6 days tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert via Imilchil

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. You’ll head southeast, leaving behind the bustling city and entering the serene landscapes of the Beni Mellal. Offering breathtaking views of Berber villages, terraced fields, and dramatic mountain scenery. Along the way, you’ll stop for photos.

You’ll continue toward El Ksiba, a small Berber town nestled in the foothills of the mountains. El Ksiba is known for its lush greenery, traditional way of life, and stunning views of the surrounding valleys. You’ll have time to explore the town, visit a local market (if it’s market day), and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, you’ll continue your journey to Imilchil, a remote Berber village famous for its annual Imilchil Marriage Festival (held in September). The drive to Imilchil takes you through some of Morocco’s most picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, fertile valleys, and traditional Berber villages. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Aguelmam Azigza Lake. A  serene and beautiful spot surrounded by mountains. You can stop here for a peaceful walk and to take in the tranquil atmosphere.

You’ll arrive in Imilchil in the evening, where you’ll spend the night in a local guesthouse or small hotel. Imilchil is a place where time seems to stand still, offering a glimpse into the traditional Berber way of life. Enjoy a warm, home-cooked Moroccan dinner and relax under the starry skies, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the Atlas Mountains.

After a peaceful night in Imilchil, you’ll wake up to the crisp mountain air and enjoy a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse. Today’s journey takes you from the remote Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, with plenty of breathtaking stops along the way.

You’ll begin by driving through the Atlas Mountains, passing through small Berber villages and lush valleys. The landscapes here are a mix of rugged mountains, green pastures, and traditional mud-brick homes. As you descend from the mountains, you’ll head toward Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most stunning natural wonders.

Upon arrival at Todra Gorges, you’ll be greeted by towering limestone cliffs that rise up to 300 meters, with a crystal-clear river running through the narrow canyon. The gorge is a paradise for nature lovers and photographers, offering dramatic scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. You’ll have time to walk through the gorge, take photos, and soak in the beauty of this incredible place.

After exploring Todra Gorges, you’ll continue your journey toward the Sahara Desert, passing through Tinghir, a charming town surrounded by lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages. From Tinghir, you’ll drive through the Tafilalt oasis, a lush oasis filled with date palms and small settlements. The valley is a stark contrast to the arid landscapes of the desert, offering a glimpse of Morocco’s agricultural heartland.

Next, you’ll pass through Erfoud, a town known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Erfoud is famous for its fossil workshops, where ancient marine fossils are transformed into beautiful decorative items. You can stop here to visit a fossil workshop and learn about the region’s geological history.

Merzouga desert

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 a 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. The silence and beauty of the Sahara will leave you in awe, making this a night you’ll never forget.

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 an unforgettable night under the stars in the Merzouga Desert, you’ll wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes. This is a magical moment as the sunlight paints the sand in shades of gold and orange, creating a breathtaking scene. After soaking in the beauty of the desert morning, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast at your desert camp.

You’ll then bid farewell to the Sahara and begin your journey toward the Dades Gorges. The drive takes you through Rissani, a historic town known as the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty (the current ruling family of Morocco). Rissani is also famous for its bustling souk (market), where you can experience the lively atmosphere and shop for traditional goods like spices, pottery, and handicrafts. If it’s market day, you’ll have the chance to see locals trading livestock, produce, and other goods—a fascinating glimpse into Moroccan culture.

From Rissani, you’ll continue to Tinghir, a charming town surrounded by lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages. Tinghir is located near the Todra Gorges, which you may have visited on Day 2. If you didn’t have enough time to explore the gorges earlier, you can stop here again for a short walk or photo opportunity.

After Tinghir, you’ll drive through the Dades Valley, a stunning region known for its dramatic rock formations, lush oases, and traditional mud-brick villages. The valley is often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs” due to its many ancient fortresses. Along the way, you’ll stop at scenic viewpoints to take photos and admire the breathtaking landscapes.

Dades Gorges

You’ll arrive at the Dades Gorges in the late afternoon. The gorges are famous for their towering cliffs and winding roads, offering some of the most dramatic scenery in Morocco. You’ll have time to explore the area, take a short hike, or simply relax and enjoy the views. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel or riad in the Dades Valley, enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner.

After a restful night in the Dades Valley, you’ll wake up to the stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and rock formations. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at your hotel or riad before beginning your journey to the Roses Valley, one of Morocco’s most picturesque regions.

Your day starts with a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, often referred to as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs” due to its many ancient fortresses. Along the way, you’ll stop at Monkey Fingers, a unique rock formation that resembles—you guessed it—monkey fingers! This is a great spot for photos and to stretch your legs.

As you continue your drive, you’ll pass through small Berber villages and lush oases, where locals grow fruits, vegetables, and roses. The landscape is a mix of rugged cliffs, green valleys, and traditional mud-brick homes, offering a glimpse into the rural way of life in Morocco.

Roses Valley

Next, you’ll arrive in the Roses Valley, named for the thousands of rose bushes that bloom here every spring (typically in May). The valley is famous for its Rose Festival, held annually in the town of El Kelaa M’Gouna, where locals celebrate the rose harvest with music, dancing, and traditional ceremonies. Even if you’re not visiting during the festival, you can still visit a local rose cooperative to see how rose water, rose oil, and other rose-based products are made. The sweet fragrance of roses fills the air, making this a truly magical place.

After exploring the Roses Valley, you’ll continue to your accommodation in the area. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel or kasbah, enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner and reflecting on the beauty of the day’s journey.

After breakfast, you’ll begin the journey back to Marrakech. Along the way, you’ll visit the Atlas Film Studios and Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, 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.

From Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains once more, stopping for photos and enjoying the changing landscapes. 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.