Join our private 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi dunes). Spend one night in Dades, two nights in the Merzouga desert, and one night in Ouarzazate.
Your journey starts with a scenic drive through the High Atlas mountains, a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, and visits to Skoura and Rose Valley. On day two, explore Todra Gorges before heading to Merzouga for an unforgettable desert stay. Day three includes desert adventures, meeting nomads, and visiting old villages and fossil mines.
On day four, travel to Ouarzazate through Alnif, Agdz, and the Draa Valley. The final day brings you back to Marrakech with a stop at the famous film studios.
Luxury accommodation and upgraded desert camps are available.
Your adventure begins at 8:00 a.m .We start our trip from Marrakech, heading south. We’ll cross the Tizi N’Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, which is 2,260 meters high. Enjoy the winding roads and see the Berber villages along the way. Our next stop is Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” because many famous movies, like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Mummy,” were filmed there. After exploring Ouarzazate, we’ll continue through Skoura’s palm groves and the Rose Valley, finally reaching Dades, where we’ll spend the night.
On day two, we head towards the Sahara. After leaving Dades Valley in the morning, we’ll travel to Todra, a beautiful canyon in the Tenghir region. You’ll take a relaxing walk through the Palm Oasis and explore the Todra Gorges, where small streams flow between the high rock walls.
Next, we continue south to Merzouga, home to the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Along the way, we’ll pass through Jorf, Erfoud, and desert oases. Depending on when we arrive, you’ll either take a short break or go straight on a camel trek into the dunes.
Watch a breathtaking sunset and spend the night in a desert camp. In summer, camel treks start around 5:30 p.m., while in winter, they begin between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. Once at the camp, enjoy some tea, settle into your tent, and take time to walk on the dunes or try sandboarding.
After dinner, your guide will entertain you with Berber music around a bonfire (available only in colder months and when the weather allows).
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.
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.
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.
The customer service was outstanding. They tailored a 5-day tour for us, accommodating our pace and interests perfectly. A very professional company.
