16 Days from Marrakech to Dakar

Morocco to Senegal 16 Days tour

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 into Mauritania, the itinerary traverses from coastal Nouadhibou through Chami’s serene oasis and Nouakchott’s cultural highlights. Exploring further, you’ll visit Terjit Oasis and Atar’s desert vistas before crossing into Senegal, where Saint Louis awaits its UNESCO-listed architecture and rich heritage. The journey concludes with 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: 16 Days from Marrakech to Dakar

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

Depart Essaouira for Agadir via Taghazout, Morocco‘s premier surfing destination. En route, see the famous “flying goats” in Argan trees. After lunch, visit Paradise Valley and Kasbah for panoramic views of Agadir and its coastline. Explore the Valley of the Birds in central Agadir, a lush area with a zoo, waterfall, and playground. Conclude with a leisurely beach walk. Overnight stay.

Day 5: Agadir – Tiznit – Legzira – Sidi Ifni

After breakfast, we depart for Tiznit, known for its 5 km of fortified walls, before continuing to Sidi Ifni. Located between the mountains and the Atlantic coast, we can visit Plage Blanche and Mirleft, a charming fishing village famous for its delicious local fish and seafood: dinner and overnight accommodation at a hotel.

Day 6: 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.

Continuing southward, you’ll pass through places like Tan-Tan, Akhfennir, and Tarfaya, each with its cultural attractions. Finally, upon reaching Laayoune, you can explore the city, known for its lively markets and cultural sites, before settling in for the night.

Day 7: 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 8: Dakhla – Imlili – Bir Gandouz – Guergarat – Cross the Border and arrive in Nouadhibou

Today, we will begin our adventure 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 9: Nouadhibou – Bou Lanuar – Chami

Enjoy a free morning in Nuadhibou, then head towards Bou Lanuar. Take the opportunity to stop for a picnic under the acacia tree amidst Mauritania’s desert scenery, immersing yourself in the tranquil surroundings. Continuing towards Chami, a sacred oasis, offers a serene contrast to the coastal city’s bustling energy, providing a glimpse into Mauritania’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Day 10: Chami – Naukchoutt

Begin your journey in Chami, a sacred oasis offering a serene contrast to the bustling energy of coastal cities. Take time to immerse yourself in Mauritania’s natural beauty and cultural heritage as you travel towards Naukchott.

Day 11: 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 12: Nuakchoutt – Akjoujt – Terjit Oasis – Atar

The following day, we drive to the oasis Terjit, one of the most popular destinations in the country. Alongside the year-round flowing stream and numerous date palms, we will enjoy swimming in the natural pool. A delicious Mauritanian-style lunch awaited us, featuring dates, of course. Spend the night in a wonderful hotel.

Day 13: Atar – Nakchoutt

Back to Nouakchott

Day 14: 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 15: 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 16: 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.