3 days from marrakech to merzouga

 

DAY 1: Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

This memorable trip starts with the scenic drive from Marrakech over the Tizi-N-Tichka pass (2’260 m), where you can spot the traditional Berber villages with its inhabitants working and chatting at the roadside. We can stop in a local co-operative run by women who extract the Argan oil from the trees and discover how it is processed into cooking oil and cosmetics. You can taste and buy the products if you like. Shortly before the desert capital Ouarzazate, you have the opportunity to visit the famous Kasbah Aït-Ben-Haddou, the fortified clay city with its numerous ksars and kasbahs, where several famous movies such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and Prince of Persia have been shot.After your lunch break in a typical restaurant in Aït-Ben-Haddou or Ouarzazate, you can visit the old kasbah of Ouarzazate named Taourirt or have a look at the movie museum just on the other side of the road.Continue your journey through the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley, where we stay overnight. 

 

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Merzouga

After breakfast, we continue along the road of the Kasbahs to the Todra Gorges. The river Todra has formed these enormous and impressive stone walls over thousands of years. This is a great opportunity to take photos and go for a short walk in the gorges. After lunch along the way it is time for the desert! Upon arrival in Merzouga, you have time to rest a bit in the lodge where you can put your luggage. Meet your camel driver and head to the desert on top of your friendly camel. After arriving at the Sahara Desert Camp, you can climb the high dunes and enjoy the incredible views while the sun sinks below the horizon. Settle in your private tent and drink some mint tea before the traditional dinner is served. You can spend the night watching for shooting stars or dance around the campfire to the beat of the desert drums.

Day 3: Merzouga – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Today, you can get up early to enjoy the first rays of sunlight over the desert. Enjoy your breakfast in the camp and hop on your camel or 44 for the ride back to Merzouga.On our way back through the Draa Valley in direction Marrakech, we’ll stop at different sites to take some pictures of this beautiful valley and its river, the longest one in Morocco. After lunch along the way, we’re heading back to Marrakech and your Hotel/Riad over the Atlas Mountains.

Included:• Private tour with local guide English• Transportation in a comfortable 44 car incl. fuel• Overnight with Dinner and breakfast in the riad and in a tent in the desert camp• Camel ride to/from the camp (about 1 h each way)

Not Included:• Lunch, drinks• local guides• Tips for your guide