5-Day Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga through the Sahara Desert in Morocco

Discover the magic of southern Morocco with this 5-day tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga, exploring desert landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and spectacular valleys. From the “Gateway to the Desert,” you will travel through oases teeming with life, traditional Berber villages, the Dades and Todra Gorges, until you reach the impressive golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

This itinerary offers an authentic immersion in Moroccan culture, with opportunities to meet nomadic families, enjoy desert hospitality, and admire unforgettable sunrises and sunsets over the dunes. Nights will be spent in traditional accommodations, including a magical stay in a Berber camp under a starry sky, with traditional music and drumming.

• Discover the legendary ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Admire the unique landscapes of the Valley of Roses and the Dades Valley.

• Walk through the spectacular Todra Gorges, with cliffs reaching 300 meters high.

• Take a camel ride through the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

• Sleep in a Berber camp under a starry sky.

• Visit nomadic villages and enjoy traditional Gnawa music in Khamlia.

• Cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains and the lush Draa Valley.

Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Valley

Begin your adventure in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s cinema capital. After a brief visit to the Taourirt Kasbah, continue on to the oasis of Skoura, famous for its palm groves and historic kasbahs. Then, drive through the fragrant Valley of Roses, known for its artisanal rose water production. In the afternoon, you will arrive in the Dades Valley, where you can admire the rock formations known as the “monkey fingers” and enjoy a traditional dinner in a riad overlooking the valley.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert (Camel Ride and Camp)

After breakfast, travel to Tinghir and stroll through its lush palm groves before arriving at the imposing Todra Gorges. After a leisurely walk among the cliffs, continue on to Merzouga, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. At sunset, ride a camel into the desert to watch the sun go down. Enjoy a magical night in a Berber camp, with a traditional dinner and music around the fire under a starry sky.

Day 3: Discovering the Merzouga Desert – Nomads and the Black Desert

Wake up early to admire the sunrise over the dunes. Then explore the surroundings of Merzouga: visit the village of Khamlia and enjoy Gnawa music, tour the Black Desert with its volcanic formations, and share tea with a nomadic family in their tents. Return to Merzouga in the afternoon and stay in a traditional riad or opt for a second night in the desert.

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

After breakfast, head to Rissani, a former caravan trading center and birthplace of the Alawite dynasty. Explore its traditional market before continuing to the Draa Valley, one of the largest in Morocco, with thousands of palm trees and adobe kasbahs. Cross the Anti-Atlas Mountains and pass through the charming village of Agdz before arriving back in Ouarzazate. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – End of the Tour

In the morning, visit the famous film studios of Ouarzazate, the setting for numerous international films. Then head to the majestic Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its traditional architecture and panoramic views of the valley. Return to Ouarzazate in the afternoon, where your unforgettable Saharan adventure comes to an end. End of the 5-day tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga through the Sahara Desert in Morocco.