6 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Your journey begins with a pick-up from your riad in Marrakech. We start our drive towards Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, passing through the Tizi N’Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in Africa (2,260 meters), while enjoying panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains and charming Berber villages. Our first stop is Telouet, a small village known for its connection to the Glaoui family, where you can discover salt mines. We then proceed to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning example of southern Moroccan architecture. This ancient fortified village has been featured in many famous films, including Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, and Gladiator. Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, we will visit the Atlas Film Studios, the site where several blockbuster films like Star Wars and Babel were shot. We’ll also stop by Kasbah Taourirt, a historical kasbah that was once home to the Glaoui family.

After breakfast, we leave Ouarzazate and head toward Dades Gorges, passing through Skoura Palmeraie and Rose Valley, renowned for its annual rose festival in May. Enjoy a cup of tea with panoramic views of the valley before continuing along an off-road route that leads to the Dades Valley, known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs. The unusual rock formations here are a sight to behold.

After breakfast, we depart the Dades Gorges and head towards the Todra Gorges via Tinghir. Enjoy a short hike along the narrow and towering cliffs of the Todra Gorge, one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Morocco. Next, we continue our journey through the stony desert and the palmeries of Erfoud (known for its fossils) before reaching Rissani, famous for its vibrant souks and markets. In the afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where you will embark on a camel trek of about 40 minutes to experience the sunset in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, followed by a drum party and a night spent under the stars in a nomadic tent

After breakfast, we explore the Sahara Desert region. Our first stop is the Fossil Center in Merzouga, followed by a visit to Rissani, the birthplace of the Alawite Dynasty and home to the largest market in southern Morocco. After breakfast, we depart the Dades Gorges and head towards the Todra Gorges via Tinghir. Enjoy a short hike along the narrow and towering cliffs of the Todra Gorge, one of the most stunning natural landscapes in Morocco. We’ll also visit Khamlia Village, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience the Gnawa music—traditional rhythms of Morocco’s sub-Saharan culture. Afterward, we return to your riad for a relaxing afternoon by the pool.

We depart from Merzouga around 9 AM and drive toward Agdez, passing through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, where the dramatic landscapes offer jaw-dropping views of the rocky desert. We stop by Alnif, famous for its henna groves, and Nekkob, a green oasis surrounded by palm groves. After lunch, we continue our journey, arriving in Agdez, a small town located along the Draa River, Morocco’s longest river.

After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Marrakech, crossing the Tizi N’Tinifift Pass (1,460 meters), the highest pass in the Anti Atlas Mountains. We stop in Ouarzazate for a quick visit before continuing through the High Atlas Mountains and stopping at Telouet, the historic home of the Glaoui family. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit salt mines in the area. Finally, we arrive back in Marrakech, where the tour concludes with a drop-off at your riad, hotel, or airport around 5 PM.