From Marrakech to Dakar - A Cultural Expedition in 16 Days

16 Days from Marrakech to Dakar

Marrakech to Dakar tour itinerary

Adventure tour from Morocco to Senegal

16 days expedition tour from Marrakech to Dakar is a comprehensive journey through Morocco and Mauritania, culminating in Senegal. It starts with the vibrant city of Marrakech, where you’ll explore historical sites like the Koutoubia Mosque and the Medina’s bustling souks. Moving on to the coastal charm of Essaouira, you’ll experience its port and market before heading south through scenic landscapes towards Agadir.

Continuing our 16 days Marrakech to Dakar tour into Mauritania, the itinerary travels from the coastal city of Nouadhibou through Chami’s serene oasis and Nouakchott’s cultural highlights. Further exploration leads you to Terjit Oasis and Atar, where you’ll experience a desert overnight stay in a camp. Afterward, you’ll cross into Senegal, where Saint Louis awaits with its UNESCO-listed architecture and rich heritage. The journey concludes in Dakar, showcasing its historic landmarks and a poignant visit to Gorée Island.

16 Days tour from Marrakech to Dakar offers a blend of cultural immersion, scenic beauty, and historical exploration across three diverse countries.

Itinerary: Marrakech to Dakar tour itinerary

Marrakech to dakar tour

Day 1: Arrival at Marrakech

Pick up from the airport and transfer to the Riad in the Medina, the Historical center of Marrakech.

Day 2: Exploring Marrakech

Today, you will have an optional private guided tour of Marrakech with an official guide. You will visit the famous Koutoubia Mosque, explore the Medina and its souks, and discover more of Marrakech’s secrets including the Ali Ben Youssef Koranic School, the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Gardens. Enjoy the night at a Riad in the Medina.

Day 3: Marrakech – Essaouira

After breakfast, we’ll drive 3 hours to Essaouira, with an optional visit to an Argan oil cooperative en route. Upon arrival, enjoy a walking tour of the traditional port, arches, and 18th-century ramparts. See Dutch cannons facing the sea and explore the local market featuring oak products. Lunch and check-in at the riad follow, with free time in the afternoon.

Day 4: Essaouira – Taghazout – Agadir – Tiznit – Legzira – Sidi Ifni

Depart Essaouira for Sidi Ifni via Agadir, Morocco’s premier surfing destination. Along the way, see the famous “flying goats” in Argan trees and visit the Agadir Oufella Kasbah. After lunch, we head to Tiznit, known for its 5 km of fortified walls, before continuing to Sidi Ifni. Nestled between the mountains and the Atlantic coast, the region offers visits to Plage Blanche and Mirleft, a charming fishing village renowned for its delicious local fish and seafood. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel.

Day 5: Sidi Ifni – Tiznit – Guelmim – Tan-Tan – Laayoune

Traveling from Sidi Ifni to Laayoune involves a scenic drive through southwestern Morocco. You’ll head northeast through Tiznit and Guelmim, a hidden gem in Morocco that is a gateway to the Sahara Desert with the country’s largest camel market. Surrounded by rugged landscapes, it offers insights into Berber culture and serves as a hub for nomadic communities, experiencing a transition from coastal to more arid landscapes.

Day 6: Laayoune – Boujdour – Dakhla

Traveling south from Laayoune to Dakhla offers a scenic route through southwestern Morocco, passing through several villages and towns. we stop in the town of Boujdour, known for its fishing industry and coastal charm. Continuing southward, the route passes through Aousserd, where travelers can experience the desert landscape and perhaps enjoy a meal. Finally, arriving in Dakhla, renowned for its water sports and seafood cuisine, provides a perfect blend of coastal relaxation and cultural exploration in southern Morocco.

Day 7: Dakhla – Imlili – Bir Gandouz – Guergarat – Cross the Border and arrive in Nouadhibou

Today, we will begin our 16 days Marrakech to Dakar tour from Dakhla to Nouadhibou offering a journey through southwestern Morocco into Mauritania. Starting to the south passing through villages of Imlili and Bir Gandouz, travelers reach Guergarat for the Moroccan-Mauritanian border crossing.

Upon entering Nouadhibou, Mauritania’s coastal city known for fishing, visitors can explore bustling markets, enjoy seafood dishes, and experience the unique blend of Moorish and Sub-Saharan African cultures. The city’s fishing port is a hub of activity, with colorful boats unloading their daily catches, adding to the vibrant atmosphere along the Atlantic beaches, making this journey a blend of desert landscapes and cultural immersion.

