Overview

This 2-day desert tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. From the cinematic charm of Ouarzazate and the lush beauty of Skoura to the dramatic Todra Gorges and the vast Merzouga Desert, every moment is filled with adventure. The highlight is a camel trek to a luxury desert camp, where traditional Berber music and hospitality await. The journey continues with visits to Rissani, the picturesque Draa Valley, and the historic Ait Ben Haddou, making this a truly enriching desert escape.

Lo más destacado del Tour:

• Visit Atlas Film Studios and Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
• Explore Skoura Oasis and Amridil Kasbah
• Discover the Rose Valley and its fragrant products
• Hike through Todra Gorges and admire the red cliffs
• Camel trek into Merzouga Desert and watch the sunset
• Enjoy a night at a luxury desert camp with Berber hospitality
• Witness the sunrise over the desert dunes
• Explore Rissani’s vibrant souk
• Travel through Draa Valley’s palm groves and kasbahs
• Visit UNESCO World Heritage site Ait Ben Haddou

Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Rose Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert

Begin your journey with a morning pick-up from your accommodation or Ouarzazate airport. Start by exploring Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Desert,” with visits to the Atlas Film Studios, famous for hosting iconic movies like Gladiator y The Mummy, and the historic Taourirt Kasbah, a stunning example of Moroccan heritage.

Travel southeast to the lush Skoura oasis, home to the renowned Amridil Kasbah, surrounded by a sea of towering palm trees. Continue through the fragrant Rose Valley, celebrated for its annual Rose Festival and locally produced rose-based products, including perfumes, oils, and cosmetics.

The journey takes you to the dramatic Dades Valley and on to Todra Gorges, where the river has carved a breathtaking canyon through the towering red cliffs. Enjoy lunch and a stroll to take in the natural beauty of this remarkable location.

By late afternoon, reach the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Merzouga Desert. Trade your vehicle for a camel trek into the heart of the desert, pausing atop a high dune to marvel at a magical sunset. Continue to a luxury desert camp, where you’ll be greeted with traditional Berber hospitality, enjoy a delicious Moroccan dinner, and revel in the rhythms of Berber drum music under a canopy of stars. Overnight in the camp.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

Wake up early to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the dunes, a serene and unforgettable experience. After breakfast, return to Merzouga on camelback, where your driver awaits to continue the adventure.

The journey begins with a visit to Rissani, known for its vibrant souk and historical significance as a former trading hub. Immerse yourself in the lively market atmosphere and explore its unique offerings.

From Rissani, travel through the vast and scenic Draa Valley, known for its extensive palm groves and ancient kasbahs. Along the way, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant and admire the shifting landscapes as the journey takes you back toward Ouarzazate.

In the afternoon, return to Ouarzazate, where you’ll have time to visit the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a Patrimonio de la humanidad. This fortified village, with its stunning earthen clay architecture, has been a backdrop for numerous films and TV series, including Juego de Tronos.

The tour concludes with your arrival in Ouarzazate, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, marking the end of an unforgettable two-day desert adventure.

Overview

Plan the best 3 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech or Fes, combining cinematic history, stunning landscapes, and immersive cultural experiences. Begin in Ouarzazate, exploring its renowned film studios and historic kasbahs. Travel through lush valleys, dramatic gorges, and traditional villages, experiencing the vibrant Rose Valley and the towering Todra Gorges. Venture into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes of the Merzouga Desert, where a camel trek and luxury desert camp await under the starlit sky. Discover the unique charm of nomadic life, the vibrant rhythms of Khamlia, and the tranquil beauty of palm groves and desert oases. Conclude your adventure with a visit to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou and a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, arriving in Marrakech with cherished memories of Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes and rich heritage.

Lo más destacado del Tour:

• Explore Ouarzazate’s Atlas Film Studios and the historic Taourirt Kasbah.
• Visit the picturesque Amridil Kasbah surrounded by palm groves in Skoura.
• Marvel at the blooming beauty of the Rose Valley, especially during its annual festival in May.
• Witness the dramatic landscapes of Dades Valley and the awe-inspiring Todra Gorges.
• Experience the magic of the Erg Chebbi dunes with a camel trek and a stunning desert sunset.
• Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in a desert camp with traditional Berber music and stargazing.
• Discover Merzouga’s cultural treasures, including nomadic life, Khamlia’s Gnaoua music, and the seasonal Flamingo Lake.
• Stroll through serene palm groves and ancient eyeliner mines.
• Visit Rissani’s bustling souk, a vibrant cultural and trading hub.
• Admire the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a cinematic and architectural marvel.
• Traverse the scenic Tizi-N-Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains.

Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Rose Valley – Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga Desert

Your journey begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation or Ouarzazate airport. The adventure kicks off with an exploration of Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, where iconic movies such as Gladiator y The Mummy were filmed, and explore the historic Taourirt Kasbah, a former stronghold of the Glaoui family.

From Ouarzazate, we travel southeast to the lush oasis of Skoura, home to the Amridil Kasbah, surrounded by a picturesque sea of palm groves. This kasbah, a symbol of Morocco’s architectural heritage, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Continuing onward, we reach the Rose Valley, famous for its annual Rose Festival held every May. Here, you’ll discover locally crafted rose products, including perfumes, rose water, and oils.

Our journey takes us next through the Dades Valley, where a stop at a scenic viewpoint reveals a stunning panorama of the rugged Dades Gorges. As we progress, we visit the dramatic Todra Gorges, where the river has carved an impressive canyon through the red cliffs. Enjoy time for lunch and take a stroll to soak in the beauty of this natural wonder.

In the late afternoon, we arrive at the mesmerizing Sahara Desert near Merzouga. Here, you’ll trade the vehicle for a camel trek, venturing into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Pause atop a towering dune to marvel at a magical desert sunset before continuing to a luxurious desert camp. Enjoy an evening filled with Berber drum music, dancing by the campfire, and gazing at the star-studded sky. Dinner and overnight in the camp.

Day 2: Merzouga – Nomadic Encounters – Khamlia – Palm Groves – Merzouga Lake

Begin your day by waking up early to witness a breathtaking desert sunrise. After a hearty breakfast, ride your camel back to Merzouga, where your driver awaits to guide you on a day of discovery around the region.

The day starts with an off-road journey to an ancient eyeliner mine, a relic of the region’s fascinating history. Next, visit a nomadic family living in traditional, handwoven tents. Here, you’ll enjoy Berber tea while learning about their unique way of life.

From there, we travel to Khamlia, a village known for its vibrant Gnaoua music and dance performances. The village’s inhabitants, descendants of sub-Saharan African communities, offer a lively cultural experience. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a serene walk through a grove of palm trees, discovering the lush greenery that contrasts with the desert’s golden sands. Finally, visit the seasonal wild lake of Merzouga, also known as Flamingo Lake, where migratory birds often gather during the right season. As the day winds down, you’ll settle into a comfortable hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, your adventure continues with a visit to the bustling town of Rissani, renowned for its vibrant souk and rich cultural heritage. This market town is a vital trading hub, where you’ll experience the authentic atmosphere of a traditional Moroccan marketplace.

The journey then takes you through the small town of Alnif before entering the verdant Draa Valley, famed for its expansive palm groves and ancient kasbahs. We pause for lunch along the way, offering time to relax and savor the scenery.

In the afternoon, visit the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a Patrimonio de la humanidad and one of Morocco’s most famous kasbahs. This fortified village, with its iconic architecture, has served as the backdrop for numerous films and TV series, including Juego de Tronos y Gladiator.

The tour concludes with a scenic drive through the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the rugged peaks and valleys. Arrive in Marrakech by evening, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.

Note: If you want to conclude your tour in Fes, don’t forget to mention that in your reservation arrangements.

About Ouarzazate

Often called the “Gateway to the Sahara”, Ouarzazate is a captivating city located in southern Morocco, where the High Atlas Mountains meet the vast desert. Known for its stunning landscapes, golden kasbahs, and cinematic history, Ouarzazate offers visitors a perfect blend of tradition, culture, and adventure.

The city is home to the famous Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has served as a backdrop for countless films and series, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Ouarzazate is also renowned for its film studios, earning it the title of “Hollywood of Africa.”

Beyond its cinematic fame, Ouarzazate is an ideal starting point for exploring the Sahara Desert, the Draa Valley, and the Skoura Oasis, making it a hub for desert tours and cultural experiences. With its mild climate, breathtaking scenery, and welcoming atmosphere, Ouarzazate is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both history and adventure in Morocco.

