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Student Trips Morocco
Blue fishing boats in the port of Essaouira

7-day student trip

7 Days Marrakech, Sahara & Essaouira

This itinerary adds the relaxed coastal town of Essaouira to the classic Sahara loop, giving students a slower finish by the ocean after the desert.

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Tour facts

Duration
7 days
Start
Marrakech
End
Marrakech
Group type
University, Erasmus, Student society
Tour style
Private group trip
Sahara included
Yes
Private transport
Yes

Tour overview

A good fit for student societies and Erasmus groups who want adventure plus some free time to explore on their own in a walkable, easy-going town.

Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Merzouga → Marrakech → Essaouira

What Students Can Learn

  • Atlantic trade history and the planned 18th-century port of Essaouira
  • Jewish and Muslim heritage in Moroccan cities
  • Argan cooperatives and women-led rural enterprises
  • Desert and coastal climate contrasts

Highlights

  • Marrakech medina
  • Ait Ben Haddou
  • Sahara camp night
  • Essaouira ramparts and fishing port
  • Argan cooperative visit

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech

    Transfer and evening in the medina.

  2. Day 2: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades

    High Atlas crossing and kasbah visit.

    Driving: Approx. 6–7 hours with stops

  3. Day 3: Dades – Todra – Merzouga

    Gorge walk and desert camp night in Erg Chebbi.

    Driving: Approx. 5 hours

  4. Day 4: Merzouga – Ouarzazate

    Sunrise, then a long drive west with breaks.

    Driving: Approx. 7 hours with stops

  5. Day 5: Ouarzazate – Marrakech

    Return over the Atlas with an afternoon free in Marrakech.

    Driving: Approx. 4 hours

  6. Day 6: Marrakech – Essaouira

    Drive to the coast with a stop at an argan cooperative. Afternoon walk on the ramparts.

    Driving: Approx. 3 hours

  7. Day 7: Essaouira – Marrakech

    Morning at leisure by the sea, then return to Marrakech for departure.

    Driving: Approx. 3 hours

Driving times are estimates and depend on road conditions, weather and the number of stops.

Accommodation

Riads, guesthouses, hotels and a desert camp where relevant, chosen to suit student groups. The exact properties and level are confirmed in your proposal.

Meals

Usually breakfast daily and dinners on the road and at the desert camp. Meal plans are agreed in the proposal and dietary needs can be planned in advance.

Typically included

Private transport with driver, accommodation as agreed, meals as agreed, desert camp and camel trek or 4x4 where the route includes the Sahara. Final inclusions are listed in your proposal.

Not included

International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, tips and anything not listed in your proposal.

Optional activities

  • Surf lesson near Essaouira
  • Fish market lunch
  • Cooking class

Private group travel style

Your group travels alone, in its own vehicles, on a schedule agreed in advance. Plans can adapt day to day with your group leader.

Student group considerations

We adjust pace and activities to age, share a clear daily plan with leaders, and agree meeting points and emergency contacts before departure.

Best time

Year-round on the coast; the desert is most comfortable from October to April.

What to pack

Comfortable walking shoes, modest layers, a warm jacket for evenings, sun protection and a refillable bottle.

Full packing list →

Photos

Student group with a local guide on a square in the Marrakech medinaStudent group posing in front of the ksar of Ait Ben HaddouStudent group sitting on the Erg Chebbi dunes near MerzougaStudent group photo at a palm oasis viewpoint in the Dades ValleyStudent group with traditional water sellers in front of the Koutoubia Mosque, MarrakechQuad bikes climbing the orange dunes of Erg ChebbiKoutoubia Mosque minaret in Marrakech at sunset

Booking process

  1. 1

    Send your group details through the quote form

  2. 2

    Receive a tailored proposal and refine it with us

  3. 3

    Confirm the trip according to the booking conditions in your proposal

Before confirming, please read our Booking Conditions and Cancellation Policy.

FAQ

Is this trip private?

Yes. The trip is organized only for your group, with private transport and a schedule agreed with your group leader.

Can we change the itinerary?

Yes. This 7-day route is a starting point. Days, stops and activities can be adjusted to your group.

Is the camel trek required?

No. A 4x4 transfer to the desert camp can replace the camel trek for anyone who prefers it.

How is the price calculated?

Price depends on group size, duration, accommodation level, transport, activities and meals. Request a quote and we'll send a clear proposal.

Related student trips

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