7 Days from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert
Overview
The 7-day trip from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert is one of the most comprehensive routes for getting to know Morocco in depth. This itinerary allows you to discover the most authentic corners of the south of the country: the High Atlas, ancient kasbahs, impressive gorges, endless palm groves and, as a grand finale, the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Sahara. With enough time to enjoy yourself at a leisurely pace, this tour combines nature, history, culture, and adventure.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Arrival at Marrakech airport and transfer to your riad in the Medina.
Free time to get your first glimpse of Jemaa el-Fna Square, explore the souks, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Red City.
Overnight in a traditional riad.
Day 2: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, depart for the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m).
Stop at viewpoints to enjoy panoramic mountain landscapes and Berber villages.
Visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous movie location.
Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Optional visits include the Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas Film Studios.
Dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
Day 3: Ouarzazate – Valley of Roses – Dades Gorge
Depart for the Skoura Valley, known for its palm groves and ancient kasbahs.
Continue to the Valley of Roses, famous for its plantations and natural cosmetic products.
Arrive at the Dades Gorge, renowned for its rock formations called the “Monkey Fingers” and breathtaking landscapes.
Dinner and overnight in a charming hotel in the Dades Valley.
Day 4: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast, head to the Todra Gorge, a canyon with vertical walls up to 300 meters high.
Free time to walk and admire this unique landscape.
Continue to Erfoud, famous for fossils, and Rissani, the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty.
Arrive in Merzouga, where camels await for a sunset trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Dinner and overnight in a Berber desert camp under the starry sky.
Day 5: Exploring the Merzouga Desert
Sunrise over the dunes, one of the most magical moments of the trip.
Breakfast followed by a 4×4 excursion in the region: visit nomadic families, the village of Khamlia for Gnawa music, fossil mines, and hidden oases.
Afternoon free for optional activities such as quad biking or buggy rides on the dunes.
Dinner and second night in the desert.
Day 6: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Middle Atlas – Fez or Return to Ouarzazate
After breakfast, depart for the Ziz Valley, a vast palm oasis surrounded by kasbahs and Berber villages.
Lunch in Midelt, at the foot of the Middle Atlas Mountains.
Option A: Continue to Fez for those who wish to end the journey there.
Option B: Return south via Ouarzazate to continue enjoying the desert route.
Dinner and overnight during the journey.
Day 7: Return to Marrakech
Drive back to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains once more.
Arrival in the afternoon and transfer to your accommodation.
Free time for last-minute shopping in the souks or a stroll through the Medina.
Tour Highlights
✅ Cross the High Atlas Mountains with breathtaking landscapes.
✅ Explore the most famous kasbahs of southern Morocco.
✅ Walk through the Todra and Dades Gorges.
✅ Magical desert experience in Merzouga with two nights under the stars.
✅ Immerse in Berber culture and nomadic traditions.
This 7-day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert tour is the perfect way to experience Morocco at a relaxed pace, enjoying both its rich culture and the magic of the Sahara. It’s a complete and balanced itinerary, ideal for travelers seeking a deep and varied experience, combining history, adventure, and unforgettable landscapes.