Overview
of this
round trip
Journey Code & Duration
PLM-T-015 | 10 nights
PLM-T-015 | 10 nights
Best travel period
September to June
Climate
Warm days, cool nights
Stages
Several scenically beautiful driving legs, deliberately broken up by carefully chosen stops
Concierge service
Private, air-conditioned vehicle with a Private Chauffeur and private guides
Close to the soul of Morocco
This journey follows the rhythm of the country and its history: from vibrant Marrakech over the ancient passes of the High Atlas into a world of mud-brick kasbahs, oases and caravan routes – to where the vastness of the Sahara begins and finally dissolves into the green intensity of the Ourika Valley. Nature and culture, adventure and calm, genuine encounters and carefully chosen comfort combine into an intense experience of space and time. The longer scenic legs are therefore never mere transfers, but an essential part of experiencing these contrasts: colours change, vegetation vanishes and returns, mountain villages give way to stony desert, palm groves and green valleys.
Travelling with new perspectives
The soul of this tour lies in its dramaturgy. Marrakech opens the senses. Ouarzazate speaks of earthen architecture and caravan routes and leads into the world of film. The Sahara alters your sense of time. Skoura reveals the slow life of an oasis, before the Ourika Valley lets every impression settle in the green stillness of the Atlas. You travel privately and with room for your own rhythm. Some days lead far across the country, others deliberately leave time to linger. It is precisely this alternation that makes the journey so intense: you come close to Morocco not through a list of sights, but through landscape, light, stories, contrasts and encounters.
Ten days lead through ever-changing landscapes and ways of life. Every stage leaves time to understand its character, to meet people and to immerse yourself in the stories that shape Morocco, its people and their way of life to this day.
Marrakech is both overture and contrast. In the medina, colours, voices, spices and centuries-old craftsmanship condense into the energy for which the Red City is famous. On a full-day guided tour with a Private Guide, you discover not only well-known places such as the pulsing Jemaa el-Fna, but also hidden courtyards and quiet corners behind the ochre walls. Afterwards there is time to arrive at your own pace.
What you’ll experience
- 2 nights in vibrant Marrakech
- Full-day guided tour with a Private Guide in Marrakech
What fascinates us most
Behind every door and in the smallest alleyways, new worlds open up again and again, contrasting history and modernity, tradition and art with all the senses.
On the second day the route leads out of the city and into unspoilt Morocco. The road winds up to the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 metres – one of Morocco’s most spectacular crossings, with sweeping panoramic views over valleys and peaks. Beyond the barren heights of the High Atlas, the world of the south begins: we follow the old road, past Berber villages, mud-brick kasbahs and endless rocky landscapes. The mountains grow wider and drier, the colours shifting between ochre, red and sand.
What you’ll experience
- Panoramic drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- A sensory immersion into the origins of Morocco
What fascinates us most
At the pass, watching how landscape, architecture and way of life change with every kilometre.
At the gateway to the desert, real history and cinematic illusion meet. The Kasbah Taourirt preserves the architecture of the south with its courtyards, passageways and fine earthen decoration.
Just a few minutes away, a guided visit to the Atlas Studios opens the world of cinema: sprawling film sets with ancient cities, palaces, temples and fortresses, many of which are kept for years. Scenes for international productions such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Kingdom of Heaven, The Mummy, Alexander, Asterix & Obelix and Game of Thrones were filmed here – a fascinating juxtaposition of fantasy and the elemental landscape from which it was drawn. As a Combined Visit, the studio tour is paired with the original Kingdom of Heaven set – the monumental film city from Ridley Scott’s Crusades epic (2005), built especially near Ouarzazate and preserved to this day.
On the edge of the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, the ksar of Aït Ben Haddou rises like a mirage: a rammed-earth fortified village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, once an important trading post for salt, gold and precious goods. Walking through the narrow lanes, past intricately decorated earthen walls, the history of the Berber families who shaped this architecture over the centuries comes alive.
What you’ll experience
- 2 nights in Ouarzazate
- Combined Visit: private guided tour of the Atlas Studios and the Kingdom of Heaven set
- Visit to the Kasbah Taourirt
- Privately guided visit to Aït Ben Haddou
What fascinates us most
To look behind the scenes and understand why the light of the south has drawn the world of film for decades.
The vegetation grows sparser, the settlements smaller, the horizon wider. Pre-Saharan landscapes, ribbons of palms and desert villages tell of life on the edge of an extreme natural world. Then the land opens to the Sahara: the first sand dunes appear, the mighty dunes of Erg Chebbi dominating the horizon. At Merzouga the road ends. By 4×4 you continue into the golden dunes – to where sky and earth almost merge and the silence of the Sahara touches the soul.
