The Best Errachidia Desert Tours to Merzouga & Marrakech

Day 1: Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Rissani – Erg Chebbi

Once we pick you up from the airport at Errachidia today, we shall drive you to the Merzouga desert which is best for pictures with golden sands and the green valley of Ziz will be an ideal place to take these shots. Erfoud comes into sight after an hour’s drive; it is well-known as the town of date and fossils; take the opportunity to visit an Erfoudian workshop that deals with fossils before heading towards Chebbi dunes but first spend some time there enjoying glamorous camping near these sand mounds then climax your dusk moment by taking a camel ride as you watch the sun setting down behind them dinner will be at and spend the night over there as well.

Day 2: Erg Chebbi dunes – Hassi Lbied -Merzouga – Khamlia – Desert Camp

Arrive early so you can be there before the sun rises over the dunes; then have your breakfast in a tent. Later we will leave the camp (or hotel) and drive towards Hassi Labied, Merzouga, and Khamlia villages. While you are still at the edge of the desert; where there is a small oasis that has a good view for canals which are used for irrigation. Also, visit Merzouga village where you may buy some Tuareg souvenirs (it can be clothes or jewelry) then continue to Khamlia – this is where black people dwell in Morocco and you will have a chance to enjoy their music called Gnawa music. Finally, we shall take you back to your accommodation by car.

Day 3: Erg Chebbi dunes – Rissani – Erfoud – Errachidia

After your morning meal, the chauffeur will take you to the Rissani where you can visit the genuine market, mainly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday. Begin by going to the Souk and then proceed to the graves of Moulay Ali Sherif. As a suggestion for lunch, they can get you Madfona pizza at a nearby restaurant (inquiries should be made from either the guide or driver). Our route back will pass through Erfoud before we drop you off at Errachidia airport in time for your flight.

3 Days Desert Tour from Errachidia – Map

Day 1: Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Rissani – Erg Chebbi

Today we’re going to the very south-east of Morocco after we pick you up from your hotel or riad in Errachidia. While passing through the Ziz valley, full of palms, we allow you to take some shots of the golden sands. You will reach Erfoud, a town which is well-known for dates as well as fossils after driving for an hour. You may continue exploring after taking some rest for a cup of coffee in the morning. Also; visit the fossil workshop of Erfoud and don’t forget to see their weekly market on Saturdays. Go straight to Rissani city where there is an authentic marketplace, especially on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday respectively. It is now time for a lunch break so why don’t you try Madfouna; it’s like a local pizza ( Ask your driver or guide to recommend the best place for this meal). You can visit the tombs of Moulay Ali Sherif after lunch, and then proceed to the Erg Chebbi dunes. In addition to glamping in a desert camp on the edge of the dunes, you will take a camel ride to see the sunset over the dunes. Here we will pass the night and have dinner.

Day 2: Erg Chebbi Dunes – Erfoud – Touroug – Tinejdad- Todra Gorge – Boumalne Du Dades

Get up early to observe the sunrise over the sand dunes before returning to the tent for breakfast. We will leave the campsite later on in the day with our next destination being Boumalne du Dades. On the way there, we will pass by a canal system used for irrigation where you can stop for lunch at Touroug or Tinejdada. After having our lunch, we make our way towards the magnificent Todra Gorge which has a lush green valley running through it. Before you set foot in the canyon walls and breathe its fresh air, a few photographic opportunities will be provided. Then we head back to Boumalne Du Dades where you will spend another night at a hotel offering bed and breakfast accommodation.

Day 3: Boumalne Dades – Rose valley – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

Continue your journey after having breakfast at the motel. It’s either you stop and smell roses or buy anything with a rose theme from April to May. When one goes to Ouarzazate, which is known as the Hollywood of Morocco, one can also visit movie studios and have an overview of Kasbah Taourirt. After that drive down by car for lunch to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou. With the help of a local guide, have lunch and take a tour around the place where the movie background is set. Consequently, cross the high Atlas Mountains where you may have a break at Argan Oil Cooperative to learn how the oil is extracted. Upon arrival in Marrakech, let this be your drop-off point.

3 Days Desert Tour from Errachidia to Marrakech – Map

Day 1: Errachidia – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Dunes

Your desert adventure starts with a pickup from your hotel in Errachidia. As we make our way southeast, the landscape begins to shift dramatically. Soon we’ll enter the spectacular Ziz Valley, known for its lush date palm groves that stretch along the edge of the desert. Take your time to enjoy the sweeping views and snap a few photos of this verdant contrast against the arid surroundings.

After about an hour, we’ll reach Erfoud, a town famed for its fossil workshops and sweet dates. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the local market, where desert life and trade still flow with tradition. We’ll pause here for a short coffee break, and if you’re curious about ancient sea life preserved in stone, a visit to one of the fossil museums or artisan workshops is a must.

From here, we’ll continue to Rissani, once the capital of the Tafilalet region and still a vibrant market town today. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, the souk is at its liveliest, the perfect place to discover the local flavors and traditional goods. For lunch, ask your driver or guide to recommend the best spot to try Madfouna, also known as the “Berber pizza”, a stuffed flatbread cooked in earthen ovens.

After lunch, take a moment to visit the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the ancestor of the current Alaouite royal family. Then, it’s time to head into the desert proper.

