5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8:30 AM in a private 4×4 vehicle. We head through the High Atlas Mountains, passing Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), the highest point in Morocco, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and make stops to capture photos of Berber villages. Our first destination is Telouat Kasbah, an ancient fortress set amid the mountains. After touring the kasbah, you’ll have free time to enjoy a traditional lunch in the town. In the afternoon, we continue through the scenic Ounila Valley, dotted with small Berber villages and adobe houses nestled in the mountains, to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This spectacular kasbah has appeared in several famous films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. After the visit, we head to Ouarzazate, also known as “The Gate of the Desert,” where we’ll spend the night.

After breakfast, we depart for the Draa Valley, known for its vast date palm groves and kasbahs. Along the way, we’ll make stops to take photos of the stunning landscape and traditional Berber villages. You’ll have time for lunch in Nkob or Alnif before continuing our drive to the Merzouga dunes, also known as the Desert of Powdery Sand Dunes. Upon arrival, we’ll switch to camels and ride into the heart of the desert, guided by an experienced camel handler. After about 90 minutes, you’ll reach your luxurious Berber tent where you’ll spend the night under the stars. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the desert.

Wake up early for a spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, one of the highest sand dunes in Morocco. After the sunrise, return to Merzouga on camels, where a hearty breakfast awaits. We then explore the Erg Chebbi region, passing by Tissardmin Oasis to see ancient fossil quarries still in use today. Along the way, we’ll encounter nomadic settlements and learn about their way of life. Next, we head to Khamlia Village, a small village of Malian descent, where you’ll enjoy a cup of tea while listening to a traditional Gnawa music concert. Afterward, you’ll have free time to relax and watch the sunset over the dunes.

After breakfast, we head towards Rissani, where you can explore the bustling souks (market days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). From there, we continue to Erfoud, known for its fossilized marble, and visit local workshops. We then drive to Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon carved by the Todra River, surrounded by towering cliffs. Here, you’ll have free time to enjoy lunch and take a walk through the gorge to appreciate the stunning landscapes. In the afternoon, we continue to the Dadès Valley, known as the Valley of the Figs, and stop at the famous “Monkey Legs” rock formations

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to a viewpoint overlooking the Dadès Valley, offering panoramic views of the valley and its numerous kasbahs. We then continue along the Thousand Kasbahs Road, passing through the Roses Valley and the lush Skoura Palm Groves. In Ouarzazate, we’ll visit Kasbah Taourirt, the former residence of the Glaoui Pasha of Marrakech. If time permits, we can also visit the cinema studios and the Cinema Museum. After lunch, we begin our return journey to Marrakech, crossing the Tizi N’Tichka Pass once again, with stops for photos along the way. We will arrive back in Marrakech by late afternoon, bringing the tour to a close. Drop off at your accommodation in Marrakech.