Atlantic to Sahara: Two Week Morocco Itinerary from Essaouira

Experience Morocco’s stunning landscapes and fascinating cultures away from the crowds on this two week Morocco itinerary from Essaouira, taking in ancient ports and the vast beauty of the Sahara Desert. Feast your eyes on Essaouira’s whitewashed medina and journey into Toubkal National Park, where forests cloak the slopes of the towering High Atlas. 

Descend into Ouarzazate, the gateway to palm tree-lined oases, ancient kasbahs and the traditional Amazigh villages of the Drâa Valley. Then marvel at the seemingly never-ending dunes of the Sahara Desert during a night at an Amazigh camp, a highlight of this two week Morocco itinerary from Essaouira.

Travelling from the Atlantic coast to the Sahara Desert, this two week Morocco itinerary provides an overview of the country’s natural and cultural gems while exploring the road less travelled. 

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Highlights

• Explore through the winding alleys, colourful souk and bustling fishing harbour of Essaouira’s ancient medina
• Trek along scenic trails in the Atlas Mountains’ Toubkal National Park
• Experience the thrill of navigating the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
• Escape to a hidden paradise at the Oasis de Fint on the outskirts of Ouarzazate
• Venture off the beaten path through the Draâ Valley, dotted with palm-filled oases, ancient kasbahs and tiny Amazigh villages
• Camel trek into the Sahara from the sleepy desert outpost of M’Hamid, spending a night under the infinite stars
• Surf some of Morocco’s best waves with a stay in the coastal village of Taghazout 

Day 1: Essaouira

Step into the magical world of Essaouira, a charming port city where the past collides with the present. Once known as “Mogador”, this historic gem will transport you back to the 18th century with its iconic whitewashed medina and ancient ramparts. 

Wander through the atmospheric streets lined with stores selling aromatic spices and handmade crafts. The delicious scents of street food mingle with the salty sea air as you emerge into a lively square, home to the iconic Bab al Mersa gateway and panoramic harbour views. Watch as fishermen mend their nets while local boys daringly dive into the shimmering blue waters in search of the day’s catch. 

You’ll find more Essaouira travel inspiration here.

Best places to stay in Essaouira

Luxury places to stay in Essaouira

Villa Des Arganiers

Mid-range places to stay in Essaouira

Riad Dar Maya

Budget places to stay in Essaouira

Maison Des Arts

Day 2: Essaouira

Spend a day wandering the UNESCO-listed medina of Essaouira, soaking up the atmosphere of its winding alleys and weathered architecture. This coastal city seamlessly blends Arab, Amazigh and European influences, and was originally designed to serve as a fortified seaport.

Though once a bustling trade hub, Essaouira saw its prominence fade after Sultan Moulay Hassan reopened the port of Agadir in the late 1800s. While Agadir blossomed into the popular beach resort it is today, Essaouira settled into a peaceful existence, its rich history etched into peeling paint and crumbling stone.

Yet Essaouira still captivates with its old-world charm. Market stalls burst with the cries of vendors in traditional jellaba robes hawking fresh produce and handmade wares. In the lively souk, you’ll uncover treasures like ornate silver jewellery and traditional rugs. Steps away is Essaouira’s crescent-shaped beach where you can swim, stroll or learn to kite surf. 

To learn more about things to do in Essaouira and the best places to stay, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Essaouira.

Day 3: Essaouira to Ourika

Depart Essaouira and journey inland, travelling 250 kilometres to the valley of Ourika on the edge of Toubkal National Park. Snowcapped peaks tower above the Ourika River as it gently winds through the valley. Scattered along its banks sit open-air restaurants and colourful artisan shops, with locals and travellers alike pausing to sip mint tea while dipping their feet in the cool mountain waters.

Settle into one of the many guesthouses nestled in this lush valley paradise. As evening falls, meander down to the riverbanks for an authentic dining experience. Savour a traditional Moroccan tagine, enveloped by the sights and sounds of the flowing river and spectacular High Atlas Mountains.

Best places to stay in Ourika

Chez Mamouchthka

Les Jardins de Taja

Dar Imiri

To learn more about things to do in Ourika and the best places to stay, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Ourika.

Day 4: Toubkal National Park

Spend the day hiking through the lush forests of Toubkal National Park. Pass traditional Amazigh villages where stone and mud buildings seem worlds away from the coastal architecture of Essaouira. Meet the Indigenous people who still live traditional lives here, growing their own food and selling handmade wares to tourists. 

