Merzouga Desert Tour From Marrakech

Following a pick-up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech, cross the High Atlas Mountains via the dramatic Tizi N’ Tichka Pass, driving along a road that climbs up to 7,412 feet (2,260 meters) above sea level. Pass through small villages and waterfalls, marveling at the continuously changing landscape and colors of the mountain scenery.

Stop for a cup of refreshing mint tea, before taking the road to Ait Ben Haddou in the Ounila Valley. Discover the most famous Kasbah in Morocco strolling the winding streets and enjoying awe-inspiring views of the Atlas Mountains.

Back on the road, pass through Ouarzazate in the famous Valley of Roses and Dades Valley, reaching the Dades Gorge in time to watch the sunset. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in romantic hotel accommodation.

After breakfast, take an optional walk through the Dades Gorge. Then, drive the Road of A Thousand Kasbahs, passing the village of Tinghir. Arrive at the Todra Gorge in time for lunch.

Back on the desert road, journey to Merzouga, via Erfoud and Rissani. Arriving before sunset, set off by camel into the Erg Chebbi Dunes for an unforgettable night in a Berber tent. Enjoy dinner under a sky full of stars, accompanied by the rhythm of drums and songs of the Berbers and Touaregs of southern Morocco.

Wake early to watch the sunrise from the top of a 980-foot (300-meter) high dune overlooking the border with Algeria. Return to camp for a Berber breakfast, then ride your camel back to your hotel in Merzouga.

Unwind in the hotel swimming pool before a 3.5-hour jeep tour across the desert to admire the different faces of the dunes and black volcanic rocks. Pass through small villages, stopping for lunch with a Berber family. Drive the same road used in the famous Paris-Dakar Rally, reaching a cave where you will learn how the locals extract fossils from the heart of the earth.

Drive to Khemlia village, where the locals from black Africa still practice their musical traditions. Continue to DayetSrji Lake, a popular bird watching spot famous for its pink flamingos.

Return to your hotel to relax before dinner. You can take an optional night walk through the dunes to hear the sound of silence and gaze at the stars.

After breakfast, your next stop is Rissani, former economic capital of Morocco, from where the caravans leave and where a market, known for the barter of donkeys and Berber medicines takes place. Lunch will be with a Berber family that will introduce you to the 44 spices of an authentic Touareg Berber pizza.

Return to Ouarzazate, passing through Nakob village and the Draa Valley, stopping for tea at Agdz. Spend your last night in a romantic riad, and cool off in the pool after your long and dusty day. Dinner will be served on the terrace.

After breakfast, explore the town of Ouarzazate, the Kasbah of Taourirt and the Atlas Studios, the largest and most famous film studio in Africa.

Lunch will be in a local restaurant, before driving back over the winding Tizi-n-Tichka pass to Marrakech.