4 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga
Overview
If you’re passionate about adventure, nature, off-road trails, or photography, this trip is exactly what you need to explore the hidden paths and breathtaking Saharan landscapes in southeastern Morocco. This 4-day tour from Ouarzazate to the Merzouga Desert takes you through the remote and diverse regions of the Draa-Tafilalt area, including majestic mountains, sprawling deserts, lush valleys, traditional Berber villages, palm groves, and fascinating rock formations.
This incredible journey begins with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou and continues along the scenic Valley of Roses trails to the stunning Dades Gorges, with a stop at the famous Kasbah Amridil. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in Berber culture, savor traditional food, and admire their unique attire.
In southern Morocco, near the Algeria-Morocco border, you’ll explore the enchanting Sahara Desert. Highlights include camel rides, an unforgettable night in a desert camp under the stars, and lively Berber music to complete this extraordinary experience.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Skoura – Kasbah Amridil – Valley of Roses – Dades Valley – Todra Gorges
Our 4-day tour from Ouarzazate to the Merzouga Desert begins with a visit to the renowned Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a stunning 13th-century fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through its narrow streets, you’ll discover its captivating charm and learn that it has served as a backdrop for films like Gladiator, Sahara, and The Kingdom of Heaven.
Next, we head to the oasis of Skoura to explore the well-preserved Kasbah Amridil, where you’ll gain insight into the significance and function of these historic buildings.
Continuing along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs, we journey through the Valley of Roses before arriving at the dramatic Dades Valley, characterized by its striking landscapes. Dinner and overnight stay will be in a hotel or riad at Todra Gorge.
Day 2: Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Desert
On the second day, after breakfast, we’ll take a short drive to Tinghir to explore the Todra Gorges. A walk through these impressive gorges reveals towering cliffs and a narrow sky above.
Our journey then takes us through Tinjdad to the Erg Chebbi dunes, passing by the Oasis of Tafilalet near Erfoud, famous for its Date Festival, and the historic town of Rissani, the birthplace of Morocco’s current royal dynasty.
Between Tinjdad and Erfoud, we’ll pause to explore underground irrigation channels, marveling at the engineering that keeps water cool and minimizes evaporation. In Erfoud, we’ll also visit workshops where fossils are transformed into unique artifacts.
Lunch will be enjoyed in a Berber village along the way. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at a desert bivouac, where you’ll be welcomed with traditional tea. A camel ride awaits to take you to the dunes for a breathtaking sunset. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in a nomadic tent at the base of the dunes.
Day 3: Exploring the Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey around the vast dunes of Merzouga. Highlights include visits to the twin oases of Merzouga, the Khamlia village known for its Gnawa music, the Mifiss mines, and the flat desert plains, where we’ll meet Berber nomads. We’ll also visit the Tissardmine oasis before returning to the hotel for the evening.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Nkob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
For those who rise early, the desert offers an awe-inspiring sunrise worth witnessing. After breakfast, we begin our return to Ouarzazate, passing through Rissani, the cradle of the Alaouite dynasty that rules Morocco.
The route continues through Berber villages like Alnif and Nkob, then winds through the picturesque Draa Valley to Agdez, where we’ll stop for lunch. We’ll arrive back in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon, potentially with enough time to catch your flight, marking the end of this unforgettable 4-day journey through the Sahara.
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