8 Days Trip Marrakech to Merzouga

This 8-day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) offers a journey through the High Atlas mountains, with stops at Ait Ben Haddou, Telouat Kasbah, Ouarzazate, Roses Valley, and Dades Gorges. Enjoy a camel ride and overnight camping in the Sahara desert.

After spending the night in Berber tents amidst the dunes, we’ll head towards Fez, visiting Rissani Markt, Erfoud, Errachidia, Midelt, and Azrou. The trip will continue through Meknes, Volubilis, Chefchaouen, Rabat, and Casablanca, before returning to Marrakech.

Highlights of the 8 Days Trip Marrakech to Merzouga

Spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains landscapes
Stop at the UNESCO world heritage of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Experience Camel ride in Merzouga Sahara
Spend a night in the middle of the stunning Dades gorges
Explore Fes with a local guide
Hearty dinner and party around campfire (Berber Drums)
Do Sand Boarding activity
Discover the old Roman city of Volubilis

8 DAYS MARRAKECH DESERT TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1Marrakech » Ait Ben Hadou » Ouarzazate » Boumalne Dades [325 km]

Start your 8-day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga in the morning, departing from your accommodation or the airport. Travel to the Dades Valley, passing through the High Atlas Mountains and the famous Tizi N-Tichka pass, standing at 2260 meters.

Along the way, visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, featured in films like Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Kingdom of Heaven.

Enjoy stunning views of colorful landscapes and small Berber villages, stopping for photos at various viewpoints. Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “gateway to the Sahara Desert,” to visit Kasbah Taourirt and the film studios. Finally, head towards the Dades Gorges, following the scenic “road of a thousand Kasbahs.” Arrive in Boumalne Dades for dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional Riad or hotel.

Day 2Dades Valley » Todgha Gorges » Merzouga Sahara Desert [269 km]

After a traditional Moroccan breakfast, we’ll depart from Dades and head to Todra Gorges. Before taking the road through the “1000 Kasbahs” toward Tinghir and Todra Gorge, enjoy a walk through the narrow canyon of the Dades gorges, with stunning 300-meter-high cliffs—a favorite spot for climbers.

The journey continues to the Merzouga Sahara Desert, with a stop for lunch at a local restaurant before arriving at the Erg Chebbi dunes in the late afternoon.

Take a 1.5-hour camel trek to the heart of the desert, where you can enjoy the sunset from the highest sand dunes.

End the day with a delicious dinner accompanied by Berber music and dancing, and spend the night at a Standard or Luxury Desert Camp under a starry sky.

Day 3Merzouga Sahara Desert Discovery Trip [40km]

Early in the morning, your camel guide will wake you to witness an unforgettable sunrise. After breakfast, you’ll ride back to your Riad or Hotel in Merzouga, where your driver/guide will be ready to start an off-road adventure around the sand dunes.

Discover the Merzouga region, starting with a visit to Khamlia village, known for its welcoming people and spiritual Gnawa music, accompanied by tea.

Admire stunning views of the dunes, and get a glimpse of nomadic life in desert tents with herds of goats and camels.

You’ll also visit abandoned mines and a palm tree oasis before returning to Merzouga, where you’ll have free time to explore the town.

Day 4 Merzouga Dunes » Rissani » Erfoud » Ziz Valley » Errachidia » Midelt [263 km]

Today, we depart the Sahara Desert after an unforgettable off-road adventure and nomadic experiences.

After breakfast, we’ll head to Midelt, passing through Rissani and Erfoud, where you’ll explore the local souk. We’ll then continue, stopping for panoramic views of the Ziz Valley’s palm groves.

After Errachidia, we’ll travel along the scenic Ziz Gorges and cross the Tizi N Talghamt pass to reach Midelt. Upon arrival, we’ll spend the night at our hotel with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 5 Midlet » Atlas Mountains » Azrou (Cedar Forest) » Fes Imperial City [204 km]

On day 8 of our Marrakech to Merzouga trip, after breakfast, we’ll head from Midelt to Fes through Berber villages in the Middle Atlas Mountains.

We’ll stop to take photos with Barbarian apes in the Cedar forest near Azrou, then pass through Ifrane, known as the “Switzerland of Morocco,” before arriving in Fes. Drop-off at your hotel or riad in Fes.

Day 6Full day Fes Imperial City Sightseeing Tour

Discover the ancient wonders of Fez, Morocco, on a must-do tour. Take a half-day guided walking tour of the historic medina, followed by free time in the afternoon to explore at your own pace. Fez’s medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1981, is the largest living medieval medina in the world.

During the tour, visit iconic landmarks in the Old Medina (Fes-el-Bali), such as the Nejjarin Museum, Al Quaraouiyine University—the oldest in Morocco—and the Jewish Quarter. You’ll also get a bird’s-eye view of the famous leather tannery. Stay overnight in a hotel or Riad.

Day 7Fez » Volubilis » Meknes » Rabat [205 km]

After breakfast, we will leave Fes for Rabat, stopping in Meknes to explore the archaeological site of Volubilis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases Moroccan life during the Roman Empire.

In Meknes, we’ll visit the Bab El Mansour gate, Lahdim Square with its spice market, and the Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the only mosque in Morocco historically open to non-Muslims.

Next, we’ll continue to Rabat, the political capital and a coastal city, where we’ll see the red ocher walls, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas, the iconic Hassan Tower, and the Mohamed V Mausoleum. We’ll spend the night in a hotel or riad in the Medina.

Day 8Rabat » Casablanca » Back to Marrakech Imperial City [323 km]

On the final day of our 8-day journey from Marrakech to Merzouga, we will depart from Rabat in the morning, heading to Marrakech via Casablanca. After breakfast, we will visit the stunning Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Africa’s second-largest mosque and the seventh largest in the world, featuring the tallest minaret at 689 feet (210 meters).

Upon arriving in Marrakech, you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore the famous Djemaa El Fna square or enjoy activities you had planned.

At the end of the day, we will drop you off at your hotel, riad, or the airport, depending on your departure time. This marks the conclusion of our trip, and we hope to have created unforgettable memories and experiences for you during your time in Morocco.

Departure & Return Location

Depart:

Marrakech at around 8:30 am

Arrival :

Around Approximately 6:00 PM

Price Includes

Pick-up & drop off at/from your accommodation
Transport by private modern vehicle with A/C
Experienced English speaking Driver/Guide
Car Fuel
Camel Trekking (Camel per person)
Sunset camel ride
Overnight at the Desert Camp (At your preferred tent type)
(Breakfast & Dinner) x 7
4x4 transfer from and to the camp (Alternative to Camels)

Price Excludes

Drinks
Lunches
Tipping (Optional)
Entrance to monuments (Optional)

FAQ

Is this a private tour or with a group?

Yes, it’s a shared tour. You will travel with a small group from around the world.

What should I pack for the tour?

Comfortable clothing and footwear, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera are recommended.

Are bathrooms private in the second night hotel?

Yes, they are. Your hotel room will have private ensuite bathrooms.

How long id the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

It is roughly 1 hour for sunset and another hour for sunrise the following day. Time depends on season, Day light saving time, and sunset/sunrise time.

What if we want to skip the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

You can. a 4×4 will be offered to transfer you from Merzouga lodge to Erg Chebbi desert camp for an extra fee of 30 Euros ( Included in luxury tent option )

Is sand boarding is included?

There will be a few sand boards available at the camp operator’s lodge to use at leisure ( Availability not guaranteed ). You can ask for one to take to the camp with you. They are free of charge

8 Days Trip Marrakech to Merzouga