Medina
- Jmaa El-Fnaa Square (Marrakech)
- Jardin Majorelle YSL Garden
- High Atlas Mountains
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Ait Ben Haddou (Ouarzazate)
- Atlas Film Studios (Ouarzazate)
- Draa Valley
- Agdez Village
- Zagora Town
- Towering Ochre Sand Dunes of Erg Chigaga
- Visiting & Meeting Artisan Women’s Argan Oil and Carpet Co-Operatives
- Visiting & Meeting Artisan Tamegroute Potters
- Tamegroute Village
- Bedouin Tent Camp
- Camel Ride in Chigaga Dunes
- Ourika Valley
You can see a more detailed list in our articles about each Morocco destination.
What is the best time of year for this Morocco itinerary?
Generally the best time to visit Morocco is during the early spring (March-April) or autumn (September-November). This is when the climate is pleasant and summery throughout the country without being too hot for day-time exploration.
But Morocco really is a year-round destination.
In our experience we would also recommend the wintertime (December, January and February) as a perfect escape from the Northern-hemisphere to make the most of the sunshine and pleasant day-time temperature.
Winter is also a good time to explore the south and the Sahara fringes and further inland without overwhelming heat. Though do remember that even in the desert it can get bitterly cold during the night.
- Read about travel in Morocco during Ramadan.
What is the best way to get around Morocco on this itinerary?
Logistically for this particular 8-day Morocco travel itinerary, there are two options for transportation:
- Rental car
- Tour
Renting a car in Morocco is a great way to see the country.
If you are confident driving (Morocco drives on the same side as Europe and US), this way gives you the most flexibility for independent travel.
There are multiple companies offering rental cars for Morocco from Marrakech.
Though if you would like the peace of mind and more relaxing option, it is straightforward to book this Morocco travel itinerary as a tour. Because this itinerary doesn’t go as far as Merzouga (the other Gateway of Sahara) and is only for 8-days in Morocco, it is an economical option to consider.
Otherwise, travel in Morocco is (technically) doable by bus.
CTM and SupraTours are two of the main bus companies in Morocco.
However, the downside is that there aren’t regular tourist buses to Zagora and M’hmid. The large bus companies cover the journey connecting the main cities. But to get to the desert the best option by public transport is the local bus.
Between Marrakech and Ouarzazate it is possible to book the bus online ahead of time. Or if you are game for the local (very local) bus, you can book it through your accommodation as you travel.
- Read about driving in Morocco.
THE COMPLETE ADVENTURE – 8 DAYS IN MOROCCO
Read on for the full details of each day’s travel itinerary.
Day 1 – Marrakech – Arrival
Welcome to Morocco! Marrakech is an exciting city in Morocco to arrive to.
Depending on the time of your arrival today, drop your bags and set out for a first introduction to Marrakech.
The main square inside the Marrakech medina (old city) is called Jemaa El-Fnaa. This is a busy place in the late afternoon from sunset and is a great hive of activity and place to get a first Moroccan meal.
- Read our detailed Marrakech itinerary.
- Stay overnight in a Riad hotel in Marrakech (1 of 2 nights).
Day 2 – Marrakech – 8-Day Morocco travel itinerary
Day 2 of your Morocco travel itinerary is a full and busy day exploring Marrakech.
To start your day, visit the famous Koutoubia Mosque. This is main mosque in the city and the tallest structure in the old town.
From there walk towards the historic Saadian Tombs. Then go on to Bahia Palace, which is considered one of the grandest palaces in the Morocco.
Explore the unique Jemaa el Fna Square and make the most of the incredible rooftop restaurants atop of the Marrakech medina.
Marrakech is one of the largest cities of the country and is filled with incredible history, culture, shopping, food stops and sites to see!
- Marrakech Medina: UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Jardin Majorelle: Exotic gardens and the famous house of Yves Saint Laurent.
- Bahia Palace: 19th century palace with a photogenic courtyard and fountains.
- Saadian Tombs: Royal necropolis from the 16th century with marble columns and detailed mosaics.
