Experience the best of Morocco’s desert landscapes on this 7 days road trip! Travel from Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains, visit legendary kasbahs, and explore two different desert regions—Zagora, the gateway to the Sahara, and Merzouga, home to the massive Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy camel treks, magical sunsets, and nights under the stars in authentic desert camps. Meet Berber nomads, explore hidden oases, and discover the beauty of Morocco’s valleys and gorges. This adventure blends history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes for an unforgettable experience!
Your hotel
8:00 AM
Depart from Marrakech in the morning, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) in the High Atlas Mountains. Stop to admire stunning landscapes and traditional Berber villages. Arrive at the UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou, a world-famous fortified village used as a backdrop in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Continue to Ouarzazate, where you can visit the Atlas Film Studios or the Taourirt Kasbah. Drive through Agdz, a gateway to the Draa Valley, and follow the lush palm groves and kasbahs to Zagora, the starting point of the Sahara. Overnight in a desert kasbah or hotel.
Start your day with a visit to Tamegroute, famous for its green pottery workshops and one of Morocco’s oldest Quranic libraries. Then, continue towards M’Hamid, the last village before the deep Sahara begins. Here, you’ll switch to a 4×4 and drive across the rocky desert plains and rolling dunes to reach the stunning Erg Chigaga dunes—farther and wilder than those in Merzouga. Enjoy a camel ride through the dunes before settling into your desert camp, where a night of traditional Berber music, stargazing, and a campfire dinner awaits.
Wake up early to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the dunes, then enjoy breakfast at camp. Drive across the desert towards Foum Zguid, passing the dry Lake Iriqui, a surreal landscape that feels like another planet. Continue to Taznakht, a town famous for its handwoven Berber carpets, where you can visit a local cooperative. Arrive in Ouarzazate, for a relaxing evening in a charming guesthouse or hotel.
After breakfast, explore the Kasbah Amridil in Skoura, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture. Continue through the Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant rose fields and local distilleries. Drive into the Dades Valley, famous for its winding roads and rock formations like the “Monkey Fingers.” After lunch, head towards Todra Gorge, where you’ll take a walk through the towering 300m cliffs, a paradise for rock climbers and nature lovers. Overnight stay in a guesthouse near the gorge.
Enjoy a relaxed morning before driving towards Erfoud, a town known for its fossil workshops and ancient petrified marine life. By afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, where your camel caravan awaits. Ride through the massive Erg Chebbi dunes, with some reaching up to 150m high, and watch the sunset from the top of the dunes. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music, and an unforgettable night under the stars.
Wake up early for a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, then have breakfast at camp. Take a 4×4 tour around the desert, visiting Khamlia village, where you’ll experience hypnotic Gnawa music performed by locals. Stop to meet nomadic Berber families, learning about their way of life while sharing tea inside their tents. Visit Rissani, an ancient caravan town, and explore its colorful souk, famous for spices, dates, and traditional Berber pizza (Madfouna). After lunch, continue through the scenic Draa Valley, home to Morocco’s longest river, and arrive in Agdz for an overnight stay in a peaceful oasis.
Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Agdz, then head back towards Ouarzazate, where you can stop for last-minute sightseeing. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at scenic viewpoints before arriving in Marrakech by late afternoon. End your trip with a final evening exploring the city’s lively Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, filled with street performers, souks, and delicious food.
