7 Days Marrakech to Zagora and Merzouga Desert

Morning – Exploration of Marrakech

We begin in fascinating Marrakech, where you will immerse yourself in the cultural richness of the Red City. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the opportunity to explore:

• The famous Jemaa el-Fna square, filled with street performers, storytellers, and food stalls
• The Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech with its 77 meter minaret
• The vibrant souks of the Medina

Your guide will provide recommendations based on your interests and available time.

Afternoon – Departure to Aït Ben Haddou

In the afternoon, we depart from Marrakech and head toward Aït Ben Haddou, crossing the High Atlas mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 meters. We make several stops for panoramic views.

Evening – Arrival at Aït Ben Haddou

We arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, a historic fortified village declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will spend the night in a comfortable riad or hotel near the kasbah.

Morning – Exploration of Aït Ben Haddou

After breakfast, you will explore Aït Ben Haddou. This ancient ksar of red adobe clay has served as a backdrop for films including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.

You will have time to:

• Walk through the narrow alleyways
• Climb to the top for spectacular views
• Visit ancient kasbahs
• Take stunning photographs of the red mud brick architecture

Afternoon – Journey to Zagora

Our next destination is Zagora, known as the Gateway to the Desert. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours through the Draa Valley, famous for its endless palm groves and ancient kasbahs.

Arrival in Zagora

Upon arrival in Zagora, you will marvel at its green oasis and peaceful atmosphere. Discover the charm of this desert town before preparing for your camel trek.

Late Afternoon – Camel Ride in Zagora

Enjoy a camel ride into the Zagora dunes. Each person receives their own camel. Your experienced guide will lead you across the golden sand, timing the trek to arrive at a high dune for sunset.

Evening – Desert Camp in Zagora

You will spend the night in a traditional Berber camp in the Zagora desert. Enjoy dinner under the stars and Berber music around the campfire.

Early Morning – Sunrise in Zagora

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the Zagora dunes. After sunrise, enjoy breakfast at the camp before returning to the village by camel or 4x4.

Morning – Journey to Merzouga

Today we continue to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours through the arid desert landscape, passing by small towns and rocky plateaus.

Late Afternoon – Arrival in Merzouga

We arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. You will prepare for your camel trek into the famous Erg Chebbi dunes.

Camel Ride in Merzouga – Sunset

Enjoy a camel ride through the majestic dunes of Merzouga. Each person receives their own camel. Your guide will lead you across the soft golden sand.

Marvel at the sunset over the Sahara. The Erg Chebbi dunes are much larger than those in Zagora, reaching up to 150 meters high.

First Night in Merzouga Camp

Your first night in the Merzouga camp under the stars will be a unique experience. You will be welcomed with mint tea. The camp consists of comfortable tents with mattresses, blankets, and pillows. Shared bathroom facilities are available.

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner. After dinner, live Berber music around the campfire.

Early Morning – Sunrise in Merzouga

Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. This is one of the most beautiful moments of the entire journey.

After sunrise, enjoy breakfast at the camp.

Today, you have the entire day to explore and enjoy the tranquility of the Merzouga desert. The second night in the Berber camp will allow you to connect even more deeply with this magical environment.

Activities and Experiences

Walk through the dunes. Climb the highest dunes for panoramic views. The soft sand is a pleasure to walk on, and the silence is profound.

Interact with local people. You can visit nearby Berber villages or meet nomadic families living in traditional tents. Share mint tea and learn about their way of life.

Optional Activities (additional cost)

• Quad biking on the sand dunes
• Sandboarding down the high dunes
• 4x4 excursion to remote desert locations
• Visit to Khamlia village to hear Gnawa music

Afternoon – Relaxation

Simply relax in the dunes and enjoy the serenity of the desert. Watch how the colors of the landscape change as the sun moves across the sky.

Second Night in Merzouga Camp

Enjoy another delicious dinner under the stars. Another evening of Berber music around the campfire. The second night feels different – more peaceful, more connected.

Early Morning – Sunrise and Departure

After enjoying a final sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at the camp, you will ride your camel back to Merzouga village (or take a 4x4 transfer).

Morning – Departure to Todra Gorges

Leaving the dunes behind, we drive toward the stunning Todra Gorges. The drive takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Afternoon – Exploration of Todra Gorges

The Todra Gorges are a spectacular canyon of red rock, carved by the Todra River over thousands of years. The canyon walls rise up to 300 meters high, in some places only 10 meters apart.

Here, you can enjoy spectacular views and hiking in this unique environment. You will have time to:

• Walk along the riverbed between the towering cliffs
• Take spectacular photographs
• Watch rock climbers scaling the vertical walls

Evening – Overnight near Todra Gorges

You will spend the night in a hotel or riad near the Todra Gorges, surrounded by the dramatic canyon walls.

Morning – Departure to Marrakech

After breakfast, we return to Marrakech. But before arriving, we make a stop in Ouarzazate.

Midday – Stop in Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate is known as the Hollywood of Africa or the Door of the Desert. Here, you can:

• Visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. Movies filmed here include Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy.
• Explore the Taourirt Kasbah, a stunning example of traditional Moroccan architecture. The kasbah was once the residence of the Glaoui family, who controlled much of southern Morocco.

Afternoon – Crossing the High Atlas

After Ouarzazate, we continue through the High Atlas mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2,260 meters. The winding road offers spectacular views of mountains, valleys, and Berber villages.

We make several stops for photographs and rest breaks.

Late Afternoon – Arrival in Marrakech

We arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation.

Today marks the end of our adventure. Enjoy your final hours in Marrakech to:

• Buy souvenirs in the souks
• Enjoy local food at a traditional restaurant
• Immerse yourself once again in the unique atmosphere of the Red City
• Visit any sites you may have missed

Your driver will transfer you to Marrakech Menara Airport for your departure flight according to your flight schedule.