Is this a 14-day Morocco itinerary?

Yes. The journey lasts 14 days and includes 13 nights, starting with your arrival in Marrakech and ending with your departure from Marrakech. It includes a night in Essaouira as well as two nights each in Erg Chigaga, Tafraoute and Mirleft.

Can this two-week Morocco itinerary be shortened or customised?

Yes. This is a private, tailor-made route. We can arrange the whole journey or focus on selected parts, such as the Sahara, the Anti-Atlas, Tafraoute or the Atlantic coast. We can also adjust the number of nights and activities to fit your travel dates.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. The journey is planned for you and your travelling companions, with a private driver and activities adapted to your preferences. Local guides can be arranged for visits and walks as agreed in your itinerary.

What is there to do in Tafraoute?

Tafraoute is a base for exploring the Anti-Atlas Mountains, Amazigh villages and dramatic granite landscapes. You can visit the Painted Rocks and Napoleon’s Hat, explore the Ammeln Valley, take a scenic drive to Aït Mansour Gorge, or arrange a guided walk. A local family lunch may also be arranged in advance, subject to availability.

Do I need to hike on this tour?

No. Hiking is optional. Around Tafraoute, you can choose a guided hike, a gentler walk or a sightseeing day by vehicle. At Amtoudi, the climb to the granary is steep, so an easier walk through the oasis can be arranged instead.

What are the granaries of Aït Kine and Amtoudi?

They are historic communal granaries, part of a tradition found across southern Morocco. Communities used these fortified buildings to store and protect harvests and valuables. Visiting the interiors depends on local access and the availability of the guardian.

What is included in the Erg Chigaga desert stay?

The suggested itinerary includes two nights at a desert camp and time for an excursion, a picnic and a sunset camel ride. We can adapt the activities to your preferences. Your quotation will confirm the camp, meals and experiences included in your particular journey.

Are there long driving days?

Yes. The journey covers a large area, and some days—particularly the journey from Agdz to Erg Chigaga, the desert crossing to Tata, and the drive from Mirleft to Essaouira—are long. We plan stops along the way and can adjust the route or add a night if you would prefer a slower pace.

When is the best time to visit the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara?

Spring and autumn are often comfortable seasons for a journey combining the desert, mountains and coast. Winter can also be rewarding, though desert nights and mountain areas can be cold. Summer can be very hot inland, so the route and activities may need adjustment. Almond blossom around Tafraoute often appears in late winter, but its timing varies.

Can families take this trip?

Yes, the journey can be adapted for families. We can discuss driving distances, accommodation, walking and desert activities according to your children’s ages and your family’s preferences. If needed, we can add stops or reduce the amount of travel.

Pink granite mountains and Amazigh village near Tafraoute in the Anti-Atlas, photographed by Oualid Naciri

14 days · 13 nights · Private journey · Marrakech to Marrakech

Morocco Off the Beaten Path: 14-Day Anti-Atlas, Sahara & Atlantic Coast Tour

A private journey from Marrakech to Erg Chigaga, Tafraoute, Amtoudi, Mirleft and Essaouira.

This two-week Morocco itinerary brings together some of the country’s most remarkable landscapes and lesser-visited places. Travel from Marrakech across the High Atlas to the kasbahs and palm groves of the Drâa Valley, then continue into the Sahara for two nights among the dunes of Erg Chigaga.

From the desert, journey across the wide, often-dry bed of Lake Iriki to Tata and the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Discover the historic granary of Aït Kine, spend two nights in Tafraoute among pink granite mountains and Amazigh villages, and visit the oasis and hilltop granary of Amtoudi.

The final part of the journey brings a change of pace on the Atlantic coast. Enjoy two nights in Mirleft, explore Legzira Beach and Sidi Ifni, and spend a night in Essaouira before returning to Marrakech.

This private Morocco tour is designed for travellers who enjoy scenic journeys, local encounters and places beyond the usual routes. It includes some long driving days, balanced by longer stays in the desert, Tafraoute and Mirleft. Your driver will take care of the route, and the pace and activities can be adapted to suit you.

Planning a different trip? This is a suggested route, not a fixed group itinerary. We can arrange the full journey, shorten it, focus on a particular region or design a different combination of places around your interests and available time.

