Overview

A 5-day New Year’s Eve desert tour from Marrakesh that offers a mesmerizing journey through Morocco’s most stunning landscapes. Start by crossing the awe-inspiring High Atlas Mountains, where dramatic peaks and charming valleys set the scene for your adventure. Visit the ancient Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its striking earthen architecture and rich history. Continue to the Dades Valley and the stunning Todra Gorges, where towering cliffs and verdant oases create a striking contrast. As you enter the Merzouga Desert, dive into the nomadic lifestyle by meeting local families and experiencing the vibrant culture of the Gnaoua people. Explore the captivating dunes of Erg Chebbi, where you can enjoy a thrilling camel trek or simply marvel at the expansive golden sands. On the night of New Year’s Eve, celebrate in style at a desert camp, where you’ll revel under the starry sky with traditional music, dancing, and a festive atmosphere. Your journey also includes a visit to the Kasbah Tamnougalt, a historical treasure. This immersive tour combines natural beauty, cultural encounters, and exhilarating desert experiences, making it the ideal way to ring in the New Year.

Tour plan

Detailed Itinerary

1st Day: 349km
Marrakesh – High Atlas Mountains – Aït Benhaddou Kasbah – Roses Valley – Dades Gorges

This full day trip includes visiting the historical monuments, where we’ll make our way to the Aït Benhaddou through Tizi n’Tichka 2.68m pass. Stop here for morning local refreshments, also you’ll be introduced to the a local ladies’s cooperative of Argan oil (Optional). Later we continue our journey towards south. En-route we will make stops by various wonderful places, where you’ll have a photos opportunity at the Berber villages along way. Post lunch, fresh up and relax before embarking to visit world-famous Kasbah. Aït Benhaddou is the fortified kasbah and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. It has been used for filming various movies such as Gladiator, The Mummy, Black Hawk Down, The Message, and most recent critically acclaimed series Game of Thrones. Next, we continue to Kalaat M’Gounai known as the “city of roses”, a resort town in South-East Morocco. It’s a small Berber town and famous for the annual festival of roses that is held in May. From here you can find the wonderful view on Roses Valley. Overnight in your riad at Dades.

Dades Gorges – Ksar El Khorbat – Todra Gorges – Merzouga

Today we’ll pick you up from your riad and drive in the direction of Merzouga. On the route we will stop at Todra Gorges, are a stunning natural wonder in Morocco’s Anti-Atlas Mountains, known for their towering, dramatic cliffs and deep, narrow canyons. Popular with climbers and hikers. Our next stop will be Ksar El khorbat. Once we arrive, it will be time for a lunch before starting visit of El ksar. El Khorbat is an ancient fortified village in southern Morocco. The ksar showcases the classic mud-brick construction and defensive walls typical of the region, providing a fascinating insight into Berber culture and history. Next, we’ll head to the Merzouga Desert, where you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the towering sand dunes. Spend the night in a riad in Merzouga and enjoying the serene desert landscape.

Merzouga – Khamlia – Nomad Family – Tour of the Dunes

In the morning and after your breakfast, you’ll starts your trip to explore Merzouga desert in a 4×4 vehicle. Our first stop is to Khamlia village. It is known for being a settlement of the Gnawa people, an ethnic group with African roots, predominantly from West Africa, but they speak Berber as their mother tongue. The Gnawa people have a distinct cultural heritage that includes music, dance, and spiritual practices. Next, we head to visit nomad families who still maintain connections to their traditional way of life. You can spend time with them, learn about their customs, and even have the chance to participate in daily activities like milking camels or baking traditional bread. Afterward, we will take you on a thrilling off-road adventure through the dunes. It’s a great way to cover more ground and witness the changing landscapes of the desert. Lunch in the local restaurant Merzouga. You will end your day with a one-hour camel ride to Merzouga desert camp as you witness the sunset. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, spend the night with the beat of locals traditional folk songs with dance around the camp fire.

Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Tamnougalt Kasbah – Agdz – Ouarzazate

Early in the morning, you’ll climb the dunes upwards to watch the sunrise. Memorable experience! Return into the camp for having a typical breakfast. Then depart to Rissani, where we’ll visit the souk of Rissani, is a traditional market known for its lively atmosphere and diverse goods. Visitors can explore a variety of stalls selling spices, textiles, pottery. It’s a key cultural and commercial hub in the region, offering an authentic glimpse into Moroccan daily life. Next, we drive to Tamnougalt, where we will explore the magnificent kasbah and palm grove oasis there. Kasbah Tamnougalt is located in the Draa River valley and has a famous fortified kasbah, founded in the 16th century. Lunch in the nice restaurant in Tamnougalt. Next, we’ll drive towards Agdz town, where you’ll admire wonderful panoramic view of the palm oasis from the mountain. Overnight in your riad at Ouarzazate.

Taourirt Kasbah – Cinema Studio Atlas – Telouet – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakesh

Today, we’ll be a free time to explore Ouarzazate city before leaving for Marrakech. firstly, we’ll go to visit the ancient kasbah of Ouarzazate ‒ Taourirt. It’s an outstanding building and monument of this small city are included into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 19th century by El Glaoui tribe, take some Photo of the kasbah. Next, we move to Cinema Studio Atlas. It’s a largest film studio in the world and a popular tourist destination. Overnight in your riad/hotel at Marrakech.


Included

  • Private Vehicle with A/C
  • Experienced English-speaking Driver/Guide
  • Local Guide in Tamnougalt Kasbah
  • Pick-up & drop-off at/from your Hotel/Riad
  • Accommodation in Riad at Dades Valley, Riad & Desert Camp in Merzouga and riad/hotel in Ourzazate
  • Meals: Breakfasts and Dinners
  • Camel Trek In & Out Desert Camp
  • Sandboarding (optional)
Included Services:
  • Service quality
  • Free time to explore the sites

Not Included

  • Tipping & other personal expenses
  • Lunches
  • Drinks
  • Paid visits