6 Days Morocco Tour from Marrakech to Dades

6 Days Morocco Tour from Marrakech to Dades

Overview

This 6-day tour offers a circular journey from Marrakesh to the Sahara and back, showcasing a diverse range of landscapes and historical sites. The trip starts by crossing the High Atlas Mountains, visiting the historic Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou kasbahs before passing through the Valley of Roses to reach the Dades Gorges. The second day takes you through the Ziz Valley to the Erg Chebbi dunes for a sunset camel ride and a night in a nomad tent. After experiencing the desert sunrise, the route continues to Zagora via the Dra’a Valley, following an ancient caravan route and spending a second night in the dunes. From Zagora, the adventure continues with a 4×4 off-road journey to the remote dunes of Erg Chagaga, Morocco’s largest, for a night under the stars. The return journey includes a 90km drive across the desert, with a stop at the dried-up Lake Iriqui, and passes through the Berber carpet town of Taznakht before concluding the day in Ouarzazate. The final day features visits to the historic Kasbah Taourirt and the Fint Oasis before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to return to Marrakesh.

Itinerary

Departure from Marrakech to Dades

 Marrakesh to Dades
  • High Atlas Crossing: Depart from Marrakesh at 8:00 AM and cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tichka pass.

  • Kasbah Telouet: Take a side road to visit the ruined Kasbah of Telouet, the former residence of the powerful Glaoui family.

  • Ait Ben Haddou: Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, Morocco’s most famous kasbah, where you will have lunch and then explore the site.

  • Skoura Oasis & Valley of Roses: The journey continues through the Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses before reaching the Dades Gorge.

  • Accommodation: Spend the night in a guesthouse in the Dades Gorge.

Dades, visiting Toudgha gorges

 Dades to Merzouga
  • Morning Walk: After breakfast, enjoy a walk by the Dades river before continuing to the Toudgha Gorges.

  • Scenic Drive: The journey to the desert passes through the Ziz Valley, the Oasis of Tafilalet, Erfoud, and Rissani.

  • Camel Ride: In the afternoon, take a one to two-hour camel ride to the top of the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the spectacular sunset.

  • Accommodation: Have dinner and spend the night in a nomad tent at the foot of the dunes.

Merzoga, sunrise over the dunes

 Merzouga to Zagora
  • Sunrise: An option to wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes.

  • Scenic Route: The drive to the Dra’a Valley passes through the villages of Tazzarine (featured in the film ‘Babel’) and N’Qob, where you will have lunch.

  • Dra’a Valley Exploration: Continue to Zagora along the Dra’a Valley, enjoying views of its gardens and kasbahs with opportunities for off-road driving to visit local villages.

  • Camel Ride: Take a camel ride in the dunes of Zagora.

  • Accommodation: Spend the night in a nomadic bivouac in the Zagora dunes.

Zagora, Erg Chagaga dunes

 Zagora to Chagaga
  • Erg Lihoudi: After breakfast, you will travel to the Erg Lihoudi dunes for an optional two-hour camel ride.

  • M’Hamid: Enjoy lunch in M’Hamid, the last village before the deep desert.

  • 4×4 Off-Road: In the afternoon, embark on a 60km off-road 4×4 journey to the remote Erg Chagaga dunes, passing through a variety of desert landscapes.

  • Deep Desert: Experience the overwhelming silence and expanse of the Sahara, far from civilization.

  • Accommodation: Have dinner and spend the night in a nomadic bivouac in Erg Chagaga.

Erg Chagaga to Ouarzazate across the desert

 Chagaga to Ouarzazate
  • Desert Crossing: After breakfast, travel 90km across the desert, including the dried-up Lake Iriqui.

  • Lunch: Stop for lunch in Foum Zguid, the first village on the return journey from the desert.

  • Taznakht: The road to Ouarzazate passes through Taznakht, a town well-known for its Berber carpets.

  • Accommodation: Arrive in Ouarzazate in the afternoon and spend the night in a riad.

Ouarzazate, visiting kasbah Tourirt

 Ouarzazate to Marrakesh
  • Ouarzazate Sites: After breakfast, visit the Kasbah of Taourirt and the cinema studios in Ouarzazate.

  • Fint Oasis: Drive cross-country to the hidden Fint Oasis, a picturesque spot in the mountains that was once a key caravan route.

  • High Atlas Mountains: The journey back to Marrakesh takes you over the High Atlas Mountains.

  • Arrival: Arrive in Marrakesh in the afternoon.

  • Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver.
  • Accommodations in riads, hotels, and a luxury desert camp.
  • Breakfasts throughout the tour and selected dinners.
  • Guided tours in imperial cities and major attractions.
  • Camel trekking and overnight stay in the desert camp.
  • International airfare.
  • Lunches and some dinners.
  • Entrance fees to monuments and attractions.
  • Tips for guides and drivers.
  • Travel insurance and personal expenses.

FAQs

Q1: What is included in the 6 Days Morocco Tour from Marrakech to Dades?

  • Refer to the “Includes and Excludes” section above for full details.

Q2: What should I pack for this tour?

  • Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a scarf or light jacket for cooler evenings.

Q3: Can this itinerary be customized?
Yes, the tour can be tailored to fit your interests and schedule.

Q4: Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Absolutely! This tour is family-friendly and suitable for travelers of all ages.

Q5: What is the best time to take this tour?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal for pleasant weather.