Experience the stunning beauty of the Moroccan Sahara on a 2 days tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga. This journey takes you through diverse landscapes, from the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains to the iconic red sands of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.
Ride camels through the towering dunes of Erg Chebbi for an unforgettable adventure, while witnessing the mesmerizing sunset. Gather around a campfire, enjoy nomad music, and spend the night in a comfortable private tent, immersing yourself in the wonders of the desert.
Along the way, you’ll encounter the green oasis of Skoura, visit the ancient Kasbah of Amredhil, explore the Valley of the Roses with its fragrant Damascene cosmetic rose products, marvel at the unique rock formations in the Dades Valley, and take a scenic walk by the river.
On the second day, witness the breathtaking sunrise, pass through charming villages, and drive through the stunning Dra’a Valley. Admire the diverse palm tree varieties, encounter adobe Kasbahs, and immerse yourself in the culture of Berber villages. This tour is a captivating journey through the captivating landscapes and cultural treasures of the Moroccan Sahara.
Morning departure is at 8.30 towards the Dades Valley, passing through the Skoura Oasis, where there are many abandoned kasbahs among the palm trees. Kasbah Amridil on the edge of the gardens and fields is a must see. It has been beautifully restored and gives a clear idea of life inside this residence. It is made entirely of mud brick, which is an excellent building material. Warm in winter and cool in summer thanks to the depth of the walls.
Your route takes you to Kalaat M’Gouna, the Valley of Roses. Here it is worth stopping to see the cosmetics made locally from the valley’s abundant roses. These products are well known and highly appreciated everywhere.
Stop in the beautiful and always green Dades Gorges for lunch. This area that forms the Dades Strait has been used as a seabed for millions of years. Large amounts of sediment were deposited around the giant coral reefs, and over time, this material became compacted to form a variety of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and limestone. With the gradual upward movement of the Earth’s crust, the region slowly rose above the sea level and formed the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding landscape.
The journey continues through the Ziz Valley, famous for its date festival in November every year, and through Erfoud, which is famous for the millions of fossils found in the region, as well as Rissani, where the Ziz River disappears. Between the 14th and 18th centuries, this was where the famous desert capital of Sijilmasa was located. Fortunes were made from the gold and slave trade, using caravans from the coast. In the afternoon you can ride camels in the desert. The sunset from the top of the dune is stunning (250 metres).
Dinner and overnight in a luxury camp with your own bathroom and beautiful Moroccan furnishings and lamps – an unexpected luxury amidst the silent sand dunes.
Early risers will be rewarded with a beautiful desert sunrise, a unique time as the colors of the shadows are so magical. The itinerary continues to the Draa Valley, passing through the village of Tazarin, mentioned in the movie Babel. Stop a little later at NQob for lunch.
The journey takes us next to Tansichte, where we cross the Draa River, then head north along an ancient caravan route to understand and appreciate local life in the oases with their huge palm trees and ancient villages. Just after the turn, ask your driver to stop and be surprised by the sight of dinosaur footprints in the rock next to the road.
In Agdiz, at the top of the Draa Valley, you can visit Kasbah Tamnougalt, the oldest kasbah in the valley. About 13 families still live in this ancient castle. The way back to Ouarzazate climbs over the mountain pass of Tizi Tanfift with its stunning rock formations (1660m). Your dune bashing tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga ends at around 18:00.