We’ll arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, by late afternoon. Here, your camel caravan awaits to take you across the golden dunes just in time to catch the sunset over the Sahara. After this unforgettable ride, you’ll reach your desert camp where dinner will be served under the stars, accompanied by local music around the campfire. Spend the night glamping in a private tent on the edge of the dunes, a magical Sahara experience.

Day 2: Merzouga Desert Discovery – Khamlia – Nomad Visit – Fossil Sites – Oasis – Merzouga

Rise early to witness the sunrise over the dunes — a moment of pure tranquility that paints the sand in hues of orange and gold. After breakfast back at camp, it’s time to discover the hidden gems of the Merzouga region.

We’ll begin with a visit to the village of Khamlia, home to a community of Gnawa musicians. Enjoy a live performance of their spiritual music and learn about their rich heritage rooted in Sub-Saharan Africa. Then we’ll head out by 4×4 to explore the desert’s diverse terrain.

Along the way, we’ll visit semi-nomadic families living in traditional tents, giving you a chance to learn about their lifestyle, hospitality, and how they survive in the harsh desert climate. We’ll also stop near an ancient fossil site, where the rocks themselves tell the story of Morocco’s prehistoric past.

For lunch, we can arrange a traditional Berber meal either at a local auberge (guesthouse) or under the shade of palm trees in a desert oasis, depending on your preference.

In the afternoon, take some time to relax at your hotel or riad near the dunes, or venture back out into the sands for a short ATV ride or a walk. Overnight in Merzouga at a comfortable guesthouse or desert hotel, with dinner included.

Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Gorge – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes

After breakfast, we leave the Sahara behind and begin our scenic drive north toward Fes. Our journey begins by tracing the Ziz River through the dramatic Ziz Gorge, where rocky cliffs rise on either side and villages cling to the canyon walls.

As we gain elevation, the landscape shifts from desert to alpine as we pass through Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains. We’ll pause here for lunch, perhaps enjoying a meal with a view of the Jbel Ayachi peaks in the distance.

Continuing north, the road winds through the Cedar Forests of Azrou, home to the famous Barbary macaque monkeys. You’ll have a chance to stretch your legs and snap photos of these curious forest dwellers.

Next, we’ll stop in Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and cool climate. It’s the perfect spot for a short walk or coffee break before continuing to our final destination.

By late afternoon or early evening, we’ll arrive in Fes, one of Morocco’s most historic and culturally rich cities. We’ll drop you off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your incredible journey from the desert to the city.

3 Days Desert Tour from Errachidia to Marrakech – Map

A short drive from Errachidia, near Rissani (about 93 km away), lies the ancient city of Sijilmassa, once a major hub of trans-Saharan trade and the birthplace of Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty. Today, you can explore the ruins of caravanserais, fortifications, and irrigation systems that hint at a thriving medieval metropolis. It’s an essential stop for history lovers and anyone curious about Morocco’s imperial past.

Just 20 km southeast of Errachidia, the Blue Spring of Meski is a tranquil oasis nestled among tall date palms. Crystal-clear water flows from the rocks, creating a natural pool that’s perfect for a refreshing dip during hot days. Surrounded by picnic areas and local food vendors, it’s a favorite escape for locals and travelers alike, offering relaxation and stunning natural beauty.

One of the most breathtaking drives in Morocco follows the Ziz Valley, where thousands of date palms line the riverbed, flanked by towering cliffs. The lush greenery contrasts sharply with the red and ochre hues of the desert mountains, creating unforgettable views. Along the way, you’ll encounter Berber villages, terraced farms, and scenic lookouts, ideal for hikers, photographers, and cultural explorers.

This striking man-made lake was created in the late 1960s to manage water flow from the Ziz River. Located just north of Errachidia, it plays a vital role in irrigation and flood control, but it’s also a serene destination for nature lovers. With its blue waters, barren cliffs, and Atlas Mountain backdrops, the area is perfect for a quiet walk, birdwatching, or even stargazing at night.

Located in nearby Rissani, the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif honors the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco’s current royal family. The site is beautifully decorated with intricate zellij tiles, arched courtyards, and peaceful gardens. It’s both a religious pilgrimage site and a place of national pride, showcasing Moroccan artistry and devotion.

While Errachidia itself is a quieter city, its Old Medina offers a laid-back yet authentic market experience. You’ll find stalls brimming with local spices, traditional clothing, Amazigh jewelry, and ceramics. Don’t miss a stroll through Parc Mohamed V, a green space perfect for an afternoon pause, or try a mint tea in one of the city’s classic cafés to soak in the local rhythm of life.

Errachidia is often the gateway to the Moroccan Sahara, especially for travelers heading to Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes. From here, you can arrange unforgettable desert experiences:

• Camel Trekking to Erg Chebbi
  Just a few hours away, Erg Chebbi is home to some of Morocco’s highest dunes. Guided camel treks take you deep into the dunes where you can spend the night under the stars in a luxury or traditional nomadic-style camp.

• 4×4 or Quad Excursions
  For thrill-seekers, explore the desert and surrounding gorges by 4×4 or quad bike. These excursions offer access to remote kasbahs, fossil beds, and dramatic desert plateaus.

• Hiking and Rock Climbing in Todra & Dades Gorges
  Though a bit farther away, these spectacular canyons offer world-class climbing, as well as hiking trails through dramatic cliff formations, villages, and riverside oases.