Best Morocco Trails | Tours, Excursions & Activities in Morocco
8 Days Private Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga Via Zagora Desert
Type
Tours
Min Age
1+
Max People
30
Transportation
4x4, Bus, Luxury Car
Overview
Embark on an extraordinary 8-day journey through Morocco’s most captivating landscapes. From the imperial city of Marrakech, cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains and dive into the heart of the Sahara via the Zagora and Merzouga deserts. Discover ancient kasbahs, lush valleys, palm-filled oases, vibrant souks, and towering sand dunes. Experience camel trekking, desert camping under the stars, and the magical sunsets of the Sahara. Along the way, enjoy the rich culture and hospitality of Morocco in charming riads and authentic desert camps.
Highlights Of This Tour
- Guided sightseeing tour of Marrakech
- Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains
- Visit the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Explore the cinematic city of Ouarzazate
- Camel trekking and overnight in a luxury camp in the Zagora Desert
- Traverse the breathtaking Draa Valley
- Visit the traditional Berber village of Nkob
- Ride camels through the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga
- Spend two magical nights in luxury Merzouga desert camps
- Discover the dramatic Todra Gorges and Dades Valley
- Scenic return to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains
- End with a guided cultural tour of Marrakech’s top landmarks
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate
Begin your adventure with a scenic drive across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Morocco’s highest road, offering panoramic views and Berber villages. Explore the ancient Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, known for its cinematic fame. Continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” and visit the Atlas Film Studios.
Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Day 2: Ouarzazate – Ait Saouen Pass – Agdz – Draa Valley – Zagora Desert
Cross the Tizi N’Tinifift Pass en route to Agdz and journey through the lush Draa Valley, dotted with date palms and ancient kasbahs. Arrive in Zagora, and embark on a sunset camel trek into the Sahara. Enjoy dinner, music, and stargazing at your luxury desert camp.
Overnight in Zagora Desert Camp.
Day 3: Zagora – Draa Valley – Desert Villages – Nkob
Travel along a desert route through remote villages and striking dunes to reach Nkob, known for its many traditional kasbahs and palm groves.
Overnight in Nkob.
Day 4: Nkob – Alnif – Rissani – Merzouga Desert
Drive through the rugged desert terrain, stopping for desert tea and lunch in Alnif. Visit the market town of Rissani, then head to Merzouga for another incredible camel ride into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Enjoy a traditional dinner and live music at your well-equipped luxury camp.
Overnight in Merzouga Desert Camp.
Day 5: Full Day Exploring The Merzouga Desert
Explore the desert by 4×4, visiting nomadic Berber families, the Mifis mines, and the village of Khamlia, famous for Gnawa music. Savor a local Berber pizza and visit a desert oasis before returning to your camp for sandboarding, a sunset view, dinner, and more stargazing.
Overnight in Merzouga Desert Camp.
Day 6: Merzouga – Erfoud – Tinjdad – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley
Start with a sunrise in the dunes. Then travel to Erfoud, Tinjdad, and the spectacular Todra Gorges—a paradise for climbers and hikers. Continue to Dades Valley via the winding roads of the Tissedrine Pass, famous for its dramatic views.
Overnight in Dades Valley.
Day 7: Dades – Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
Explore the Dades Gorges, then head back through Ouarzazate and over the High Atlas Mountains. Pass scenic Berber villages and arrive in Marrakech by the afternoon.
Overnight in Marrakech
Day 8: Marrakech Sightseeing – Departure
After breakfast, join a local guide for a full tour of Marrakech, including the Koutoubia Mosque and its peaceful gardens, the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs, bustling souks and the iconic Jemaa el-Fna Square, and an optional visit to the Majorelle Garden or YSL Museum. Depending on your flight schedule, our team will assist with your airport transfer to Marrakech or Casablanca Airport.
What's Included
- 1 Night in Ouarzazate
- 1 Night in Nkob
- 1 Night in Dades Valley
- 1 Night in Zagora luxury desert camp (private tent with bathroom)
- 2 Nights in Merzouga luxury desert camps (private tents with private bathrooms)
- 1 Night in Marrakech
- Local guide in Marrakech for the city tour
- An English-speaking guide and well-experienced driver during the trip
- Drop off at Marrakech or Casablanca airport
- Fuel/gas and all car-related expenses
- Pick up from your accommodation
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned touristic minivan or 4WD
- Private trip
- Sandboarding and Camel trek
What's Excluded
- Entrance fees to attractions and museums
- Plane ticket to and from Morocco
- Tips (Optional)
FAQs
Why visit both Zagora and Merzouga deserts on this tour?
Visiting both allows you to experience the contrasting landscapes of Morocco. Zagora offers a rocky desert via the lush Draa Valley, while Merzouga features the massive, iconic golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi.
How much driving is involved in this 8-day tour?
While this is a comprehensive trip, the driving is broken up comfortably. You only drive about 3 to 4 hours a day on average, with multiple days spent entirely in the desert or cities, making it a very relaxed pace.
Are the desert camps in Zagora and Merzouga the same quality?
Yes, we use luxury desert camps in both locations. Both Zagora and Merzouga feature private tents equipped with en-suite bathrooms, comfortable beds, and traditional dining areas.
Can I be dropped off at Casablanca airport on the last day instead of Marrakech?
Yes, on Day 8, after your guided tour of Marrakech, we can provide a direct transfer to Casablanca Airport for your departing flight, depending on your schedule.
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Best Morocco Trails is a premier travel agency dedicated to delivering exceptional travel experiences across the Kingdom of Morocco
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