4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Experience the thrill of our captivating 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour that kickstarts with an early departure. Our team will warmly collect you from your hotel or Riad at approximately 08:00 AM, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.

The adventure commences with a scenic drive, as we traverse the renowned Tizi Ntichka pass and traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains, passing by charming adobe Berber villages. Throughout the drive, we’ve curated multiple opportunities to pause and capture breathtaking landscape photographs, indulge in leisurely leg stretches, or savor a rejuvenating cup of coffee.

Following a swift pause in Ouarzazate for a delectable lunch, our expedition continues towards the alluring Skoura oasis, a gem nestled within Morocco’s vast Sahara desert. Notably, the oasis is celebrated for its meticulously restored Kasbah Amridil, a true marvel that merits exploration. Accompanied by a knowledgeable local Casbah guide, delve into an immersive tour of the premises. Immerse yourself in Sahara architecture and the ancient irrigation techniques harnessed in the neighboring oases since medieval times.

Our route then charts a course to Boumalne Dades through the picturesque Roses valley, famed for its thriving Damascus Rose plantations. The valley also boasts local women’s cooperatives, where fragrant rose water is distilled, and exquisite rose-based cosmetic goods are crafted. Before we reach the comfort of our lodge, we’ll ascend to the summit of the Dades canyons for a brief yet awe-inspiring visit. As the day winds down, relish a sumptuous dinner and retreat for an overnight stay at your Dades Valley lodge.

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll begin our journey with a drive down the 1001 Kasbahs road to the oasis village of Tinghir. You’ll be mesmerized by the ambiance of the Todgha River and feel compelled to take a walk along its banks. You’ll also marvel at the antique lifestyle of the Berber villages and Kasbahs, set against the backdrop of the massive cliffs of the Todgha Gorges. After a prosperous morning, we’ll head to Gorges for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Erfoud, famous for its date market and fossilized marble production. Our next stop will be the holy town of Rissani, the birthplace of the dynasty of Alaouites who still rule Morocco today. From there, we’ll make our way to Merzouga. Prepare yourselves for an exciting camel ride as you sit back and take in the color-changing dunes and an exhilarating sunset.

As you spin back to your Sahara Desert camp, you’ll find a magical Moroccan dinner waiting for you under the stars, next to the campfire. Relax and enjoy your meal as local nomads play their drums and fill the air with captivating music. After this exhilarating experience, make yourself comfortable for a glamorous overnight stay.

After an early wake-up to watch the sunset and a camel ride (or jeep ride) to the village of Merzouga, you’ll meet your driver and get ready for another day full of sightseeing and adventure. First, you’ll drive across the volcanic massifs of the northeastern slopes of the Anti Atlas Mountains to the village of Nkob. This is where the drive along the legendary Draa Valley will begin.

Next, you’ll drive past various mud-brick villages scattered along the Valley. Finally, in mid-afternoon, you’ll arrive at Agdz, which means “resting place” in Berber. This oasis was the resting place for ancient camel caravans crossing North Africa’s Sahara desert from Marrakech to Timbuktu. From here, you’ll drive to Ouarzazate and spend the night at your hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll take a short drive west to explore the charming Berber villages in Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. It is one of Morocco’s most visited sites and is an evident example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. It was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1987. It was also the production site for several Hollywood epics, such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.

Enjoy a guided walk through the village before continuing on to Telouet, another Kasbah located on the former route of caravans crossing the High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech to the Sahara desert. This one was built by former warlord “Elgloui” in the late 19th century. From here, we’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains to reach Marrakech. End of services.