Explore our private 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes), featuring one night in Dades, two nights in Merzouga desert, and one in Ouarzazate. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas mountains, a visit to Ait Ben Haddou, and a journey through Skoura and Rose Valley. Day two includes a visit to Todra Gorges before heading to Merzouga for a two-night desert experience. Day three involves desert exploration, cultural encounters, and visits to nomad tribes, abandoned villages, and fossil mines. On day four, you’ll drive to Ouarzazate via Alnif, Agdz, and Draa Valley. The final day includes a return to Marrakech and a visit to film studios. Upgrade options to luxury accommodations and desert camps are available.
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Important Information for the 5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour:
Highlights of the 5-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour:
Detailed Tour :
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades via Atlas Mountains
Your adventure begins at 8:00 a.m. in Marrakech. We’ll journey southward, crossing the picturesque Tizi N Tichka pass (2260m) in the High Atlas Mountains. Marvel at the winding roads and charming Berber villages en route to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa. This city has been the backdrop for iconic Hollywood films, including “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Mummy.” After exploring Ouarzazate, we’ll continue our journey to Dades via Skoura’s palm grove and the scenic Rose Valley. Your day will conclude in Dades.
Accommodation:
Day 2: Dades to Merzouga via Todra Gorges
Day two takes us towards the Sahara. Departing Dades Valley in the morning, we’ll head to Todra, one of Morocco’s most stunning canyons, nestled in the Tenghir region. You’ll enjoy a leisurely walk through Tenghir’s Palm Oasis and explore the Todra gorges, with their soothing streams. Continuing southward, we’ll reach Merzouga and the towering Erg Chebbi dunes, known for their golden hue. Along the way, we’ll pass through Jorf, Erfoud, and Saharian oases. Depending on your arrival time in Merzouga, you’ll either have a brief rest or embark directly on a camel trek into the dunes. Experience a captivating sunset and spend the night at a desert camp. In the summer, camel treks start at around 17:30, while in the winter, they begin at around 15:00-16:00. Upon arrival at the desert camp, enjoy a cup of tea, check in to your tent, and have free time for dune walks or sandboarding. After dinner, the local guide will entertain you with Berber music around a bonfire. Please note that campfires are only available during colder months and favorable weather conditions.
Accommodation:
Day 3: Merzouga Desert Safari On day three, embark on a 4WD desert safari. Watch the sunrise over the dunes, savor breakfast, and freshen up before venturing into the Erg Chebbi Desert. Explore various intriguing desert sites, and if you’re lucky, witness the seasonal lake of Merzouga teeming with water and flamingos against the backdrop of golden dunes. Visit Khamlia, a village originally settled by people from Mali and Sudan, where you’ll be treated to Gnaoua music performed on African drums. Continue the safari to the mineral Mountains in M’fis, also known as the French villages. Drive toward a small mountain with panoramic views of the Chebbi Mountains, the Morocco-Algeria border, and fossilized water animals from millions of years ago. The off-road journey reveals desert landscapes and mirages, leading to encounters with a few remaining nomadic families. Visit their tents and mud-brick homes to discover their daily lives. You can choose to have lunch with them or in the shade of a nearby desert tree. Conclude the day with a visit to the desert Oasis before returning to Merzouga.
Accommodation:
Day 4: Merzouga to Ouarzazate via Draa Valley Day four takes us to Ouarzazate, starting with a stop in Tafilalet’s vast palm grove and market, the former capital of “Alaouite” sultans. Our journey continues through the captivating Anti-Atlas mountains, offering breathtaking views of the rocky desert. Pass through Alnif, known for its Henna groves, N’kob, a green oasis, and Agdz, a small town on the edges of the Draa, Morocco’s longest valley. Finally, arrive in Ouarzazate, where you’ll spend the night.
Accommodation:
Day 5: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou On the last day, depart Ouarzazate in the morning and head west to visit the stunning Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a magnificent example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture. This kasbah is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 but also a filming location for many Hollywood movies. After your visit, return to Marrakech via the same picturesque route through the winding roads of the High Atlas Mountains, arriving around 16:00.
1 Review
The customer service was outstanding. They tailored a 5-day tour for us, accommodating our pace and interests perfectly. A very professional company.