OVERVIEW OF 5 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO MARRAKECH

The 5-day desert tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Merzouga offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the captivating landscapes and cultural heritage of southern Morocco. Carefully designed to balance discovery and comfort, this journey unveils the architectural treasures, dramatic valleys, and majestic desert expanses that define the region.

Throughout these five days, you will explore the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stands as a masterpiece of earthen architecture. In Skoura, you will visit the beautifully preserved Kasbah Amridil, an emblem of southern Morocco’s fortified heritage. The route follows the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where ancient citadels rise from palm groves and fertile valleys.

You will traverse the spectacular Four Valleys: the fragrant Valley of Roses, the dramatic Dades Valley, the lush Ziz Valley, and the expansive Draa Valley. Along the way, you will discover awe-inspiring natural landmarks such as the Dades Gorges, Todra Gorges, and the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert.

The journey concludes with a scenic crossing of both the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas mountain ranges, including the breathtaking Tizi N’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters above sea level, before arriving in the vibrant city of Marrakech.

HIGHLIGHTS OF 5 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO MARRAKECH

• Visit the historic Kasbah Amridil in Skoura
• Drive through the fragrant Valley of Roses to the dramatic Dades Gorge
• Explore Todra Gorges and travel via the palm groves of Tinghir toward Merzouga
• Experience a camel trek in Erg Chebbi at sunset
• Spend a night under the stars in a Sahara desert camp
• Journey through the Draa Valley via Nkob and Agdez
• Discover the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou and Atlas Studios before crossing the High Atlas to Marrakech

ITINERARY FOR: 5 DAYS TOUR FROM OUARZAZATE TO MARRAKECH

DAY 1: OUARZAZATE – KASBAH AMRIDIL – VALLEY OF ROSES – BOUMALNE DADES – DADES GORGES – TINGHIR

After breakfast, your desert journey begins as your driver-guide collects you from your accommodation in Ouarzazate. The road first leads to the oasis of Skoura, a lush palm grove dotted with historic kasbahs. Here, you will visit the remarkable Kasbah Amridil, a beautifully restored example of traditional southern Moroccan architecture.

Continuing along the celebrated “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” you will pass through the Valley of Roses, renowned for its fragrant blossoms and locally produced rose-based cosmetics. The journey then proceeds toward the Dades Valley, where dramatic rock formations and winding canyon roads create breathtaking scenery.

After enjoying panoramic viewpoints and a leisurely lunch stop, you will continue toward Tinghir, a charming town nestled between palm groves and mountains. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be in a comfortable hotel or traditional riad.

DAY 2: TODRA GORGES – TINJDAD – ERFOUD – RISSANI – ERG CHEBBI DUNES (MERZOUGA)

Following a traditional Moroccan breakfast, the journey continues toward the magnificent Todra Gorges. These towering limestone cliffs rise nearly 300 meters, forming a dramatic canyon carved by the Todra River. A walk through the gorge offers a chance to admire its impressive scale and natural beauty.

The route then leads through a succession of Berber towns, including Tinjdad and Erfoud, known for fossil workshops and date markets. As you approach the Tafilalet region and the Ziz Valley, the scenery gradually shifts toward desert landscapes.

By late afternoon, you will arrive at the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Dinner and overnight will be in a hotel or riad at the edge of the desert, preparing for the following day’s immersive desert experience.

DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT EXPLORATION – KHAMLIA – NOMADIC VISIT – CAMEL TREK – DESERT CAMP

After breakfast, you will embark on a 4×4 exploration of the Erg Chebbi region. The excursion includes a visit to Merzouga Lake (seasonal), where migratory birds such as flamingos may gather. You will also visit Khamlia village, where descendants of sub-Saharan communities perform traditional Gnawa music.

The off-road journey continues to remote desert areas, including fossil sites and a visit to a nomadic Berber family. Sharing tea with them offers valuable insight into traditional desert life.

In the late afternoon, your camel trekking adventure begins. Accompanied by experienced camel handlers, you will ride into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the sun descends, the sands transform into vibrant hues of gold and amber.

At the desert camp, you will be welcomed with mint tea before enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner. The evening continues with Berber music around the campfire beneath a vast canopy of stars. Overnight in a well-equipped desert tent.

DAY 4: MERZOUGA – RISSANI – ALNIF – N’KOB – TAZARINE – AGDEZ – OUARZAZATE

An early wake-up call allows you to witness the mesmerizing sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast and a shower, you will return by camel to Merzouga village.

The return journey begins with a stop in Rissani, an ancient caravan town and former capital of the Tafilalet region. If visiting on a market day (Sunday, Tuesday, or Thursday), you will have the opportunity to explore the lively traditional souk.

Continuing through Alnif, Tazarine, and N’kob, you will enjoy lunch along the way. The afternoon drive takes you through the magnificent Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest valley, lined with palm groves, adobe kasbahs, and ancient villages.

Crossing the Anti-Atlas Mountains, you will return to Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight accommodation.

DAY 5: OUARZAZATE – ATLAS STUDIOS – AIT BEN HADDOU – OUNILA VALLEY – TELOUET – HIGH ATLAS – MARRAKECH

After breakfast, you will visit Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate, one of the world’s largest film studios, where numerous international productions have been filmed.

The journey continues to the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that once served as a strategic trading post along ancient caravan routes. Its earthen architecture and labyrinthine alleys have appeared in major films and television series.

From there, you will travel through the picturesque Ounila Valley to Telouet, where the historic Glaoui Kasbah stands as a testament to the region’s former political power. Its intricate mosaics and stucco work reflect its past grandeur.

After lunch, you will cross the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi N’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters). Scenic stops allow you to admire the panoramic mountain landscapes before descending toward Marrakech.

Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon marks the conclusion of your 5-day desert journey. You will be dropped off at your accommodation, bringing this unforgettable Moroccan experience to an end.