Embark on a 5-day journey to the Merzouga Desert, immersing yourself in the local culture and exploring all the traditions that make this area one of the most unique in Morocco, off the typical tourist routes. Here, you will have the chance to stroll through the country’s largest oasis, the Ziz Valley, and visit traditional Berber villages such as Rissani and Erfoud, known for their rich cultural heritage and the hospitality of the local people.
You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the magical vastness of the Merzouga Desert, spending a night under a vast starry sky, where the silence of the night invites introspection.
This is the ideal itinerary for those who seek to discover the rural side of the country while avoiding long and exhausting car journeys.
The tour is meticulously planned for you, depending on the time you have available for the trip and your preferences. Contact us to find out the best itinerary for you.
Arrival in Errachidia at night, where our guide will meet you and welcome you to Morocco.
In the morning, depart for the Merzouga Desert and along the way, we’ll make a stop at the Ziz Valley, where you will learn more about Moroccan traditions and experience the atmosphere of an oasis with typical activities, all set in a truly magical environment, away from the main tourist routes. Being in this palm grove feels like being in the desert – so close, yet surrounded by lush and harmonious nature.
On the way to the desert, you will pass through Erfoud. Near Erfoud, there are fossil excavations, where you can find various trilobite fossils and other primitive species. This shows that the land of the Sahara Desert was once the bottom of an ocean, millions of years ago. You will also have the opportunity to purchase original fossils at very affordable prices.
Upon arrival at the hotel, you will experience Moroccan hospitality and many of its traditions. After a delicious dinner, enjoy the evening in this magnetic and mystical place with a view of the towering dunes of the Sahara.
Embark on various desert activities, ranging from thrilling experiences to cultural encounters. You can enjoy quad biking rides, make bread in the sand using traditional methods, try extreme sports, take part in Moroccan cooking workshops, or even connect with the nomadic tribes, immersing yourself in their music and traditions.
Next, we head to Rissani, the capital of the historic Tafilet region. Once an important trade hub along the camel caravan routes from the Sahara, Rissani was a key location for trading gold, spices, textiles, as well as weapons and slaves. Its vibrant market and souk are an absolute must-visit, offering an authentic, almost medieval atmosphere, with surprising products and even a donkey market!
We’ll then proceed to the home of the nomadic Khamlia people, a secluded village where the original Gnawa people live, descendants of slaves brought from Sudan. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy their unique music, lifestyle, culture, and traditions. Experience life in the midst of the Sahara, where the warm hospitality of the Moroccan people will make you feel right at home.
In the late afternoon, set off on a camel trek through the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, for about an hour, until you reach a Berber tent where you’ll spend the night. The colors of the evening as the sun sets over the dunes are a photographer’s dream.
Once settled, enjoy a traditional dinner followed by live music around the campfire. The sounds of drums and guitars will captivate you, creating a truly immersive atmosphere. As the music fades, the profound silence of the desert takes over, inviting you to reflect and connect with the tranquility of this extraordinary place.
Dades Valley
This valley features arid mountains like those of the desert, yet it also boasts a fertile valley filled with the sounds and aromas of nature. In the winter, snow can be seen atop the mountains, and there are several typical Kasbahs—ancient walled settlements. You will also see Jbel Saghro, a mountain even drier than the rest of the range, with a landscape often compared to the surface of the Moon.
Night at a hotel with a stunning view of the Valley.
Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” is located between the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. In addition to its stunning scenery, you can visit the Kasbah Taouirt, the former fortress of the Pasha Glaoui, near the Medina, and the famous film studios where several historical movies were shot, including the iconic Lawrence of Arabia.
We will continue our journey and make a stop at Ait Ben Haddou, the most important site on the ‘Thousand Kasbahs’ route, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for being the backdrop of many Hollywood films, such as The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.
On the way to Marrakech, we will make several stops: you can visit artisan cooperatives to see how traditional Moroccan carpets are made, how argan oil is produced, and more.
Finally, we will arrive in Marrakech, where surprises await at every corner, from artists playing original or traditional instruments to all kinds of products and performances, secluded gardens, and colorful, aromatic markets.
We suggest ending your day with dinner at the fantastic Jemaa el Fna square, where the mix of smells, music, and performances is intoxicating. Tourists and locals often dine side by side, merging together. All aspects of Moroccan urban culture are represented here, with Gnaoua music, Arabic music, belly dancing, snake charmers, and new performances every night.
Here, we bid farewell with hearts full of cherished memories and enchanted by this magical country!
- Arrival and departure transfers to/from the airport.
- Private transportation in a new, safe 4×4 car or Minivan, with air conditioning. All our vehicles are licensed by the Moroccan Government and insured for our clients.
- A permanent guide speaking English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
- Accommodations throughout the entire trip, with breakfast and dinner included.
- 1 night in a Berber camp in a luxury nomadic tent.
- Camel ride with a view for the journey to the camp.
- Drinks and other meals (lunches and snacks).
- Entrance fees to museums or monuments.
- Domestic flight from Casablanca to Errachidia (with Royal Air Maroc).
Highlights of the Trip:
- Merzouga Desert
- Ziz Valley
- High Atlas Mountains
- Dune excursions
- Berber culture
Activities of Your Choice:
- Sandboard
- Cooking workshop in Merzouga
- Quad biking in the dunes
- Other activities
