6 days desert tour from Marrakech

Begin your journey with an early departure from Marrakech, crossing the scenic High Atlas Mountains through the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, stop for panoramic views and visits to traditional Berber villages. Your main highlight today is the visit to the legendary Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed ksar known for its mudbrick architecture and appearances in many iconic films. After exploring this historic site, continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a traditional riad or hotel.

After breakfast, visit Skoura Oasis, famous for its ancient kasbahs hidden among lush palm groves. Explore the magnificent Kasbah Amridil, one of Morocco’s best-preserved fortified residences. Then, continue through the fragrant landscapes of the Rose Valley, where local cooperatives produce rosewater and cosmetic products. Driving along the stunning Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, you’ll reach the dramatic scenery of the Dades Valley, known for its red cliffs, dramatic rock formations, and winding roads. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel overlooking the valley.

This morning, enjoy more of the beautiful Dades Valley before traveling toward the spectacular Todra Gorge. Take a short walk between its 300-meter-high canyon walls, a paradise for rock climbers and photographers. Afterward, drive through small Berber towns like Tinjdad and Erfoud, famous for fossil workshops and date plantations. Upon arrival at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, you’ll swap your vehicle for a camel and trek through the mesmerizing desert landscape to your camp. Watch the sun set over the dunes, enjoy a traditional dinner, and spend a magical night under the stars.

After a spectacular desert sunrise and breakfast at the camp, spend a full day exploring the surrounding region. Visit Khamlia village, where you’ll experience the hypnotic rhythms of Gnawa music, brought to Morocco by West African descendants. Venture into the black desert of volcanic rocks, meet nomadic Berber families living traditionally, and discover a hidden oasis amidst the dunes. Enjoy a leisurely lunch before returning to your accommodation in Merzouga. The afternoon is free for optional activities like sandboarding, quad biking, or simply relaxing by the dunes.

After breakfast, depart for Rissani, a lively town known for its bustling souk and strong cultural heritage as a former caravan hub. Explore its traditional markets and ancient ksars before heading toward Alnif, passing arid, dramatic desert landscapes. Continue to Nkob, a charming village famous for its numerous kasbahs, and travel along the lush Draa Valley, home to one of Morocco’s longest rivers and endless palm groves. Spend the night in Agdz, a peaceful village offering a perfect mix of desert and oasis scenery.

On your final day, drive from Agdz back to Ouarzazate, where you can visit the historic Kasbah Taourirt or the famous Atlas Film Studios (optional visits). Afterward, retrace your path through the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying more spectacular scenery and stops for photos along the way. Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon, where your incredible 6-day desert adventure concludes, filled with unforgettable memories and amazing experiences.