5-Day Marrakech Desert Loop: Merzouga & Draa Valley

Day 1 · Marrakech – Tizi n'Tichka – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate

A relaxed journey across the High Atlas through the Tizi n'Tichka pass. Stop at the ancient Kasbah of Telouet and explore the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous film location. Overnight in a traditional kasbah near Ouarzazate.

Overnight: Ouarzazate

Day 2 · Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Gorges

Visit the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, then follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the Skoura oasis and the Valley of Roses. In the afternoon drive into the spectacular Dades Gorges, with their winding road and red rock formations.

Overnight: Dades Valley

Day 3 · Dades – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga: night in the desert

Walk between the 300-metre walls of the Todra Gorge and the palm groves of Tinghir. Continue via Erfoud, known for its fossils, to Merzouga. At sunset ride a camel into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi to your desert camp. Dinner, Berber drums around the fire and a sky full of stars.

Overnight: Sahara desert camp

Day 4 · Merzouga – Rissani – N'Kob – Zagora

Sunrise camel ride back from the camp. Visit the market town of Rissani and the mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, then drive across the volcanic landscapes of the Saghro range via Alnif and N'Kob to Zagora, gateway to the Draa Valley.

Overnight: Zagora

Day 5 · Zagora – Draa Valley – Agdz – Marrakech

Follow the Draa Valley, the longest palm grove in Morocco, dotted with kasbahs and ksour. Stop in Agdz, then cross the High Atlas back to Marrakech, where your journey ends.

Overnight: Marrakech