From Marrakech to the dunes of Merzouga

Authentic Morocco

Morocco is a pleasant destination all year round. The Kingdom invites you to discover its multifaceted cultural heritage. An incredible diversity of landscapes: green valleys and magnificent canyons make up the Rif region and the Mediterranean coast, while the Atlantic coast is marked by a succession of sandstone cliffs and vast beaches. The hospitality of Moroccans is not a legend, it is cultural. During your stay, you will certainly be invited to share a mint tea. Discover the ultimate escape in the heart of Morocco by embarking on an unforgettable journey from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert. Immerse yourself in magic and adventure as you cross spectacular landscapes, explore lush oases, admire historic cities, and sleep under a starry sky in the dunes of the Sahara. Get ready for an authentic and captivating experience, where Moroccan culture, nature, and hospitality come together to create lasting memories. Embark on a journey into the unknown and let yourself be enchanted by the breathtaking beauty of the Merzouga desert. Nb: Guided tour of Marrakech only for stays of more than 5 days.

Trip Description

DAY 1: ARRIVAL AT MARRAKECH AIRPORT Welcome upon your arrival at Marrakech-Menara airport and private transfer to your riad. Check-in, dinner at your leisure, and overnight at the riad. DAY 2: MARRAKECH - AIT BEN HADDOU - OUARZAZATE - SKOURA - VALLEY OF THE ROSES - DADÈS GORGES (320 km) Leave your riad in Marrakech for an unforgettable journey to southern Morocco. Start your day by crossing the Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi N'Tichka pass, the highest in the country at 2260 meters above sea level. Make a stop in Ouarzazate, nicknamed the "Gateway to the Desert." Guided tour of the famous Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lunch at your leisure. Continue your journey to the Dadès Gorges, a breathtaking natural landscape. Walk along the Dadès river, admire the monkey finger-shaped rock formations, and enjoy a dinner of local cuisine in a traditional Berber inn. Overnight and dinner at the riad. DAY 3: DADÈS GORGES - TINGHIR PALM GROVE - TODRA GORGES - MERZOUGA DESERT (250 km) After a hearty breakfast, set out to discover the Todra Gorges, a stunning natural site. Before reaching the gorges, you will cross the magnificent Tinghir palm grove, a 15 km long green oasis with thousands of date palms. It is the ideal place to walk, relax, and enjoy the cool shade. Free visit (possibility of being accompanied by a guide for tips) for a 30 min to 1 h walk to get closer to the biodiversity and Berber way of life. This will also be an opportunity to meet the local Berber people and discover their crafts. You will find many souvenir stands offering local products such as carpets, pottery, jewelry, and natural cosmetic products. Head to Tinjdad for lunch. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the dunes of Merzouga, one of the seven natural wonders of Morocco. The dunes of Merzouga, which can reach 150 meters in height, offer a unique spectacle at sunset. At sunset, ride a camel to reach your camp. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and take part in a musical evening with the Berbers. Spend a peaceful night under a Berber tent, lulled by the sound of the waves of sand. DAY 4: MERZOUGA DESERT - RISSANI - TAZARINE - N'KOB - DRÂA VALLEY - AGDZ - OUARZAZATE - MARRAKECH (620 km) In the morning, we will continue towards the Drâa Valley, stopping in Rissani to discover its lively souk. We will cross Tazarine, an oasis with a large kasbah, the route of the gold, salt, and sugar caravans, discovering its ancient kasbahs, ksour, and marabouts that experienced a prosperous past for centuries, then N'Kob before reaching the Drâa Valley, a fascinating river landscape. We will follow the Drâa wadi, the longest river in Morocco, through oases, Berber villages, and their adobe kasbahs. Dinner at your leisure and overnight at the riad in Marrakech. DAY 5: MARRAKECH AIRPORT Depending on the departure time, transfer to the airport.

Accomodation

Hotels or riads (subject to availability and/or similar): Marrakech: Riad Jolie, Riad Maialou, Riad Dar Silsila. Dadès: Riad Tazawa, Gabsi Dades, Dar Ahlam. Merzouga: Le Chérif Luxury Camp, Berber Camp. In any case, the final list of hotels will be communicated to you when you receive your invitation.

Stay program

day 1
Welcome to Morocco - Arrival at Marrakech airport
Welcome upon your arrival at Marrakech-Menara airport and private transfer to your riad. Check-in, free dinner and overnight at the riad.
day 2
Towards deeper Morocco, through the High Atlas to the Valley of the Roses.
Leave your riad in Marrakech for an unforgettable journey to the south of Morocco. Start your day by crossing the Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi N-Tichka pass, the highest in the country at 2260 meters above sea level. Make a stop in Ouarzazate, nicknamed the "Gateway to the Desert." Visit the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Free lunch. Continue your journey to the Dades Gorges, a breathtaking natural landscape. Walk along the Dades River, admire the monkey finger-shaped rock formations, and enjoy a dinner of local cuisine in a traditional Berber inn. Night and dinner at the riad.
day 3
Valley of the Roses - Todra Gorges to the magical desert of Erg Chebbi
After a hearty breakfast, set out to discover the Todra Gorges, a breathtaking natural site. Before reaching the gorges, you will cross the magnificent Tinghir palm grove, a 15 km long green oasis with thousands of date palms. It is the ideal place to stroll, relax, and enjoy the coolness of the shade. Free visit (possibility of being accompanied by a guide for tips) for a 30 min to 1 h walk to discover the biodiversity and Berber way of life. It will also be an opportunity to meet the local Berber people and discover their crafts. You will find many souvenir stands offering local products such as carpets, pottery, jewelry, and natural cosmetic products. Drive to Tinjdad for lunch. Lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, continue your journey to the Merzouga dunes, one of the seven natural wonders of Morocco. The Merzouga dunes, which can reach 150 meters in height, offer a unique spectacle at sunset. At sunset, ride a dromedary to reach your bivouac. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and take part in a musical evening with the Berbers. Spend a peaceful night under a Berber tent, lulled by the sound of the waves of sand.
day 4
From the desert to the Rissani souk, then to Ouarzazate (N12)
In the morning, we will continue towards the Drâa Valley, stopping at Rissani to discover its lively souk. We will cross Tazarine, an oasis with a large kasbah, the route of the caravans of gold, salt, and sugar. Discovery of its ancient kasbahs, ksour, and marabouts, which experienced a prosperous past for centuries, then N'kob before reaching the Drâa Valley, a fascinating river landscape. We will follow the Oued Drâa, the longest river in Morocco, through oases, Berber villages, and their adobe kasbahs. Free dinner and overnight at the Riad in Marrakech.
day 5
Goodbye Morocco
Depending on the departure time, transfer to the airport.