4 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou and the historic Kasbah Amridil in Skoura.
• Drive along the Valley of Roses and through the dramatic Dades Gorge.
• Wander through the Todra Gorges with their towering cliffs.
• Experience a camel trek in Merzouga to admire the desert sunset.
• Spend a night in a traditional desert camp beneath the starry sky.
• Cross the scenic Draa Valley via Nkob and Agdez on the return to Ouarzazate.

Day 1: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades – Todra Gorges

Your adventure begins in Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Desert.” The first stop is the fortified ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient architecture and role in international films. Next, travel to the Skoura oasis to visit Kasbah Amridil, one of the most preserved fortresses in southern Morocco.

The journey continues along the scenic “Route of the Thousand Kasbahs” and the Valley of Roses, known for its springtime blooms and rose-based products. By afternoon, arrive at the spectacular Dades Valley, carved by the Dades River, before heading to the Todra Gorges. Dinner and overnight near the gorge.

Day 2: Todra Gorges – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga

After breakfast, enjoy a walk through the Todra Gorges, where sheer cliffs rise dramatically on either side. Then travel toward the Sahara, passing Tinjdad and stopping at the underground water channels used for traditional irrigation. Continue through Erfoud, known for its fossils, and Rissani, a historic market town and former caravan hub.

Arrive in Merzouga, where camels await to take you across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. From the top, witness a magical sunset before heading to a desert camp. Enjoy dinner by the fire, Berber drumming, and an unforgettable night in nomadic-style tents beneath the desert sky.

Day 3: Exploring the Merzouga Desert

Wake up surrounded by the beauty of the dunes. After breakfast, set off on a desert excursion to explore Merzouga’s surroundings: the lush desert oases, the black volcanic rocks of the Hamada, the Gnawa village of Khamlia with its spiritual music, and the Mifiss mines. Meet nomadic families who still live in traditional tents and visit the Tissardmine oasis before returning to your accommodation in Merzouga.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Nkob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

Rise early to catch the spectacular sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, begin the return journey. Stop in Rissani, the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty, before crossing through Alnif, Nkob, and the fertile Draa Valley, dotted with thousands of palm trees and ancient kasbahs. Lunch will be along the way in Agdez. By late afternoon, arrive back in Ouarzazate, where your 4-day desert adventure concludes.