Ben Youssef Madrasa

Morocco Desert Tours - The Iconic Moroccan ExperienceThe silence in the Sahara Desert is palpable as the warm morning sun rises behind a sea of dunes coloring its surroundings in an orange and golden light – like guardians of time, the high golden sand dunes of Morocco tower around you, making you feel so isolated and so immersed at the same time. A lone oryx appears out of nowhere, crossing the road in a gentle trot, whirling up dust that sparkles in the sun. Morocco desert tours will take you to a world where time seems to be standing still and nothing else seems to matter than being present right here and right now.Where To Experience THE BEST Desert Tours From MarrakechThe Sahara Desert is of course a great place to experience Morocco desert tours from Marrakech . In Morocco, there are two major Ergs that can be the main highlights to enjoy on your Morocco trip. Photographers and nature lovers will appreciate the stunning landscapes, colors, and contrasts. Travelers who are seeking a break from long-driving distances can get active on hikes up and down the dunes; and young explorers can learn about desert inhabitants and their lifestyle.Erg Chebbi is relatively easy to reach from both Fes and Marrakech. It is less remote but it is where you can have the chance to see a really brilliant collection of orange sand dunes with a height of 125m up. Erg Chebbi is a great destination for those travelers who are in Fes or want to make a direction to Fes with an overnight stay in the desert tents in the middle of nowhere.Erg Chigaga is considered to be the wildest desert in Morocco with sand dunes around 60m high. It is less developed and it takes a 2 hours off-road journey by 4×4 vehicle to reach the great dunes. You will be off the beaten path, yet despite that, you will be traveling within Morocco’s largest protected national park, a rich desert wilderness (read about Iriqui National Park).Visit our website : https://sahara-magic.com/

With private Morocco tours, you will have time to explore different sites and regions. Get an authentic taste of all that Morocco has to offer. Explore Morocco’s four imperial cities, Ride camels through the Sahara Desert ( Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga ) and spend a night or two in desert tents in the middle of nowhere.Relax in a traditional Hammam, spend some nights in a Riad which is a traditional Moroccan house with an indoor garden and courtyard located in Old Town ( Medina). For Hiking lovers, Morocco offers an opportunity to trekking high atlas mountains and hiking through the valleys and gorges.Visits to historical and archaeological sites. For travelers who would love to cool off by the beach and skip the desert, there is an alternative route along the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.Our private Morocco tours are packed with traditional experiences and local interactions, making it ideal for any traveler who wishes to truly absorb the fascinating history, culture, food, nature and landscapes of Morocco.From start to finish, we provide personalized attention to make sure that your Morocco tour is exactly how you want it. On our tailor-made private morocco tours we can arrange just about anything for you — and we are very creative. You want to tour Morocco with experts so don’t just take our word for it… Sahara Magic is Awarded TripAdvisor's Travelers choice 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. Check out our Reviews.

Travel with security and confidence, your Morocco Desert Tours will be well planned, well spent, and thoroughly enjoyed. From camel treks across the Sahara Desert to the atlas mountains and mysteries of the Fes Medina and night life of Marrakesh, discover the exotic sights of this fascinating country.

Imagine stepping into a world where history and art come alive in a dazzling display of Moroccan grandeur. Welcome to Bahia Palace, a name that whispers of brilliance and beauty. It's said to be named after Ba Ahmed's favorite wife, the grand vizier who commissioned this architectural masterpiece. The palace is like a maze, designed by the talented Marrakchi architect Si Mohamed el Mekki el Mesfioui, mirroring the desires of a powerful man. For fourteen years, the finest Moroccan and Andalusian craftsmen dedicated their skills to creating this stunning palace. Every detail of the palace tells a story: the tiles were meticulously imported from Tetouan, the elegant marble arrived from Meknes, and the cedar wood, used for the intricately painted ceilings, was sourced from the Atlas Mountains. Wandering through Bahia Palace, you can almost feel the echoes of its past grandeur, as if the walls themselves are whispering tales of the people who once lived and worked within them. The palace, with its lush gardens and serene courtyards, offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Marrakech. It's a place where you can lose yourself in the charm of a bygone era, all while soaking up the vibrant culture of Morocco.

There's truly no place in Morocco quite like Jemaa el-Fna Square. It's a spot that effortlessly draws you in and keeps you coming back for more. During the day, it might seem like just a vast open area, but the magic is already brewing. Snake charmers enchant their cobras with melodic flutes, while herbalists, particularly in the square's northeast corner, showcase their remedies. Tooth-pullers, armed with intimidating tools, offer to relieve toothaches, their trays filled with extracted molars as proof of their prowess. But it's in the afternoon when the square truly comes alive. As dusk falls, much like in France or Spain, locals and visitors alike take to the streets for an evening stroll, especially along Bab Agnaou. The square gradually transforms into a lively carnival, teeming with storytellers, acrobats, musicians, and artists. Strolling through, you'll quickly find yourself caught up in the energy: mingling with the crowd, crouching among spectators, and tossing a dirham or two into a performer's hat. Need a breather? Head to one of the rooftop terraces, like the Grand Balcon Café. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bustling square, its captivating storytellers, and the vibrant crowd below. It's the perfect spot to take it all in. Fun fact: Jemaa el-Fna Square is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its cultural significance and the way it brings people together.

