5-Day Desert Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga

Day 1: Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Dades Valley – Gorge Dades

The departure begins from your hotel/riad to Marrakesh in the morning and we transfer you to Gorge Dades where you will spend your first night with us. During this day trip we will pass through High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka path and World Heritage Site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou which is a “fortified city” or ksar, along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. Centuries ago Ait Ben Haddou was an important stop for the caravans passing through as they carried salt across the Sahara, returning with gold, ivory and slaves.The fortified village is a fine example of clay architecture and is also famous for its role in the silver screen, featuring in numerous films such Lawrence of Arabia, The Jewel of the Nile and Gladiator. Then we will head to Ouarzazate and visit there Atlas studios and Taourirt Kasbah. After Ouarzazate we drive directly to Dades Gorge passing through Skoura with its historical Kasbahs and Kalaat Mgouna (valley roses). Kalaat Mgouna famous for its yearly festivity of roses, and in center of Boumalane Dades we will turn to the left to its Gorge. Along this valley Gorge you will enjoy its green color and ruin of ancient Kasbahs, and the strange rocks which we call “Monkey’s Toes”. Then we will take a break and dine in a hotel.

Day 2: Dades Gorge - Todgha Gorge - Merzouga Desert

The second day the tour will begin from your hotel in Gorge Dades to Merzouga Village which is famous for its highest golden sand dunes. We will pass through Tinghir city and visit Todgha Gorge, Tinjdad, Malaab, and Tourog Village where we will break for lunch. We will pass through Erfoud and Rissani where you will have chance to enjoy the atmosphere of palms trees before reaching to Merzouga. Nightly accommodation will be in a hotel in Merzouga with a traditional Berber meal and desert atmosphere.

Day 3: Merzouga area And sightseeing around Erg Chebbi dunes

After breakfast in your hotel you will start discovering the hidden Merzouga.We will drive all around Merzouga and the sand dunes and visit the nomads in their tents. We will also visit the iron mine which was exploited by the French.You will then be led to Gnawa (black people) village called Khamlia. You will meet Gnawa people and hear their music and experience their lifestyle. Afterwards we will head to Rissani, and in this town you will walk around its traditional market where they sell dates, clothing and some of the finest Moroccan handcrafts. After lunch in Rissani we will drive back to hotel in Merzouga where you will find the camel man waiting for you with prepared camels and then you will camel trek in the sand dunes to traditional Berber tents where you will spend a desert night with the blue people and listen to their music.

Day 4: Merzouga Sahara – Alnif – Nkoub - Ouarzazate

You will be woken up to ascend sand dunes to see the beautiful sunrise. Then the camel man will bring you back to your hotel to shower and have breakfast. We will then follow our trip to Ouarzazate, passing over Berber villages Alnif, Tazzarine, Nkob, and drive along Draa River with its Kasbahs and palms. Overnight accommodation will be spent in Ouarzazate.

Day 5: Ouarzazate - Alto Atlas - Marrakech

After Ouarzazate night, we will continue our journey to Marrakesh, passing through dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260m) over the High Atlas Mountains and arrive in Marrakesh we will reach your riad/hotel.