Exploring the vast Saharan landscapes of Morocco is a captivating journey that beckons adventurous travelers. This 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Dunes promises an immersive cultural experience, blending breathtaking natural wonders with the rich heritage of Berber communities. From traversing the majestic Atlas Mountains to experiencing the serene solitude of the Erg Chebbi dunes, this itinerary offers a seamless balance of iconic sights and authentic encounters. Whether seeking a glimpse into the timeless traditions or simply yearning to bask in the mesmerizing beauty of the desert, this tour presents an opportunity to explore the heart of Morocco’s captivating desert realm.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Erfoud.
Good To Know
- The 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Dunes costs €23,669 per person with no initial payment required and a full refund for cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour includes crossing the Tizi N Tichka Pass, visiting the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, exploring the Draa Valley and Todra Canyons, and experiencing a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- The first day features a scenic journey across the Atlas Mountains, with a stop at the "Hollywood of Africa" – Ouarzazate, and an overnight stay in a traditional kasbah.
- The second and third days involve exploring the Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, and the Merzouga dunes, including opportunities for sandboarding, dune bashing, and learning about the Berber nomadic lifestyle.
- The tour concludes with a visit to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a return journey to Marrakech through the stunning landscapes of the High Atlas mountains.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Dunes costs Kč 23,669 per person.
It doesn’t require any initial payment, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour accommodates small groups of up to 15 participants and provides a live tour guide available in English and French.
Highlights include crossing the Tizi N Tichka Pass, exploring the Erg Chebbi dunes by camel, and visiting the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
Meals, transportation, and entrance fees are included, while lunches, tips, and personal expenses are not.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Tazzarine.
Itinerary Highlights
The itinerary for this 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Dunes is packed with highlights.
Travelers will cross the Tizi N Tichka Pass, the highest road in North Africa, to reach Ouarzazate. They’ll explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and wander through the stunning Draa Valley, Todra Canyons, and the dramatic gorges of Dadès and Toudra.
The highlight is undoubtedly the camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes, followed by an overnight stay in nomadic Berber tents. Witnessing the sunrise over these massive dunes is a true bucket-list experience.
Each day offers a chance to immerse in Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Day 1: Marrakech to Ouarzazate
Departing from Marrakech, travelers embark on a scenic journey across the Tizi N Tichka Pass, the highest road in North Africa.
This winding mountain route offers stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.
The first stop is Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa" due to its use as a filming location for various movies.
Here, travelers visit the Skoura Oasis, a lush green oasis surrounded by palm trees and adobe kasbahs.
The day concludes with an overnight stay in a traditional kasbah, providing an authentic Moroccan experience.
Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga
Leaving the traditional kasbah behind, the group heads east towards the Dades Valley and the remarkable Todra Gorges.
They’ll explore Erfoud, a town known for its fossilized sand dollars.
The journey continues to the iconic Merzouga dunes, the highest in Morocco. Here, they’ll get their first glimpse of the breathtaking Erg Chebbi, a vast sea of copper-colored sand dunes.
As the sun sets, the group settles in for an overnight stay at a desert camp, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Sahara.
With a traditional Berber dinner and the chance to stargaze, this is a truly immersive desert experience.
More Great Tours NearbyDay 3: Exploring Merzouga Dunes
Travelers awake early to witness the sun’s golden rays stretch across the endless dunes of Merzouga. They set out to explore the vast Saharan expanse, encountering:
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Nomadic Berber families, showcasing their traditional way of life
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Vast expanses of towering dunes, perfect for sandboarding and dune bashing
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Herds of camels, the stoic "ships of the desert" providing a serene mode of transportation
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Stunning sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues of orange and red
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Opportunities to learn about desert survival skills and the region’s rich cultural heritage
As the day draws to a close, the group retires to their Berber tents, anticipating the sunrise over the breathtaking Erg Chebbi dunes.
Day 4: Erg Chebbi to Draa Valley
After watching the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, the group packs up and heads deeper into the Draa Valley.
They’ll visit the oasis town of Nkob, known for its traditional adobe architecture and lush date palm groves.
Winding through the Draa Valley, they’ll marvel at the stunning landscape of lush oases, rugged mountains, and fortified kasbahs.
The journey continues to a typical kasbah where they’ll spend the night.
This historic structure offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and provides a comfortable respite after a day of exploration.
As the sun sets, the group settles in, eager to unwind and reflect on the day’s adventures.
Day 5: Ait Ben Haddou to Marrakech
On the final day, the group departs the cozy kasbah and begins the journey back to Marrakech.
Along the way, they stop at the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah that has served as the backdrop for numerous films.
The group explores the labyrinthine alleys, admiring the intricate architecture and soaking in the historical ambiance.
They then continue their drive, passing through the stunning landscapes of the High Atlas mountains.
As they near Marrakech, the group feels a sense of accomplishment, having traversed the diverse terrain of the Moroccan desert on an unforgettable 5-day adventure.
- Depart kasbah for Marrakech
- Stop at UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
- Explore the iconic kasbah and its narrow streets
- Drive through the High Atlas mountains
- Arrive back in Marrakech, completing the desert tour
Included Services and Exclusions
The tour package includes a comprehensive set of services to ensure a seamless and enriching desert experience.
Pickup and drop-off at your accommodation, air-conditioned transportation, and the services of an English or French-speaking driver and local expert guide are all provided.
Half-board accommodations with dinner and breakfast, as well as an overnight stay in a desert camp, are included.
Camel rides for sunset and sunrise, fuel, bottled water, and entrance fees are also covered.
However, lunches, soft drinks, tips, and personal expenses aren’t included in the tour price.
Participants can expect a well-rounded desert journey with the essentials taken care of.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Accommodations Are Provided During the Tour?
The tour provides a mix of accommodations, including overnights in a typical kasbah, a desert camp with Berber tents, and half-board accommodations with dinner and breakfast included throughout the 5-day journey.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
The tour can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can work with the tour operator to adjust the itinerary, accommodations, and activities based on their interests and needs, ensuring a personalized desert adventure.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers can request a longer itinerary to explore more of Morocco’s desert landscapes and cultural attractions. Additional days can be added for a custom desert adventure.
What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?
The tour has a small group size limited to 15 participants. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience as you explore the desert landscapes and cultural highlights along the way.
Are Any Meals or Activities Not Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price doesn’t cover lunches, soft drinks, tips, and any private expenses. All other meals and activities, including a camel ride, are included in the price.
The Sum Up
This 5-day desert tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Dunes promises an unforgettable cultural experience. Travelers will journey through the majestic Atlas Mountains, explore the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, and experience the stunning landscapes of the Draa Valley and Todra Gorges. With camel rides, traditional Berber tents, and mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets, this adventure offers an immersive exploration of Morocco’s captivating desert landscapes.
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