Along the way, you can stop to fill your water bottle from the mineral-rich springs (known locally as oulmes) that bubble up along the trails. With each twist of the trail, discover another scene illustrating Morocco’s natural beauty on this memorable trek through the High Atlas mountains.

Day 5: Ourika to Ouarzazate

After a relaxing breakfast, depart Ourika for Ouarzazate along the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which majestically winds through the High Atlas Mountains. Get your camera ready as you traverse spectacular cliffs where valleys dramatically plummet alongside, with incredible views at every hairpin turn. 

Descending the other side, you’ll arrive in Ouarzazate, an oasis town nestled along the fertile Asif Tidili River. Historically a trading post between the Atlas, Drâa and Dadès Valleys, Ouarzazate was later developed by the French as a colonial garrison. 

But it wasn’t until the 1950s that the town made its mark as Hollywood came calling. With its striking backdrops, Ouarzazate became home to several movie studios, earning it the nickname “Ouallywood.”

To learn more about things to do in Ouarzazate and the best places to stay, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Ouarzazate. Additional Ouarzazate travel inspiration can be found here.

Best places to stay in Ouarzazate

Luxury places to stay in Ouarzazate

OZ Palace Ouarzazate 

Mid-range places to stay in Ouarzazate

Villa Eden

Budget places to stay in Ouarzazate

Ecolodge La Palmeraie

Day 6: Oasis de Fint and Ait Bennhaddou

Discover a hidden gem just 13 kilometres south of Ouarzazate – the enchanting Oasis de Fint. Lush palm trees line the riverbanks, together with quaint mud houses in the nearby village. With the spectacular canyon as a backdrop, it’s easy to see why this is one of Morocco’s most picturesque oases. 

In the afternoon, travel to the ancient fortified ksar of Ait Bennhaddou, which lies 35 kilometres west of Ouarzazate. Its crowded dwellings and lofty fortifications remain remarkably intact despite centuries of Saharan winds and scorching desert sun. 

This strategically situated settlement was once a vital trading post on the caravan route between Sudan and Marrakech. Merchants bearing gold, salt and slaves rested here before crossing the Atlas Mountains.

Though no longer an active market town, Ait Bennhaddou still echoes with legends of its storied past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rare window into Morocco’s bygone era of camel caravans and desert kingdoms.

To learn more about exploring Ait Benhaddou and the best places to stay, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Ait Benhaddou.

Best places to stay in Ait Benhaddou

Dar Mouna La Source

Riad Caravane

Tigmi Hamid

Day 7: Ouarzazate to Drâa Valley

Depart Ouarzazate for the magnificent Drâa Valley, formed by the merging of the Dades and Imini Rivers. Flowing southeast from the towering High Atlas Mountains towards Tagounit, the Drâa River’s waters nourish the lush palmeraies and farmlands along its banks, creating stunning oases amid the surrounding desert sands. 

Originally called the “Valley of Olives”, 19th-century caravans saw date palms sprouting up along their route and the valley’s inhabitants soon realised the tree’s worth – not just for its fruit, but also for weaving baskets, providing shade and ground cover. Gradually the olive groves were replaced by rows of date palms that are ubiquitous in the area today.

While you could take the smooth sealed road along the valley all the way to Agdz, you’d miss experiencing the valley’s true splendour. Venture onto the bumpy “Circuits Touristiques” to fully immerse yourself in the valley’s beauty and encounter the dark-skinned Drawi people who call this oasis home.

Spend the night in Agdz, nicknamed the “Gateway to the Drâa Valley”, which is famed for its sweet dates and abundant palmeraies.

Best places to stay in Agdz

Lodge Hara Oasis

Riad Tabhirte

Maison d’Hôtes Kasbah Azul

Day 8: Drâa Valley to M’Hamid

As you continue travelling through the Drâa Valley, you’ll pass ancient fortified villages (ksars) where the Amazigh people have lived for generations, alongside the Haratin who migrated here long ago from Mali. Marvel at the magnificent red mud architecture of Kasbah Tamnougalt, with its sizeable Jewish quarter, and wander through the lively village of Aït Ouzzine. 

Surrounded by henna fields, enjoy a traditional lunch prepared by the village women – freshly baked bread is a must. Afterward, have your hands and feet adorned with these exotic temporary tattoos.

