Duration: 6 Days
Locations visited: Marrakech, Telouet, Ouarzazate Agdez, Draa Valley, Zagora, Tazarine, Alnif, Rissani, Merzouga, Rissani, Erfoud, Melaab, Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, Boumaln Dades, Roses Valley, High Atlas Mountains
Minimum Group Size: 2
Trip Highlights:
What’s included:
- Private Tour: there will be no other people in the group
- Pick up and transfer to the airport or port of Tangier
- Private transportation minivan with air conditioning
- Driver/Accompanying guide who speaks English, Spanish, French and Arabic
- Local guide in Fez for the guided tour
- Accommodation on a half-board basis, in a double room with a bathroom, except in Fez only breakfast
- Fuel, tolls and all expenses associated with transportation
What’s not included:
- Midday meals
- Dinners in Fez
- Drinks
- Tickets to museums
- Flights
Itinerary:
- Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Ouarzazate
- Day 2: Ouarzazate – Agdez – Draa Valley – Zagora
- Day 3: Zagora – Tazarine – Alnif – Rissani – Merzouga
- Day 4: Tour Erg Chebbi – Rissani’ Souk – Merzouga
- Day 5: Merzouga desert – Erfoud – Melaab – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
- Day 6: Boumaln Dades – Roses Valley – High Atlas – Marrakech
Day 1: Marrakech – Telouet – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, we’ll commence our 6-day journey from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert. Our first destination is the Telouet Kasbah, nestled amidst the High Atlas Mountains. En route, we’ll traverse the majestic Tizi Ntichka pass, reaching an altitude of 2,260 meters, and explore the historic Kasbah of Pacha Glaoui in Telouet. Lunch will be served at this picturesque location. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on scenic tracks to Ait Ben Haddou via the Ounila Valley, passing through charming Berber villages along the way. Our day concludes in Ouarzazate, where we’ll spend the night at a comfortable hotel.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Agdez – Draa Valley – Zagora
Following breakfast, we’ll embark on our journey to Agdez via the majestic anti-Atlas Mountains, reaching an altitude of 1660 meters. We’ll then continue our scenic drive towards Zagora along the enchanting Draa Valley, characterized by its lush procession of palm trees and dotted with picturesque Berber villages. Upon reaching Zagora, we’ll pause for a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, our adventure continues as we head to Tamgroute to explore its historic attractions, including the ancient Koranic library, the underground kasbah, and the pottery workshop. After our exploration, we’ll return to Zagora, where we’ll spend the night at a comfortable hotel or riad.
Day 3: Zagora – Tazarine – Alnif – Rissani – Merzouga
We’ll set off for Zagora, once more traversing the picturesque Draa Valley. Along the way, we’ll take a scenic track leading to the villages of Taftechna and Ait Ouaazique, renowned for their skilled engravers. Continuing our journey, we’ll pass through Tazarine and Alnif, where we’ll pause for a delightful lunch. Afterward, our route takes us towards the awe-inspiring dunes of Merzouga, specifically the Chebbi Erg. Upon reaching Rissani, we’ll transition from our 4×4 vehicles to camels, embarking on a camel ride across the dunes to witness the breathtaking sunset. Our evening will be spent at a traditional nomad bivouac nestled deep within the dunes, where we’ll enjoy a sumptuous dinner and spend the night in a luxurious desert camp.
Day 4: Tour Erg Chebbi – Rissani’ Souk – Merzouga
If you’re up for it, we can rise before dawn to catch the mesmerizing sunrise from atop a towering dune. Following this breathtaking experience, we’ll journey back to the hotel via dromedary for a hearty breakfast and perhaps a refreshing shower. Our adventure continues with a guided tour in a comfortable 4WD air-conditioned vehicle, exploring the surroundings of Erg Chebbi. This vast expanse of sandy desert, featuring dunes exceeding 250 meters in height, is traversed by the former Paris-Dakar Rally route, with the Algerian mountains framing the backdrop. We’ll make a stop at a scenic viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Erg Chebbi.
Next on our itinerary is a visit to Khamlia, where you can unwind with a cup of tea while immersing yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of Gnaoua spiritual music during a live concert. Following this musical interlude, we’ll have the unique opportunity to meet and share tea with desert-dwelling nomads, gaining insight into their traditional way of life. Our journey continues to Rissani, where we’ll explore the bustling African souk, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse array of goods. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can sample the local specialty known as Berber pizza. After a fulfilling day of exploration, we’ll return to the comfort of our hotel.
Day 5: Merzouga desert – Erfoud – Melaab – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
On the fifth day of our 6-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert, we’ll kickstart the morning with the breathtaking spectacle of sunrise near your hotel. After capturing the beauty of the sunrise with memorable photos, we’ll gather for a delicious breakfast at the hotel.
Our journey resumes from the Sahara Desert, with our first stop being Erfoud, also known as the Fossil City, renowned for its abundance of mineral mines. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area and discover its unique geological treasures.
Continuing on our route, we’ll make our way to the irrigation system of Fezna, where you’ll witness the intricate network of wells that nourish the farmlands of the city. Our next destination is the renowned Berber village of Melaab, where you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture by trying on traditional Berber attire.
As our adventure continues, we’ll pass through the city of Tinghir, known for hosting the highest canyons in Morocco. Here, we’ll make a stop to marvel at the majestic beauty of the canyons, witness the flowing underground river, and perhaps enjoy a leisurely picnic amidst the scenic surroundings.
Finally, we’ll head straight to Boumalne Dades, where you’ll spend the night in a charming local Berber hotel or riad, surrounded by the authentic ambiance of the region. It promises to be a day filled with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 6: Boumaln Dades – Roses Valley – High Atlas – Marrakech
On the final day of our 6-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert, we’ll embark on our journey back to Marrakech via the charming city known for its flower farms. This picturesque city is renowned for its production of perfumes, oils, and fresh flower water, offering a delightful sensory experience.
After enjoying breakfast, we’ll set out for Marrakech, with our first stop being in Klaat M’gouna. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the flower city and learn about its fascinating floral industry.
Continuing on our route, we’ll arrive in Ouarzazate, famously dubbed as the Hollywood of Africa. You’ll have the chance to visit the cinema sets and studios, where many iconic films and TV shows have been filmed. While exploring Ouarzazate, you can capture memorable photos of the studios from the outside. If you wish to explore further and venture inside the studios, additional fees may apply.
After our visit to Ouarzazate, we’ll resume our journey towards Marrakech, traversing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass. We’ll make a stop for a relaxing lunch amidst the stunning mountain scenery.
Finally, we’ll arrive in Marrakech and drop you off at your Riad or hotel, marking the conclusion of our memorable 6-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert. It has been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences and breathtaking landscapes.