One Week in Morocco - 7 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

With a 7 days desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga, where luxury and adventure mix in a unique study of Morocco’s rich landscapes and culture, come with us to discover the beauty of Morocco.

Our trip covers the fantastic sites of Marrakech, the High Atlas Mountains, historical kasbahs, beautiful valleys, the golden dunes of Merzouga, and much more, all leading to a night at a luxury desert camp. This one-week trip provides a deep Moroccan experience from energetic city life to the calm serenity of the Sahara.

So, if you love adventure that is also beautiful to the eyes, our 7 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is for you.

7 Days (One Week) Marrakech Desert Tour (Highlights)

7 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Highlights

Take in the views of typical Berber communities as you drive via the Tizi N'Tichka pass.
See the UNESCO World Heritage site, which is well-known for its historic buildings and film appearances.
Discover Morocco's breathtaking gorges, which are lined with lush palm trees and high red cliffs.
Enjoy a stunning sunset while riding across the famous Erg Chebbi dunes.
Take a tour of the Hollywood of Morocco.
Stay overnight amidst the breathtaking Dades Gorges.
Observe the sunset over the dunes.
Experience riding a camel in the Merzouga desert.
Enjoy dinner, music and lots more in a traditional Berber camp.
Engage in a sandboarding exercise.

7 Days Tour Itinerary from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech Menara Airport

On the scheduled day and time of your 7-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, we will pick you up from the airport in Marrakech and transport you to your lodging so you can get settled and relax.

If you arrive early in the morning, we will let you explore the city and get comfortable with some streets and neighbourhoods before we begin this one-week desert tour to Merzouga. Along the way, you are entitled to a delicious lunch, and we will return to your hotel where you can eat dinner and rest before the adventure begins the following day.

Day 2: Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Tizi N'tichka Pass - Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou - Roses Valley - Dades Valley

Following breakfast at the lodging, we will set out on our adventure, traversing the High Atlas Mountains and crossing Tizi N’Tichka, the country’s highest mountain pass at 2,260 meters.

After passing through charming villages, we will reach the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site (awarded in 1987). A substantial wall surrounds this fortified Kasbah and has been used as the setting for movies and television series such as “Prince of Persia,” “Game of Thrones,” and “Gladiator.” In the afternoon, we will continue to Roses Valley, also called Dades Valley, a fertile area famous for producing Rosa Damascena, a unique variety of roses.

Day 3: Dades Valley - Todgha Gorges - Tinjdad - Touroug - Erfoud - Merzouga Sahara Desert

After breakfast on the third day of our one-week desert tour to Merzouga, we will resume our journey while admiring the stunning Dades Valley scenery. Along the way, we will visit many Berber (or Tamazight-speaking) villages. We will also visit the breathtaking Todra Gorges, a group of limestone river canyons with beautiful cliffs, hiking trails, and rock-climbing opportunities.

In the evening, we will proceed to the Merzouga desert, home to Erg Chebbi’s golden dunes and the tallest dunes in North Africa. After that, we’ll ride a camel or a 4×4 into the middle of the desert, eat a delicious meal, and spend the night there.

Day 4: Enjoy A Full Day At the Merzouga Desert

Following breakfast in the Merzouga desert, which provides an incredibly diverse array of thrilling and enjoyable activities, we will begin the day by travelling to Khamlia, a village renowned for its indigenous, black-skinned residents and their traditional music, known as “Gnawa music.”

After a few miles, we will visit Merzouga Lake, also known as Lake Dayet Srij. This lake attracts visitors like you and is home to a variety of species, including doves, ducks, and flamingos. We advise going there in the evening to see the sunset in a serene setting.

Also, our visit wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the oasis, a breathtaking location surrounded by towering hills, wild palm trees, and abundant greenery. Quad riding and buggy rides are options here if you’re looking for more adventure or activities. After that, we’ll head to the hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert - Taouz - Dakar race - Ouzina Village - Ramlia Village - Tafraoute Sidi Ali

Following breakfast on the fifth day of the Marrakech desert tour, we will depart Merzouga and travel the breathtaking Dakar race road, which winds through the desert. For the best view of the vast desert and its desert trees, we will pause from a panoramic viewpoint. Then, we will proceed to Taouz village and rejoin the Dakar race route heading toward Ouzina village. Following that brief trip, we will travel around the Ramlia area and eat lunch.

Wrapping up for the day, we have more daring destinations, like the famous metal mining town of Tafraoute Sidi Ali, where we will stay overnight in a Berber hotel for a delightful dinner.

Day 6: Tafraoute Sidi Ali - Zagora - Agdz - Ait Saoune - Ouarzazate

Following breakfast, we will travel to Sidi Ali, a tiny community well-known for its yearly celebration, where you can meet locals, experience authentic Moroccan hospitality, and discover the village’s cultural and spiritual significance while exploring it. We will then proceed to Zagora, a city in the Drâa Valley surrounded by several palm groves and with one of the most breathtaking desert vistas.

Before reaching Agdz, we will travel across Ait Saoun, a picturesque mountain pass with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, on the way to Ouarzazate. We promise that the beauty of these mountains and the peaceful setting they provide will surprise you. A few hours later, we will arrive in Ouarzazate, where you will have dinner and relax before tomorrow, the last day of the vacation.

Day 7: Ouarzazate - Ounila Valley - Telaout Kasbah - Tizi N’tichka – Marrakech

Our last 7-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga will include a visit to the legendary Atlas Film Studios, which have made Ouarzazate known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” We will visit the sets and places used to shoot and television shows.

After the tour, we will be on our way to Marrakech by traveling 40 kilometers through the Ounila Valley from the Kasbah of Telouet. There, you can spend time in the gardens and oasis that crisscross the valley, learn about Berber culture, and take in the architecture composed of golden mud brick. The Tizi ‘N’ Tichka Mountain Pass, a remarkable natural barrier that separates the provinces of Marrakech and Ouarzazate, is where we will next go. Following that, we will return to Marrakech, marking the end of our seven-day (one-week) desert tour from Marrakech.

Price of a 7-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech

Planning a tour requires careful consideration of the budget, but the importance of the experience should never be sacrificed in the pursuit of enduring memories. With €410, we allow you to customise your trip, whether you want excitement, relaxation, or cultural exploration.

Our Included and Exclude:

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What You Should Know Before You Go?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one week enough in Morocco?

Absolutely. We have planned this one-week desert itinerary so you can see all the best parts of Morocco (Marrakech to Merzouga desert) without feeling rushed. However, if you want to spend more time exploring, we suggest adding an extra day.

Are there bathroom facilities during long drives?

Yes, there are restrooms, and they are usually modern, clean, and maintained properly.

Can I do sandboarding or quad biking in the desert?

Of course, you can go quad biking or sandboarding in the Merzouga desert. We also provide tours for riders of all skill levels, led by knowledgeable and experienced guides who ensure you have fun and stay safe.

What languages do the guides speak?

The majority of Moroccans are fluent in French, however Arabic and Amazigh are the official languages. You should expect the tour guides to speak Arabic, English, Spanish, and Italian.