8 Days trip from Marrakesh to Desert via Merzouga

An 8-day Easter Week journey through Morocco, starting in Marrakesh and leading deep into the Sahara Desert. Travel across the High Atlas Mountains, visit the Telouat and Ait Benhaddou kasbahs, discover Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” explore the Atlas studio, and continue through the Roses Valley and Dades Valley to the Merzouga desert. Enjoy camel trekking, one overnight in a desert camp among the dunes, and 2 nights in the desert before returning to Marrakesh.

Program details :

1 Day 1: Arrival at Marrakesh - Transfer to the Hotel
Upon arrival in Marrakesh, you will be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your riad in the Medina, the historic heart of the city.

2 Day 2: Marrakesh - High Atlas - Ait Benhaddou - Ouarzazate
Your journey begins southeast through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'tichka pass at 2260 m. Along the way, there will be stops to admire panoramic views and Berber villages. The route continues to the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a site featured in films such as Alexander, Gladiator, and Babel. In the afternoon, travel on to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” with a stop to see the Atlas studio. Dinner and overnight stay.

3 Day 3: Ouarzazate - Draa valley - N'koub - Tafraout Sidi Ali
Today you head into the Draa Valley, home to one of Morocco’s longest rivers. Stops along the way allow time for photos and views of kasbahs, Berber villages, and the valley’s orchards and desert scenery with acacia trees and small dunes. You will also meet local Berber tribes and may visit a fossil and minerals association or cooperative in Tafraoute. Overnight at the hotel.

4 Day 4: Tafraout Sidi Ali - Ramlia - Ouzina dunes - Khamlia - Merzouga
This day unfolds across varied landscapes, following the Paris-Dakar Rally track through sandy rivers, nomadic areas, dry lakes, and the dunes of Ouzina. The route continues off-road to Khamlia, a unique Gnawa village, where you will enjoy traditional music. After lunch, featuring Berber pizza, tea, and a rice salad, continue toward the Merzouga dunes. There, you will meet your camel guide and cross the dunes to the camp for a night under the stars.

5 Day 5: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Erfoud Fossil's – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
After breakfast, the tour continues to Rissani, with a visit to the market on market days: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Then travel to Erfoud to visit fossilized marble manufacturers before reaching the palm groves of Tinjdad. Next is the Todra Gorges, where the river has carved a dramatic canyon with towering cliffs, popular with climbers. Enjoy free time for lunch and a short walk through the gorges. In the afternoon, continue to Dades Valley, also known as the Figs Valley, passing Boumalne Dades and stopping at the “monkey legs.” Dinner and overnight at the Dades gorges.

6 Day 6: Dades Valley – Palm Groves of Skoura – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakesh
After breakfast, take in one of the best viewpoints over Dades Valley, where the many kasbahs can be seen in the surrounding mountains. Continue along the road of kasbahs to visit Amridil Kasbah. After more stops along the “One Thousand Kasbahs Road,” the Roses Valley, and the Skoura palm grove, you will reach Ouarzazate to visit Taourirt Kasbah. If desired, you may also visit the cinema studios and cinema museum. Free time for lunch in town, then return to Marrakesh via Tizi N Tichka pass. Overnight in a hotel.

7 Full day to visit Marrakesh
Today includes an optional private guided tour of Marrakesh with an official local guide. Highlights may include the Koutoubia Mosque, the Medina and its souks, as well as the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and Majorelle Gardens. Overnight.

8 Marrakesh – Airport
Transfer to the airport. End of the 8-day Easter Week Sahara desert tour.

Included :

• Private transport: 4×4, minibus, or bus in air-conditioned vehicles
• Multilingual driver/guide
• Car fuel
• 6 nights in hotel or riad with dinner and breakfast
• 1 night in the desert with dinner and breakfast
• Camel ride in the desert
• Sandboarding

Not included :

• Drinks
• Lunches
• Dinner in Marrakesh
• Flight ticket
• Monuments ticket