The Fascination of the Moroccan Desert (5 days / 4 nights)
Trip description
Berber Trails Voyages has been organizing 4x4 tours across Morocco since 2007. Whether you wish to travel alone or in a group, we can help you discover the real Morocco.
Departing from Marrakech, enjoy an authentic journey aboard a Land Cruiser and experience unique discoveries and emotions.
Join one of our 4x4 safaris and cross fascinating landscapes of mountains and desert. Discover the sights and sounds of an exotic culture as we travel along ancient camel routes into the heart of authentic Morocco—a land where time seems to stand still.
If you prefer independent travel, we can design a tailor-made trip with a personalized itinerary, book your accommodation, provide local guides, and supply the necessary vehicles for your journey—with or without a driver.
Whether you want to combine a 4x4 adventure with city visits, trekking in the Atlas Mountains, or a beach stay, we can create the perfect program for you.
Tour itinerary
Early in the morning, departure from Marrakech by 4x4. After a short drive, beautiful landscapes and small terraced villages appear along a winding road leading up to the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass, located at 2,260 meters above sea level.
Just after the pass, we take a road of about 20 kilometers through desert hills before arriving at the village of Telouet. This hidden gem is known for the ruins of its magnificent Kasbah, once the main residence of the “Lord of the Atlas,” Pasha El Glaoui. The kasbah included his court, stables, a mosque, and numerous servants during the time he ruled a vast territory stretching from Marrakech to Agadir and even toward the Sahara Desert.
After visiting the Kasbah of Telouet, the journey continues off-road through the Assif Ounila Valley and its Berber villages, leading to Ait Ben Haddou. Here, we explore the famous ksar and kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We walk through this remarkable architectural ensemble built into the mountainside, with its earth-toned walls, fortified towers, and traditional stepped housing.
This extraordinary site has been used as a filming location for many Hollywood productions, including *The Mummy*, *Gladiator*, *Babel*, *Alexander*, and others. Upon arrival in Ouarzazate, a visit to the impressive Atlas Film Studios can be arranged.
We then continue to the Kasbah Taourirt for a short visit of this cultural landmark, a maze of rooms, alleys, and crenelated walls. Dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate.
We continue towards the beautiful oasis of Skoura, located 42 km from Ouarzazate, where we stop to visit the magnificent Kasbah Amridil.
The journey then follows the famous Valley of Roses through El Kelaa M'Gouna, known as the Citadel of the Mgouna Tribe, where thousands of roses are cultivated to produce rose essential oil and rose water. This region is highly appreciated for its Berber heritage and traditions.
We continue to the ksour of Aït Youl for a short visit to this charming village nestled among rocky slopes. The route then climbs toward Aït Arbi, where unusual rock formations resemble human footprints. Crossing a narrow canyon and a series of winding roads, we reach Taghia n'Dadès and the mountain village of Msemrir at an altitude of 1,700 meters.
Lunch will be served in the heart of the spectacular Todra Gorge, surrounded by dramatic landscapes inhabited by Berber communities and nomadic goat herders. Enjoy a walk through the narrow canyon carved between the High Atlas Mountains and Jebel Saghro.
After lunch, we continue towards the impressive dunes of Merzouga and Erg Chebbi. Heading east through the Tinejdad Valley, once home to the southern Aït Atta Berber warriors, we pass fertile palm groves, arid hills, and desert roads alternately covered with sand and wind-swept dunes.
Upon arrival in Merzouga, we mount camels for a trek across the dunes to a luxury desert camp set in the heart of the Sahara. Spend the night in traditional Berber tents, enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the dunes, and experience the magic of a complete change of scenery under the desert sky.
Early in the morning, to admire the sunrise over the dunes, you will ride a camel back into the heart of the desert. After breakfast, departure for the village of Khamlia, also known as the village of the Gnaoua musicians of the desert. Here, you will enjoy a traditional Moroccan mint tea in a local Gnaoua home and discover their unique musical heritage.
We then continue towards Taouz and follow the Paris–Dakar off-road track along the Ziz Valley, passing through the remote desert village of Ouzina.
Lunch will be served in Ramlia before crossing Oued Rheris and continuing along a desert track leading to M'Hamid El Ghizlane? Wait—not M'Hamid; this itinerary leads to **Mharech**, a remote desert settlement.
Dinner and overnight stay in Mharech, surrounded by the vast and tranquil landscapes of the Moroccan Sahara.
After breakfast, departure for Zagora via the famous Paris–Dakar off-road track, crossing vast desert plateaus, rocky hamadas, and landscapes inhabited by nomadic families living in traditional tents.
Enjoy the changing scenery of the Moroccan Sahara before arriving in Zagora.
Dinner and overnight stay in Zagora.
After breakfast, departure for Ouarzazate via the beautiful Draa Valley, renowned for its vast palm groves, traditional kasbahs, and breathtaking desert scenery. The journey also crosses the magnificent Anti-Atlas Mountains.
Lunch will be served en route before continuing to Marrakech via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass through the High Atlas Mountains.
Included
- Accommodation for 4 nights on a half-board basis. Our priorities when selecting accommodation are authenticity, comfort, and quality of service.
- Camel ride in Merzouga.
- The assistance of a driver-guide who speaks the traveler’s language throughout the circuit, and a certified national guide for groups of more than 8 people.
- All taxes included.
Not included
- Transfers from other cities or Moroccan airports to Marrakech: If you would like a member of our staff to pick you up wherever you are, an additional fee will be charged.
- Additional meal costs.
- All beverages.
- Optional excursions offered (to be booked and paid for on site).
- Optional tips.