4-Day Tour of the Sahara Desert from Ouarzazate to Merzouga in Morocco

Embark on an unforgettable 4-day adventure from Ouarzazate to Merzouga, designed for travelers seeking authentic encounters and breathtaking landscapes. This tour will take you through green oases, winding valleys, spectacular gorges, and the endless dunes of Erg Chebbi. Along the way, you will discover the secrets of Morocco’s centuries-old kasbahs, connect with Berber communities, and enjoy the magic of the Sahara with camel rides, starry nights in the desert, and traditional music around the fire.

• Discover the UNESCO-protected ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and the iconic Kasbah Amridil in Skoura.
• Travel through the picturesque Valley of Roses and admire the rugged beauty of the Dades Valley.
• Stroll through the narrow canyons of the Todra Gorges.
• Enjoy a camel ride at sunset in the dunes of Merzouga.
• Spend the night under a starry sky at a Berber camp in the desert.
• Return through the picturesque Draa Valley via Nkob and Agdez.

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

Your journey begins in Ouarzazate, the cinematic “Gateway to the Sahara.” The first stop is Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous fortified ksar and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue to the Skoura Oasis to visit the Kasbah Amridil, one of the finest examples of traditional architecture in southern Morocco. Travel along the famous “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs,” crossing the fragrant Valley of Roses before reaching the dramatic Dades Valley, carved out by the river of the same name. End the day near the Todra Gorges, where you will enjoy dinner and a night in a traditional guesthouse.

Day 2: Todra Gorges – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga (Camel Ride and Desert Camp)

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely drive through the imposing Todra Gorges, where vertical cliffs rise up on both sides. The route continues to Tinjdad, with a stop at the fascinating underground irrigation channels. Pass through Erfoud, famous for its fossils, and Rissani, which was an important trading center on the ancient caravan routes. Arrive in Merzouga, where camels will take you across the sea of golden dunes as the sun sets on the horizon. Spend the night in a desert camp with a Moroccan dinner, Berber music, and stargazing in the middle of the Sahara.

Day 3: Exploration of the Merzouga Desert

Wake up to the serene silence of the desert. After breakfast, spend the day exploring the region. Visit the village of Khamlia to enjoy Gnawa music, discover the black volcanic plateaus of the Hamada, and stop at the Mifiss mines. Meet nomadic families who still live in traditional tents and visit the oasis of Tissardmine before returning to your riad or camp in Merzouga for the night.

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

Wake up early to watch the first rays of sunlight illuminate the dunes—a magical moment. After breakfast, begin your return journey, stopping in Rissani to explore its traditional souk and learn about its history as the birthplace of the Alawite dynasty. Continue through Alnif and Nkob before crossing the lush Draa Valley, home to thousands of date palms and centuries-old kasbahs. Lunch in Agdez and arrival in Ouarzazate in the afternoon, where your desert adventure comes to an end.