7 Days Marrakech to Zagora and Merzouga Desert

Welcome to Marrakech

Your journey begins in the enchanting city of Marrakech. Upon your arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport, you will be welcomed by our driver and transferred to your accommodation.

Depending on your arrival time, you may have free time to begin exploring the city on your own or simply relax after your journey.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

Enjoy a peaceful night in the Red City to rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

Morning – Exploring the Red City

Today, you will immerse yourself in the magic of Marrakech with a guided city tour. Your local guide will take you to the most iconic sites of the city.

You will explore:

• Jemaa el-Fna Square: The heart of Marrakech, filled with street performers, storytellers, musicians, and food stalls. This UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage comes alive day and night.
• Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakech, with its 77 meter minaret visible from across the city. (Exterior visit only for non-Muslims.)
• Majorelle Gardens: A botanical garden jewel of architecture and botany, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent. The vibrant blue buildings and exotic plants are stunning.

Afternoon – Souks and Medina

Continue your exploration through the vibrant souks and charming alleyways of the medina. Your guide will lead you through the maze of markets where you will find:

• Spices, carpets, lanterns, and leather goods
• Traditional crafts and handmade treasures
• Local artisans at work

You will have free time to shop or explore further on your own.

Evening – Overnight in Marrakech

Morning – Departure from Marrakech

We leave Marrakech and head toward Aït Ben Haddou. The journey takes us across the High Atlas mountains via 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 panoramic photographs.

Afternoon – Aït Ben Haddou

We arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, a historic kasbah declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. This impressive fortified village of red adobe clay has served as a backdrop for many films and television series, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy.

You will have time to explore this stunning site:

• Walk through the narrow alleyways between mud brick buildings
• Climb to the top for spectacular views of the river valley
• Visit ancient kasbahs
• Take stunning photographs

Evening – Overnight near Aït Ben Haddou

You will spend the night in a comfortable riad or hotel near the kasbah.

Morning – Journey to Zagora

We continue our journey toward Zagora, passing through the beautiful Draa Valley. The Draa Valley is famous for its endless palm groves and ancient kasbahs. It is the largest palm oasis in Morocco, stretching for over 100 kilometers along the Draa River.

We will make several stops to admire the stunning views of the palm trees against the desert landscape.

Afternoon – Arrival in Zagora

Zagora is known as the Gateway to the Desert. Here, you will begin to feel the immensity of the Sahara. The famous sign reads Timbuktu 52 Days, reminding travelers of the ancient caravan route to Mali.

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 arrive in Merzouga, where camels await you for an exciting ride through the golden dunes of the Sahara. The drive takes approximately 4 to 5 hours through the arid desert landscape.

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 an exciting camel ride through the golden dunes of the Sahara. Each person receives their own camel. Your guide will lead you across the soft golden sand.

Marvel at the sunset over the dunes. The Erg Chebbi dunes are the tallest in Morocco, reaching up to 150 meters high.

Evening – Night in Merzouga Camp

Enjoy a magical night in a Berber camp under the stars. 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.

Full Day in the Desert

This full day in the desert will allow you to thoroughly explore this unique region. Discover the secrets of the desert, nomadic traditions, and enjoy the tranquility of the environment.

Activities and Experiences

• Walk through the dunes. Climb the highest dunes for panoramic views.
• Visit nomadic families living in traditional tents. Share mint tea and learn about their way of life.
• Explore Khamlia village to hear traditional Gnawa music.
• Discover hidden oases tucked between the dunes.
• Learn about desert flora and fauna.

Optional Activities (additional cost)

• Quad biking on the sand dunes
• Sandboarding down the high dunes
• 4x4 excursion to remote desert locations

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.

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 – Journey to Fes

We leave the desert behind and head to Fes, one of Morocco's imperial cities. The drive takes approximately 7 to 8 hours, crossing the Ziz Valley, the Middle Atlas mountains, and the cedar forests.

Along the way, we will:

• Stop at panoramic viewpoints of the Ziz Valley oasis
• Pass through the Cedar Forest, home to wild Barbary macaques
• Drive through Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco

We make several stops for photographs and rest breaks.

Afternoon – Arrival in Fes

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

You will have free time to begin exploring the medina or simply relax after your journey.

Today is the last day of our tour. Enjoy some final hours in Fes before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight or to continue your journey through Morocco.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time to:

• Explore the UNESCO listed medina of Fes
• Visit the famous Chouara Tannery
• See the Bou Inania Madrasa
• Shop for souvenirs in the souks

Your driver will transfer you to Fes Sale Airport at the appropriate time.