Introduction :
4 days tour in the desert from Marrakech to Fez through the desert of Merzouga, this tour will allow you to discover the great south-east of Morocco and its magnificent kasbahs and enjoy the most attractive areas of the Moroccan desert. As well as the visit of the Kasbah Ben Haddou and film studios in Ouarzazate, visit the gorges of Dades and Toudra, sleeping in a desert camp under a Berber tent.
Highlights :
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
- Discover Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco”
- Explore the scenic Dades Valley and Todra Gorges
- Experience a camel trek in the Sahara Desert
- Watch a breathtaking sunset over the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Spend the night in a traditional Berber desert camp
- Drive through the beautiful Ziz Valley palm groves
- See the Barbary monkeys in the cedar forest of Azrou
- Visit Ifrane, often called the Switzerland of Morocco
Program details :
1 Day 1 : Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Your Sahara desert tour from Marrakech begins with a morning departure from your riad or
hotel. Travel through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing the famous Tizi
n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) while enjoying breathtaking views of Berber villages and mountain
landscapes.
Arrive at the legendary Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of
the most famous ksars in Morocco. This historic village has been featured in many movies
such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Enjoy time to explore the kasbah and have lunch
nearby.
Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco, where you will see the historic
Kasbah Taourirt and pass by the famous Atlas Film Studios.
Dinner and overnight stay in a riad or hotel in Ouarzazate/ tinghir depending on the option
booked and availability
2 Day 2 : Ouarzazate – Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, travel through the scenic Valley of Roses and the Skoura palm groves before
arriving in the beautiful Dades Valley, known for its unique rock formations.
Continue toward the impressive Todra Gorges, where towering canyon walls reach heights
of more than 300 meters. Enjoy a short walk through the gorge and take photos of the
spectacular landscape.
In the afternoon, travel through desert towns such as Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops,
before arriving in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Here you will begin an unforgettable camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi while
watching the beautiful desert sunset.
Arrive at your Sahara desert camp, where you will enjoy dinner, traditional Berber music
around the campfire, and an overnight stay in a comfortable desert tent.
3 Day 3 : Exploring the Merzouga Desert
Wake up early to admire the spectacular sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After breakfast,
enjoy a relaxing day exploring the Merzouga desert region.
You can visit nearby nomad families, explore desert villages, or enjoy optional activities such
as quad biking or sandboarding on the dunes.
In the evening, return to your desert camp for another magical night under the stars with
traditional Berber music and dinner.
4X4 vehicle to visite the nomad families is included
4 Day 4 : Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Azrou – Ifrane – Fes
After breakfast, ride camels back to the village where your driver will meet you.
Begin the journey toward Fes, driving through the beautiful Ziz Valley, famous for its vast
palm groves and stunning desert scenery..
Stop in Midelt for lunch before continuing through the Middle Atlas Mountains..
Visit the cedar forests of Azrou, where you may see the famous Barbary macaque monkeys,
and stop in Ifrane, a charming mountain town often called the “Switzerland of Morocco.”.
Arrive in Fes in the late afternoon, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad.
Included :
- A comfortable vehicle with a professional driver ( fuel included)
- 3 nights accommodations
- 3 Dinners
- 3 Breakfasts
- Camel rides for both sunset & Sunrise ( 1 Camel each )
- Sandboarding
- 4X4 vehicle to visit the nomad families in the desert
Not included :
- Lunch.
- Drinks.
- Tips.
- Monument entrance fees.
- Personal expenses.
FAQ( Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Do desert camps have electricity?
- Most desert camps use solar energy, which provides electricity for lighting and phone charging. However, Wi-Fi is usually limited or unavailable in the dunes
2. How long is the journey from Marrakech to Merzouga?
- The distance from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert is about 560 km. The trip is divided over two days with scenic stops including Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, and Todra Gorges.
3. Is the camel ride included in the desert tour?
- Yes, the tour includes a camel trek across the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. You will ride camels to the desert camp at sunset and return the next morning after sunrise.
4. What type of accommodation is included in the desert?
- You will stay in a traditional Sahara desert camp in Merzouga with comfortable tents, mattresses, blankets, dinner, and breakfast. Some camps also offer private tents and bathrooms depending on the option chosen.
5. What should I pack for the Sahara desert trip?
- We recommend bringing
- Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- A warm jacket (desert nights can be cold)
- A small backpack for the camel trek
- Camera for sunset and sunrise photos
- ● PS: you can bring all your luggage with you we have enough space for it in the vehicle
6. Is the tour suitable for families or older travelers?
- Yes, the tour is suitable for families, couples, and small groups. Travelers who prefer not to ride camels can reach the camp by 4×4 vehicle.
7. What is the difference between Merzouga and Zagora desert?
- The Merzouga desert (Erg Chebbi) has large golden dunes reaching up to 150 meters, offering a true Sahara experience. Zagora desert has smaller dunes and is closer to Marrakech.
8. Is the desert tour available all year round?
- Yes, desert tours operate all year round. The best months to visit are March–May and September–November, when temperatures are more comfortable.
9. Are the Sahara desert camps comfortable?
- Yes. Most camps offer comfortable beds, mattresses, blankets, traditional Berber tents, and shared or private bathrooms depending on the camp category (standard or luxury).
10. Can I take a shower in the desert camp?
- Luxury camps usually have private bathrooms with showers, while standard camps may have shared facilities.
