From Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait ben Haddou

Tizi n Tichka - The 5-day Merzouga desert tour kicks off in Marrakech, at a location of your choice. You can start from the airport upon arrival or from any other spot in the Red City, such as your hotel. Our driver or guide will be there to greet you in a comfortable vehicle for the entire tour. We’ll traverse the Tizi N’tichka pass, offering unparalleled views of the High Atlas Mountains’ peaks, which are snow-covered from autumn to spring.

Ait Ben Haddou - The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou will be our first major stop of the day for several reasons, including its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its use as a filming location for famous movies and TV shows (Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones).

Valley of the Roses - Passing through Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco, we enter the road of the ‘thousand kasbahs’, named for the numerous adobe fortresses it houses. The Valley of the Roses, followed by the Dades Valley, brings color and greenery to the final stretch of the first day. We’ll spend the night in a charming riad in the Dades Valley, where dinner and rest await on this first evening of the 5-day Marrakech-Merzouga tour.

From Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert via Toudra Gorges

Gargantas del Todra - After breakfast at the riad, the second day begins with even more exciting experiences. Before reaching the Merzouga desert, we’ll visit the Todra Gorges: our vehicle will navigate its winding roads safely, and we’ll also walk to closely observe its spectacular rock walls and the small river that made this natural wonder possible.

Erg Chebbi - The Merzouga desert, with its sea of fine golden dunes, is equally impressive. In the town of Merzouga, we’ll switch our vehicle for camels to reach the luxury camp tents (optional and replaceable by a 4×4 vehicle). Watching the sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes and the unusually brilliant and beautiful starry sky will be among the most memorable experiences of the tour. Afterward, we’ll enjoy dinner and a restful night’s sleep in the camp’s Berber tents, equipped with all modern conveniences.

Khamlia - Paris-Dakar tracks - Nomad families

Khamlia Gnawa Music - The third day immerses us in Morocco’s rich culture and ancient traditions. After witnessing a stunning sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, enjoying breakfast at the camp, returning to Merzouga on camelback, and refreshing with a shower (at the camp or the hotel in Merzouga, depending on the package), we’ll head to Khamlia, known as the ‘black village’ due to the predominantly black skin tone of its residents, descendants of slaves from Sudan. We’ll experience their sub-Saharan rhythms through a performance of Gnawa, an indigenous musical genre recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Mfis - Next, we’ll venture on 4×4 tracks that were once part of the Paris-Dakar rally, adding a touch of adrenaline to the day. We’ll explore ancient desert villages and kohl mines, eventually reaching a vantage point with panoramic views of the Erg Chebbi dunes. We’ll meet local inhabitants, including desert nomads transitioning to a more settled lifestyle. After sharing tea and learning about their way of life, we’ll return to our lodging. The afternoon will be free for leisure, concluding with dinner and a restful night in a hotel.

From Merzouga Desert to Ouarzazate via Agdz

Rissani - The fourth day begins with a breathtaking sunrise over the Merzouga desert, followed by a camel ride back to Merzouga. You’ll have the chance to freshen up at the camp or a hotel, depending on your package, ensuring a comfortable journey ahead. We’ll leave the Merzouga desert, traveling through different parts of the Sahara, with incredible sights along the way. One highlight is Rissani, home to the largest traditional medina in southern Morocco. After exploring Rissani, we’ll continue to Alnif, Tazarine, and N’Kob, small towns that retain the charm of old Berber settlements.

Draa Valley - We’ll then detour south into the Draa Valley, where you’ll witness the grandeur of the largest palm grove in North Africa. Before reaching Zagora, we’ll retrace our steps to return to Ouarzazate. Known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” Ouarzazate will be our overnight stop, where we’ll enjoy a comfortable hotel stay and a delicious dinner, preparing for the next day’s departure.

Day 5: Ouarzazate - High Atlas - Marrakech

Taourirt Kasbah - On the fifth and final day of our Merzouga desert journey, we’ll head back to Marrakech. Before concluding our adventure, we’ll visit the splendid Taourirt Kasbah, one of the largest and best-preserved kasbahs in southern Morocco. This visit allows us to admire its intricate adobe exterior and the plasterwork and colorful tiles that adorn its internal corridors.

High Atlas Mountains - After the Kasbah visit, we’ll travel the remaining 200 kilometers to Marrakech, crossing the Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’tichka pass. This route offers another chance to appreciate the lush landscapes and Berber villages we saw on the first day. Our services will conclude at Marrakech Airport or another prearranged location, bidding you farewell with gratitude, best wishes, and hopes for future adventures together.

• Drums party in the desert
• All meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner – with vegetarian and vegan options available
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Dromedary excursions in the Erg Chebbi dunes
• Sand-boarding