- Koutoubia Mosque: Largest mosque in Marrakesh, built in the 12th century.
- Chez Lamine: Dine where Gordon Ramsay did!
- Hammam Mouassine: Try the oldest Hammam in Marrakech (in operation since 1562).
Most of the main highlights are centred around the busy Jmaa El-Fnaa Square.
- Read more about things to do in Marrakech.
- Stay overnight in a Riad hotel in Marrakech (2 of 2 nights).
Day 3 – Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou Village
Depart mid-morning from Marrakech. The destination today is the iconic Moroccan village of Ait Benhaddou.
The famous village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous historic landmarks.
But first, the drive from the city heads east towards the desert ascending the High Atlas mountains.
It is an impressive journey up and over the winding road to the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. This is the highest mountain pass in North Africa, with an elevation of 2,205 meters (7,234 feet).
Make sure to stop to appreciate the panoramic view from the top!
Ait Benhaddou is considered a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. It is a historic Ighrem or Ksar (fortified village) along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh in Morocco.
The site has also been used as a background set for a lot of famous movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones.
On arrival in Ait Benhaddou, take a wander down to the river.
The view across the river is magical. Plus, it’s great for photos. It is easy to see why this place has been featured in so many Hollywood movies.
The late afternoon is the best time for a wander up through the historic village to the viewpoint at the top.
Enjoy dinner at one of the many beautifully designed restaurants overlooking the village from across the river.
- Tip: Be sure to stop en route Benhaddou at the top of Tizi n’Tichka Pass for photos!
- Drive 3.5-hours from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou.
- Stay overnight in Ait Benhaddou (1 night).
Day 4 – Drive to Zagora – 8-Day Morocco travel itinerary
If you are an early riser you can take a quiet walk at sunrise to the top of Ait Benhaddou. This is a quiet time of day (very) in the village and the views from the top lookout are uninterrupted and spectacular in the morning!
Enjoy breakfast on your hotel terrace before setting off again further towards the east to the town of Zagora.
The drive today crosses up and over the Jebel Sarhro mountains through the Tizi n’Tinififft Pass. (That is its real name!).
It isn’t as high or big as yesterday’s Tizi n’Tichka. But it is majestic.
Stop off at the village of Agdz which is a busy service centre for the surrounding smaller rural townships.
The town has long been the scene of major crossings of caravans and merchants travelling to Timbuktu. It played an important role in the exchange of goods across the Sahara.
You can stop in and visit the Souk. If you are passing on a Thursday the morning is a busy time in town with the weekly market.
Otherwise stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants with Tagines lined up on the road front. Or pull over to try some of the dates from the region.
On arrival in Zagora check in to your accommodation and go for a wander through the town.
- Read more about things to do in Zagora.
- Drive 3-hours from Ait Benhaddou to Zagora.
- Stay overnight in Zagora (1 night).
Day 5 – Overnight in Sahara Desert from M’hamid (Zagora)
Today is the much-awaited Sahara adventure on your Morocco travel itinerary.
You have time for a relaxing breakfast first. Or get a mint tea in town before setting off towards M’hamid.
Stop in Tagounite, a small village for lunch with a Berber family in their home.
Then travel on to the Sahara.
From M’hamid you can take a jeep further on the piste and or ride a camel out into the Chigaga Dunes to your camp for the night.
Once at camp you are free to explore your desertscape and spend time as you wish. You might wish to choose to climb one of the towering dunes, relax at camp, sandboard or take a buggy or quad drive through the dunes!
Enjoy Saharan hospitality for dinner, a campfire and live drumming. Then retire to your Bedouin-style tent, sleeping under a blanket of stars.
- Drive 1.5-hours from Zagora to M’hamid.
- Stay overnight in a desert Bedouin camp from M’hmid (1 night).
Day 6 – Drive to Ouarzazate – 8-Day Morocco travel itinerary
Wake up early today for another camel ride at sunrise.
Though this is optional, and you can go back by Jeep if you prefer.
Set off from M’hamid back towards Zagora. Though our destination today is Ouarzazate (about halfway back to Marrakech).
Drive past the fortified little village of Tamegroute, where a group of Islamic scholars founded a school back in the 1800s. This school and its library are still in use today.
Stop in for tea and lunch in Zagora.
If you haven’t yet already taken a photo with the famous ‘Timbuktu’ sign, be sure you do.
The iconic sign says ’52 Days to Timbuktu’ – which is allegedly the time it takes on foot or camel to make the journey from Zagora to Timbuktu in Mali.
After lunch drive back over the Tizi n’Tinififft Pass to Ouarzazate.
Check in to your accommodation for the night and go for a wander to see the Kasbah and old Jewish Synagogue in Ouarzazate.
If you have time and would like to see the film studios, Ouarzazate is home to several film museums and tours.
- Drive 4-hours from M’hamid to Ouarzazate.
- Stay overnight in Ouarzazate (1 night).
Day 7 – Back to Marrakech – 8-Day Morocco travel itinerary
Conclude the journey with a scenic drive back to Marrakech through the majestic mountain landscapes.
It includes another trip up and over the incredible mountain pass of Tizi n’Tichka, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains.
Arrive in Marrakech and check into your accommodation.
Then head straight out for dinner in the famous Jmaa El-Fnaa Square.
- Drive 3.5-hours from Ouarzazate to Marrakech.
- Stay overnight in a Riad hotel in Marrakech (1 of 2 nights).
Day 8 – Day trip to Ourika Valley from Marrakech
Today you have two choices:
- Take a day tour of Marrakech
- Make a day trip to Ourika Valley
If you are done with road tripping and would like to relax for the last day of your Morocco travel itinerary, today could be perfect for a Moroccan Hammam.
Otherwise we recommend a day trip to the beautiful Ourika Valley. There is a short walk from the village to the Seven Waterfalls of Ourika and a running river surrounded by the mountains where you can eat lunch on the riverside.
Finish the day – and an epic 8-day Morocco travel itinerary – with dinner at Nomad Restaurant overlooking the Jemaa El-Fnaa Square in Marrakech.
- Read all about getting a Moroccan Hammam (including everything you wanted to ask about what to wear!).
- Read how to visit the beautiful Ourika Valley on a day trip from Marrakech.
Have longer than 8 days in Morocco?
This is a great 8-day Morocco travel itinerary option for your first trip.
But what if you would like to take in more of Morocco?
Here are some other itinerary ideas and city guides for more of Morocco.
- Read more about the things to do in Chefcahouen, Casablanca, Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir, Taghazout and Tamraght, Fes and Rabat.
Or if you are considering staying longer in Morocco or crossing south to Mauritania, see our travel guides for border crossings with Morocco.
- Read about crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla.
- Read about crossing the border from F’nideq (Morocco) to Ceuta (Spain).
Where to stay in Marrakech
We highly recommend staying in a traditional Moroccan riad in the heart of the Medina in Marrakech. There are a range of options to suit all budgets.
Obviously, there are lot more destinations and accommodation options in Morocco to consider.
But here are some of the best rated riads in Marrakech to start with.
Budget riads in Marrakech:
Mid-range riads in Marrakech:
Luxury riads in Marrakech:
Overnight motorhome parking in Marrakech
There are a few campsites on the outskirts of Marrakech with motorhome parking and services.
But the best place to park with a motorhome close to all the things to do in Marrakech (walking distance) is in the guarded carpark near Koutoubia Mosque.
Parking Et Lavage La Koutoubia
- Location: Avenue Hommane Al Fatouaki
- Type: Paying Motorhome Area
- Park4Night: #29651
- Cost: 150 MAD 24hr
- Facilities: Toilets, Rubbish.
About: A private guarded parking lot in the heart of Marrakech. Campers are parked at the end of the car parking area with 24-hour security.
More about planning for travel in Morocco and beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on the above 8-day Morocco travel itinerary!
