5-Day Merzouga desert tour / desert experience In Morocco

Start :

Marrakech or Ouarzazate

Duration :

5 days

End :

Marrakech or Ouarzazate

Languages :

English, Francais

Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech, Morocco

How to Get To Merzouga, Morocco

Merzouga is a small town in the Sahara Desert region of eastern Morocco. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, about 25 km (15 miles) from the Algerian border. The most convenient way to get to Merzouga is by car. The best route is to drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, then to Erfoud, and finally to Merzouga. The total drive is about 8 hours. For travelers flying into Morocco, the closest airport is located in ErRachidia, about two hours from Merzouga. Also, there is another path to reach Merzouga desert from Marrakech; you drive via Tizi n’Tichka pass and Tinajdad palm grove, Touroug, Jarf, and Rissani, then you arrive in Merzouga desert.

Merzouga Desert Tour, overview

We present you this Merzouga desert tour from Marrakech that will offer you an unforgettable experience to explore Morocco‘s majestic landscapes and rich culture. The tour begins with a drive through the High Atlas Mountains to the Kasbahs of Talouet and Ait Benhaddou. Then, you will journey to the Todra Gorges and continue to the Erg Chebbi desert in Merzouga. Next, you will visit Tamnougalt Kasbah and explore Ouarzazate‘s movie studios before returning to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you will have the chance to experience traditional Berber culture and witness the stunning sunset in the desert.

Highlights of the Merzouga Desert Tour

  • 4×4 tour through the High Atlas Mountains and small Berber villages
  • Visits to Kasbah Talouet, Ait Benhaddou, and Tamnougalt Kasbah
  • Travel from Ouarzazate to the impressive Todgha Gorges
  • Camel Trek in the Merzouga desert to watch the sunset
  • Visit the filming studios in Ouarzazate
  • Drive through the Anti Atlas, High Atlas, and Tizi N’tichka Pass

Morocco Tour Plan: Desert Tour

 

Day 1: MARRAKEH – TICHKA – AIT BEN HADDU – Ouarzazate

The departure of our 4×4 tour from Marrakech heading south through the famous high mountains of Tichka Pass (2260m above sea level) and small Berber villages. The first visit is to Kasbah Talouet, which passes through the Ounila Valley, a Berber valley with magnificent architecture.

After a break for lunch and a visit to the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, we continue to the cinematic town of Ouarzazate where you will spend the night including dinner and breakfast.

DAY 2: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Mgouna – boutaghrar – todra Gorges

The next day, after breakfast, you will travel from the gateway to the desert: Ouarzazate to the impressive Todgha Gorges. After passing through Skoura and Kalaat Mgouna, the capital of the Rose, After lunch on the way, we continue driving via the road of Boutaghrar before we arrive in Todra Gorges.
Overnight and dinner in a hotel.

Day 3: Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga (erg chebbi)

In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, you will drive a 4×4 through the Todra Gorges to reach the Merzouga desert. You will pass through the village of Erfoud. This day offers a unique opportunity to experience the nomadic way of life and the simplicity of desert life. You’ll attend the panoramic sunset, experience the camel trek for 1 hour, and spend the night in a camp in the heart of the dunes.

You will enjoy dinner and overnight under the starry sky listening to the Berber Gnawa music.

Day 4: Merzouga – Alnif – Agdez (visit tamnougalt kasbah)

After we watch the breathtaking view of the sunrise over the dunes, we will have our breakfast before we drive to Agdez. We will cross over several Berber villages on our way such as Alnif where we will have our lunch. Later, we will arrive at Tamnougalt Kasbah to have a walk along this fortified Kasbah. It offers a stunning view of the Draa Valley also the Kasbah has many doors from where you can enter to see its beautiful architecture. People come from all over the region to meet in that place for attending the festival of “Moussem Ellama”.

We will spend the night in a local house and have dinner.

Day 5: Agdez – anti-Atlas – Ouarzazate (visit studio movies) – high Atlas – Marrakech

After breakfast, we will take an excursion via the Anti Atlas to the filming studios in Ouarzazate. We will then continue our driving back to Marrakech through the high Atlas passing over the Tizi N’tichka.

We will transfer you to the airport or to your Riad and that will mark the end of our Merzouga desert tour.

Merzouga Desert Tour, Gallery 

Included

  • Private Transportation.
  • Comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Pick up from your Hotel/Riad or Airport.
  • Drop off at your Hotel/Riad or Airport.
  • English speaking guide/driver.
  • Fuel for the entire travel desert package.
  • All-night accommodations.
  • Camel trekking in Sahara desert.
  • Free stops when you want.
  • Soft Drink available for purchase.

excluded

  • Lunch depends on location. 
  • Drinks
  • Tips
  • Extra

Itinerary Tour Map

Itinerary Tour Map

Questions & Answers
IS IT SAFE TO BRING OUR CHILDREN TO THE DESERT OF MERZOUGA?

Yes, it is generally safe to bring children to the desert of Merzouga. However, you should always check the local conditions and consider any potential risks before visiting. It is also important to ensure that your children are adequately prepared for the conditions, such as bringing enough water and appropriate clothing.

HOW FAR IS THE DESERT OF MERZOUGA FROM MARRAKECH?

The desert of Merzouga is around 539 miles (867 km) from Marrakech.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO GO TO VISIT THE DESERT FROM MARRAKECH?

Visiting the desert by going from Marrakech to the Sahara desert is a great way to experience the unique beauty, culture, and atmosphere in the desert. The desert is a unique and captivating environment that provides a peaceful, calming atmosphere and a great opportunity to explore and adventure. Additionally, the desert provides a great opportunity to explore the Sahara and its stunning sand dunes.

What do I wear for the camel ride?

Be sure to wear full and loose clothes on your camel ride, especially on the desert space tour. If you want to wear shorts, long shorts are recommended. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are also advised to make your camel ride more comfortable.