Culture Morocco Tours

5 Days Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert

5 Days Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert

5 Days Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert

Overview:

In this 5 days tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert, immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry and traditional villages, embracing the warm hospitality of the Moroccan desert people. As we journey towards our destination, traverse through rugged mountains and expansive deserts, unveiling the essence of a truly unique country.

Commencing our expedition from Ouarzazate, fondly referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” we first explore the historic Ait Ben Haddou village. Continuing our odyssey, we venture through the enchanting Roses Valley and the quaint Berber settlements of Skoura, El Kelaa des MGouna, and Boumalne Dades. Passing through Tinghir, Todra Gorges, and Erfoud, our voyage culminates in Merzouga. Here, your trusty camels await to transport you to a serene Berber camp, where you’ll relish in the immersive experience of nomadic Berber life under the starlit sky.

In the ensuing days, delve deeper into cultural encounters as we visit Khamlia, the vibrant village of the Gnaoua people, and engage with a nomadic family in their traditional tent. Explore the captivating locales of Agdz, Alnif, Tazarine, and the mesmerizing Draa Valley, adorned with myriad Berber Kasbahs. Concluding our journey, we spend the night in Ouarzazate before bidding you farewell at the airport, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure. Book your trip today!

Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Ouarzazate Airport

Upon your arrival at Ouarzazate airport, our dedicated driver/guide warmly welcomes you and escorts you to embark on a mesmerizing journey. Our first destination is the iconic Ait Ben Haddou village, a UNESCO World Heritage site that exudes an aura of timeless charm. Renowned as a cinematic backdrop for legendary films such as ‘Lawrence of Arabia,’ ‘Gladiator,’ and ‘Alexander,’ this ancient village transports you to a bygone era.

After immersing ourselves in the rich history and captivating ambiance of Ait Ben Haddou, we return to Ouarzazate, where we settle in for the night at a comfortable hotel, ready to the next leg of our adventure.

Day 2: Ouarzazate – Roses Valley – Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert

We will start our trip at 08:00 AM, the 5 days tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert unfolds with a tapestry of captivating landscapes. We traverse the Skoura Oasis and Roses Valley, famed for its vibrant Festival of Roses, before passing through quaint Berber villages like Skoura and ‘El Kelaa des M’Gouna’ and ‘Boumalne Dades’. Our path leads us to Merzouga, home to the majestic Erg Chebbi, one of Morocco largest wind-blown dunes. Along the way, we’re treated to awe-inspiring vistas, from majestic mountains to verdant valleys adorned with palm trees.

In the route, we pause at the Berber village of Tinghir to explore the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge, where towering cliffs rise up to 600m with only 10m apart. Continuing our journey, we pass through charming Berber hamlets and Tinjdad, where we can indulge in a traditional lunch or opt to proceed to Erfoud, renowned as the capital of fossils and dates, offering a tantalizing taste of authentic Moroccan cuisine and a visit to the fascinating fossil museum.

After lunch, our adventure continues as we make our way to Merzouga, where our camel companions eagerly await to escort us on a memorable trek. The rhythmic sway of the camels leads us to a tranquil Berber camp nestled amidst the Erg Chebbi dunes, stretching 20 km in length and 5 km in width, boasting the title of the highest sand dunes in North Africa. As the sun sets behind the dunes, casting a golden glow over the desert landscape, we relish in a nomadic Berber dinner and gather around the crackling fire to savor the enchanting melodies of traditional Berber drums under the star-studded sky, creating memories that will linger long after the night fades away.

Day 3: Tour around Merzouga Dunes

Your camel guide will rouse you early to witness what could be the most mesmerizing sunrise of your life. As you trek back to Merzouga village, take in the ever-changing beauty of the Erg Chebbi dunes, a spectacle that evolves with the shifting light throughout the day. Arriving late morning in Merzouga, delve into desert life with a visit to nomads in their traditional goat hair tents.

Afterward, venture to Khamlia to encounter the Gnawa people, descendants of Sudanese slaves, immersing yourself in their music and lifestyle. Enjoy lunch at a cozy family restaurant before exploring nearby attractions, including the bird-populated Lake of Merzouga and the nomad wire house offering authentic Berber handicrafts at lower prices than urban markets. With a free afternoon ahead, unwind and relish the tranquil desert ambiance during your overnight stay in the hotel.

Day 04: Merzouga Desert – Alnif – Tazarine – Draa Valley – Agdz – Ouarzazate

After breakfast in the hotel, we depart for the Draa Valley, known as the longest river in Morocco, adorned with small villages and hidden kasbahs. As we journey through this enchanting valley, you’ll be captivated by the diverse landscapes, from the alluring charm of the infinite desert to the picturesque green valleys and traditional villages. Along the way, we’ll make stops to admire the breathtaking landscape and unique geological formations. Crossing the Anti Atlas Mountains, we’ll arrive in Ouarzazate by afternoon, where we’ll spend the night in the hotel.

Day 5: Transfer to Ouarzazate Airport

After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport according to your departure flight. The 5 days tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Desert ends.

Included

  • Private tour & Transportation with A/C and seat-belt.
  • Pick you up & drop you off at Ouarzazate airport.
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation in Ouarzazate.
  • 1 night accommodation in desert camp.
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Merzouga.
  • Experienced driver/guide English speaking.
  • Fuel, tolls and all associated expenses.
    Dinners and breakfasts (Vegetarians are welcome).
  • Camel warden.
  • Camel ride for 1 hour. (If you are not interested to ride the camels, it is possible to drive you to the camp with the 4×4).
  • Sand boards ( available in the camp without charge).

Not Included

  • Airfare (Flight Ticket)
    Noon meal. (Possibility of picnic or restaurants).
  • Drinks at the meals.
    Tips and personal miscellaneous expenses.
  • Entry fees to Monuments / Museums / Kasbahs
  • Travel insurance
  • Anything not mentioned in the program

Tour Map: