6 Days from Marrakech to Merzouga via Ouarzazate

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech – High Atlas – Telouat – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate;

Airport pick up and departure south across the High Atlas through the Tizi Ntichka (2.260m above sea level) where we will make several stops to admire a stunning view panoráminas where we can make pretty pictures. Continue our route by a small road which will take advantage of beautiful scenery to look great chromatic diversity, to the village of Telouat, visit its Kasbah and have lunch in a typical restaurant in the village. In the afternoon we continue our journey by track through Berber villages where many families live in adobe houses lost in the mountains to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. This village is a popular starting point for trips to Sahara Desert from Marrakech. 

Visit its famous Kasbah (Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO). In this spectacular setting, several famous movies like Gladiator, Obelix, and Sahara with Penelope Cruz have been shot. After visiting the Kasbah, we drive to the great door of the desert, Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Valley of Roses – Todra Gorge – Merzouga;

Breakfast and departure to the Valley of the Roses through the palm grove of Skoura where a road dotted with Kasbahs all different starts. After several stops, we arrive at one of the strengths of the South: The Todra Gorges. The bed of the River Todra Gorge has formed daunting vertical walls and beautiful scenery, making it a paradise for climbers. Lunch at a restaurant in the gorges, and then we continue our trips to Sahara Desert from Marrakech, heading to the stunning dunes of Merzouga. 

After taking tea in hospitality and leaving your luggage in the rooms, we have the opportunity to climb the dunes and take some time to contemplate a wonderful sunset. Return from the dunes and chat with Berbers at the hostel to understand and learn more about life in the desert. Dinner and a show of Berber music with drums and castanets. Accommodation at the lodge.

Day 3: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Nomads – Merzouga;

We’re in the desert! After a hearty and delicious breakfast, we go round the Erg Chebbi desert expanse of sand where the Great Dune of Morocco, over 250m in altitude, is located. We connect on track with part of the route followed by the former Paris-Dakar and the mountains bordering Algeria in the background. Save Tissardmin oasis and follow the route to a nomad settlement where we know some of the secrets of life and customs. Later, stop at a vantage point where we can contemplate the Erg Chebbi as a whole. Reach the village of Khamlia, originally from Mali, where we will relax with a cup of tea while we enjoy a short concert of the spiritual music of Gnawa. 

Return to the lodge, lunch, and at 16:00 we depart in a caravan of camels to the camp Haimas (approximately 1 hour). Before arrival, we will enjoy the sunset and stretch our legs a bit before reaching the haimas. Upon arrival at the camp, we offer tea in hospitality, as is usual, and before dining, we take the chance to climb the big dune or those near the camp and enjoy the peace and silence of the time and place. Sleep in the Haima under a blanket of stars in the heart of the desert, completing one of the most immersive trips to Sahara Desert from Marrakech.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Draa Valley – Zagora;

We wake before dawn to watch the sunrise from the Great Dune. Return to the lodge on dromedaries. Shower and breakfast. Early departure to Rissani to visit the city considered the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, mainly known for its market, the most important in the south, where many desert nomads come to shop. We will leave the desert and cross the arid yet interesting landscapes up to the Draa Valley. 

We will make several stops to enjoy the valley along the river that bears its name, the longest in Morocco, traversing the entire country to Mauritania. Continue our journey towards Zagora, the current administrative center of the area, from where once caravans journeyed to Timbuktu on a long trip that lasted 52 days. From here, all the Draa Valley and Oasis bearing the same name are visible, considered the largest in Morocco and the richest in the production of dates. Dinner and overnight at Hotel.

Day 5: Zagora – Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech;

Breakfast and departure to see the sign that shows the journey of 52 days to Timbuktu (a very important commercial center of Mali) before climbing into the Anti Atlas. We then visit the Kasbah of Ouarzazate, Taourirt, and Tifoultoute and the Cinema Studies. Depart for Marrakech crossing the Tizi N ‘Tichka, and we stop for lunch at a restaurant in the mountains. Later, visit the Argan oil cooperative where we will discover the process of realization and learn about the myriad benefits this product has for the human body. Road to Marrakech, where we will continue in the city and enjoy a free evening to enjoy a walk in the Jamaa el Fna and dine on typical jobs that fill the square. Accommodation in Riyadh.

Day 6: Marrakech – Airport;

Transfer to the airport and end of the trip.

What’s included in this 6 Days Desert Tour:

– Private trip to Sahara Desert from Marrakech. 

– Pick you and drop you from the airport. 

– Tour in 4×4 vehicle/Minibus with A/C. 

– Driver/guide. 

– Fuel. 

– Hotel/riad overnight stays (breakfast & dinner included). 

– Camel Trekking & Night in Desert. – Camel Per person. 

– Night in Camp (Private tent in Camp). 

– Sandboarding in the dunes. 

– Turban each for the Camel trip in Desert.

Not included:

– Flight. 

– Lunches. 

– Drinks.