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In the Footsteps of Nomads

Fez

Casablanca

Overview

Discover the magic of southern Morocco on these unforgettable Merzouga Sahara desert tours, a complete journey that combines the Sahara Desert, Atlas Mountains, imperial cities, and Atlantic coast experiences. This multi-day adventure is designed for travelers seeking an authentic Moroccan experience filled with culture, nature, and adventure.

During these Merzouga Sahara desert tours, you will travel from Fez through the Middle Atlas Mountains, cedar forests of Azrou, and the scenic Ziz Valley before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Enjoy a camel trek at sunset, spend a magical night in a traditional Sahara desert camp, and explore nomadic life, fossil sites, and the unique desert culture of southern Morocco.

The journey continues through the dramatic Todra Gorges, Dades Valley, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou before crossing the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. The experience is completed with guided city tours of Marrakech and a relaxing day trip to the Atlantic coastal city of Essaouira.

Perfect for couples, families, and small groups, these Merzouga Sahara desert tours offer a rich blend of desert adventure, cultural discovery, and scenic exploration—making it one of the most complete Morocco travel experiences available.

Itinerary

Merzouga

1 nights

Day 1: Fez - Ifrane - Azrou - Midelt - Ziz Valley - Merzouga

Dinner

Pick up from your hotel in Fez very early in the morning and depart for the south of Morocco.

You will have a stop in Ifrane, known as the Switzerland of Morocco, to enjoy its beauty and to have some memorable photos. After that, you will head toward Azrou to see the monkeys in the cedar forest. Continuing to Midelt for a lunch meal in a restaurant. In the afternoon, we will cross the pass of Tizi N Talghamt to reach Errachidia while admiring the views of Ziz gorges.

Later, you will have a stop for a panoramic view of Ziz valley. The drive continues to Erg Chebbi Dunes, passing by Aoufous and Erfoud (the latter is famous for fossils and dates), where you may want to visit a local fossil craft workshop.

After that, you will continue to the captivating dunes of Erg Chebbi; these dunes are also called Merzouga Dunes. Arrive at the hotel and check in. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Sahara Desert Camp

1 nights

Day 2: Merzouga - Tour of the dunes - Khamlia - Nomad family - Fossil Site - Hassi Labied - Sahara Desert

Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, after breakfast in the hotel, you will have a tour of the dunes in a 4×4, allowing you to visit the black volcanic rocks with fossils, visit a nomad family living in a tent, visit Khamlia village, and enjoy their spiritual music of Gnawa.

Visit the lake Dayte Sarji that forms in springtime, which attracts pink flamingos and wildlife. Then you will have a break for lunch in Merzouga or Hassi Labied.

After lunch, you will see the canal irrigation system and have a walk on the oasis located at the foot of the dunes. In the afternoon, get ready for a camel trek for an hour to enjoy the sunset.

While on the back of your dromedary, you will continue to the camp for an overnight in a traditional nomad tent. Dinner and spend the night in a bivouac in the middle of the dunes.

Dades Valley

1 nights

Day 3: Sahara Desert - Erfoud - Tinejdad - Todra

Breakfast, Dinner

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise on the top of the dune in the Sahara Desert and then have your breakfast.

After these beautiful moments, you will ride your camel back to Merzouga. We depart towards Tineghir, passing by Erfoud and Tinejdad. Have a break for lunch. In the afternoon, we will continue to Todra Gorges via Tineghir.

Stopping along the way for photos and admire the views. Arrival at Todra Gorges to enjoy its marvelous Canyon views while hiking on foot. Later on, we drive to Boumalne du Dades and stop for a panoramic view of Dades Valley.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Marrakech

3 nights

Day 4: Dades Valley - Rose valley - Ouarzazate - Ait Ben Haddou - High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech

Breakfast

This morning after breakfast in the hotel, we depart to Marrakech. The next site to visit is the Rose Valley going through the big Skoura palm grove, a beautiful place to contemplate more than 700.000 palms and numerous kasbahs that are built in the surrounding area.

In this valley, damascenes and roses are raised for cosmetic use, such as the valued rosewater. The next stop is in Ouarzazate, also known as “The gate of the desert,” which in the Berber language means “noiseless or without confusion”.

