Morocco: Gorges & Sahara

Running tour

Journey from red city souks through dramatic gorges to sleep beneath Saharan stars.

November 13-22, 2026

January 28 – February 6, 2027

March 23 – April 1, 2027

November 1-10, 2027

Duration: 10 days

LEVEL:

PRICE FROM: $4,195

tour highlights

Enjoy a full city tour through the streets of Marrakech, experiencing the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture with bustling souks, spice markets, local cuisine, palaces, and historical medina.
Run through charming villages along the canyon floors while surrounded by towering walls of the Todra Gorge, a Mars-like terrain near the Dades Valley.
Experience the otherworldly experience of the Saharan Desert on foot with stretches as far as the eye can see.
Indulge in an endless feast of flavorful Moroccan tagines and multi-colored post-run picnic lunches prepared by our local cooking team.
Experience the once in a lifetime enchanted night in the Sahara Desert at a Berber camp, where warmth of traditional Berber songs and tales of nomadic life are shared by the open fire.

as featured in:

itinerary

In Morocco’s ancient valleys and endless dunes, every run becomes an odyssey through time as you trace paths between thousand-year-old kasbahs and nomadic camps beneath the Atlas peaks. From the dramatic walls of Todra Gorge to the rolling Saharan sands, each stride carries you deeper into a land where traditional Berber hospitality transforms challenging miles into an immersion in magic and wonder.

DAY 0 - Early arrival in Marrakech

Overview

Those who choose the early arrival package will arrive in Marrakech, where we will pick you up at the airport and take you to our beautiful riad (traditional courtyard house). That evening we’ll enjoy a relaxed rooftop dinner together before turning for a good night of sleep – tomorrow is a full day!

meals included:

breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Running:

NONE

DAY 1 - Marrakech

Overview

Those who arrive early will enjoy a relaxed breakfast before heading out for the day with our local partner for a walking tour of Marrakech, exploring the palaces, the history and the famous maze-like souks (markets). Meanwhile, we will pick up the others at the airport and take you to our beautiful riad (traditional courtyard house). That evening we will all get to know each other over a delicious welcome dinner right at the riad, and afterward those who manage to hold off the jet lag can go experience the Djemaa El-fna (the central square of the old city): sample local treats, bargain for scarves, charm a cobra, jump into a drum circle or simply wander around and take it all in!

meals included (early arrivals) :

breakfast, Lunch, dinner

meals included (Regular arrivals) :

Dinner

Running:

NONE

DAY 2 - Crossing the High Atlas

Overview

Depart from Marrakech towards the first run in the northern foothills of the High Atlas mountains. Just an hour from bustling Marrakech your run will take you through sleepy villages and through scenes of traditional agriculture, all with the beautiful backdrop of the mountains. At the finish line of the run we will have a fresh picnic prepared by our cook team, then we’ll drive up and over the mountains towards the village of Ait Ben Haddou – our destination for the night. Spend the evening relaxing around the pool and taking in a spectacular desert sunset from our kasbah!

meals included :

breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Running:

Up to 11 miles, pavement

DAY 3 - Ounila Valley and Ait Ben Haddou

Overview

After a big breakfast, we have a short drive to our morning run along the Ounila Valley. There is a big contrast in the landscape as now we are on the southern side of the mountains, so expect an arid brown landscape etched with the green gardens of the Ounila Valley. This is a stunning run along the canyon walls with great views throughout. After another picnic lunch at the finish line we will make a pitstop at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-preserved kasbah that has served as the set for Gladiator, Game of Thrones and many other films. Pictures taken, we’ll head to the small village of Bou Tharar tucked away in a vibrant valley, where you’ll have the evening to relax and enjoy sweeping views of the nearby mountains and gardens surrounding our guesthouse.

meals included :

breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Running:

Up to 10 miles, pavement

DAY 4 - The Mars Run

Overview

After a light breakfast we’ll hit the dirt road, running through the small village before the trail and views open up into a truly surreal, Mars-like landscape dotted with Berber nomad camps and views of the High Atlas. This is always one of the favorite runs! After that, our destination is the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon that offers prime rock climbing – and running! – opportunities. In the afternoon you’ll have ample time to rest your legs by the pool and relax.

