7 Days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Expedition
Experience the ultimate Moroccan road trip. Traverse the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient UNESCO Kasbahs, and sleep under a canopy of stars during a two-night immersion in the golden dunes of the Sahara.
Southern Morocco, at a slower pace
Trading the bustling souks of Marrakech for the silent, sweeping dunes of the Sahara is a bucket-list adventure. While many travelers rush this journey in three grueling days of driving, this 7-day slow-travel itinerary allows you to experience southern Morocco at a relaxed, immersive pace.
Why this tour is unique
Unlike standard express routes, this itinerary dedicates two full nights to the Merzouga desert. This extra time allows you to journey deeper into the dunes in a 4×4, share tea with nomadic Berber families, listen to traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia village, and truly absorb the tranquility of the Sahara without feeling rushed.
What this trip is built around
- Tizi n’Tichka Pass: Drive through the winding, dramatic roads of the High Atlas Mountains.
- Ait Benhaddou: Walk through the 11th-century clay Kasbah famous for Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
- Dades & Todra Gorges: Stand beneath 300-meter-high vertical canyon walls.
- Sahara Camel Trek: Ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
- Desert Immersion: Spend two nights in a Sahara camp and meet local nomadic families.
- Draa Valley: Journey through Morocco’s longest oasis, home to millions of date palms.
Marrakech to the dunes and back
Your road trip creates a massive, scenic loop through southern Morocco. You will cross the High Atlas Mountains heading east, drop down into the Kasbah-lined valleys of Ouarzazate and Dades, and push out toward Merzouga near the Algerian border. The return journey takes a southern route through the lush Draa Valley before crossing the mountains back to Marrakech.
Day by day
Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate
Depart Marrakech early and ascend the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Stop to admire traditional Berber villages before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou. After exploring this ancient clay fortress, continue to Ouarzazate.
Ouarzazate → Skoura → Dades Valley
Drive through the Skoura palm oasis and the Valley of Roses. In the afternoon, enter the spectacular Dades Valley. Your driver will navigate the famous winding switchback roads and stop at the “Monkey Fingers” rock formations before checking into your valley guesthouse.
Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga
Leave the lush valleys for the dramatic Todra Gorge, walking alongside a crystal-clear river flanked by towering limestone walls. Continue through Erfoud, the fossil capital, until the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear. Trade your vehicle for a camel, riding into the desert at sunset to reach your camp.
Merzouga → Khamlia → Merzouga
Wake up early for a spectacular desert sunrise. Today, explore the Merzouga region via 4×4. Visit a nomadic family in their tent, listen to traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia village, and spend the afternoon sandboarding or relaxing before your second night under the stars.
Merzouga → Rissani → Agdz
Leave the sand behind and travel toward the Draa Valley. Stop in Rissani to explore its vibrant traditional market. Continue through the volcanic landscapes of Alnif and Nkob, eventually arriving in Agdz, a town nestled in Morocco’s longest palm oasis.
Agdz → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
Begin the return journey. Stop in Ouarzazate to visit the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah. Cross the High Atlas Mountains once more, watching the afternoon light paint the peaks in entirely new colors, arriving in Marrakech by late afternoon.
Exploring the Red City
Dedicate your final day to the vibrant chaos of Marrakech. Explore the pulsing heart of Jemaa el-Fna Square, get lost in the labyrinth of the souks, and visit the stunning cobalt-blue Majorelle Garden.
Accommodation & Pricing Options
We offer three tier levels to suit your travel style. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy.
- Standard authentic Riads
- Standard desert camp with shared bathroom facilities
- Private transport
- Boutique Riads with pools
- Upgraded luxury desert camp
- Private en-suite bathroom and shower
- 5-star heritage Riads
- Premium VIP desert camp
- Upgraded luxury 4×4 vehicle
Prices are based on 2 travelers and may vary depending on travel dates and final accommodation choice.
Where you’ll sleep each night
| Night | Location | Accommodation Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ouarzazate | Riad, en-suite room |
| 2 | Dades Valley | Guesthouse, valley-view room |
| 3 | Merzouga, Erg Chebbi | Desert camp, shared bathroom facilities |
| 4 | Merzouga, Erg Chebbi | Desert camp, shared bathroom facilities |
| 5 | Agdz | Restored Kasbah, en-suite room |
| 6 | Marrakech | Riad in the Medina, en-suite room |
What’s covered
Included
- Private, air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
- English-speaking driver/guide
- 6 nights accommodation (as per selected package)
- Meals as listed in the itinerary (6 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 5 dinners)
- Sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi
- Off-road 4×4 desert excursion in Merzouga
- Local city guide in Marrakech
Excluded
- International flights to/from Marrakech
- Lunches (except Day 4) and drinks
- Travel insurance
- Entrance fees to monuments/museums
- Tips and gratuities
Common questions
Is the camel ride difficult?
The sunset camel trek lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. It is generally a gentle ride, though the swaying motion takes a few minutes to get used to. If you prefer not to ride, we can arrange a 4×4 transfer to the camp.
Are there toilets and showers in the desert camp?
If you book the Superior or Luxury packages, your private tent will have a fully functioning western toilet and hot shower inside. Comfort packages utilize clean, shared facilities.
Is it safe to travel in southern Morocco?
Yes, the south of Morocco is incredibly safe, peaceful, and welcoming to tourists. Your driver is a local expert who will ensure your comfort and security at all times.
Practical details
What to pack
Layers are crucial. The desert is hot during the day but temperatures drop sharply at night. Bring a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a scarf (for sand and sun protection), sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Currency & payments
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While hotels and larger restaurants take cards, you should carry cash for small purchases, lunches, and tips in rural areas.
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Morocco. Expect to tip guides, drivers, and camp staff if you are happy with the service. A general rule is 10% in restaurants and a lump sum for your driver at the end of the trip.
Connectivity
Most Riads and hotels along the route have free WiFi. The desert camps have limited to no connectivity, so embrace the chance to unplug and enjoy the stars.
Ready to book this route?
We usually reply within 24 hours.
Ask us about this tour
Choose your dates and comfort tier, or ask us to build a private departure around your group.