Here we´ll see the Taourirt kasbah, one of the most spectacular ksars in Morocco. Stopping for a panoramic view of the kasbah of Taourirt, then another photo stop near the Atlas film studios.

After that, we continue to the ksar (fortified village) of Aït Ben Haddou, where we will visit the famous Kasbah (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986). Famous films have been shot on this spectacular stage, including Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, and Sahara with Penelope Cruz, etc.

Free time for lunch in town. In the afternoon, we will drive to Marrakech over the mountains of the High Atlas, passing through the Tizi N’tichka pass (2260 m in altitude). Arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon and check in at your hotel/Riad.

Day 5: Full day to visit Marrakech

Breakfast

After breakfast in the hotel, you will have a private guided tour of Marrakech Medina with an official guide from Marrakech.

You will see the famous Mosque of Koutoubia, the Medina, and its souks, and explore some more of Marrakech’s secrets: Ali Ben Youssef Koranic school, the Saadian tombs, the Bahia Palace, and Majorelle Gardens.

In the afternoon, the best option is to explore the medina on your own, approaching the square that in the evening is full of narrators, jugglers, diviners, snake charmers and music. Overnight in your accommodation.

Day 6: Day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech

Breakfast

The driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakech to go on a journey to Essaouira, a coastal city, which is about 2 hours and a half drive from Marrakech.

On the way to Essaouira, you will have a short break to see the famous goats, climb on Argan trees, and eat Argan seeds, visit the Argan cooperative to learn how local women make Argan oil in a traditional manner, and the multi-uses of the precious oil.

Afterward, we will reach Essaouira, where the driver will drop you off at the door of the medina (old city), and you will have free time to walk on your own and explore the simply beautiful places, such as ancient shops, narrow alleys, local markets, and craftsmen.

Also, you will have enough time to visit the Skala and enjoy the sea view from above. After that, you can have lunch in a local restaurant and enjoy fresh seafood. In the afternoon, you will get back to Marrakech around 6 PM, and the driver will drop you off at your accommodation.

Casablanca

Day 7: Marrakech – Casablanca airport (CMN) 3 Hours

Breakfast

The driver will drop you off at the airport up to your flight time and the end of our services.

Show full itinerary

Highlights

Discover colorful souks and immerse yourself in traditional Moroccan life.
Ride across the Sahara desert dunes on a camel and spend a magical night at a Bedouin camp.
Travel along the breathtaking Road of 1,000 Kasbahs and explore ancient fortresses.
Enjoy the marvelous landscape of the High Atlas Mountains and dramatic canyons.
Visit the beautiful coastal city of Essaouira on a memorable day trip.

Details

Departure Time 8 AM

Price Includes

Private transportation during the trip with 4×4 air-conditioning car
6 Nights accommodation with daily breakfast (3 stars hotel riads)
Professional English-speaking driver
Camel trip in the Sahara Desert and camel guide
Fuels and tolls
Night in luxury desert camp with private bathroom & shower
All applicable taxes

Price Excludes

Drinks & Lunches and dinners
Fee to enter the monuments
Any Private Expenses
Travel insurance

Important Info

This activity must book at least 86 hours in advance
A deposit of 30% of the total price is required to secure your booking
This Tour can upgrade to the Luxury accommodations
You can change your travel date without penalty 30 Days before the tour date
Bring Camera, Sunblock, Hat, Change of clothes, Very warm clothes and shoes in the winter (December, January and February), The temperature can drop dramatically

Book In the Footsteps of Nomads

✔ 30% deposit only
✔ Flexible date changes
✔ Private tours only

✔ Local Moroccan operator
✔ Secure online payments
✔ Fast response within 24 hours

Frequently Asked Questions About
” In the Footsteps of Nomads “

You will enjoy a sunset camel ride across the Sahara dunes and spend a night in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga, complete with a private bathroom and shower, sleeping under the starry Moroccan sky.

You will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a famous Kasbah where movies like Gladiator and The Mummy were filmed, as well as the spectacular Todra Gorges and the city of Ouarzazate.

Yes, the itinerary includes a private guided walking tour of the Marrakech Medina with a local guide, as well as a beautiful day trip to the coastal city of Essaouira.

This comprehensive 7-day tour starts in Fez, takes you south through the Middle Atlas Mountains to the Merzouga Sahara desert, and continues through the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech and Essaouira, before concluding at the Casablanca airport.