The journey is adapted to your dates, pace, interests and preferred level of accommodation.

Start planning your private journey

Highlights

Cross the High Atlas and visit the historic ksar of Aït Benhaddou.
Follow the Drâa Valley to ancient rock engravings, Tamegroute and the Sahara.
Spend two nights at a desert camp in Erg Chigaga, with time to explore beyond the dunes.
Travel across the Lake Iriki area and discover Tata and the historic granary of Aït Kine.
Spend two nights in Tafraoute, with a choice of hiking, village visits and scenic drives through the Anti-Atlas.
Walk among the palm groves and granaries of Amtoudi, then unwind on the Atlantic coast at Mirleft, Legzira and Essaouira.

The route

The route at a glance

Every stop marked below is a real place on the journey, drawn to its true position — numbered in the order you visit them, with the nights you spend in each.

Day by day

Your 14-day Morocco itinerary

Two weeks in Morocco, travelling from the Drâa Valley and Erg Chigaga through the Anti-Atlas to the Atlantic. This suggested private route can be adapted around you.

Day 1
Arrival in Marrakech
Welcome to Morocco. On arrival at Marrakech airport, your driver will meet you and take you to your accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, settle in, relax after your flight or enjoy a first walk through the medina. Marrakech is an inviting place to begin, with its lively streets, gardens, historic buildings and places to eat. We’ll keep the rest of your day flexible so you can arrive at your own pace. Overnight: Marrakech
Day 2
Guided tour of Marrakech
Spend the day discovering Marrakech with a local guide. Explore the lanes of the medina and its souks, where craftspeople work with leather, wood, metal and textiles. Visit some of the city’s historic palaces and gardens, and learn about the layers of history that have shaped Marrakech. Your guide can tailor the day to your interests, whether you would like to focus on architecture, daily life, food, photography or the quieter corners of the old city. There will also be time to enjoy lunch and explore at a comfortable pace. Overnight: Marrakech
Day 3
Marrakech to Agdz via Telouet and Aït Benhaddou
Leave Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountains by the Tizi n’Tichka pass. As the road climbs, the landscape changes from the plains around Marrakech to mountain villages and valleys. Take the scenic route towards Telouet, where you can see the historic kasbah, before continuing through the Ounila Valley to Aït Benhaddou. This famous earthen ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, sits on an old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Walk through its lanes and enjoy views across the surrounding landscape. Continue south through Ouarzazate and over the Anti-Atlas towards Agdz, at the entrance to the Drâa Valley. This is a full travel day, so the length of each stop can be adjusted to suit the season and road conditions. Overnight: Agdz
Day 4
Agdz to Erg Chigaga via Foum Chenna, Tamegroute and M’Hamid
Follow the Drâa Valley south through a landscape of palm groves, villages and earthen kasbahs. Near Tinzouline, stop to see the ancient rock engravings at Foum Chenna, also known as Oumchena. These engravings offer a glimpse into the long human history of the region. Continue towards Tamegroute, known for its distinctive green pottery and historic religious heritage. Depending on opening and access, there may be an opportunity to visit its old library or pottery workshops. Travel on to M’Hamid for lunch, then leave the paved road behind and continue by 4×4 into the Sahara. The journey to Erg Chigaga crosses a varied desert landscape before reaching the dunes and your camp. This is one of the longer days of the journey, with an early start and stops adapted to the conditions. Settle into camp, enjoy dinner and spend your first night in the desert. Overnight: Erg Chigaga desert camp
Day 5
Erg Chigaga desert excursion and second night at camp
Wake up surrounded by the Sahara and enjoy a full day in the desert. Travel by 4×4 beyond the camp to discover the changing landscapes around Erg Chigaga, from dunes and open plains to the quieter places that are easy to miss on a short visit. When possible and arranged respectfully, visit a nomadic family to learn about life in the desert. Enjoy a picnic lunch in a suitable spot before returning to camp in the afternoon. Later, take a camel ride among the dunes and watch the light change at sunset. If you would prefer not to ride, you can enjoy the dunes on foot or discuss another option with your driver. Return to camp for dinner and a second night under the desert sky. Overnight: Erg Chigaga desert camp
Day 6
Erg Chigaga to Tata via Lake Iriki and Foum Zguid
Leave the dunes and continue across the desert by 4×4 towards the Lake Iriki area. This broad lake bed is often dry, creating an extraordinary open landscape between the Sahara and the mountains. Continue to Foum Zguid, where the desert tracks meet the road, and stop for a break before travelling onwards to Tata. Along the way, watch the landscape change again as rocky mountains, palms and oasis settlements come into view. The crossing is a substantial off-road journey, and the route and timing depend on weather and track conditions. Arrive in Tata for dinner and a well-earned evening of rest. Overnight: Tata
Day 7
Tata to Tafraoute via Aït Kine
