5-Day Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga
Set off on a 5-day tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga and discover the varied landscapes of southern Morocco. This journey crosses palm-filled oases, mountain valleys, traditional kasbahs and the impressive Todra Gorges. You will also have time to explore Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes before returning to Ouarzazate.
5-Day Ouarzazate to Merzouga Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Boumalne Dades
Your driver meets you in Ouarzazate before you begin travelling towards the valleys and mountains of southeastern Morocco. Follow the road to Skoura, an oasis surrounded by palm groves and known for its traditional earthen kasbahs. Stop to enjoy the agricultural scenery and discover the local architecture.
Continue towards Kelaat M’Gouna in the heart of the Valley of Roses. The villages and cultivated fields along the road offer a glimpse of local life. Then travel to Boumalne Dades and the first landscapes of the Dades Gorges. Overnight in the area.
Day 2: Explore the Dades Gorges and Dades Valley
Today gives you more time to discover the Dades Valley at a relaxed pace. After breakfast, follow the road through villages, gardens and the distinctive rock formations of the region. The scenery changes along the way, with red earth, mountains and small oases.
Make stops to enjoy the viewpoints and explore the surroundings of the gorges. The mountain roads offer different perspectives over the valley and its rugged landscape. This more flexible day gives you time to appreciate the area before continuing towards the desert. Overnight in the Dades area.
Day 3: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Tinghir – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast, leave the Dades Valley and travel towards the Todra Gorges. Discover their high cliffs and the natural passage carved by the river. A walk through the accessible section allows you to appreciate the impressive scale of the gorge.
Continue towards Tinghir, then cross the pre-Saharan landscapes towards Tinjdad and Erfoud. As you approach Merzouga, the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon. Reach the desert area towards the end of the day. Overnight in Merzouga, according to your accommodation arrangements.
Day 4: Merzouga – Discover Erg Chebbi and Nearby Villages
Spend the day exploring Merzouga and its Saharan surroundings. The dunes of Erg Chebbi offer many viewpoints across the desert. You can also discover nearby villages, rocky desert landscapes and the oases surrounding the area.
A stop in Khamlia can be arranged to discover Gnawa musical traditions, subject to local arrangements. You can also choose optional activities such as a camel ride or a vehicle excursion among the dunes. Later, enjoy the changing colours of the sand at sunset. Overnight in the Merzouga area, according to your booking.
Day 5: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Tazarine – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
After breakfast, leave Merzouga and travel towards Rissani. This historic town remains connected to the old caravan routes and has a traditional market known throughout the region. Depending on the day of your visit, you can explore the souk surroundings and the streets of the town centre.
Continue towards Alnif and Tazarine through the desert landscapes and plateaus of southeastern Morocco. The road then reaches the Draa Valley, known for its long palm groves and earthen villages. Pass through Agdz before crossing the Anti-Atlas mountains on the way back to Ouarzazate. Arrival is expected towards the end of the day, depending on stops.
Included
- Private transport in an air-conditioned vehicle suitable for the itinerary.
- Professional driver.
- Fuel and transport expenses.
- Pickup and drop-off in Ouarzazate.
- Scheduled stops along the route to enjoy the scenery.
Excluded
- Accommodation during the tour.
- Meals and drinks.
- Camel rides and optional desert activities.
- Additional excursions not specified in the itinerary.
- Local guide services.
- Entrance fees where applicable.
- Personal expenses and tips.
Frequently asked questions
Why choose a 5-day tour instead of a shorter trip?
Five days allow more time to explore the Dades Valley and the Merzouga area without rushing through the itinerary.
Does the itinerary include a full day in Merzouga?
Yes. Day four is dedicated to discovering Merzouga, Erg Chebbi and the nearby villages.
Can I enjoy a camel ride?
Yes. A camel ride can be arranged as an optional activity in the Erg Chebbi area.
Can we visit Khamlia during the tour?
A stop in Khamlia can be arranged on day four, depending on the day’s schedule.
Is the return journey to Ouarzazate included?
Yes. Day five includes the return journey to Ouarzazate.