Day 8: Nouadhibou – Bou Lanuar – Chami – Naukchoutt

After breakfast, our Marrakech to Dakar tour heads towards Nouakchott by Chami. Take the opportunity to stop for a picnic under the acacia trees amidst Mauritania’s desert landscape, immersing yourself in the tranquil surroundings before continuing towards Nouakchott.

Day 9: Nouakchott Day tour

A free day in Nouakchott invites exploration at a relaxed pace. Start with a visit to the National Museum of Mauritania for insights into the country’s history and culture. Wander through Marché Capitale to experience local daily life and browse for souvenirs. Relax on Plage de Nouakchott, enjoying the beach and Atlantic Ocean views. Take in the architecture of Mosque Saudique and observe local customs. Whether sampling Mauritanian cuisine, chatting with locals at cafes, or simply unwinding, Nouakchott offers a day of cultural immersion and leisure.

Day 10: Nuakchoutt – Akjoujt – Azouega sand dunes overnight stay in a camp

In the morning, depart from the capital, traveling across the northern desert of the Adrar region, with several stops for photography. The Sahara is advancing southward at a rate of up to 10 km per year, and the area east of Nouakchott is increasingly buried under sand.

Enjoy the landscapes along the way and observe many fascinating villages, each showcasing a variety of colors and cultures, reflecting the country’s diverse ethnic heritage. Stop for a quick picnic lunch under an acacia tree in the desert near the dunes.

Continue driving approximately 500 km to El Meddah before reaching the final destination Azouega, home to the tallest sand dune in the country. Upon arrival, set up camp in the breathtaking desert landscape.

Day 11: Azouega Sand dune –Maireth Oasis – Chinguetti

After a night under the stars, we drive across the Adrar region, a stunning blend of landscapes featuring sand and stone, vegetation, and water. Here, we witness the country’s diverse natural beauty, from the harsh yet captivating sand deserts and canyons to lush oases with flowing natural water sources. Along the way, we pass nomadic camps, and villages.

For an early lunch, we stop at the oasis of Mhaireth, where a natural lagoon with crystal-clear water awaits. Those who don’t mind the seasonal water levels can take a refreshing swim.

We then continue to Mauritania’s first historical city, Chinguetti, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We will explore its old town, including the Grand Mosque and the ancient manuscript libraries, which are undoubtedly the most beautiful and fascinating of Mauritania’s four historic cities. During our guided tour, a librarian will provide insights into the town’s history and its significance to the country. Dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse.

Day 12: Chinguetti – Naukchoutt

Back to Nouakchott from Chinguetti

Day 13: Nuakchoutt – Tiguent – Park National du Diawling – cross the border – Diama – Saint Luis

Start your journey in Nouakchott and visit the National Museum to delve into Mauritania’s rich cultural history. Continue to Tiguent, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and scenery. Venture through Parc National du Diawling, experiencing Mauritania’s wildlife and landscapes. Covering 40 kilometers of off-road terrain, cross into Diama before reaching Saint Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colonial architecture and vibrant culture. Explore the Vox cinema and Cathedrale in Saint-Louis, where you can discover the city’s historical and cultural treasures.

Day 14: Saint Louis – Touba – Dakar

Today, Traveling onward to Louga offers a glimpse into local life and markets, preparing you for the spiritual heart of Senegal. visit the holy city of Touba, including the Grand Mosque and its vast library containing thousands of books, including those written by the mystic founder and the legend of one of Senegal’s most important historical figures, Cheikh Ahmadou Mbacke. You will learn about the history and legends of Touba before continuing to Dakar.

Day 15: Dakar day tour

Explore Dakar’s Plateau district, starting with the historic railway station, city hall, Independence Square, and the Presidential Palace, each offering unique insights into Senegal’s history and architecture. Continue to the picturesque Little Marine Drive before heading to the port for a short ferry ride to Gorée Island. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Chevalier de Boufflers before immersing yourself in Gorée Island’s “Memory” tour.

Wander through narrow, colorful streets adorned with bougainvilleas, visit the Slave House, Museum of the History of Senegal, local churches, and painters’ workshops, gaining a profound understanding of the island’s cultural significance and dark past. Overnight, the end of the 16 days tour from Marrakech to Dakar.

Day 16: Transfer to the airport

After breakfast, transfer to Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport.

16 Days From Marrakech to Dakar Included & Excluded