5 Day Merzouga Tour Price offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Moroccan desert.
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Benhaddou
5 Day Merzouga Tour Price :Start your journey from Marrakech in the morning and drive through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, passing through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, one of the highest in Morocco. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of Berber villages nestled in the hills.
Your first major stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, a fortified village (ksar) famous for its traditional mud-brick architecture. Explore the labyrinth of streets, and visit the ancient kasbahs used as filming locations for many famous movies and TV shows.
After lunch in Ait Benhaddou, continue your journey to Dades Valley, known for its striking rock formations and lush green valley. Upon arrival, settle in at your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional riad or guesthouse, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Desert)
After breakfast, continue your journey through the Dades Gorge, with its towering cliffs and serpentine roads. Make your way to the stunning Todra Gorge, a deep canyon carved by the Todra River, where you can enjoy a short walk and marvel at the towering rock walls.
Next, head towards the desert, passing through the palm groves of the Ziz Valley and small desert towns like Erfoud, known for its fossil-rich landscapes. Upon reaching Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, you’ll switch to a camel ride and trek into the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Arrive at a traditional Berber desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a magical evening under the stars, with a dinner around the campfire and traditional Berber music. Spend the night in a comfortable tent for an authentic desert experience.
Day 3: Discover Merzouga
5 Day Merzouga Tour Price :Wake up early to witness the stunning sunrise over the sand dunes, an unforgettable sight as the desert is bathed in golden light. After breakfast at the camp, you have the whole day to explore Merzouga and its surroundings.
You can choose to go for a 4×4 adventure, visit a local Gnawa village to experience traditional music, or explore the nomadic lifestyle by visiting a Berber family in their tent. Enjoy activities like sandboarding or take a walk in the dunes.
Return to your riad in Merzouga for the evening, where you’ll have dinner and relax.
Day 4: Merzouga to Ait Benhaddou
After breakfast in Merzouga, begin your scenic drive towards Ait Benhaddou, with several fascinating stops along the way. First, travel through the desert towns and make your way towards the stunning Draa Valley, known for its lush palm groves and beautiful kasbahs. The valley is Morocco’s longest river oasis, lined with ancient villages and date palm plantations. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and capture the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Next, continue your journey to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara” and famous for its role as a major film-making hub. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit the impressive Kasbah Taourirt, a historic fortress that once belonged to the powerful Glaoui family. You can also explore the Atlas Film Studios, where many famous movies, such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia, were filmed.
After lunch in Ouarzazate, continue towards Ait Benhaddou, arriving by late afternoon. Take some time to relax and explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its stunning kasbahs and centuries-old architecture.
Settle into your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay with a beautiful view of Ait Benhaddou, a perfect way to end the day.
Day 5: Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech
On the final day, after breakfast, depart Ait Benhaddou and travel back to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, enjoy more stunning views and make brief stops in Berber villages.
Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable desert adventure.
FAQs: 5-Day Merzouga Desert Tour
Here’s a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the 5-day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech:
FAQs: 5-Day Merzouga Desert Tour
1. What is included in the 5-day Merzouga Desert Tour package?
- Comfortable private transportation in an air-conditioned 4×4 or minibus.
- Accommodation in traditional riads, guesthouses, and a luxury desert camp.
- Breakfast and dinner each day.
- Camel trekking in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Guided visits to Ait Benhaddou, Draa Valley, and Ouarzazate.
- An English or French-speaking driver/guide.
2. What is not included in the tour?
- Lunches.
- Drinks (water, soft drinks, etc.).
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
- Entrance fees to optional attractions like Atlas Film Studios in Ouarzazate.
3. How long is the camel ride in Merzouga?
The camel trek lasts about 1-1.5 hours each way, taking you to and from the desert camp through the sand dunes at sunset and sunrise.
4. What type of accommodation is provided?
You will stay in charming riads or guesthouses with en-suite bathrooms in Dades Valley and Ait Benhaddou. In Merzouga, you’ll stay in a luxury desert camp with private tents and modern amenities, including hot showers and comfortable beds.
5. Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes, most dietary restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) can be accommodated with advance notice. Please inform us of any specific dietary needs when booking the tour.
6. Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. Children will enjoy the camel ride and the desert experience, but it’s recommended to bring activities to keep them entertained during the longer driving stretches.
7. What should I pack for the tour?
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring sites like Ait Benhaddou and the gorges.
- Warm clothing for the desert nights, which can be cold.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for daytime sun protection.
- A scarf or turban for sand protection during the desert trek.
- A camera to capture the stunning scenery!
8. Is the tour physically demanding?
The tour includes some light walking during visits to kasbahs and gorges, as well as a camel trek into the desert. The activities are suitable for most fitness levels, though the camel ride may be uncomfortable for those with back issues.
9. What is the best time of year to do this tour?
The best time to visit the desert is during spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November), when the temperatures are pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert, while winter nights can be cold.
10. Is there Wi-Fi or phone service during the tour?
Wi-Fi is typically available in the riads and guesthouses, but there may be limited to no service in the desert camp. However, this provides an excellent opportunity to disconnect and fully enjoy the experience!
11. Can we customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is flexible and can be customized to suit your preferences. If you want to spend more time in certain locations or add additional activities, we are happy to tailor the itinerary to your needs.
12. How far is the drive each day?
- Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley (~5-6 hours driving, with stops).
- Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga (~4-5 hours, with scenic stops).
- Day 3: Minimal driving as the day is spent in and around Merzouga.
- Day 4: Merzouga to Ait Benhaddou via Draa Valley and Ouarzazate (~6-7 hours).
- Day 5: Ait Benhaddou to Marrakech (~4 hours).
13. What are the safety measures in place for the tour?
Your safety is a priority. The tour uses reliable vehicles, experienced drivers, and well-established accommodation providers. Camel trekking is conducted by knowledgeable guides, and the desert camp is secure and comfortable.
