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4-day excursion from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert.
Overview:
The 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert is a great way to explore southern Morocco. Starting in Marrakech, you’ll travel through the Atlas Mountains, passing oasis and valleys, and visit Berber villages and the famous kasbahs of Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate. The first night is spent in a traditional hotel in the Dades Gorges. On the second day, you’ll walk through the Todra Gorges, then head to Merzouga to ride camels into the desert and spend the night under the stars in a luxury camp.
Highlights :
- Spectacular views of the Atlas Mountain landscapes.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Wander through the bustling markets of Marrakech.
- Experience a night in the midst of the stunning Dades Gorges.
- Panoramic views of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Watch the sunset over the sand dunes.
- Experience a camel ride in the Merzouga Desert
- Enjoy an overnight camping experience at Merzouga Desert Camp.
- Hearty dinner and party around the campfire in the desert.
- Departure Time: 8:30 AM
- Arrival Time: Approximately 6:00 PM
- Duration : 4 Days
- Itinerary for the 4-day excursion from Marrakech to Merzouga.
- Day 1: Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley
We will depart from Marrakech in the morning after having breakfast, heading towards Ait Ben Haddou. Along the way, we’ll pass through Berber towns like Taddert and cross the 2260-meter-high Tizi n’Tichka pass. Our first stop will be the famous Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, located 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate. This UNESCO World Heritage site, dating back to 1987, is known for its striking red earth castles along the ancient “Thousand Kasbahs” road. After enjoying lunch at the Kasbah, we’ll continue our journey towards Dadés Gorge via Ouarzazate, also called the “Gateway to the Sahara.” This former caravan town once sat along the silk and salt trade route at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. As we travel along the “road to the Thousand Kasbahs” and admire the fascinating “sand castles,” we’ll make a stop at Kalaat M’gouna, known as the “rose city” for its roses and annual festival in May. We will then proceed to our hotel in the heart of the Dadés Gorges.
- Day 2: Dades Valley - Todra Gorges - Merzouga
After morning breakfast, we will explore the beautiful sites around the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges. Our journey will then continue towards Merzouga, the final destination of the second day. Upon arrival, we will ride camels to reach our Berber desert camp, passing through the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes. At the desert camp, we will stay in traditional Berber tents, where we will enjoy a delicious evening meal and a quiet night under the stars, dancing around the campfire.
- Day 3 : FULL DAY TO EXPLORE THE MERZOUGA DESERT
Today begins early with a magical sunrise behind the dunes, where the colors change as the sun rises. After breakfast, we will embark on an exciting 4×4 excursion to explore the Merzouga desert and the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes. The adventure will take us to visit the Merzouga oasis and its traditional irrigation system. Next, we’ll discover the unique culture of Khamlia village, also known as Black Town, where descendants of former slaves from Sudan and Mali, who settled here over 100 years ago, play traditional Gnawa music and dance. We will then head to Rissani, a city with a rich history, once the capital of the Tafilalet region and a vital trading hub along ancient caravan routes. Rissani is famous for its lively souks, where you can find local crafts, fresh produce, and traditional goods. Our day will conclude at a riad in Merzouga village, near the desert.
- Day 4 ( option 1 ) : Merzouga - Rissani Tafilalet - Valley of the Roses - Marrakech.
The day begins with an ethereal sunrise over the Erg Chebbi desert—an unforgettable moment that lingers long after the journey concludes. After breakfast at the Riad, we set out on our final day, passing through the ancient Tafilalet Palm Grove and the historic town of Rissani, the cradle of the Alawi dynasty.Our path leads us across the rugged plateaus and rocky expanses of Alnif, before ascending the winding roads of the Anti-Atlas Mountains via Tizi N’tfarkhin.
The journey continues through the charming town of Tinghir and into the Dades Valley. By midday, we arrive at Kelaat M’Gouna, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Valley of Roses, where we pause for a delightful lunch and a moment of respite.
Refreshed, we resume our journey, traversing the High Atlas Mountains and making a final passage through the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate, before descending into the vibrant streets of Marrakech, where the allure of the city awaits.
- Day 4 (option 2) : Merzouga - Ziz Valley - Azrou Cedar Forest & Barbary Apes>> Fes.
On our final day, we’ll leave the Merzouga desert and begin the journey to Fes, which takes about 8 hours. Along the way, we’ll stop to enjoy the beautiful view of the Ziz Valley, with its palm trees and villages, and visit the cedar forests, where we may spot the playful Barbary macaques. After a relaxing coffee break in Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” we’ll continue through the scenic Middle Atlas Mountains. Finally, we’ll arrive in the historical city of Fes, where our 4-day tour from Marrakech to Fes will come to an end.
- Price Includes and Excludes
Price Includes
- Transport by modern vehicle with A/C
- Experienced English/Spanish/Italian/French speaking/Driver
- Camel Trekking
- Sunset Camel Ride
- Dinner in the camp
- Dinner in Dades Valley
- Dinner in Merzouga Riad
- Overnight at a Desert Camp (Private Tent)
- Overnight at a Riad in Merzouga village
Price Excludes
- Drinks
- Lunches
- Entrance (Optional)
- Tipping (Optional)
- Travel insurance.
- FAQS/Answered
Booking Policy / Cancellation Policy
Book your trip with us in just a few simple steps: fill out the contact form with the necessary information and pay a small deposit to confirm your tour. Be sure to review our booking and cancellation policies for further details.