meals included :

breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Running:

up to 9 miles, rocky/dirt road

DAY 5 - The Todra Gorge

Overview

After a relaxed breakfast at our riad we will drive out to our start line at the top of the Todra Gorge. This run is great for kicking into cruise mode (net downhill!) and enjoying the spectacular gorge which gets more and more dramatic as you run. You’ll be winding along the bottom of the canyon and the walls will seem to grow and grow as you run! Lunch is at the finish line back at our hotel before we depart for a beautiful drive over the Anti-Atlas Mountains. From there, we will make our way south towards the Draa Valley, one of the biggest date palm oases in the world – an awesome sight! We will spend the next two nights relaxing in Zagora at a beautiful guesthouse hidden in magical gardens.

meals included :

breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Running:

up to 12 miles, pavement

DAY 6 - Rest Day

Overview

Rest day! Enjoy a sleep-in, a relaxed morning, a big breakfast, and an optional shake-out run near the palm oasis. With less focus on running today, we will have more time for taking in the traditional Berber culture in this area of Southeast Morocco. We’ll visit a local pottery cooperative and enjoy a delicious lunch from our team before heading back to our riad for an afternoon of relaxing by the pool or choosing to have a massage or hammam – a traditional bath!

meals included :

breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Running:

No scheduled run (morning shakeout optional)

DAY 7 - The Sahara

Overview

Today we head towards the village of M’Hamid, where we’ll share snacks (and a lot of mint tea!) at the family home of our Moroccan team member, Hamid. Afterward, it’s time for the Sahara! After leaving the pavement far behind, the run will begin over rolling, rocky terrain and head towards the sand dunes, getting softer and softer as you go. Finish with lunch at our private camp set among towering sand dunes, then go explore and get ready for a sunset camel trek. Later on, it’s time for a huge feast, traditional music around the campfire and more stars than you’ve ever seen before. Sleep comfortably in traditional nomad tents, complete with real beds, rugs and solar lights – this is where “glamping” began!

meals included :

breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Running:

Up to 10 miles, jeep track and some sand

Day 8 - Desert to Oasis

Overview

Wake up early to catch a Sahara sunrise, then enjoy a great breakfast. We’ll depart the camp after eating, driving over Lake Iriki (an old dried lakebed and National Park) onwards to our run. From the flat, desolate desert you will start to see rock formations and mountains further south. Along these hills we will drop you in the desert where you will run along these shifting hills and slowly start to see a palm oasis emerge – your final finish line! We will enjoy our last big picnic with our local cook team, then continue to Foum Z’guide, a town located on the edge of the desert. Enjoy the pool, a nice shower and the bar!

meals included :

breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Running:

Up to 9.5 mi, hard-packed dirt

Day 9 - Travel Back to Marrakech

Overview

If you’re still craving a few more miles, then get up early for a low-key sunrise shakeout from the hotel. Otherwise, get some much-deserved rest! We’ll embark on the long (but very scenic) journey back to Marrakech after breakfast with plenty of breaks along the way. After we arrive you’ll have time to get out and explore the city before a big farewell dinner.

meals included :

breakfast, Lunch, dinner

Running:

up to 8 miles, pavement

Day 10 - Departure

Overview

This is it! Enjoy a final breakfast and then we will get you to the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight.

meals included :

breakfast

Running:

No scheduled run

dates & pricing

Date:November 13-22, 2026

Pricing:$4,195

Date:January 28 - February 6, 2027

Pricing:$4,195

Date:March 23 - April 1, 2027

Pricing:$4,195

Date:November 1-10, 2027

Pricing:$4,195

Speak With Our Trip Experts

inclusion + DEtails

Expert Rogue Expeditions trip lead guide & local Moroccan team
Airport transfers in Marrakech on arrival and departure day
Ground transportation for the entire trip in well-maintained 4x4 vehicles with licensed professional drivers
9 nights of thoughtfully selected accommodations in locally-owned riads, kasbahs, lodges; and in a private Sahara Desert camp.
7 unique, expertly-crafted vehicle supported runs showcasing diverse Moroccan landscapes (8-12 miles / 13-19 km per day)
All meals at our favorite local restaurants beginning from dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day.
Gourmet trail snacks and drinking water during runs
Coffee, tea, and juice with breakfasts
A sunset camel trek in the Sahara Desert
Rogue Expeditions merchandise
All luggage transfers

Not Included

International flights to/from Marrakech, Morocco
Alcoholic beverages and drinks other than water with the exception of coffee, tea, or juice at breakfast
Travel protection (strongly recommended)
Personal purchases and souvenirs
Gratuities for guides and local staff (at your discretion)
Personal running gear and equipment

TESTIMONIALS

Another fabulous run-cation from Rogue Expeditions! I would trust this company anywhere on the globe to provide an authentic, genuine adventure where you leave feeling like you didn’t just visit the country, you actually experienced it. All details are handled seamlessly by the team, so you can focus on soaking it all in. I can guarantee you, a trip to Morocco with Rogue Expeditions will be a once in lifetime experience. The only downside is that you’ll have a hard time picking your next adventure with them 🙂

3/12/2024

Jennifer T.

