From Atlas Peaks to Sahara Sands. 🏜️My 6 Day Moroccan Discovery🐪

I’ve just touched down from a 6 day whirlwind through Morocco, and honestly? My mind is still somewhere in the dunes. Moroccan Sahara Discovery completely blew me away.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to cross the Atlas Mountains and sleep under the stars near the Algerian border, here is the raw, real, and wonderful truth.

We started in Marrakech, settling into a charming Riad in the modern district of Gueliz, before meeting our group. We were a party of 13 a fantastic mix of nationalities including Canadians, Brits, Americans, Brazilians, Turks, and Germans.

The age range was just as diverse as the map, proving that Morocco is for everyone.

Our first leg took us toward an eco-lodge in Ouarzazate. The drive was an adventure in itself crossing the snow capped Atlas Mountains . We watched the landscape shift from lush green to dry, arid desert in what felt like minutes. Despite the "hairpin" bends and high altitudes, the roads were in excellent condition. As a nervous passenger I felt incredibly safe. Our driver was a pro.

Even the best planned trips can have a hiccup. About 45 minutes from our destination, our minibus broke down. However, this is where a good tour operator shines!. Our guide and driver had a replacement bus to us within 45 minutes. We used the time to bond as a group, and before we knew it, we were pulling up to our lodge.

The lodge was spectacular, more like a split-level suite than a standard room. It featured a private terrace perfect for stargazing. With zero light pollution, the sky looked like it had been dusted with diamonds.

The next day, we headed to the Atlas film studios where many a good film has been filmed there, such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones to name but few. In fact Samuel L Jackson was due to film there the following day. When then headed for ldeeper into the desert, stopping for lunch along the way. We swapped the mini bus for our own two feet, embarking on a two hour trek through the desert and rolling dunes to reach our base camp.

This wasn't "roughing it” it was glamping. We had:

Real beds inside the tents.

Electricity (a pleasant surprise!)

A traditional Moroccan dinner served under the open sky.

That night, we sat around a roaring campfire while the local Berbers sang traditional songs and entertained us. The laughter, the music, and that vast desert silence between songs made it a night I’ll never forget.

Our trek continued the next morning toward a lush oasis camp about 10km away. I decided to do "half and half" walking 6km to take in the views and riding a camel for the remainder.

Getting on and off a camel is rarely "ladylike," and was out of my comfort zone, but it’s part of the fun! Just hold on tight and lean back and laugh  

The highlight of the day wasn't just the scenery, though. A lovely couple in our group, Taylor and Erin from Colorado , provided the ultimate desert magic. Taylor proposed right there in the dunes, and she said yes!

Later after lunch in the desert we set off by 4x4 across the desert to our second camp, keeping our eyes peeled for ostriches and gazelles. We were lucky to spot a gazelle, though the ostriches stayed elusive. When we arrived at the next base camp, it was a much more basic setup , small tents, thin cushions, no electricity, and no shower , but the simplicity was part of the charm.

As the sun began to set, we were served mint tea while sitting on the sand dunes, watching the colours change across the desert. We even tried sandboarding, which was a lot of fun, laughing together on the slopes. That evening, after a simple dinner, we drifted off to sleep under the stars.

The next morning, we woke early to watch a breathtaking sunrise over the desert, truly magical and very cold. After breakfast, we made our way to the village of Zagora and got to see loads of Ostriches running wild in the desert , stopping at a hotel for a short break to shower and have lunch. Refreshed, we continued to Skoura, where we visited a stunning UNESCO-listed kasbah, soaking in the architecture and history.

From there, we had the choice to walk to our next lodge or continue by minibus. That evening we had one final group dinner, celebrating Erin and Taylor’s engagement alongside my husband and I celebrating our wedding anniversary.

After an early night, we set off back to Marrakech, where we said our goodbyes to the group. Some headed straight to the airport, while others, including myself, stayed on to enjoy extra time exploring the vibrant city.

We stayed in a Riad near the Souks that I can only describe as pure Paradise.

Despite being a 2 minute walk from the chaotic, vibrant energy of the local vendors and a 10 minute stroll from the Jemaa el-Fna main square, the Riad was silent. All you could hear were the birds singing. The staff, the decor, and the rooftop terrace were exceptional.

We spent an evening on a rooftop, watching the sunset over the city while the Call to Prayer echoed across the rooftops, a moment of pure serenity.

On our final morning, we had a 5:30 am start for the one thing I have always wanted to do, A Hot Air Balloon ride at sunrise.

Our pilot, Noor was incredible. As we floated over Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains, watching the sun crest over the horizon, I’ll admit,I cried ( not unusual for me ) It was so peaceful and emotional. After landing, we enjoyed a lovely traditional breakfast before heading back to the city for some final spice and Argan oil shopping.

Morocco is a land of contrasts, sudden weather shifts, and incredible hospitality. Whether you want to trek the dunes or find the perfect Riad, I’d love to help you plan it, whether travelling solo, as a couple or as a family. Morocco really has something for everyone and the people are warm, friendly and kind.

The cost: So our 5 day, 4 night tour cost £321 per person ( Including all meals except for lunch on day 2) Adding on the Riads and flights with 10kg of cabin baggage the total cost was approx £500 per person.

If you have been inspired after reading this and want an adventure like mine, or a relaxing poolside retreat in Agadir, a cultural deep dive in Casablanca or a weekend break in Marrakech, I am here to make it happen.

BOOKING BONUS: Book any Moroccan holiday with me before April 1st, and you will receive an extra 5% discount!

Feel free to drop me a DM or email at NikkiRS@ite.travel.

PS: Hope you love the photos, though this is one occasion when reality exceeds Instagram