What you’ll experience
- Scenic leg to Merzouga
- 4×4 drive through the dunes to the camp
What fascinates us most
The moment the first golden dunes appear and the silence of the Sahara begins.
On the back of a dromedary you follow the slow, steady rhythm of ancient caravan routes. A local guide leads you through the golden dunes to a vantage point high above the sand. There the light travels from warm gold through glowing orange into deep blues. Later, an atmospheric dinner, the campfire with traditional Gnaoua music and the almost boundless starry sky become the heart of the evening. The next day you can explore the desert actively by 4×4 or quad bike, feel the shifting dunes first-hand while sandboarding, discover a nomad village, or simply stay at the camp and let the vastness and silence of the Sahara work their magic.
What you’ll experience
- An impressive 4×4 dune drive to the desert camp
- 2 nights at the comfortable desert camp
- Dromedary ride at sunset
- Optional: an active desert day with quad bike, buggy or sandboarding
- Optional: a full-day excursion to a nomad village
What fascinates us most
In the midst of the dunes, a new day begins in the Sahara. The first light draws soft shadows across the golden waves of sand as the desert slowly awakens. It offers space – for calm, new perspectives and a deeper connection to the landscape and to yourself.
The drive from the Sahara back into the fertile world of the oases is one of the most impressive scenic experiences of this journey. Around Tinghir, palm groves, small fields and centuries-old irrigation channels thread through the dry land. In the Todra Gorge, mighty rock walls draw dramatically together while a clear river finds its way between them. The Dadès Valley appears like a sculpture shaped by wind and water: deep, red-shimmering canyons, spectacular hairpin bends, terraced fields and fig and almond trees define the landscape. Along the Road of the Kasbahs, mud-brick kasbahs, oasis gardens and small settlements tell of how water, agriculture and traditional architecture have shaped a unique cultural landscape here for centuries. The nearby Valley of Roses is part of this special world too: in spring, fragrant rose petals are harvested there and processed into rose water and precious care essences.
What you’ll experience
- Tinghir and the imposing Todra Gorge
- The Dadès Valley with its canyons and spectacular hairpin bends
- A drive along the Road of the Kasbahs through oases and traditional mud-brick villages
What fascinates us most
Between mighty rock walls, green oasis gardens and traditional mud-brick villages, the delicate interplay of nature, people and water – the source of life – reveals itself.
Skoura is the green counterpoint to rock and sand. Between date palms, olive and fruit trees, narrow paths lead to gardens, fields and old kasbahs. Traditional irrigation systems show how precious water has always been here. On foot or by bicycle, a cultural landscape opens up in which agriculture, architecture and community are closely intertwined. Just as valuable is the time to plan nothing and simply listen to the soft rustle of the palm leaves in the oasis.
What you’ll experience
- 2 nights in the idyllic palm oasis
- Optional: unwind and let your soul rest in the palm grove
- Optional: a full-day excursion to the Berber village of Tizkmoudine
- Optional: enjoy a spa day with a traditional hammam
- Optional: explore the oasis on foot, by mountain bike or on the back of a dromedary
What fascinates us most
To understand that an oasis is not merely an idyllic corner of nature, but knowledge of water and life preserved over generations.
Once again the drive itself becomes the story. Behind Skoura lie earthen architecture, stony desert and the wide plains of the south; ahead of you the High Atlas rises. With every kilometre the green returns. Mountain streams, terraced fields, orchards and small villages announce the Ourika Valley – a quiet, natural finale after the intensity of the Sahara.
What you’ll experience
- Panoramic drive from the south into the mountains
- Arrival and deliberate calm in the Ourika Valley
What fascinates us most
When the barren vastness slowly gives way to green slopes and the journey feels almost like a change of season.
Between green mountainsides, centuries-old olive groves and villages of the High Atlas, space opens up to let the many impressions settle. Discover the green valley on a guided walk to the Setti Fatma waterfalls and visit a saffron farm. Explore the Botanical Garden or immerse yourself in the idyllic world of the ANIMA Garden, where André Heller weaves exotic vegetation, contemporary art and surprising sightlines into a poetic garden world. Or you spend the day entirely without a programme.
What you’ll experience
- 2 nights in the green Ourika Valley
- Optional: walking and the villages of the High Atlas
- Optional: a full-day walking excursion to the 7 Setti Fatma waterfalls with a Private Guide
- Optional: saffron world, Botanical Garden or ANIMA Garden
- Optional: a full-day excursion to Asni and the mountaineering village of Imlil, the direct base camp for Jbel Toubkal
What fascinates us most
A day that does not play movement, knowledge of nature, art and complete calm against one another, but freely brings them together.
