OVERVIEW OF 3 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO MERZOUGA

The 3 Days Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga is a perfectly balanced desert escape designed for travelers who wish to experience the essence of southern Morocco within a short yet immersive journey. Departing from Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” this itinerary leads you through dramatic valleys, fortified kasbahs, lush oases, and authentic Berber villages before reaching the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga.

Along the way, you will explore the spectacular Dades Valley and the towering Todra Gorges, two of Morocco’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. After immersing yourself in the serenity of the Sahara Desert and spending an unforgettable night in a traditional desert camp, the journey continues back toward Ouarzazate. On your return, you will discover historic kasbahs including Taourirt and the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, as well as traditional villages that preserve centuries of architectural and cultural heritage.

This short yet enriching experience offers an authentic introduction to Morocco’s desert landscapes and nomadic traditions.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 3 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO MERZOUGA

• Spectacular panoramic landscapes
• Authentic Berber villages and oases
• Memorable camel trekking experience
• Overnight stay in a traditional nomadic desert camp
• Exceptional stargazing in the Sahara
• Magical sunrise and sunset over the dunes
• Exploration of Todra Gorge and Dades Valley
• Visit to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah

ITINERARY FOR: 3 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO MERZOUGA

DAY 1: OUARZAZATE – SKOURA OASIS – ROSES VALLEY – DADES GORGES

After breakfast, your desert adventure begins as you depart from Ouarzazate toward the renowned “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” This historic route reveals a landscape dotted with ancient fortified villages and palm groves.

Your first stop is the Skoura Oasis, a lush expanse of date palms and traditional mud-brick kasbahs. Here, you will visit the remarkable Kasbah Amridil, one of the best-preserved examples of southern Moroccan architecture.

Continuing to the Valley of Roses in Kalaat M’Gouna, you will encounter fertile fields nourished by seasonal rivers. This region is particularly famous for its rose cultivation and locally crafted cosmetic products derived from rose petals.

By late afternoon, you will reach the tranquil Dades Valley. Surrounded by dramatic rock formations and inhabited by Berber and nomadic communities, the valley offers a peaceful retreat. You will spend the night in a charming traditional riad, where dinner and relaxation await.

DAY 2: DADES GORGES – TODRA GORGES – ERFOUD – MERZOUGA DESERT CAMP

After breakfast, take time to explore the Dades Gorges, where steep canyon walls and winding roads create a striking natural spectacle. A short walk through the valley allows you to appreciate its dramatic geological formations.

You will then continue toward the Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural wonders. The canyon’s vertical limestone cliffs, rising up to 300 meters, form a narrow passage carved by the Todra River. Here, you may stroll along the riverbed and absorb the serenity of this extraordinary landscape.

Following lunch and scenic stops, the journey proceeds through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and date markets, before arriving in Merzouga at the edge of the Sahara.

In the late afternoon, you will leave your vehicle behind and mount camels for a guided trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. As you ascend a high dune, you will witness a breathtaking sunset as the sand shifts through shades of gold and amber.

Upon arrival at your desert camp, you will be welcomed with traditional mint tea. Dinner will be served under the vast Saharan sky, followed by live Berber music around the campfire. The night concludes beneath a canopy of stars in the profound silence of the desert.

DAY 3: MERZOUGA – RISSANI – ALNIF – N’KOB – DRAA VALLEY – OUARZAZATE

Rise early to admire the unforgettable sunrise over the dunes, when the desert glows in soft hues of pink and gold. After breakfast, return by camel to the village of Merzouga, where your driver awaits.

Your journey back to Ouarzazate begins with a visit to Rissani, the historical capital of the Tafilalet region and ancestral homeland of Morocco’s ruling dynasty. Its traditional market, particularly lively on market days, reflects centuries of trans-Saharan trade.

Continuing toward Alnif, you will stop for a traditional lunch before traveling through a succession of Berber villages and kasbahs, including Tazarine and N’Kob. The route then follows the magnificent Draa Valley, home to one of Morocco’s longest rivers and an extensive palm grove stretching across the landscape.

Passing through Agdez and several traditional settlements, you will gradually approach Ouarzazate, where your 3 Days Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga comes to an end.