5-Day Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga

Tour Details

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Telouet – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate

After being picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8:30 a.m., you will head south through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains. The journey passes over Tizi n’Tichka, Morocco’s highest mountain pass at 2,260 meters, offering panoramic views of valleys, peaks, and scattered Berber villages. Along the way, there will be several stops to capture the stunning scenery. You will take a small road to visit the historic Telouet Kasbah, a former residence of the local pashas, where you can immerse yourself in centuries of Moroccan history. Continuing through the picturesque Ounila Valley, dotted with traditional adobe villages and scenic landscapes, you will arrive at Aït Ben Haddou. This fortified ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has served as the backdrop for numerous international films. After exploring the kasbah, the journey continues to Ouarzazate, often called the “gateway to the desert,” where you will enjoy dinner and rest after your first day of adventure.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Merzouga Desert – Camel Ride and Night in the Desert

After breakfast, the trip continues east toward the lush Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s longest valleys, famous for its palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and traditional villages. You will have stops along the way to admire the landscapes and take photographs, and free time for lunch in Nkob or Alnif. Continuing toward Merzouga, the massive dunes of Erg Chebbi come into view, rising like golden waves across the horizon. Here, you will trade the vehicle for camels to venture deeper into the desert, riding across sand dunes to reach your desert camp. The evening is spent experiencing a traditional Berber dinner, while the sun sets over the dunes, and a night under the sparkling stars of the Sahara awaits.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Nomads – Tissardmine Oasis – Khamlia – Erg Chebbi

This day is dedicated entirely to the desert experience. An early rise is rewarded with a stunning sunrise over the dunes, a magical moment to savor the vastness and serenity of the Sahara. Afterward, you will return to Merzouga by camel to enjoy a hearty breakfast. The day continues along the edge of Erg Chebbi, where the desert stretches endlessly, and the Big Dune rises more than 250 meters high. Traveling along the old Paris-Dakar route, you will pass fossil quarries near Tissardmine and encounter traditional nomadic settlements, learning about their customs and lifestyle. A stop at Khamlia Village, inhabited by families originally from Mali, offers a chance to enjoy tea while listening to the spiritual rhythms of Gnawa music. In the afternoon, free time allows you to explore the surrounding dunes or relax before dinner and overnight near the desert.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani Market – Erfoud Fossils – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

After breakfast, you will head to Rissani to explore the bustling local market, held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, where spices, handicrafts, and local products fill the stalls. The journey continues to Erfoud, where fossil workshops provide a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s prehistoric past. From there, the road leads to the Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon with high, cliff-lined walls carved by the river over centuries. You can take a short walk along the river to fully appreciate the striking natural beauty of the area. The afternoon continues to the Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of Figs, passing through Boumalne and stopping to admire the unique rock formations called the “Monkey Fingers.” Dinner and overnight are spent in this scenic region.

Day 5: Dades Gorges – Roses Valley – Skoura – High Atlas – Marrakech

The final day begins with panoramic views of the Dades Valley from a strategic lookout, offering a last chance to marvel at the landscape of kasbahs and cliffs. The journey continues along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” passing through the fragrant Roses Valley and the extensive palm groves of Skoura. A stop in Ouarzazate allows for an optional visit to the historic Taourirt Kasbah or local film studios before lunch. The drive back to Marrakech traverses the Tizi n’Tichka pass once again, with several stops to admire and photograph the changing landscapes. Arrival in Marrakech is expected around 6:00 p.m., marking the end of your 5-day adventure.

Excluded