Your
personalised
access to
Morocco
What makes this journey special is not only the what, but the how:
Customised planning
Continuous support
Destinations beyond the usual routes
Five regions. Five ways of life. The places where you arrive are part of the story of the journey too. Pur Life Maroc chooses houses and retreats whose architecture, atmosphere and setting make the character of their region tangible – from a refuge in Marrakech and a comfortable camp among the dunes to quiet hideaways in the oasis and the Atlas mountains. Every place unique – every room a new chapter of your travel story.
A journey for the palate. Freshly baked bread, slow-cooked tagines, aromatic couscous, dates, saffron, herbs and seasonal produce tell of climate, region and way of life. Cuisine is therefore far more than sustenance: it opens another sensory path into unspoilt Morocco – in a restaurant in the Red City, in the oasis, or over dinner beneath the star-filled canopy of the Sahara.
No two guests travel with the same interests. Together with your Private Concierge you can, if you wish, delve deeper into the sides of Morocco that move you most. Extend your journey to suit your personal interests.
4×4, quad bike, buggy or sandboarding in the dunes of Erg Chebbi – active, private and tailored to your preferred pace.
Explore nomadic ways of life in the vastness of the Sahara and immerse yourself in caravan culture.
A guided walk or cycle tour through Skoura with kasbahs, gardens and traditional knowledge of water and agriculture in the oasis.
A full-day excursion to Asni and the mountaineering village of Imlil, the direct base camp for Jbel Toubkal.
Saffron world, Botanical Garden or a guided nature walk in the Ourika Valley.
A full-day walking excursion into the valley of the seven Setti Fatma waterfalls with a Private Guide.
The ANIMA Garden as a poetic union of exotic flora and contemporary art.
10 nights
Marrakech · Ouarzazate · Sahara / Merzouga · Skoura · Ourika Valley
Private Slow Travel tour
September to June
Moderate; active experiences freely selectable
Frequently asked questions
All journeys are run as private, individual trips. You travel exclusively with your own companions; transfers and agreed guided tours are arranged individually for you.
It combines significant places with deliberate Slow Travel and insights away from the tourist trail. Scenic legs, encounters and time for sensory experience are as much a part of the journey as guided discoveries.
The legs into and out of the Sahara are longer, but they lead through extraordinary landscapes. They are deliberately part of the travel experience and are broken up by carefully chosen stops. You gather impressions and experience unique contrasts.
Yes. Accommodation, experiences, activity level and free time are tailored individually to your wishes; additional nights at the various stops are also possible.
Sturdy footwear, sun protection and clothing suited to the climate are recommended. In the desert, the difference in temperature between day and night can be considerable. After booking your journey, you will receive a comprehensive packing list.
A Private Concierge or tour guide who accompanies you throughout the entire journey can be added optionally. They coordinate the Private Chauffeur and organise your whole daily schedule.
Destinations, accommodation, inspiration
Destinations
accommodation
inspiration
Marrakesh
Your private guide will accompany you to one of the most beautiful trekking villages in the Atlas Mountains: Ait Souka. From here you will enjoy breathtaking views of Jebel Toubkal (4,167 m), the highest mountain in North Africa. During the hike you will reach altitudes of around 2,000 metres while passing through picturesque Berber villages. The highlight of the day is lunch with a local Berber family.
The Ouzoud Waterfalls are among the most spectacular natural sights in Morocco. The water cascades down 110 metres in three impressive tiers, surrounded by olive groves and reddish rock cliffs. The area is ideal for hiking and exploring. Highlights include a visit to the Imi n'Ifri natural cave with its red stalactites, watching the local macaque monkeys, swimming opportunities and optional boat rides. Travel time from Marrakesh is approximately three hours.
Golfing in Marrakesh is easy and spectacular. The city offers an excellent selection of courses, including the historic Royal Golf Marrakesh (27 holes), Palmeraie Golf (27 holes), the impressive Amelkis Golf Club (27 holes) and Samanah Golf Club (18 holes). Play between palm trees with breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains and desert landscapes.
Riding a camel or dromedary is one of Morocco's most traditional and charming ways to explore the landscape. Your guide will take you on a half-day or full-day excursion off the usual tourist paths to discover hidden places and authentic encounters with local communities.
Skiing with views of the Sahara desert? It is possible in Oukaimeden, located about 75 km from Marrakesh. From December to April, ski slopes between 2,500 and 3,200 metres altitude offer a unique winter sports experience. Spend the day skiing in the mountains and return in the evening to Marrakesh's vibrant nightlife.
A must for adventurers and curious travellers: a hot air balloon flight over the imperial city. From the sky, watch the colourful cityscape of Marrakesh fade into vast desert landscapes and the peaks of the Atlas Mountains. A truly breathtaking experience.
Discover the beauty of Arabic craftsmanship during a creative workshop lasting two to five hours. Choose from experiences such as Arabic calligraphy, pottery, mosaic art, wood carving, jewellery design, basket weaving, brass work, embroidery, leather craft or Berber carpet weaving, and gain insight into Morocco's rich artisan traditions.
