This 5-day desert journey begins in Marrakesh and takes you across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'Tichka Pass. Along the way, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou before continuing through Ouarzazate, Agdz, the Draa Valley, and Nkob. The route then follows the former Paris-Dakar Rally trail, leading past Berber villages and the Ouzina dunes to Erg Chebbi, where you will enjoy camel trekking and an overnight stay in traditional Berber tents. On the way back to Marrakesh, the itinerary includes Rissani Market, palm oases, Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Roses Valley, Ouarzazate, and the Tizi N'Tichka Pass.
1 Day 1: Marrakesh – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate
After meeting at the agreed location, the journey heads southeast through the High Atlas Mountains and over the Tizi N'Tichka Pass at 2260 m. Visit the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Explore the kasbah, famously featured in films such as Alexander, Gladiator, and Babel. The day continues to Ouarzazate, known as “the Hollywood of Africa,” with a photo stop at Atlas Studios. Dinner and overnight in Ouarzazate.
2 Day 2: Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Nkob – Alnif – Tafraoute Desert
Depart for the Draa Valley, home to one of Morocco’s longest rivers, with stops to admire kasbahs and Berber villages. Continue through the Nkob palm grove and its kasbahs, then travel on to Alnif for lunch. In the afternoon, follow desert tracks to Tafraoute. Overnight at the hotel under a sky perfect for stargazing.
3 Day 3: Tafraoute Desert – Ramlila – Ouzina – Khamlia – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, cross a variety of desert landscapes, passing sand rivers, remote villages, nomad camps, and dry lakes on the way to the Ouzina desert. Visit Khamlia, a distinctive Gnawa village, before arriving at the Merzouga Dunes. Dinner and overnight in a desert camp beneath the stars.
4 Day 4: Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Wake early for sunrise over the dunes, then ride camels back to Merzouga before continuing to Rissani, the gateway to Erg Chebbi, where you will visit its lively souk. The route then goes on to Tinghir, where palm groves and Roses Valley create a striking contrast. Explore Todra Gorges, with towering cliffs rising over 300 m, before driving to Dades Valley. Overnight in a charming riad.
5 Day 5: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Marrakesh
After breakfast, travel through Roses Valley and the palm groves of Skoura, where hidden kasbahs await. Continue via Ouarzazate, cross the High Atlas Mountains through Tizi N'Tichka Pass, and arrive in Marrakesh to end the tour.
Sahara Desert Morocco
Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information
Duration
4 nights / 5 days
Available any date