In the mid-afternoon, arrive in M’Hamid, a small Saharan outpost on the edge of the Erg Chigaga dunes. It’s one of two gateway towns for Saharan camel treks and the least visited. M’Hamid was once an important stop on ancient caravan routes, where thousands of camels gathered to drink before their arduous journeys to fabled Timbuktu. 

Now it marks the end of the road and your launching point for an overnight camel safari into the Sahara Desert. It’s a unique opportunity to discover the nomadic culture of its resilient inhabitants, as well as experience some incredible stargazing. 

Want to visit the Sahara Desert on a guided tour from Marrakech? Check out this three-day Marrakech to Merzouga Sahara Desert adventure.

Best places to stay in M’Hamid

Camp Zahar

Desert Waves

Le Chant Du Sable Camp

Day 9: Sahara to Agdz

Wake surrounded by a sea of sand after a night spent in a traditional Saharan tent and watch as the sun’s rays illuminate the dunes in a display like no other. The scenery is undeniably stunning, with endless red sand stretching for miles in every direction. There is little else around besides the isolation. This barren yet captivating terrain creates a sense of serene solitude that is hard to forget.

Return to M’Hamid in time for lunch before continuing through the Drâa Valley. Stop once again in Agdz where you’ll spend the evening under a starry desert sky.

Best places to stay in Agdz

Lodge Hara Oasis

Riad Tabhirte

Maison d’Hôtes Kasbah Azul

Day 10: Agdz to Taroudant

The journey west from Agdz leads through ever-changing desert landscapes. Creamy sands fade to barren greyish brown as you near Ouarzazate, with your next destination, the town of Tazenacht, located just to the southwest. Here, exquisitely woven carpets are produced by local women’s cooperatives. Their quality is renowned across Morocco.

Continuing on, the precarious switchback road descends to Taliouine at the valley floor. This charming town is famed for its precious saffron, with vibrant purple hills enveloping the surroundings. It’s the only area in Morocco where saffron is grown, so visiting during the September-October harvest offers a one-of-a-kind experience. 

End the day in Taroudant, which has been nicknamed the “Grandmother of Marrakech” due to its resemblance to the “Red City”.

Best places to stay in Taroudant

Dar Zahia

L’Oasis de Kima

Riad Tania Mozaik

Day 11: Taroudant to Taghazout

The road from Taroudant leads westward into the lively resort town of Agadir on Morocco’s Atlantic Coast. While you could stop here to experience Moroccan beach culture, continue north to the Amazigh village of Taghazout, renowned for its legendary surf.

The atmosphere is distinctly laid-back, with colourful houses clustered in the village centre and luxury villas stretching to the south. For a quieter atmosphere, stay in the nearby village of Tamraght.

Best places to stay in Taghazout

Paradis Plage Surf, Yoga & Spa

Munga Guesthouse

Travel Surf Nature 

Day 12: Taghazout

Soak up the sun, surf and sand on Taghazout’s beaches, with waves to suit all experience levels. Beginners can take their first surfing steps at Kro Kro and Panorama. Meanwhile, advanced surfers can tackle legendary Anchor Point or Killer Point.

In between sessions, there are plenty of cafes where you can feast on tagines and pizzas while connecting with other travellers. 

If a full day at the beach is all too much, head inland to aptly named Paradise Valley. This palm-lined gorge features idyllic pools and tumbling waterfalls perfect for a refreshing dip.

Day 13: Taghazout to Essaouira

Depart Taghazout for the three-hour drive north to Essaouira, with the option to stop in Imsouane along the way. It boasts one of the world’s best longboarding waves, an epic righthander that seemingly goes on forever. 

The drive from Taghazout to Essaouira is scenic, to say the least. So be sure to give yourself time to really enjoy your last day in Morocco!

If you’ve got an extra couple of days up your sleeve, make the three-hour drive to Marrakech. Discover everything you need to know about visiting this ancient, red-hued city in my Essential Travel Guide to Marrakech or check out my collection of Marrakech travel articles here.

Best places to stay in Essaouira

Luxury places to stay in Essaouira

Villa Des Arganiers

Mid-range places to stay in Essaouira

Riad Dar Maya

Budget places to stay in Essaouira

Maison Des Arts

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Renting a car for a two week Morocco itinerary

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.