This 6 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is designed for travelers seeking a deeper and more authentic Moroccan experience. The extended itinerary allows for a relaxed pace and immersive exploration of southern Morocco’s most scenic and cultural treasures. From the High Atlas Mountains and ancient kasbahs to the dramatic gorges and golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, you’ll encounter Berber villages, desert nomads, palm valleys, and traditional music. With time to truly absorb the landscapes and interact with local communities, this journey offers both adventure and connection.

Highlights

Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains
Kasbahs of Ouarzazate and palm groves of Skoura
Full day in the Dades Valley for nature and culture
Camel trek and sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes
Authentic desert camp experience under the stars
Nomad visit and Gnawa music in Khamlia
Draa Valley oases and historic kasbahs
Atlas Film Studios and cinematic locations

Day 01 :

Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades Gorges

Depart from Marrakech and cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Stop at panoramic viewpoints and traditional Berber villages along the way. Continue to Ouarzazate for a brief visit to the Taourirt Kasbah, then head through the Skoura palm oasis, where you'll explore the Kasbah Amridil. Continue along the Valley of Roses and arrive at the stunning Dades Gorges for dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse.

Day 02 :

Explore Dades Gorges

Spend a full day discovering the beauty of the Dades Valley. Walk through its lush landscapes, admire the rock formations known as “monkey fingers,” and visit small Berber villages scattered along the gorge. You’ll have time to meet local families, learn about Berber traditions, and enjoy the slower rhythm of valley life. This day is ideal for photography, nature walks, and cultural interaction. Overnight stay in Dades.

Day 03 :

Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, drive to Todra Gorges, where sheer rock walls reach up to 300 meters. After exploring the canyon, continue toward Erfoud, a desert town known for its fossils and date market. Reach Merzouga in the afternoon and prepare for your camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes. Arrive at the desert camp in time for sunset. Enjoy a traditional Berber dinner, live music, and a night under the stars in the Sahara.

Day 04 :

Merzouga Desert – Nomads – Khamlia Village

Spend the day exploring the surroundings of Merzouga. Visit nomadic families living in the desert to learn about their lifestyle, then head to the village of Khamlia, known for its soulful Gnawa music performed by descendants of Sub-Saharan Africans. You can also explore the black volcanic rocks of the Hamada, see local mines, and relax in the dunes. Return to your camp or local riad for dinner and overnight.

Day 05 :

Merzouga – Rissani – Tazarine – Nkob – Agdz – Ouarzazate

After sunrise and breakfast, leave the dunes behind and head to Rissani, once a major trading hub for caravans. Explore the local souk and continue through the desert landscapes of Tazarine and Nkob, dotted with ancient kasbahs. Journey through the Draa Valley with its vast palm groves and mudbrick villages before reaching Ouarzazate. Overnight in a hotel or riad.

Day 06 :

Ouarzazate – Atlas Studios – High Atlas – Marrakech

Start the day with a visit to the famous Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate, where many Hollywood blockbusters were filmed. Afterward, begin your return journey to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains, with time to stop at viewpoints and local villages. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, concluding your desert adventure.