Encounters with local people are often the most memorable moments of any journey. Your private guide will open doors usually closed to travellers. Share a meal in the home of a Berber family and experience the warmth and generosity of Moroccan hospitality.
Experience Moroccan culture in a magical One Thousand and One Nights setting. In a traditional Berber tent you will enjoy an opulent dinner accompanied by a spectacular show featuring belly dancers, acrobats, horse riders, fireworks and traditional Moroccan music. A memorable evening of entertainment and hospitality.
Ouarzazate
A visit to Ait Ben Haddou, perhaps Morocco's most impressive kasbah, is an absolute must. This fascinating earthen village lies about 30 km from Ouarzazate, the centre of Morocco's film industry, and is beautifully set at the foot of a hillside at around 1,300 metres above sea level. The historic site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has served as a filming location for famous productions such as Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia.
The picturesque Fint Oasis, located about 20 km from Ouarzazate, is especially beautiful in the early morning or evening light. In the Berber language, "Fint" means "hidden." Your personal guide will take you into this secluded valley, where palm groves and traditional earthen Berber houses create a setting that feels like stepping back in time.
Located about 95 km northeast of Ouarzazate (approximately 1.5 hours by car), the Valley of Roses bursts into bloom each spring when thousands of roses cover the landscape. Enjoy the fragrance of the flowers, lush gardens and the maze of valleys and gorges. In Kelaat M'Gouna, visit a traditional distillery to learn how precious rose oil is produced and discover a variety of rose-based products.
Experience a true desert adventure in the vast dune sea of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. From Ouarzazate (370 km, about 5–6 hours by 4×4), begin a guided camel trek at sunset into the dunes. Spend the night in a luxury Berber desert camp with heated tents, a traditional tajine dinner, and a spectacular star-filled sky. The next morning, watch the sunrise over the dunes and enjoy a quad ride before returning to Ouarzazate in the afternoon.
Merzouga
Riding a camel through the vast dunes of the Sahara is a truly majestic experience. On a guided camel trek, you will explore the desert landscape at a traditional pace while watching the colours of the dunes change with the light. The experience often includes one or several nights in a desert camp deep in the Sahara.
Under expert guidance, race across the ever-changing dunes by quad or buggy. Navigate challenging desert terrain, climb both low and high dunes and experience the thrill of this adventurous desert safari. An exciting activity that tests your skills and courage – and guarantees an adrenaline rush.
Experience the thrill of a Paris–Dakar–style desert ride. With an experienced driver, explore the dunes of the Sahara on a 2-hour, half-day or full-day excursion. Along the way, visit the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music tradition, and discover palm groves with their ancient irrigation systems known as khettaras.
Skoura
Explore Skoura’s vast 25 km² palm grove with an expert guide and discover the green heart of the oasis. Wander along narrow paths lined with palm, olive and almond trees while learning about traditional irrigation systems, hidden mud-brick villages, historic kasbahs and the centuries-old farming traditions that continue to shape life here.
Accompanied by your private guide, discover the expansive palm oasis of Skoura before visiting the idyllic Fint Oasis near Ouarzazate, the fertile landscapes of the Dadès Valley and – depending on the – the blooming Valley of Roses around El Kelaa M’Gouna. Each oasis has its own story, offering lush vegetation, traditional villages and ancient irrigation systems that have sustained life for generations.
Located approximately 180 km southwest of Skoura (around 3.5 hours by car), the Berber village of Tizkmoudine is one of southern Morocco’s most rewarding destinations for authentic cultural encounters. Enjoy genuine hospitality, experience living Berber traditions and gain unique insight into everyday life within the local community.
The Memory Road stretches from Morocco’s Atlantic coast to the edge of the Sahara, linking some of the country’s most captivating landscapes. Along five carefully selected stops, you’ll discover the rich cultural heritage of the Amazigh people while learning about their history, traditions and way of life.
Just 40 km from Skoura, Ouarzazate can be reached in around 45 minutes, making the oasis an ideal base for exploring Morocco’s famous film industry. The renowned Atlas Studios have hosted international productions including The Mummy, Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Many visitors combine the experience with a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most celebrated filming locations.
The spectacular Dadès Gorge (approximately 75 km) and Todra Gorge (around 90 km) are easily accessible on a day trip from Skoura. Dramatic cliffs, winding mountain roads and extraordinary geological formations make for unforgettable scenery. Along the way, you’ll pass green oases, fertile farmland and traditional Berber villages. During spring, a visit to the nearby Valley of Roses around Kelaat M’Gouna (approximately 50 km) is especially worthwhile, when millions of Damask roses are in bloom. Local cooperatives also offer fascinating demonstrations of how fragrant rose water and precious rose oils are traditionally produced.
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