Activities in Merzouga Beyond Camel Trekking

While camel trekking is the most iconic activity in Merzouga, this desert destination offers plenty of other exciting experiences:

4×4 Desert Excursions: Explore the Erg Chebbi dunes in a 4×4 vehicle, visit remote Berber and nomadic villages, and discover fossil sites unique to the Sahara.

Sandboarding: Slide down the golden dunes on a sandboard, an adventurous and fun activity, especially at sunset.

Quad Biking & Buggy Rides:  For thrill-seekers, ride across the dunes with quad bikes or dune buggies for an adrenaline-filled desert adventure.

Cultural Visits: Visit the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa musicians, where you can enjoy traditional desert music and dance.

Stargazing: With clear skies and no light pollution, Merzouga is one of the best places for unforgettable stargazing experiences.

Visit Seasonal Lake Dayet Srij: During certain times of the year, this desert lake appears near Merzouga and attracts flamingos and other migratory birds.

Local Market & Handicrafts: Explore nearby markets and discover traditional Berber carpets, jewelry, and handicrafts made by local artisans.

Sunset & Sunrise: on the Dunes Climb to the top of Erg Chebbi dunes to witness magical desert sunrises and sunsets, an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Arrival and Discovery in Ouarzazate

Your 5-day Moroccan adventure begins with a warm reception at Ouarzazate airport, where our team will be ready to greet you. Depending on your arrival time, the journey may kick off with an exploration of the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient fortress, steeped in history, is famed as a backdrop for cinematic masterpieces such as Gladiator, Asterix & Obelix, Lawrence of Arabia, and Babel. As you wander through its winding alleys and towering earthen walls, you’ll uncover the architectural charm and rich heritage of the region. After this immersive experience, you’ll be escorted to a welcoming riad in Ouarzazate, where you can unwind in comfort and enjoy the ambiance of Morocco’s “Hollywood of Africa.”

Day 2: Journey from Ouarzazate to Merzouga via the Draa Valley and Alnif

As the sun rises over Ouarzazate, we set out on an exhilarating journey toward the desert. The road leads us through the striking Anti-Atlas Mountains, offering dramatic views of rugged peaks and picturesque valleys. A highlight of the day is our passage through the verdant Draa Valley, known for its lush date palm groves, traditional Berber villages, and historic kasbahs. Continuing eastward, we arrive in Alnif, where a leisurely lunch introduces you to local flavors and provides a moment of respite. The route then takes us to the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, where the golden sands stretch endlessly under the expansive desert sky. From here, the adventure heightens as we transition to dromedary camels for a trek into the heart of the dunes. Upon reaching our luxury desert camp, you’ll savor a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars and embrace the serene magic of the Sahara.

Day 3: From Merzouga to Fes via Erfoud, Ziz Valley, and Azrou

The day begins with an unforgettable experience: watching the sun rise over the Sahara Desert. As the first rays light up the dunes, the scene transforms into a golden masterpiece. After breakfast at the camp, we journey north, passing through Erfoud, a town renowned for its fossils and traditional crafts. The scenic Ziz Valley offers a perfect stop for photos, its lush palm groves contrasting vividly with the desert landscape. A break in Midelt provides an opportunity to rest and enjoy a local meal. Continuing onward, we visit the Cedar Forest of Azrou, home to playful Barbary macaques. By evening, we arrive in the ancient city of Fes, where your traditional riad awaits, offering a blend of comfort and authentic Moroccan hospitality.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion in Fes

Today is dedicated to uncovering the cultural and historical treasures of Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual capital. After a delightful breakfast at your riad, a local guide leads you on an in-depth exploration of the city, which dates back to 805. Highlights of the day include the grand Royal Palace, the University of Al Quaraouiyine (the oldest continually operating university in the world), the intricately adorned Attarin Madrasa, and the bustling souks brimming with handcrafted goods. You’ll also visit the Chouara Tannery, a vibrant testament to traditional leatherwork. As the day concludes, you’ll return to your riad for a tranquil evening, reflecting on the fascinating history and culture of Fes.

Day 5: Departure from Fes

Your remarkable journey concludes with a seamless transfer to Fes airport. As you prepare for departure, take a moment to cherish the memories of the awe-inspiring landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural gems that made this tour unforgettable. We wish you safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back to discover more of Morocco’s wonders.