Experience the magic of Morocco on this immersive 6 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga! Drive through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, visit ancient kasbahs, and explore deep desert landscapes. Ride a camel across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, meet Berber nomads, and enjoy traditional Gnawa music. With an extra day to explore, you’ll experience the hidden gems of the Sahara, enjoy more cultural encounters, and truly soak in the beauty of Morocco’s diverse landscapes. This tour is perfect for those who want a relaxed pace while fully experiencing the wonders of the desert!
Your hotel
8:00 AM
Your adventure begins with an early departure from Marrakech, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) in the High Atlas Mountains. Marvel at scenic landscapes, stopping in traditional Berber villages along the way. Visit the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou, an ancient fortress famous from movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring, continue to Ouarzazate, where you can visit the Atlas Film Studios or the impressive Taourirt Kasbah. Travel through the fragrant Valley of Roses before reaching Dades Valley for dinner and overnight in a charming guesthouse.
After breakfast, drive through the stunning Dades Gorges, stopping at the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. Next, visit the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering 300m-high cliffs, perfect for a refreshing walk. Continue towards Erfoud, the gateway to the desert, known for its fossil workshops. By late afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, where your camel caravan awaits. Ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, pausing for a mesmerizing desert sunset. Arrive at your desert camp, where a traditional Berber dinner, music, and stargazing under the Milky Way await.
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunrise, then enjoy breakfast at camp. Today, explore the desert like a local! Ride in a 4×4 across the dunes, visit Khamlia village to experience hypnotic Gnawa music, and meet Berber nomads for tea inside their traditional tents. Discover a seasonal salt lake, fossil sites, and the remote black volcanic rock desert. If you’re feeling adventurous, try quad biking or sandboarding on the dunes! End the day back at your camp or a hotel in Merzouga, relaxing under the peaceful desert sky.
After breakfast, leave the dunes behind and visit Rissani, an ancient market town and former caravan hub. Explore its vibrant souk, famous for spices, dates, and the delicious Madfouna (Berber pizza). Continue through the Alnif and Nkob regions, passing dramatic desert landscapes dotted with palm groves and old kasbahs. Arrive in the Draa Valley, home to Morocco’s longest river, where you’ll find lush oases and ancient mudbrick villages. Spend the night in a beautiful kasbah-style hotel, surrounded by palm trees.
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before driving through Agdz, a peaceful Berber town at the edge of the Sahara. Stop for panoramic views of the Draa River and explore Kasbah Tamnougalt, a hidden gem of the region. Continue to Ouarzazate, where you’ll have time to visit anything you may have missed on the way in—such as Film Studios or Taourirt Kasbah. After lunch, head back towards Marrakech, retracing your journey through the High Atlas Mountains, arriving by evening.
This last day is all about unwinding or discovering Marrakech’s magic at your own pace. Stroll through the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, explore the Majorelle Garden, or visit the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs. If you prefer an adventure, take a hot air balloon ride over the Atlas foothills or enjoy a traditional hammam and spa experience. In the evening, indulge in a farewell Moroccan feast, reminiscing about your epic desert adventure.
