5 days desert tour from Marrakech

 Tour Overview:

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades:

This tour begins in Marrakech, the former capital of Morocco’s ancient monarchs and currently designated as the capital of the Maghreb Union. We’ll embark on a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, culminating at Toubkal, Morocco’s highest peak. We’ll traverse the Tizi N’Tichka pass, enjoying breathtaking panoramic views. Along the way, we’ll pause for a refreshing mint tea or coffee at a charming Amazigh hamlet. Our next stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a historic collective dwelling renowned for its cinematic appearances. This ancient fortress, once a vital hub on the Salt Road, served as a trading post for slaves, gold, ivory, and salt. We’ll savor a delicious regional lunch here before continuing towards the Dades Valley. Passing through Kalaat Magouna, famous for its vast rose fields (best admired in May), we’ll encounter picturesque Skoura villages nestled within the dramatic Dades Valley, where we’ll spend our first night.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Jorf – Erfoud – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Desert):

After breakfast, the caravan embarks on a scenic journey through the valley, admiring unique rock formations like “monkey toes” and marveling at the integration of Kasbahs, such as the 19th-century Ait Yul, into the breathtaking landscape. Entering the Tinghir region and the Todra Valley, you’ll be captivated by panoramic views and charming Amazigh villages. In the Todra Valley, you’ll enjoy a refreshing walk along the river, surrounded by impressive 300-meter-high red cliffs, a popular destination for rock climbers. Lunch will be served in either Rissani or Erfoud, two oasis towns in the Sahara. Finally, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, the “village of golden sand,” where you’ll be greeted with a traditional mint tea and check into your hotel.

Day 3: Merzouga :

This exciting day of your desert tour begins with breakfast at your Merzouga accommodation. You’ll then embark on a journey towards the Algerian border, exploring villages like Hassi Labied, Merdani, Khamlia, and M’fis nestled amidst the Erg Chebbi dunes. En route to Khamlia, you’ll encounter locals showcasing their desert homes and may even spot desert reptiles and mammals. In Khamlia, a village renowned for its Gnawa music, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the local people, descendants of African slaves, with traditional desert tea and captivating Gnawa music. Continuing towards the Algerian border, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the golden dunes and savor a picnic lunch under the shade of a tree. You’ll then visit nomadic families living in traditional Amazigh tents, observing their pastoral lifestyle. As you return to Merzouga for dinner and overnight stay, you’ll encounter volcanic rocks and the picturesque Yasmina Lake, surrounded by stunning dunes, especially captivating in spring. The highlight of the day will be experiencing a night under the stars in a traditional Amazigh tent, complete with a delicious dinner and lively drum music.

Day 4: Merzouga – Errissani – Alnif – Agdz–Ouarzazate :

The 5 days begins with an early wake-up call to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the golden dunes of Merzouga. After a refreshing shower and a delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic drive towards Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco.” Here, you’ll have the opportunity to explore film sets and take photos at iconic locations. Along the way, you’ll pass through diverse landscapes and villages, including Errissani, where the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the grandfather of the current Moroccan king, is located. A leisurely lunch will be enjoyed at a local village before continuing your journey.