A trip to discover the Moroccan desert
A trip to discover the Moroccan desert
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Overview
Among the most spectacular desert excursions we offer from Marrakech is a six-day trip to Merzouga. It's the perfect choice for those with ample time in Morocco who don't want to spend a lot of time in the car and prefer to split their trip between Marrakech and Merzouga. That's why this six-day, oil-free tour from Marrakech offers a fantastic opportunity to journey through the majestic Atlas Mountains, passing through Berber towns, valleys, palm groves, and ancient kasbahs, before heading to the Erg Chebbi desert in Morocco for an overnight camel trek. For those who want to experience authentic Morocco and have an unforgettable experience in the Merzouga desert, this exclusive celebrity tour from Marrakech to Merzouga will give you the chance to meet nomadic Berber families, enjoy a cup of mint tea, and learn about Bedouin life in their tents.
Trip Highlights
Day by Day Itinerary
Arrival in Marrakech
Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, a fluent English-speaking driver will meet you and take you to your accommodation (hotel or riad), located near Jemaa el-Fna square. You can then enjoy a tour of the heart of Marrakech and dinner at one of its renowned local restaurants. (Free time)
Activities
- • Watch a sunset at the Koutoubia Mosque
- • Shop for spices, textiles, and handicrafts in the souks
- • Relax in Majorelle Garden, a tranquil oasis
- • Get lost in the Medina's narrow alleys and souks
- • Visit the Bahia Palace and admire the stunning architecture
- • Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a vibrant hub of activity
Meals
- • Tagines (slow-cooked stews) with chicken, lamb, or veggies
- • Couscous
- • Pastilla (savory-sweet pastry)
- • Mint tea and Moroccan pastries in the souks
- • Street food like kebabs and grilled corn in Jemaa el-Fnaa
Accommodation
Riad of Hotel
Marrakech - Atlas - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Skoura - Dades
Your will begin at 8:00 am when our driver picks you up from your hotel in Marrakech. You will go via the Tizi-N-Tichka pass, which is 2260 metres above sea level in the High Atlas mountains, on your way to the Dades valley. We will enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery as we travel to Ouarzazate, where we will stop at Taourirt Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most spectacular ksars, and the Oscar film studios before having lunch. En route, we will also see a variety of beautiful, colourful landscapes and authentic Berber villages. The second location to see is the Rose Valley, which is accessible via the expansive Skoura palm grove. This area is a beautiful place to take in the surroundings and the several kasbahs that have been constructed there. Roses are grown in this valley damascenes for use in beauty products like the highly prized rosewater. We proceed to Dades Valley, where we will spend the night at the hotel with a view of the valley. The Rose Festival is held here every year in May, and it is a significant museum for Moroccan culture.
Activities
- • Taking photos
- • natural panoramic views
- • Viewing and crossing the High Atlas Mountains
Meals
- • Local restaurants
Accommodation
Riad of Hotel
Dades - Todra Gorges - Jorf - Merzouga
After breakfast at the hotel, departs for Todra Gorge. Berber villages are strewn along the route as we pass through Tinghir. Before arriving at Todra Gorges, one of the most well-liked rock climbing locations in Morocco, we’ll stop to admire the lovely Todra valley full of palm trees. We will take a brief stroll through the area’s 300-meter-high, grey-and-pink high canyons before moving on to Touroug and Tinjdad for lunch. From there, we will travel to Erfoud, where we will experience the Tafilalet oasis, the first Saharan oasis, before continuing on to Merzouga and the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes. A stop will be taken in the middle of the dunes to watch the sunset, try sandboarding if that’s an activity you’re interested in, snap pictures, and take in the landscape. From here, it will take you a camel ride for around an hour and a half to reach to your Nomadic Berber tents. You’ll travel to the Berber camp of Merzouga after the sun has set, where you’ll be greeted with a glass of mint tea, dinner, a campfire, a music party, and an overnight stay.
Activities
- • Camel Riding
- • Quad biking (optional)
- • Watching a sunset in the desert
- • Sleeping in a Berber tent
Meals
- • Dinner at the camp
Accommodation
Camp in Desert
Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif - Agdz - Ouarzazate
Following breakfast and a shower at camp the following morning, you can either ride camels or take a 4WD transfer back to the starting location, where you will meet your driver. If we’re fortunate enough to be here on one of the market days, we’ll then proceed to Ouarzazate while passing via Rissani (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday). After that, we’ll drive through an area of dry pre-desert where we’ll encounter acacia trees, which are typical of this type of scenery. We’ll stop a few times en route to the Draa valley to take in the breathtaking views of the river that gives the valley its name. It is Morocco’s longest river. Through the Anti Atlas, We’ll have some free time to eat lunch in the city before continuing on to Ouarzazate, where we’ll arrive in the late afternoon or evening. Dinner will be served, and we’ll spend the night there.
Activities
- • shopping
- • 4x4 car ride
Meals
- • Local restaurants
- • Pizza Berber
Accommodation
Riad of Hotel
Ouarzazate - High Atlas - Marrakech
After breakfast in your hotel, we will travel to Ait Benhaddou, a famous kasbah designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. It has been featured in numerous films, including Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, Jewel of the Nile, and Sahara (starring Penélope Cruz), among others. We will then cross the Tizi n'Tichka pass, stopping along the way to admire the breathtaking views of these mountains and the authentic Berber villages, before finally arriving at your accommodation in Marrakech to rest and prepare for your return journey home.
Activities
- • Visiting the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
- • Atlas Mountains
- • Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa square, a vibrant hub of activity
Meals
- • Tagines
- • Couscous
- • Pastilla
Accommodation
Riad of Hotel
Returning home
After this unforgettable journey, we will return home, eagerly awaiting your return to explore another region of Morocco's breathtaking landscapes and cities. You will be transferred to Marrakech Menara Airport three hours before your flight.
Activities
Meals
Accommodation
What's Included
- Airport transfer to and from your hotel
- Private air-conditioned car
- English-speaking driver
- Hotel accommodation (breakfast included)
- Overnight on a desert mountain peak (breakfast and dinner included)
- Camel trek in Merzouga
- Sand skiing (optional)
- Fuel
- Breaks for photos, lunch, free time, etc.
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees to historical sites (optional)
- Drinks
- Lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the trip package?
The trip package includes transportation, accommodation, meals, and activities as mentioned in
What is the accommodation like?
Accommodation is in hotels, riads, or Berber camps, depending on the trip.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, transportation is provided from Marrakech to Fez and other destinations.
What activities are included?
Activities include camel rides, visits to historical sites, and exploration of local markets.
Is food provided?
Yes, meals are provided as mentioned in the itinerary.
Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, we can customize the itinerary according to your preferences
What is the cancellation policy?
Please check our terms and conditions for cancellation policies.
Is the trip suitable for all ages?
The trip is suitable for most ages, but please check with us for specific requirements.
What should I pack?
Pack comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and layers for varying temperatures.
How do I book?
You can book by contacting us directly or through our website.