5 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley [331 km]

Commence your 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with a hassle-free pickup from your accommodation. Leaving Marrakech, we journey through the majestic High Atlas mountains via the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Throughout the drive, our knowledgeable guide and driver will make stops at picturesque locations, with opportunities for additional stops at your request.

After enjoying a delightful lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate, our journey continues towards the Dades Gorge, passing through the charming Skoura and the picturesque Rose Valley. In Skoura’s verdant oasis, explore the impressive Amridil Kasbah, a stunning fortified village. During spring, we can arrange a special stop to witness the valley adorned with blooming roses.

Arriving at the Dades Gorge, marvel at its unique rock formations known as monkey fingers and take in panoramic views of the stunning gorge. Finally, we head to your hotel for an evening of relaxation, dinner, and a well deserved overnight stay. This day promises a blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and relaxation, setting the stage for an unforgettable desert adventure.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert [265 km]

Begin your second day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley. From there, we’ll journey to Tinghir, where you’ll marvel at a stunning oasis and historic kasbahs that once housed Berber and Jewish communities side by side. Walk beneath the towering 300-meter cliffs of Todra Gorge before continuing towards the Sahara desert.

Enjoy a satisfying lunch along the way, and upon arrival, your camel guide and our camels will be ready to lead you across the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi to your desert camp. Stop atop a high dune to witness a magnificent sunset and participate in sandboarding activities. As night falls, our camp staff will serve a delicious dinner and entertain you with captivating Berber drum performances around a campfire under the starry desert sky. This day promises a perfect blend of cultural exploration and desert adventure, creating lasting memories of your journey from Marrakech to Merzouga.

Day 3: Exploring Merzouga Desert [80 km]

Start your day early to witness a serene sunrise from your camp in the Sahara. After a delicious breakfast, we’ll whisk you away in a 4×4 vehicle for an immersive day of exploration:

Our journey begins with a visit to a nomadic settlement, where you’ll be welcomed into one of their tents for traditional tea, gaining insight into their resilient desert lifestyle. Next, we’ll uncover a hidden abandoned village once bustling with Galena mines, offering a glimpse into its intriguing history. Our adventure continues to Khamlia, a village celebrated for its vibrant Gnaoua music, originating from Southern African countries like Sudan. Here, indulge in a local lunch before we conclude our day. This experience promises a perfect blend of cultural immersion and desert discovery, enriching your journey from Marrakech to Merzouga.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani –Agdez – Ouarzazate [368 km]

Begin your day with a peaceful sunrise from your riad’s terrace before taking our journey. Our first stop is the ancient city of Rissani, where we’ll explore a traditional souk bustling with local life. Continuing onward, we’ll travel through the captivating Draa Valley, pausing in Agdez to admire its scenic valley landscapes. By afternoon, we’ll arrive at your riad in Ouarzazate, concluding another memorable day of exploration on your journey from Marrakech to Merzouga.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah – Marrakech [193 km]

Start your final morning with a delicious breakfast at your riad in Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the Sahara desert and Africa’s Hollywood. Explore the historical Kasbah of Taourirt and the famous Atlas Studios, renowned for their role in film production. After immersing ourselves in Ouarzazate enchanting sights, our journey continues to the captivating Ait Ben Haddou.

Here, we have the opportunity to explore the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. This remarkable fortress has served as a backdrop for numerous iconic films and series like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones, adding to its allure.

As we conclude our exploration of Ait Ben Haddou, our journey leads us back to vibrant Marrakech, passing through the majestic High Atlas Mountains and stopping to admire the fascinating Telouet Kasbah. Our 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga concludes with your safe return to your accommodation in Marrakech.