5 Days Tour Marrakesh To Merzouga
Overview:
Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing 5-day tour from Marrakesh to Merzouga, where the enchanting Sahara desert beckons. Enjoy camel rides, spend your nights beneath the star-studded sky, and marvel at the breathtaking views of the sprawling sand dunes.
Discover the unique culture and traditions of southern Morocco during this desert odyssey. Traverse stunning landscapes, gaining insights into the rich way of life in the Sahara desert.
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley
- Depart from Marrakech and journey through the High Atlas Mountains.
- Visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Continue to Dades Valley, known for its scenic landscapes.
Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga via Todra Gorge
- Explore Dades Valley in the morning.
- Proceed to Todra Gorge for breathtaking canyon views.
- Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Day 3: Explorative Day of the Desert
- Enjoy a full day exploring the wonders of the Merzouga Desert.
- Participate in optional activities like camel trekking, sandboarding, or simply savoring the desert ambiance.
- Consider staying overnight in a desert camp for an immersive experience.
Day 4: Merzouga to Marrakech via Rissani, Agdez, and Ouarzazate
- Depart from Merzouga and visit Rissani, known for its historical significance.
- Continue the journey to Agdez, exploring its surroundings.
- Reach Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco.”
Day 5: Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet Kasbahs
- Visit the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Explore the Telouet Kasbah before heading back to Marrakech.
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DAY 1: MARRAKESH ⇢ HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS ⇢ AIT BEN HADDOU ⇢ DADES VALLEY
Commence your 5 days tour Marrakesh to Merzouga with a hassle-free pickup from your accommodation. Leaving Marrakesh behind, we traverse the awe-inspiring High Atlas mountains via the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Throughout the drive, your knowledgeable guide and driver will make stops at scenic locations, and you can request additional stops at your convenience.
After indulging in a delicious lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate, our expedition takes us toward the Dades Gorge, passing through the captivating Skoura and the enchanting Rose Valley. In Skoura’s lush oasis, you’ll have the option to explore the impressive Amridil Kasbah, a remarkable fortified village. During the spring, a special stop can be arranged to witness the valley adorned with a captivating display of roses in full bloom.
Upon reaching the Dades Gorge, prepare to be captivated by the fantastic rock formations, often referred to as “monkey fingers,” while also savoring a panoramic view of the stunning Gorge. Finally, we’ll make our way to your hotel for an evening of relaxation, dinner, and a well-deserved overnight stay.
Driving distance: Approximately 353 km
Driving time: Approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes
DAY 2: DADES VALLEY ⇢ TODRA GORGE ⇢ MERZOUGA
Commence your second day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley. We’ll then set off for Tinghir, offering you the opportunity to marvel at a stunning oasis and historical kasbahs, which once housed Berber and Jewish communities side by side. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to walk beneath the towering 300-meter cliffs of the Todra Gorge before proceeding to the Sahara desert.
We’ll pause for a satisfying lunch en route, and upon arrival, your camel guide and our camels will be ready to lead you across the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi to your desert camp. On the way, you’ll stop atop a high dune, soaking in a magnificent sunset and partaking in sandboarding activities. As night falls, our camp staff will serve a tasty dinner and entertain you with mesmerizing Berber drum performances around a campfire beneath a starry night sky.
Driving distance: Approximately 275 km
Driving time: Approximately 4 hours
DAY 3: EXPLORATIVE DAY OF THE DESERT
Begin your day with the serenity of a Sahara sunrise from the camp. Following a delightful breakfast at the camp, a 4×4 vehicle will pick you up, marking the start of a day filled with exploration in the Sahara:
Drive to the nomadic settlement area, where you’ll be warmly welcomed into one of their tents for tea—an exceptional opportunity to gain insight into their lifestyle in the challenging desert environment.
Explore a hidden abandoned village nestled in the remote expanses, once a hub for Galena mines, offering a unique glimpse into its historical significance.
Journey to the village of Khamlia, where you’ll be treated to the captivating sounds of Gnaoua music performed by the locals. Originating from southern African countries like Sudan, this musical experience is complemented by the option to enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
Following lunch, embark on a drive to a nearby lake close to Merzouga, and if time allows, head back to your riad.
Driving distance: Approximately 57 km
Driving time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
DAY 4: MERZOUGA ⇢ RISSANI ⇢ AGDEZ ⇢ OUARZAZATE
Begin your day with the tranquil beauty of another sunrise, enjoyed from the terrace of your riad. The journey commences with a visit to the historic citadel of Rissani, where you’ll explore a traditional souk. Following this, the route takes you to Ouarzazate via the captivating Draa Valley, with a scenic stop in Agdez to appreciate the picturesque valley landscapes. Arrive at your riad in Ouarzazate in the afternoon.
Driving distance: Approximately 370 km
Driving time: Approximately 5 hours and 20 minutes
DAY 5: OUARZAZATE ⇢ AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH ⇢ TELOUET KASBAH ⇢ MARRAKESH
Your final morning commences with a delightful breakfast in your riad. Ouarzazate, renowned as the gateway to the Sahara desert and the Hollywood of Africa, boasts the historic Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas studio, contributing to its fame as a prominent film-making location.
After absorbing the captivating sights of Ouarzazate, our journey proceeds to the alluring Ait Ben Haddou. Here, we have the opportunity to explore the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a site of significant historical value protected by UNESCO since 1987. This remarkable fortress has served as a backdrop for numerous iconic films and television series, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones, enhancing its allure.
Concluding our exploration of the mesmerizing Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, our journey takes us onward to the vibrant city of Marrakech, guiding us through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we will appreciate the fascinating Telouet Kasbah.
As our 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga comes to an end, we ensure your safe return by dropping you off at your accommodation in Marrakesh.
Driving distance:** Approximately 203 km
Driving time:** Approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes
- Pick up/off from/at your hotel/riad in Marrakech.
- A/C modern 4×4 SUV, a van, or a minibus.
- English/Spanish/French speaking driver or a driver and an English/Spanish speaking tour.
- Overnight stay at luxury camp of your choice.
- Meals: 1 dinner & 1 breakfast.
- Camel trekking.
- Sandboarding
- excursion.
- Lunches
- Beverages
- Entrance fees, when needed
- Tips (optional)