After breakfast, travel north from Tata into the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Today’s route offers a closer look at the region’s villages, valleys and long tradition of collective granaries. Visit Aït Kine, an impressive fortified granary built to protect food and other valuables for the surrounding community. These communal granaries, known in Morocco as igoudar, are an important part of Amazigh heritage. Access to the interior depends on the local guardian and can’t be guaranteed, but the setting and architecture are memorable. Continue through the changing mountain landscape towards Tafraoute, with time for stops along the way. Settle into your accommodation for the first of two nights in the heart of the Anti-Atlas. Overnight: Tafraoute
Day 8
Discover Tafraoute and the Anti-Atlas
Enjoy a full day around Tafraoute, sometimes also spelled Tafraout. Set among pink granite peaks, palms and Amazigh villages, this is one of the most rewarding places to slow down and explore the Anti-Atlas Mountains. Choose the kind of day that suits you: - For walkers: Arrange a private guided hike in the Ammeln Valley or around Aït Mansour Gorge. Walk among villages, palms and mountain scenery, with the route and pace adapted to your interests and fitness. A walk of around four to five hours can be arranged, or we can plan something shorter. - For a more relaxed day: Explore by vehicle and on short walks. Visit the Painted Rocks and the distinctive granite formation known as Napoleon’s Hat, then take a scenic drive to Aït Mansour Gorge, where palm groves and villages are set between dramatic rock walls. - For a mixture of both: Combine a shorter walk with selected sightseeing stops and a scenic drive. When arranged in advance and subject to availability, enjoy lunch with a local family. In late winter, the almond trees can add blossom to the valleys, although the timing changes from year to year. Return to Tafraoute for your second night. Overnight: Tafraoute
Day 9
Tafraoute to Amtoudi — oasis and granaries
Leave Tafraoute and travel through the Anti-Atlas towards Amtoudi, a small oasis settlement surrounded by rocky mountains. Arrive in time for lunch, settle into your accommodation and leave your luggage before exploring. In the afternoon, meet a local guide for a walk through the oasis and, if conditions and access allow, up to the historic Id Aïssa granary. Perched above the valley, the granary offers views over the palm groves and the surrounding mountains. Your guide can explain how these fortified buildings were used to store and protect the community’s harvests and valuables. The climb is steep, uneven and exposed in places. If you prefer an easier afternoon, enjoy a gentler walk among the palms and through the lower oasis instead. Granary access depends on the guardian, daylight and conditions on the day. Return for dinner and a peaceful night in Amtoudi. Overnight: Amtoudi
Day 10
Amtoudi to Mirleft via Tighmert Oasis
Leave the mountains and travel towards the Guelmim region, taking a detour to Tighmert Oasis. With a local guide, walk among the palms and learn about life and agriculture in this oasis landscape. Enjoy lunch before continuing towards the Atlantic coast and Mirleft. Arrive in the afternoon, settle into your hotel and take time to relax. Depending on the season and your arrival time, enjoy a walk or a quiet sunset overlooking the ocean. Dinner at the hotel and the first of two nights in Mirleft. Overnight: Mirleft
Day 11
Legzira Beach and Sidi Ifni
Spend the day exploring the coast south of Mirleft with your guide. Visit Legzira Beach, famous for its striking red sandstone arch and Atlantic views. Enjoy time to walk, take photographs and appreciate the meeting of desert colours and ocean. Continue to Sidi Ifni, a relaxed coastal town with a distinctive architectural heritage and connections to Morocco’s Spanish history. Explore at a comfortable pace, enjoy lunch and discover the town’s streets and seafront before returning to Mirleft. Beach access and walking will be planned around the tide, weather and local conditions. If you would prefer a slower day, we can adapt the visit or leave more time for relaxation. Dinner at the hotel and a second night in Mirleft. Overnight: Mirleft
Day 12
Mirleft to Essaouira via Tiznit and Agadir
Travel north along the Atlantic side of Morocco, stopping in Tiznit, a walled town known for its silver jewellery and historic medina. Continue towards Agadir and follow the coast north to Essaouira, with breaks along the way. This is another full travel day, so the stops can be adjusted to keep the journey comfortable. Arrive in Essaouira, settle into your accommodation and, if time allows, enjoy a first stroll through the medina or along the seafront. Overnight: Essaouira
Day 13
Essaouira to Marrakech
Enjoy some time in Essaouira before returning to Marrakech. Depending on your preferred departure time, wander through the white-and-blue medina, visit the harbour or walk beside the Atlantic. Later, travel inland to Marrakech for your final night in Morocco. Enjoy a relaxed evening, perhaps with a final dinner in the medina and time to reflect on the journey from the Sahara to the Atlantic. Overnight: Marrakech
Day 14
Marrakech departure
After breakfast, your driver will transfer you to Marrakech airport in time for your flight home. If your flight leaves later in the day, we can discuss how to make the most of the remaining time before your transfer.