This was a trip of a lifetime!!! From the amazing hospitality and organization to the fun-filled, running exploration and sights through the eyes of our wise guides and locals, to the incredible food and group experiences, every single day was INCREDIBLE!!!

11/22/2023

Juliana H.

The Morocco Gorges & Sahara trip was my first adventure travel and there couldn’t have been a better trip to kick off this experience. The runs were thoughtfully organized with unique trails for each run, delicious food at the end of the runs, and an incredible support team at almost every mile.

11/26/2022

Vidyu K.

This trip was epic! The itinerary was full: everyday a new run, a new location, a new adventure! There was never a dull moment the entire time. It was truly the trip of a lifetime – everything I was hoping for and more!… This was my first Rogue Expeditions trip, but it won’t be my last! I’m already dreaming about where to go next!

11/15/2022

Amy G.

FAQS

Why choose a running tour in Morocco?

Morocco is a runner’s paradise, offering quiet, wide-open roads, snow-capped mountains, dramatic rock formations, lush palm oases, and the vast, beautiful Sahara. This unique running tour combines fascinating culture, warm hospitality, and delicious, fresh local food.

You’ll experience more than you ever imagined on this Moroccan running adventure, creating lifelong memories and friendships.

What's included in the Run Morocco: Gorges & Sahara trip cost?

The run tour price includes pre-trip communication & guidance, airport transfers, all accommodation, all meals/snacks from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 10, coffee/tea/juice with breakfasts, drinking water, transportation, professional drivers, experienced running guides, organized supported runs, and Rogue Expeditions swag. Almost everything is covered for your Moroccan running adventure!

What isn't included in the Run Morocco: Gorges & Sahara trip cost?

The cost does not include flights, alcohol, tips, or personal purchases.

Why isn't the flight included in the Morocco running tour?

We keep flights separate to allow for flexibility in travel arrangements. Participants are responsible for arriving in Marrakech (either at the airport or hotel) no later than 3:30pm on arrival day.

How far do I need to be able to run?

While there’s no set requirement, we recommend being comfortable with 3-4 runs per week of 4-6 miles (6-10km) each and a long run of 8-10 miles (13-16km) for the best Moroccan running experience. Vehicle support is always available, and routes can be shortened as needed.

What sort of terrain will we be running on in Morocco?

This Moroccan running tour features varied terrain, mostly on dirt roads and pavement, plus some sand in the Sahara. It’s ideal for those who prefer road running. Expect some mountainous areas with hills and flat desert runs. Each day offers new landscapes, ensuring an exciting running experience in Morocco.

What will we do when we aren't running?

Your Gorges & Sahara run tour includes visiting ruined kasbahs, palm oases, lively markets, and handicraft cooperatives. In the Sahara, enjoy a sunset camel trek and campfire drum circles. There’s significant drive time to reach remote locations, with well-timed breaks and photo stops.

Meals are an experience themselves, and you’ll have plenty of relaxation time at our hotels.

What will the accommodations be like?

You’ll stay in unique family-run riads (traditional courtyard houses), kasbahs, and lodges. Expect clean rooms, private bathrooms, gorgeous Moroccan decor, warm hospitality, often a swimming pool, and always a view. One night is spent at a private Sahara camp in traditional nomad tents with comfortable beds and a bathhouse.

What is the weather like for running in Morocco's Gorges and Sahara?

In March and November, expect clear nights around 50F/10C and sunny days around 70-75F/20-24C (likely warmer in the Sahara) with little humidity. Rain is rare but possible. These conditions are ideal for running in Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

What sort of food will we be eating on the Morocco run tour?

Enjoy healthy, fresh, traditional Moroccan meals throughout your running tour. Breakfasts include freshly baked bread, pastries, local fruit jam, eggs, fruit, coffee, and mint tea. Lunches feature fresh fruit, nuts, dates, olives, vegetables, and grilled meat. Dinners showcase tajines and couscous dishes with fresh bread, olives, soup, and fruit. Most dietary requirements can be accommodated.

What is the cancellation policy for Rogue Expeditions?

We’ve done our best to create a cancellation policy that balances flexibility with our advance costs. For detailed information on cancellations, transfers, and refunds, please review our full Booking Terms & Conditions. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover potential cancellations.