4-Day Ouarzazate Desert Tour to Merzouga

Tour Details

Day 1: Ouarzazate – Aït Ben Haddou – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades – Todra Gorges

Your adventure begins in Ouarzazate, famously known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” Travel first to the fortified ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site with centuries-old earthen architecture that has served as a backdrop for countless films. Continue to the Skoura Oasis to visit Kasbah Amridil, a beautifully preserved fortress surrounded by palm groves.

The journey proceeds along the “Route of the Thousand Kasbahs,” winding through the Valley of Roses, known for its seasonal blooms and fragrant rose products. By afternoon, arrive at the Dades Valley, a dramatic landscape carved by the Dades River, and then continue to the Todra Gorges, where sheer cliffs rise impressively over the valley floor. Overnight and dinner are arranged near the gorge, with ample opportunity to admire the unique rock formations.

Day 2: Todra Gorges – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga

After breakfast, explore the Todra Gorges on foot, walking among the towering cliffs and marveling at the contrast of shadows and light. Depart the gorges and travel south toward the Sahara, passing through Tinjdad and learning about traditional irrigation systems used by local Berber communities. Continue to Erfoud, famous for its fossil-rich terrain, and then stop in Rissani, a historic caravan town with lively markets and a fascinating cultural heritage.

Arrive in Merzouga, where camels await to carry you across the vast Erg Chebbi dunes. Ride to your desert camp, enjoying the changing colors of the sand at sunset. At the camp, savor a traditional Berber dinner, listen to the hypnotic rhythm of drums, and spend the night in nomadic-style tents beneath a clear, star-filled desert sky.

Day 3: Exploring Merzouga and Surroundings

Wake up early to greet the sunrise over the Sahara, capturing unforgettable photos of the golden dunes bathed in morning light. After breakfast, set off to explore the surrounding desert. Visit nearby oases, the volcanic rock landscapes of the Hamada, and the village of Khamlia, home to Gnawa musicians whose soulful rhythms carry deep cultural meaning.

Meet nomadic families living in traditional tents and learn about their way of life, then visit the Tissardmine Oasis for a glimpse into the desert’s fragile ecosystem. The day offers a mix of adventure, cultural insight, and incredible photo opportunities. Return to your Merzouga accommodation for a relaxing evening.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Nkob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

Rise early for one last spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes before breakfast. Begin the return journey to Ouarzazate, traveling through Rissani, the historical birthplace of Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty. Cross through Alnif and Nkob, traversing the palm-filled Draa Valley, dotted with centuries-old kasbahs and fertile agricultural land. Stop for lunch in Agdez before continuing the scenic drive back to Ouarzazate, where your 4-day desert adventure concludes.