5 Days From Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert Tour

Full Tour Description

Tour Overview : 5 Days From Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert Tour

Embark on a remarkable 5-day journey starting from Ouarzazate, where you’ll experience the breathtaking beauty of Morocco’s landscapes and rich cultural heritage. This private tour takes you deep into the heart of the Sahara Desert Erg Chebbi, including the enchanting Ouzina Desert, the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and the serene Fint Oasis.

Highlights of the tour include camel rides and an overnight stay in a traditional Sahara Desert camp under a canopy of stars, guided exploration of the historic Ait Ben Haddou—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and a serene walk through the lush Fint Oasis. You'll also discover the untouched beauty of the Ouzina Desert, where the golden dunes and captivating scenery offer a tranquil escape from the bustle of the world.

What to expect in the 5 Days From Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert Tour

• Ouarzazate: Begin your adventure in the "Hollywood of Morocco" and visit the historic Kasbah of Amridil.
• Dades Valley and Sahara: Explore the stunning Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, and spend a night in the Merzouga Sahara desert.
• Rissani, Erfoud: Discover the traditional market in Rissani, the fossil town of Erfoud, the alpine-style town of Ifrane, and the cedar forest home to Barbary macaques.
• Draa Valley: a picturesque oasis known for its stunning palm groves and ancient kasbahs

Itinerary: 5 Days From Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert Tour

Day 1: Ouarzazate - Draa Valley - Alnif - Dakar Track - Overnight in Ouzina

Commence your captivating 5 Days From Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert Tour. Setting off early in the morning, you'll uncover the hidden treasures of Morocco's awe-inspiring interior. Your adventure begins with a pickup by our driver from your Agadir hotel or riad. We will head towards the Draa Valley through a winding road that accompanies the Draa River, one of the longest rivers in Morocco, during its journey. Along the way, we can see how the landscape changes, from arid and barren land to palm groves and fields that stretch for miles.

We will make several stops to contemplate the authentic Berber villages and charming adobe kasbahs that dot the route. Wonderful constructions made of straw, mud and water overlooking the palm grove.

After lunch in Alnif, we will continue our journey to Tafraoute, where we begin our journey through the famous track of the former Dakar Rally, a trip to which we will enjoy breathtaking views of the purest and most authentic desert, the desert of Ouzina, a desert that offers you the most absolute peace of the deserts of Morocco and the authenticity of its people.

The track that connects Taouz with Ouzina shows us how, in this Great South of Morocco, the landscape is so varied and incredibly beautiful, going from its aridity to the greenest vegetation and the beautiful orange dunes that contrast with the black mountains that characterize the area of Ouzina.

Already in Ouzina we will head to our accommodation. A charming typical Berber lodge where we will have dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Ouzina - Tour of the dunes - Camel ride and night Berber camp in Merzouga.

Early in the morning, after a refreshing Berber breakfast freshly made in this charming lodge, we start our day by setting off in the direction of Merzouga. A day full of adventures crossing all kinds of terrain, typical Berber villages, dunes, 4x4 tracks, dry riverbeds, hamadas, oasis....

We will start crossing the old Dakar Rally track in 4x4. Once we arrive in Merzouga, we will make our way around the dunes and visit the local nomadic settlements in the Erg Chebbi area, while having tea with them, we will learn about some of their traditions, customs and ways of life.

For lunch, we will head towards the village of Khamlia, between Merzouga and Taouz. In the area, it is known as "the village of the blacks".

Its inhabitants will invite us to a delicious tea and peanuts, where in addition to enjoying their Gnawa music, originally from Sub-Saharan Africa, we will have the opportunity to taste the famous Berber pizza. If you wish, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a full day and get on the quads or buggys to venture into a unique experience, the climb to the dunes on quads.

In the afternoon, we will head to the lodge to get on the back of our camels and head to the Berber camp in the middle of the dunes. In this magical ride of about an hour, we will enjoy an unforgettable sunset in the desert of Merzouga, where you will photograph the most magical landscapes. It is the most desired moment of our 5 Days From Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert Tour. Already in the camp, we will relax with a welcome mint tea and then an unforgettable magical evening awaits us, where we will dine by candlelight typical local products, and after it, we will have the opportunity to play the drums to the rhythms of the Sahara desert, a show of live Berber music by the campfire. We will rest in our Berber tents under a blanket of stars until sunrise.

Day 3: Merzouga - Merzouga Desert - Todra Gorges - Dades.

After an unforgettable night in our haimas, early in the morning, if you get up early enough you will be able to admire the other charming postcard of our 5 days Merzouga desert tour from Marrakech, the impressive image of the sunrise in the Sahara and the sunrise between the dunes.

After this magical desert experience, we will get back on our camels to return to the lodge. We will have time to shower and have a refreshing Berber breakfast.

We will take direction to the village of Rissani, ancient Sijilmassa, supply center of the ancient caravans coming from the Sahara.

Rissani is one of the most emblematic places in the desert area of Merzouga, its market was one of the most active during the caravan routes. It is also spectacular to see the famous donkey parking on market days. Continuing the journey through a semidesert landscape, we will reach the oasis of Tinghir, possibly one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. Going up the river Todra, about twenty-five kilometers north of the city of Tinghir, we will arrive at the impressive Todra Gorges. These natural constructions, of more than 300m high, are recognized worldwide for being one of the most spectacular rocky canyons. The road leading to the gorges offers beautiful scenery and a beautiful view of the majestic palm grove.

After the visit to these cliffs and its village, we will take the famous Route of the Thousand Kasbahs, to reach the Dades River Gorges, where over time, the river has eroded the rocks to form an incredible landscape of great natural beauty.

In the evening, we will head to our charming accommodation in Dades, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Day 4: Dades- Valley of Roses - Skoura Oasis- Ait Ben Haddou.

The fourth day of our 5 Days From Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert Tour begins after a hearty breakfast at our accommodation. We will head back to Marrakech through the Valley of Roses.

Less than 50 km from Skoura we find Kelaa M'gouna, a fortified village famous for its rose water distillery. This is the Valley of Roses, located at the foot of the High Atlas and formed by hectares of rose bushes, whose aroma is appreciated throughout the month of May. Flowering lasts from mid-April to mid-May. The cultivation of roses, the distillation of essences and the production of perfumes are the most important industries of this place. It is well known for its Rose Festival, which takes place every year in May.

We will drive to the Skoura Palm Grove, a vast and lush palm grove of more than 700,000 palm trees. The impressive greenery contrasts with the arid plateau that makes up the lower valley of the Oued Dades and the large concentration of kasbahs and authentic adobe villages that are scattered throughout the Oasis of Skoura, an authentic place of great beauty where you will be transported to other times and where time seems to stand still.

In the afternoon, we will continue our journey through numerous Berber villages, where we can observe how their families live in authentic adobe houses lost in the mountains. This track will take us to the fortress of Ait Ben Haddou, where we will visit its famous Kasbah (The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO). In this spectacular setting have been filmed several famous movies such as Gladiator, Obelix, Sahara with Penelope Cruz...

After this visit, we will head to our charming Hotel in Ait ben Haddou, where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Day 5: Ait ben Haddou - Oasis Fint - Ouarzazate.

Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Ait Ben Haddou. Our professional driver and guide will greet you warmly and ensure your comfort throughout the journey. As you leave the historic village behind, enjoy the stunning desert scenery and, if you wish, take a moment to capture the iconic ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rich history and striking architecture.

The journey continues with a scenic 45-minute drive to the tranquil Oasis of Fint, a hidden gem nestled between rocky hills. Upon arrival, you’ll be enchanted by the stark contrast between the lush greenery of the oasis and the surrounding arid landscape. Here, you’ll embark on a guided walk through the oasis, discovering its serene beauty and the traditional way of life of the local Berber communities. You’ll have the chance to interact with villagers, learn about their culture, and capture stunning photographs of this peaceful haven.

Around midday, a delightful traditional Moroccan lunch awaits you in the shade of the oasis. Savor fresh salads, flavorful tagines, and warm, crusty bread, all accompanied by the soothing sounds of nature. The meal concludes with a cup of aromatic mint tea and a selection of local desserts, making it a truly authentic culinary experience.

In the afternoon, your journey will take you to Ouarzazate. Depending on your preferences, we will drop you off either at your accommodation in the city, where you can relax and explore further, or at the Ouarzazate airport for your onward journey. Our team will ensure a smooth and timely transfer, assisting with luggage and ensuring your day ends as seamlessly as it began.

Included: 5 Days From Ouarzazate to Sahara Desert Tour

• Private vehicle 4x4 with heating/air conditioning.
• English-speaking driver/guide at your disposal all the time of the tour.
• Fuel
• Accommodation in Kasbah Auberge in Ouzina on half board (dinner and breakfast).
• Accommodation in a Berber camp in the desert of Erg Chebbi on half board (dinner and breakfast).
• Accommodation in Kasbah riad in Dades on half board (dinner and breakfast).
• Accommodation in Kasbah hotel in Ait ben Haddou on half board (dinner and breakfast).
• Camel ride to/from the camp.
• Pick up and transfer at any point in Ouarzazate that you indicate to us.

Not included:

• Drinks
• Meals not included in the previous section
• Entrance fees to monuments and personal expenses.

FAQs

1. What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara Desert?
   • The best time to visit is during the cooler months, from October to April, to avoid extreme heat.
2. Are there any age restrictions for the camel trek?
   • Most tours are suitable for all ages, but it's essential to check with the tour operator for specific age requirements.
3. What should I pack for a trip to the desert?
   • Essentials include sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable clothing, and a good pair of walking shoes.
4. Is it safe to travel to the desert of Merzouga?
   • Yes, it's generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to follow the guidance of experienced tour guides and stay hydrated in the desert climate.