At a glance

Duration: 14 days and 13 nights Start and finish: Marrakech Travel style: Private, tailor-made journey Main regions: Marrakech, the Drâa Valley, the Sahara, the Anti-Atlas and the Atlantic coast Best suited to: Travellers who enjoy varied landscapes, local culture, scenic drives and time away from the busiest routes Overnights: Marrakech 2 · Agdz 1 · Erg Chigaga 2 · Tata 1 · Tafraoute 2 · Amtoudi 1 · Mirleft 2 · Essaouira 1 · Marrakech 1

Who is this journey for?

This journey is for travellers looking for Morocco off the beaten path without trying to see the entire country in one trip. It combines a Sahara desert experience with the villages, oases and granaries of the Anti-Atlas, followed by time on the Atlantic coast. It suits couples, families, friends and independent travellers who value a private driver and the freedom to adapt their days. The route includes some long drives and an off-road desert crossing; the two-night stays give you time to settle in and explore. Hikes and walks are optional. We can plan the Tafraoute and Amtoudi days around your mobility, interests and preferred pace.

Make this journey your own

Every Morocco Shiny Days journey is planned around the people taking it. You can follow this route as suggested or use it as a starting point for your own trip. We can arrange the complete 14-day tour, a shorter Anti-Atlas tour, a Sahara and Tafraoute journey, or just the sections that interest you. You might choose to spend longer walking in the mountains, add time on the coast, change an overnight stop or combine these places with another part of Morocco. Tell us how much time you have and what you most enjoy, and we’ll help you shape a route that makes sense.