Nestled in the heart of Marrakesh, the Koutoubia Mosque stands as an awe-inspiring testament to the rich cultural history of the western Muslim world. With its intriguing past, this architectural gem is actually comprised of a double sanctuary and a stunning minaret. The first Koutoubia Mosque was completed in 1157, and just a year later, another sanctuary and the impressive minaret were constructed under the guidance of Abdelmoumen. The mosques are uniquely designed with a T-plan, which places significant emphasis on the qibla wall, the direction Muslims face during prayer. Rising proudly against the Marrakesh skyline, the minaret reaches 77 meters high and features a ramp that spirals up to the top. Its façade is elegantly adorned with intricate carvings and a charming mosaic of white and green tiles. As you explore this iconic landmark, take a moment to appreciate the delicate balance of simplicity and grandeur that defines its architecture. Fun fact: The Koutoubia Minaret served as a prototype for the famous Giralda in Seville, Spain, connecting two cultures through their shared history. The mosque is surrounded by lush gardens, offering a serene escape from the bustling city and a perfect spot for quiet reflection.

Dar el Badii, the unparalleled palace, was constructed between 1578 and 1603 under the watchful eye of Yacoub el Mansour, an Almohade ruler. The finest materials were handpicked for its creation: gold, onyx, and Italian marble, some sourced all the way from India. The Andalusian influence in the palace's design is unmistakable, suggesting that the anonymous architect likely hailed from Granada. The layout of this grand residence is a marvel of near-perfect symmetry, entirely built on arches with impressively sturdy bricks. Today, the palace's interior gardens, once known as the Gardens of Desire, have transformed into an expansive esplanade dotted with artificial lakes and orange trees. These gardens are encircled by the palace's ruins and lofty walls, where a charming colony of storks has made its home. This picturesque setting offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the past while providing a serene escape for visitors. As you wander through the grounds, imagine the vibrant life that once filled these spaces. The palace was a hub of activity, hosting grand receptions and events to impress dignitaries and guests. Even in its current state, Dar el Badii's majestic aura captivates the imagination.

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Marrakesh lies the serene oasis of the Majorelle Garden. This enchanting garden is a living masterpiece, brimming with exotic plants and rare species that the botanical aficionado Jacques Majorelle collected from his travels around the globe: think cactus, yuccas, water lilies, jasmine, bougainvillea, palm trees, coconut trees, banana trees, and bamboo. It's like a botanical world tour without leaving Morocco. Back in 1937, Majorelle dreamed up a shade of blue so striking it had to be named after him. This ultramarine hue, known as Majorelle blue, was used to paint the garden, which opened its gates to the public in 1947. Fast forward to 2011, and the artist's workshop transformed into the Berber Museum. Inaugurated under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohamed VI, the museum showcases the extraordinary creativity of the Berber people, who are the oldest in North Africa. From the Rif Mountains to the Sahara Desert, more than 600 artifacts collected by Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent celebrate the richness and diversity of this vibrant culture. As you wander through the garden, you'll find hidden nooks perfect for reflection, while the sound of trickling water adds to the tranquil atmosphere. Don't miss the chance to explore the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of the iconic designer who fell in love with this magical place.

The Royal Necropolis of the Saadian family is a mesmerizing piece of history that feels like stepping into a time capsule. It all began in 1557 with the creation of the first series of funeral chambers, marking the burial of Prince Mohamed Cheikh. His son later commissioned a koubba, known as Koubbat Lalla Messaouda, where he was laid to rest in 1574. By 1591, Ahmed el Mansour had also chosen this sacred place for his mother’s final resting place, and the site eventually became the eternal home for three of his successors. A second structure was later added, featuring a central room famously known as the Room of the Twelve Columns. Here lies the grave of Sultan Ahmed el Mansour. The intricate design continues with the Mirhab Room and the Room with the Three Alcoves. A special area is even dedicated to the graves of children. Each room is a masterpiece of decoration, showcasing stunning artistry that reflects the rich cultural history of Morocco. As you wander through the Saadian Tombs, you'll be captivated by the exquisite detail of the stucco and the vibrant colors of the zellij tilework. The tombs were hidden from the public eye for centuries, only rediscovered in 1917, which adds an element of mystery and allure to your visit. It's a place where history whispers from the walls, inviting you to imagine the lives of those who rest there.

In the heart of Marrakesh, nestled within the enchanting garden oasis of Jacques Majorelle, lies a hidden gem: the Berber Museum. This cultural haven was inaugurated in 2011 under the high patronage of King Mohamed VI, celebrating the incredible artistry and history of the Berber people, the oldest in North Africa. From the rugged Rif Mountains to the vast Sahara, the museum showcases over 600 fascinating objects collected by the famed duo, Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent. These treasures tell the story of a culture rich in diversity and vibrancy, one that continues to thrive today. The museum is thoughtfully divided into four distinct sections, each offering a unique glimpse into the world of the Berbers, also known as Amazighs. Visitors are taken on a journey through the history and geography of Morocco's Berber tribes, enriched by a captivating audiovisual experience. You'll find a detailed cartography of the most significant tribes, helping you connect the dots between the past and present. As you wander through the exhibits, don't miss the intricately woven textiles and beautifully crafted jewelry, each piece a testament to the skill and creativity of Berber artisans. The museum also offers a chance to learn about the traditional Berber way of life, including their unique architecture and agricultural practices. It's an opportunity to step into a world where ancient traditions meet the modern day, all within the vibrant city of Marrakesh.

This museum offers an unforgettable journey through the world of fragrances. From the artful distillation of floral waters to the intricate extraction of vegetable and essential oils, it showcases a rich collection of rare objects used in the creation of perfumes. You'll also find exhibits on medicinal and aromatic plants that play a crucial role in the traditional hammam ritual, revealing the depth of Moroccan expertise in perfumery. Beyond its fascinating displays, the museum hosts interactive activities and workshops that allow you to immerse yourself in this captivating world. Nestled in the heart of Marrakech, the museum is a hidden gem that not only educates but also enchants its visitors. The building itself is a blend of traditional Moroccan architecture and modern design, offering a serene and inspiring environment. Whether you're a fragrance enthusiast or just curious, this museum promises to enrich your senses and expand your knowledge of the art of perfume-making.