8-Day Desert Tour to Merzouga and Ouzina — 4WD Adventure

Welcome to Morocco! Your guide will pick you up at the Menara Airport to your riad in Marrakesh.

On this day tour, you’ll be guided through some of the most captivating historical sites with a local guide. Your journey begins at the Bahia Palace, a stunning example of 19th-century Moroccan architecture. Next, you’ll explore the Saadian Tombs, which date back to the late 16th century. You’ll then visit the Ibn Youssef School, an impressive 14th-century Islamic madrasa founded by Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf, and El Badi Palace, built by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the late 16th century. Wander through the narrow alleyways of the Medina towards Jemaa El-Fna Square, the city’s main square and gateway to the bustling souks. Here, you’ll find an array of market stalls offering handcrafted items and jewelry. After soaking in the lively atmosphere, enjoy a delicious local lunch to experience the region’s cuisine. The day concludes with a visit to the Majorelle Garden, a beautifully designed botanical oasis created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the early 20th century. The garden is now owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, adding a touch of contemporary elegance to your historical exploration.

Marrakesh – Tizi n’Tichka – Aït Benhaddou Kasbah – Roses Valley – Dades Gorges

This adventure of the day takes you through some of Morocco’s most striking landscapes and historical landmarks. Your day begins with a scenic drive through the Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaching an elevation of 2,660 m. Stop here for a morning break for local refreshments and, if interested, visit a cooperative run by local women specializing in Argan oil. As we travel south, we’ll make several stops to capture the beauty of Berber villages with your camera. Next stop is Aït Benhaddou kasbah. Enjoy lunch and a chance to relax before start explore the kasbah. This ancient fortified kasbah is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning architecture and its role as a filming location for movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, Black Hawk Down, and the TV series Game of Thrones.

Your trip then continues to Kalaat M’Gouna, the “city of roses,” known for its annual rose festival each May. Here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the Roses Valley. Next, the exploration continues with a visit to the unique “Monkey Fingers” of Dades. These fascinating rock formations, with their distinctive shapes, resemble the outstretched fingers of a monkey and offer an incredible opportunity for photos and awe-inspiring views. Next, we’ll head to the Panorama of Tisseldrine, which offers sweeping vistas of the Dades Gorge and the surrounding landscape. This viewpoint provides a spectacular perspective of the dramatic rock formations and lush valleys below. Overnight in your riad at Dades.

Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Ksar El Khorbat – Merzouga

After breakfast, we will collect you from your Dades riad and head to Merzouga. Our first stop is Todra Valley, where you’ll have the chance to admire panoramic views of the oasis along the river. The journey continues to the Todra Gorge, a beautiful spot on the way to the Sahara Desert, known for its impressive limestone cliffs rising up to 300 meters. The dramatic landscape here makes a lasting impression, even in summer. Next, we ‘ll drive towards Ksar El khorbat, an ancient fortified village known for its historical architecture and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. We’ll break for lunch at a local restaurant in El Khorbat before continuing our drive to Merzouga. From there, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the towering sand dunes. Upon arrival, you’ll begin on a camel ride to the desert camp, a journey that takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, including a stop to relax and enjoy the sunset over the dunes. You’ll spend the night in a well-equipped Berber camp, where you can enjoy traditional folk songs performed by locals, a traditional dinner under the stars.

Merzouga – Taouz- Dakar Race Road – Ouzina

In the Early morning, you’ll ascend the dunes upwards to watch the sunrise —an unforgettable experience! Afterward, return to the camp to enjoy a traditional breakfast. Our first stop of the day is to village of Khamlia. Known for its rich Gnaoua musical heritage, Khamlia offers a chance to experience the rhythmic beats and soulful melodies that are integral to the local culture. Next, the adventure will take you along the old track of the Paris-Dakar Rally to Ouzina desert. Once we arrive, we’ll explore how they live, witnessing their communal traditions such as using the shared oven, and how they cultivate their garden in almost impossible places. Following this visit, we will seek out a nomadic family living in the most remote areas, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle of a nomadic family. Witness firsthand how they live in harmony with their surroundings, from the meticulous process of baking bread in a communal oven to the preparation and sharing of mint tea. Overnight in your riad at Ouzina.

Ouzina – Ramlia – Foum Mharech – Alnif – N’kob – Ouarzazate

You will be collected from your Ouzina riad and head to Ouarzazate. Our Morocco adventure will offer a unique perspective on the rugged terrain and desert scenic across the Paris-Dakar track, where we’ll pass through Ramlia, a small village known for its traditional charm and serene desert landscapes. The track will finish when we enter the road through Alnif. Lunch will be in Alnif and later, we will pass through the fabulous N’kob palm grove, amazing Kasbahs and Draa Valley, renowned for its striking geological formations and scenic splendor. Overnight in your riad at Ouarzazate.

Ouarzazate – Taouarirt Kasbah  – Atlas Studios – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakesh 

After breakfast, we will collect you from your Ouarzazate riad and head to visit Taourirt Kasbah, a majestic historical fortress in Ouarzazate, showcases traditional Moroccan architecture with its intricate tilework, ornate wood carvings. We’ll then explore the renowned Atlas Studios, where many famous films have been shot amidst the dramatic desert scenery. As we continue our journey, we’ll traverse the scenic landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, arriving in Marrakesh city. Overnight in your riad at Marrakesh.

Today, there’s free time until the transfer to the Marrakesh airport for the flight to the next destination.