Accommodation and what can be included

We select accommodation to suit the character of each place and your preferences, from a riad in Marrakech or Essaouira to a desert camp, small hotel or guesthouse along the route. In more remote places such as Amtoudi, options can be more limited, and we’ll discuss the available choices with you. Depending on your itinerary and quotation, your journey can include private transport and driver, accommodation, selected meals, local guides, the desert excursion and other experiences. We’ll confirm exactly what is included, along with any exclusions, before you book.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a 14-day Morocco itinerary?: Yes. The journey lasts 14 days and includes 13 nights, starting with your arrival in Marrakech and ending with your departure from Marrakech. It includes a night in Essaouira as well as two nights each in Erg Chigaga, Tafraoute and Mirleft.
Can this two-week Morocco itinerary be shortened or customised?: Yes. This is a private, tailor-made route. We can arrange the whole journey or focus on selected parts, such as the Sahara, the Anti-Atlas, Tafraoute or the Atlantic coast. We can also adjust the number of nights and activities to fit your travel dates.
Is this a private tour?: Yes. The journey is planned for you and your travelling companions, with a private driver and activities adapted to your preferences. Local guides can be arranged for visits and walks as agreed in your itinerary.
What is there to do in Tafraoute?: Tafraoute is a base for exploring the Anti-Atlas Mountains, Amazigh villages and dramatic granite landscapes. You can visit the Painted Rocks and Napoleon’s Hat, explore the Ammeln Valley, take a scenic drive to Aït Mansour Gorge, or arrange a guided walk. A local family lunch may also be arranged in advance, subject to availability.
Do I need to hike on this tour?: No. Hiking is optional. Around Tafraoute, you can choose a guided hike, a gentler walk or a sightseeing day by vehicle. At Amtoudi, the climb to the granary is steep, so an easier walk through the oasis can be arranged instead.
What are the granaries of Aït Kine and Amtoudi?: They are historic communal granaries, part of a tradition found across southern Morocco. Communities used these fortified buildings to store and protect harvests and valuables. Visiting the interiors depends on local access and the availability of the guardian.
What is included in the Erg Chigaga desert stay?: The suggested itinerary includes two nights at a desert camp and time for an excursion, a picnic and a sunset camel ride. We can adapt the activities to your preferences. Your quotation will confirm the camp, meals and experiences included in your particular journey.
Are there long driving days?: Yes. The journey covers a large area, and some days—particularly the journey from Agdz to Erg Chigaga, the desert crossing to Tata, and the drive from Mirleft to Essaouira—are long. We plan stops along the way and can adjust the route or add a night if you would prefer a slower pace.
When is the best time to visit the Anti-Atlas and the Sahara?: Spring and autumn are often comfortable seasons for a journey combining the desert, mountains and coast. Winter can also be rewarding, though desert nights and mountain areas can be cold. Summer can be very hot inland, so the route and activities may need adjustment. Almond blossom around Tafraoute often appears in late winter, but its timing varies.
Can families take this trip?: Yes, the journey can be adapted for families. We can discuss driving distances, accommodation, walking and desert activities according to your children’s ages and your family’s preferences. If needed, we can add stops or reduce the amount of travel.

Explore more private Morocco travel

Everything you have just read can be woven into a private journey, planned personally around your dates, pace and interests.

Ready to plan your Morocco journey?

Whether you’re dreaming of the Sahara, a walk among the villages of Tafraoute or a few quiet days by the Atlantic, we’ll help you bring the pieces together.

Tell us about your trip info@moroccoshinydays.com

More sahara

Camels and open dune landscape at Erg Chigaga in southern Morocco

7 days

Atlas Trekking & Erg Chigaga Sahara Tour: 7-Day Private Adventure

A private seven-day journey that begins on foot in the High Atlas, crosses the quieter Anti-Atlas through Aït Kine and Tata, and ends with two nights among the remote dunes of Erg Chigaga.

5 days

5-Day Desert Tour to Erg Chigaga from Marrakech

A private southern route to Morocco’s wild Erg Chigaga dunes through the Draa Valley, Zagora and M’hamid.

Marrakech to Fes via Erg Chebbi — Morocco Shiny Days private journeys

4 days

Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: 4 Days via Erg Chebbi

A spectacular private overland journey linking Morocco’s two great medinas through kasbah country and Erg Chebbi.

Plan this journey

Morocco Off the Beaten Path: 14-Day Anti-Atlas, Sahara & Atlantic Coast Tour

Highlights

The route at a glance

Your 14-day Morocco itinerary

Arrival in Marrakech

Guided tour of Marrakech

Marrakech to Agdz via Telouet and Aït Benhaddou

Agdz to Erg Chigaga via Foum Chenna, Tamegroute and M’Hamid

Erg Chigaga desert excursion and second night at camp

Erg Chigaga to Tata via Lake Iriki and Foum Zguid

Tata to Tafraoute via Aït Kine

Discover Tafraoute and the Anti-Atlas

Tafraoute to Amtoudi — oasis and granaries

Amtoudi to Mirleft via Tighmert Oasis

Legzira Beach and Sidi Ifni

Mirleft to Essaouira via Tiznit and Agadir

Essaouira to Marrakech

Marrakech departure