OVERVIEW OF 8 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO MERZOUGA SAHARA DESERT

The 8 Days Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Sahara Desert is one of the most comprehensive and rewarding desert journeys we offer. It is ideally suited for travelers who have sufficient time to explore Morocco at a comfortable pace and who wish to avoid long, rushed transfers between destinations. Instead of simply traveling from Ouarzazate to Merzouga, this carefully designed itinerary allows you to immerse yourself fully in each landscape, village, and cultural encounter along the way.

With eight days at your disposal, you will traverse the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountain ranges, discover authentic Berber villages, explore dramatic canyons, wander through palm groves and fertile valleys, and visit centuries-old kasbahs that stand as witnesses to Morocco’s architectural heritage. The journey culminates in the majestic Sahara Desert of Erg Chebbi, where you will experience a traditional camel trek and spend unforgettable nights beneath a sky illuminated by countless stars.

This extended itinerary also offers meaningful cultural exchanges. You will have the rare opportunity to visit Berber nomadic families, share a glass of mint tea in their tents, and gain genuine insight into their way of life. For those who seek to discover the authentic soul of Morocco, this tour provides both depth and distinction.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 8 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO MERZOUGA SAHARA DESERT

• Cross the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountain ranges
• Spectacular panoramic landscapes
• Authentic Berber villages and remote communities
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
• Discover the Dades Valley
• Explore the dramatic Todra Gorge
• Experience an unforgettable camel trek
• Overnight stay in a traditional nomadic desert camp
• Exceptional stargazing in the Sahara
• Mesmerizing sunrise and sunset over the dunes
• Visit Berber nomadic families
• Scenic journey through the Draa Valley

ITINERARY FOR: 8 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO MERZOUGA SAHARA DESERT

DAY 1: OUARZAZATE AIRPORT

Upon arrival at Ouarzazate Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver, who will escort you to your hotel or riad. This first day is dedicated to rest and acclimatization, allowing you to settle comfortably before beginning your desert adventure.

Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Desert,” known for its cinematic history and remarkable kasbah architecture.

DAY 2: OUARZAZATE – BOUMALNE DADES GORGE

After breakfast, your journey begins toward the Dades Valley. The first stop will be Skoura Oasis, renowned for its palm groves and historic kasbahs, including the beautifully preserved Kasbah Amridil.

Continuing to Kalaat M’Gouna, known as the Valley of Roses, you will encounter fertile landscapes nourished by the river that runs through the valley. The region is famous for its rose cultivation and locally produced rose-based cosmetics and natural soaps. If traveling in early May, you may witness the annual Rose Festival, a vibrant celebration of local culture.

The route then leads to Boumalne Dades, where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel overlooking the valley. Dinner and breakfast are included.

DAY 3: BOUMALNE DADES GORGE – MSEMRIR – MOUNTAIN TREK TOWARD TAMTATOUCHT

After breakfast, drive approximately 30 kilometers to the village of Msemrir, where your mountain experience begins. From here, you will embark on a guided hike through the High Atlas landscapes.

You may carry a small backpack with essential items for the night, while the remainder of your luggage is transferred by vehicle to Tamtatoucht. The trek, lasting around four hours, takes you through rugged mountain scenery to a Berber nomadic camp.

Here, you will spend the night in a traditional nomadic tent or cave dwelling, sharing an authentic experience with local families. Dinner and breakfast are provided, and you will gain direct insight into the daily life and traditions of mountain nomads.

DAY 4: MOUNTAIN TREK TOWARD TAMTATOUCHT – TAMTATOUCHT VILLAGE

After breakfast, continue your hike for another four hours across mountain terrain, descending gradually toward the village of Tamtatoucht.

Upon arrival, you will check into a local guesthouse where you can enjoy a hot shower and relax after the trek. In the evening, a small gathering with traditional Berber music will offer a warm and convivial cultural experience. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

DAY 5: TAMTATOUCHT – TODRA GORGE – MERZOUGA

Following breakfast, travel through the impressive Todra Gorge, a canyon carved by the Todra River with vertical cliffs reaching nearly 300 meters. The area is known for its dramatic rock formations and lush palm groves.

Continue toward Rissani, the former capital of the Tafilalet region. Here you will enjoy a traditional lunch of Medfouna, often referred to as “Berber pizza.” Visit the authentic souk of Rissani, where locals trade everything from produce and textiles to livestock and camels.

In the afternoon, proceed to the magnificent dunes of Erg Chebbi, rising up to 350 meters. Dinner and overnight in a hotel near the dunes, preparing for the desert adventure ahead.

DAY 6: ERG CHEBBI – KHAMLIA – SAHARA DESERT CAMP

After breakfast, begin a 4×4 excursion around the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Visit nearby fossil-rich mountains and explore desert tracks once used during the Dakar Rally.

You will meet nomadic families living in traditional tents and observe the differences between mountain and desert nomadic lifestyles. Continue to a former French military outpost and a mineral extraction site where kohl (traditional Berber eyeliner) was once mined.

In Khamlia village, enjoy a live performance of Gnawa music by descendants of sub-Saharan communities. You will also see traditional underground irrigation systems that transport water from the dunes to nearby oases.

After returning to the hotel for rest and refreshments, prepare for a camel trek of approximately 90 minutes into the heart of the desert. As the sun sets, the dunes glow in golden hues. Arrive at your desert camp, where dinner is served beneath a vast starry sky. Traditional music and a warm gathering around the fire complete this magical evening.

DAY 7: ERG CHEBBI DESERT – OUARZAZATE

Wake early to witness the spectacular desert sunrise. After breakfast, ride camels back to the hotel for a refreshing shower before departing for Ouarzazate.

En route, visit the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for numerous international productions such as Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven. Explore its labyrinthine alleys and admire its remarkable earthen architecture.

Return to Ouarzazate, where you may relax in a traditional hammam (public bath) before dinner and overnight at your hotel.

DAY 8: OUARZAZATE AIRPORT

After breakfast, transfer to Ouarzazate Airport according to your flight schedule.

This concludes your 8 Days Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga Sahara Desert — a journey through mountains, valleys, nomadic traditions, and the vast silence of the Sahara.