3 days Merzouga desert trip from Marrakech

Marrakech, Morocco
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3-day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga desert to enjoy the splendid landscapes of the atlas mountains and explore the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou. Experience camel riding over the dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: High Atlas mountains & fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou

Stop At: Ait Ben Haddou, Ait Ben Haddou, Souss-Massa
The 3-day tour starts from Marrakech in the direction of Ouarzazate. You get driven throughout the slopes of Atlas Mountains known as “Tizi-n-Tishka” which is regarded as one of the most twisted roads in the world. The pass stands at an elevation of 2,260m.a.s.l and has wonderful views, mountain streams, oaks, walnut trees etc. all along the way, the Berber villages and fields are terraced to the sides of the road. In winter, the pass is likely to be covered with snow. You proceed down to the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a distinctive location for moviemakers. Several foreign and local movies have been shot in the Kasbah, to name a few: Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, The Mummy etc. Once you get to Ait Ben Haddou, you get to leisurely stroll down though the walls of the Kasbah and have lunch before you continue driving to Ourzazate, the Hollywood of Africa, and then on to Boumalne Dades where the first day of the trip terminates. The road to the town is called the route of the thousand Kasbahs due to the tremendous number of fortresses and citadels spread in the region. Indeed, Dades (the main gateway to the Dades valley) remains a marvelous and cool town.
Duration: 10 hours

Meals included:

Accommodation included: Overnight stay at Kasbah Tifawen, hotel Babylon or similar

Day 2: Todra Gorges & Erg Chebbi Dunes

Stop At: Gargantas del Todra, Tinerhir 45800 Morocco
After breakfast, you hit the road towards Toudra Gorges, about 14 kilometers inside the mountains from the town of Tenghir. Take a walk through its 300-metre canyon walls. Next, you follow the path further to the great southern oases into the Sahara desert (a place of tranquility and serenity). Upon your arrival to Merzouga, you will ride the camels across the great sand dunes into a desert camp. This will be one of the most thrilling and inspiring experiences during your stay in Morocco. On your way there, you will stop (occasionally halfway) for the mesmerizing view of sunset. By or before dusk, you’ll arrive to the camp where you’ll be greeted with tea shown your tents and have some time by yourselves. After dinner, there will be a musician soiree by the fire and you can walk up the dunes and see the mesmerizing starry sky and shooting stars.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:


Accommodation included: Overnight stay in desert camp with shared bathroom

Day 3: Road back to Marrakech

Stop At: Rissani, Rissani, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
First thing in the next morning, you enjoy a memorable sunrise, have breakfast and then ride back the camels. You get back to your car and head to Rissani (ancient name “Sijilmasa”), the largest oasis in the country, with its adobe Kasbahs and palm groves, it’s worth a stop. Beyond Rissani, you take a detour for about 150 kilometers to the town of Tinghir across a vast area of mountains and acacia trees. You’ll stop for lunch in one of the villages on your way to Ouarzazate. The trip goes on in the afternoon passing another time yet by the Atlas Mountains before you arrive to Marrakech early evening.
Duration: 11 hours

Meals included:

No accommodation included on this day.

Inclusions

  • Transportation in AC and comfortable vehicle
  • Fuel, tolls and any associated expenses
  • Night with diner and breakfast in hotel in Dades valley
  • Night with diner and breakfast in desert camp in Merzouga
  • Camel riding
  • 2x Breakfast
  • 2x Dinner
  • Accommodation included: 2 nights

Exclusions

  • Lunches, drinks and entrances fees
  • Local guide in Ait Ben Haddou

Additional information

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 17 travelers
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking

Ticket delivery

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

Operates

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Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.

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