8 Days Desert Tour – Marrakech and Merzouga Desert
DAY 1 : ARRIVE TO MARRAKECH TRANSFER TO YOUR RIAD :
Airport Transfer.
DAY 2 : MARRAKECH SIGHTSEEING.
After breakfast we’ll explore Marrakech – “the red city of Morocco”. We will ensure you see the most important historical and cultural sites, including the Majorelle Gardens, the Koutoubia Tower, the Saadian tombs, and the Bahia Palace. After lunch at a restaurant near the square we’ll take a walk through the souks and the rest of the day will be at your leisure.
DAY 3 : MARRAKECH – AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH – OUARZAZETTE – DADES VALLEY
After breakfast in your riad we will set off for the Dades valley. Passing through Tizi-n-Tishka pass in the High Atlas Mountains we will visit the UNESCO World heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou which has been the backdrop for many films including Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Alexander. After lunch we’ll enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes and historical monuments of Taourirt Kasbah in Ourzazate and the Roses valley, famous for its annual Festival of Roses. We’ll also pass through the Berber villages of El Kelaa des M’Gouna to arrive to Dades valley where we will spend the night in a traditional Moroccan house with dinner and breakfast.
DAY 4 : DADES VALLEY – TODRA GORGES – MERZOUGA
Today’s target point is arriving to Merzouga which is known for the highest sand dunes in North Africa . It is called Erg Chebbi Sahara desert and it is about 32 km long and 9 km wide . On our way, we will have the chance to see many oases such as the oasis of Tinjdad. We will continue our tour passing through the little Berber towns of Mellab and Touroug where we can stop for lunch in a traditional Moroccan restaurant . After this break, we will continue our way enjoying the green oasis of palm trees of Tafilalet and the black Hamada before arriving to Merzouga, where you will be accommodated in a traditional Moroccan riad as well as having a local dinner .
DAY 5 : MERZOUGA –ERG CHEBBI AND CAMEL TREKKING :
After breakfast in the riad you’ll start your explorative journey of the area, starting by visiting the ‘village of the blacks’, originally slaves from Sudan, Mali and Senegal to experience their music and lifestyle. Later , we will drive in the desert area to meet nomad families-living under Berber tents- to explore their way of life . Today our lunch will be a traditional Berber meal (Berber pizza) with a local family. You will have the option also to visit the old city of Rissani – the foundation of the Alaouite dynasty – the current ruling royal family in Morocco. Rissani is surrounded by about 360 ksar (a fortified village with many towers) and has a big souk (an open market), held three times a week. Once called Sijilmassa, this was the meeting place for the salt caravans, coming from Tombouctou in Mali. Here you’ll walk through the souk, selling spices, vegetables and cloths . After that we Drive back to the village of Merzouga. In the afternoon, you will ride your camel, guided by an experienced camel-man to explore what is hidden in the middle of the highest sand dunes in morocco. The camel trek takes about 1hr 30 min to the camp where you will enjoy the sunset and watching stars . Dinner will be served in front of the tent where you will spend the night.
DAY 6 : MERZOUGA – DRAA VALLEY – OUARZAZATE.
Before sunrise, you will be woken up to climb the sand dunes for fantastic photo opportunities, and watch what well may be the best sunrise in your life. We will then make our way back to the riad for showers and breakfast before we continue our journey to Ouarzazate, passing through Alnif, Tazzarine, Nkob, and the fantastic Draa Valley. We will spend the night in a guest house in Ouarzazate with dinner and breakfast.
DAY 7 : OUARZAZETTE – HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAIN – MARRAKECH.
After breakfast, we will set off for Marrakech, passing through the spectacular High Atlas mountains again and we will then drop you off at your riad.
DAY 8 : TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT
Airport Transfers
If the itineraries that we offer does not match what you’re looking for, contact us and we will prepare the trip to your measurements and needs.
Tour include :
- Comfortable transportation (4×4 toyota land cruiser – micro bus)
- Driver-guide who speaks your language
- Fuel
- Hotels – riad with half board
- Camel ride (camel each)
- Overnight in desert camp
Not included: