Get ready for an unforgettable 7 days road trip from Marrakech to the breathtaking Merzouga Desert, where you’ll spend not just one, but two magical nights in a desert camp! This journey takes you through Morocco’s most stunning landscapes—from the rugged High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara, with plenty of hidden gems along the way.
Your hotel
8:00 AM
We hit the road early, leaving behind the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. As we ascend the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the air gets crisper, and the views of the Atlas Mountains become absolutely breathtaking. Our first stop? The famous Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO-listed kasbah that looks like it’s straight out of a movie (because it is!). After exploring its ancient streets, we continue to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco,” where you can visit the legendary film studios. Overnight in a charming riad.
Today, we venture south into the Draa Valley, known for its endless palm groves and ancient kasbahs. The road winds through dramatic landscapes, revealing a side of Morocco that feels almost untouched. We reach Zagora, the gateway to the Sahara, where the first hints of the desert start to appear. Here, we’ll soak in the peaceful desert atmosphere and spend the night in a traditional kasbah-style hotel.
Time to chase the dunes! We drive through vast open plains and pass the small desert town of Alnif before arriving in Merzouga, where the real adventure begins. Your camel will be waiting, ready to take you on a magical trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun sets, the golden sand glows in deep orange hues—it’s pure magic! Tonight, you’ll sleep under a sky bursting with stars, enjoying traditional Berber music by the campfire.
Wake up early to catch an unforgettable sunrise over the dunes—trust me, it’s worth it! After breakfast, we hop into a 4×4 for a day of desert exploration. You’ll visit a nomadic Berber family, see the Khamlia village where locals play hypnotic Gnawa music, and explore fossil-filled landscapes. In the afternoon, you can try sandboarding or simply relax in the dunes. Tonight, we return to the desert camp for another magical evening of storytelling and music.
After saying goodbye to the Sahara, we stop in Rissani, a town famous for its bustling traditional market. Then, the scenery shifts as we head toward the towering cliffs of Todgha Gorge—a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. After exploring the gorge, we continue to the beautiful Dades Valley, where we spend the night in a cozy hotel surrounded by stunning rock formations.
Driving through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, we pass through the Rose Valley, where fragrant Damask roses bloom in spring. We also explore Skoura, an oasis dotted with ancient kasbahs. By the evening, we return to Ouarzazate, where you can enjoy a relaxed night before the final stretch back to Marrakech.
Time to head back to Marrakech! We cross the Atlas Mountains once again, stopping for panoramic views and a few last photos. By the time we arrive in Marrakech, you’ll be filled with incredible memories of the desert, mountains, and hidden gems of Morocco.