5 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora and Merzouga Deserts

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. You’ll head southeast, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of Berber villages, terraced fields, and dramatic mountain landscapes. Along the way, you’ll stop for photos and perhaps visit a local argan oil cooperative to see how this precious oil is made.

Next, you’ll visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars (fortified villages). This ancient mud-brick village has been featured in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You’ll have time to explore its narrow alleys and climb to the top for panoramic views.

Afterward, you’ll continue to Ouarzazate, where you can visit the Atlas Film Studios or enjoy lunch in the town. From Ouarzazate, you’ll drive through the Draa Valley, a lush oasis filled with palm groves, traditional mud-brick villages, and stunning landscapes. You’ll arrive in Zagora in the evening, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel or riad, enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner.

After breakfast, you’ll head to the edge of the Zagora Desert, where you’ll meet your camels for a sunset camel trek into the dunes. The camel ride is a peaceful and unforgettable experience, as you make your way through the rolling dunes to your desert camp. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and shown to your comfortable tent, equipped with traditional Berber decor and modern amenities.

After a delicious Moroccan dinner, gather around the campfire to enjoy Berber music and stargazing under the vast desert sky. The Zagora Desert may not have the towering dunes of Merzouga, but its serene beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a magical place to spend the night.

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, a magical moment as the sunlight paints the sand in shades of gold and orange. After breakfast, you’ll return to Zagora by camel or 4×4, where your driver will be waiting to begin the journey to Merzouga.

The drive to Merzouga takes you through Rissani, a historic town known as the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty (the current ruling family of Morocco).  As you approach Merzouga, the landscape will transform into golden sand dunes, marking the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes.

In Merzouga, you’ll meet your camels for another sunset camel trek into the desert. The camel ride is a peaceful and unforgettable experience, as you make your way through the rolling dunes to your desert camp. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and shown to your comfortable tent, equipped with traditional Berber decor and modern amenities. After a delicious Moroccan dinner, gather around the campfire to enjoy Berber music and stargazing under the vast desert sky.

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, a magical moment as the sunlight paints the sand in shades of gold and orange. After breakfast, you’ll have the option to explore the Merzouga area further. You can visit a nomadic family to learn about their traditional way of life, take a 4×4 tour of the desert, or try sandboarding on the dunes.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to your desert camp for another night under the stars. Alternatively, you can choose to spend the night in a hotel in Merzouga if you prefer more comfort. Either way, you’ll enjoy another evening of Berber hospitality, delicious food, and mesmerizing desert views.

After breakfast, you’ll bid farewell to the desert and begin the journey back to Marrakech. The return trip takes you through Rissani, Alnif, and the Draa Valley, a lush oasis filled with palm groves and traditional mud-brick villages. Along the way, you’ll stop for lunch and enjoy the changing landscapes as you cross back over the Atlas Mountains.

You’ll arrive in Marrakech in the evening, where your tour concludes. You’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, filled with memories of the desert, mountains, and the unique culture of Morocco.