5 Days Trip From Marrakech To Zagora And Merzouga

Experience an unforgettable 5-day journey departing from Marrakech and traversing the majestic High Atlas Mountains, including the renowned Tizi N’Tichka pass. Our itinerary includes a visit to the ancient UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, followed by a tour of Ouarzazate, famously dubbed “the Hollywood of Africa.”

From there, we venture through Agdz city, the scenic Draa Valley, and Zagora, before commencing on the historic Paris-Dakar race route, passing through charming Berber villages and the mesmerizing Ouzina dunes en route to Erg Chebbi. Here, you’ll experience a camel ride and overnight stay in traditional Berber tents.

Our return journey to Marrakech takes us through the vibrant Rissani market, lush palm oases, and iconic landmarks such as the Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and Roses Valley. Finally, we conclude our adventure by crossing the Tizi N’Tichka pass once more, arriving back in Marrakech.

5 Days Trip From Marrakech To Zagora And Merzouga Highlights

The journey begins in Marrakech and takes travelers through the stunning High Atlas mountains via the Tizi N’tichka pass, offering breathtaking views of Berber Atlas villages along the way.
A stop at the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides an opportunity to explore the historic and cinematic setting featured in renowned films.
Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco, offers insights into the country's cinematic heritage.
The drive through the Draa Valley showcases its vast palm groves, kasbahs, and orchards, offering a glimpse into traditional Berber life.
Travelers venture off the beaten path to explore diverse landscapes, including sand rivers, remote villages, and dry lakes en route to the Ouzina desert.
Spending the night in the Ouzina desert allows travelers to experience the pure authenticity of the desert, including a mesmerizing sunset and traditional Berber music.
Visits to historic villages like Khamlia provide opportunities to interact with locals and learn about their culture and traditions.
Camel rides through the sculpted dunes of Erg Chebbi offer unforgettable experiences, culminating in a night spent under the starry desert sky in traditional Berber tents.
Highlights include the Todra Gorges, a popular climbing spot with walls over 300 meters high, and the Dades Valley, known for its towering gorges and scenic views of the Atlas Mountains.
The return journey to Marrakech takes travelers through picturesque landscapes, including the Roses Valley, Skoura palm grove, and the High Atlas Mountain road via the Tizi n´Tichka pass.

5 Days Trip From Marrakech To Zagora And Merzouga Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Draa Valley – Zagora

Our journey begins as we explore the southeast, traversing the majestic High Atlas via the scenic Tizi N’tichka pass, boasting an altitude of 2260 meters. Along the way, we’ll marvel at the picturesque Berber Atlas villages before immersing ourselves in the realm of the desert Berbers.

Our first stop takes us to the iconic Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site immortalized in acclaimed films like “Lawrence of Arabia” and “The Sheltering Sky.” Continuing our adventure, we’ll pass through Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco, en route to Agdz City. As we cross the Tizi n’Tinifift pass at 1660 meters, we’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Draa Valley, renowned for its expansive palm groves and historic kasbahs. Spend the night in a charming riad nestled amidst the enchanting Draa Valley.

Day 2: Zagora – Hamada – Maider Lake – Ramlia Oasis – Ouzina Dunes

Experience a diverse journey from the Draa Valley to the enchanting Ouzina desert. Traverse sand rivers, remote villages, and dry lakes as we make our way to the secluded Ouzina desert, accessible only by off-road tracks. Experience the pure authenticity of the desert as you witness an unforgettable sunset from atop a dune. Enjoy traditional Berber music and spend the night in a Kasbah Hotel.

Day 3: Desert Ouzina – Ouzina Village – Khamlia – Erg Chebbi – Merzouga

Commence the day with further exploration of the desert as we journey to Merzouga via off-road tracks. Along the way, visit the historic village of Ouzina and the culturally rich village of Khamlia. Arrive at Erg Chebbi, where camels await to transport you to a Berber camp nestled amidst the sculpted dunes. Enjoy dinner and local entertainment under the starry desert sky, sleeping in traditional Berber tents.

Day 4: Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley

Experience the magical sunrise over the sea of dunes before returning to Merzouga on camelback. Depart for Rissani, a bustling desert town, before continuing to Tinghir, known for its majestic Todra Gorges, a renowned climbing destination. Journey through the Dades Valley, admired for its towering gorges and Atlas views. Spend the night in a charming riad.

Day 5: Dades Valley – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Conclude our adventure with a scenic drive through the Roses Valley and Skoura palm grove en route to Ouarzazate. Cross the High Atlas Mountain road via the Tizi n´Tichka pass, returning to Marrakech, where our journey concludes.

Discover the enchanting landscapes and cultural treasures of Morocco on this unforgettable 5-day adventure.