
- Marrakech
- 5 days / 4 nights
overview:
Discover the magic of Morocco with an unforgettable 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. This tour is perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the captivating landscapes, culture, and history of Morocco’s Sahara Desert. The extended duration offers a relaxed pace, allowing you to fully experience everything from scenic mountain passes to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes.
itinerary:
Day 1: Marrakech to Ouarzazate via Ait Ben Haddou
The tour begins with a departure from Marrakech, heading into the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. You’ll traverse the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, passing through picturesque Berber villages and lush valleys. The first stop is the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its historic kasbah and as a filming location for numerous Hollywood movies.
After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” Here, you’ll visit the famous Taourirt Kasbah and explore the local area before settling in for the night in a traditional guesthouse, complete with a Moroccan dinner.
Day 2: Ouarzazate to Dades Valley
After breakfast, the journey continues through the striking Valley of Roses and the Skoura oasis, where you’ll encounter a landscape dotted with ancient kasbahs and palm groves. You’ll stop in Kalaat M’Gouna, a town famous for its rose festival, and then proceed to the breathtaking Dades Gorge.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore the Dades Valley, known for its rugged cliffs and unique rock formations. This scenic area is perfect for hiking and photography. You’ll spend the night at a guesthouse in the valley, enjoying another delicious Moroccan meal.
Day 3: Dades Valley to Merzouga via Todra Gorge
After breakfast, the tour heads toward the magnificent Todra Gorge, where you’ll marvel at the towering cliffs that rise 300 meters above the riverbed. This is a great opportunity for a short hike or to explore the area on foot, surrounded by the dramatic beauty of the gorge.
In the afternoon, you’ll continue your journey towards Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you’ll trade your vehicle for camels and embark on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun sets, you’ll ride through the desert sands, eventually arriving at a Berber camp, where you’ll spend the night under the stars, enjoying dinner and traditional Berber music.
Day 4: Exploring the Sahara Desert
Day four is all about exploring the vast beauty of the Merzouga desert. Start the day with a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, followed by a traditional breakfast at the camp. Afterward, you can spend the day engaging in desert activities, such as sandboarding or quad biking, or visiting a nearby Berber village to learn more about nomadic life.
In the afternoon, take another camel trek through the dunes, experiencing the tranquility of the Sahara at sunset. Return to the camp for another magical evening of desert hospitality, with a warm dinner and music by the campfire.
Day 5: Merzouga to Marrakech via Rissani and Ouarzazate
Your desert adventure wraps up with one final sunrise in the Sahara, followed by breakfast and a camel trek back to Merzouga. From there, you’ll begin the journey back to Marrakech, with stops along the way in Rissani, known for its traditional market and rich history, and Ouarzazate, where you’ll have another chance to explore its film studios and kasbahs.
As you pass through the Draa Valley and over the Atlas Mountains once again, you’ll reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few days. The tour concludes with your arrival in Marrakech by the evening, marking the end of a truly unforgettable journey through Morocco’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes.
Why Choose the 5-Day Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?
This 5-day tour offers a more in-depth and leisurely exploration of the Moroccan desert. With plenty of time to enjoy the cultural and natural beauty of the region, this tour allows for a more immersive experience, from camel treks to nights spent under the stars in the Sahara.
What to Expect on the 5-Day Desert Tour
- Scenic drives through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou
- Exploration of the breathtaking Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
- Camel trekking through the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Two nights in a Berber desert camp, with traditional music and food
- A chance to explore the Sahara Desert with optional activities like sandboarding and quad biking
- Time to discover the local culture of Berber villages
The 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is the ultimate way to experience the Moroccan desert at a relaxed pace, allowing for a deeper connection with the country’s natural beauty and culture. With a perfect blend of adventure, history, and cultural experiences, this tour offers travelers an unforgettable exploration of Morocco’s diverse landscapes, from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert.