4-Day Journey from Ouarzazate to Merzouga and Ouzina Desert Tour
Overview
Embark on a 4-day desert adventure in Morocco, starting from Ouarzazate. Highlights include Ait Ben Haddou’s UNESCO-listed kasbah, the lush Skoura oasis, the Valley of Roses, and the dramatic Dades Valley. Explore Todra Gorges, experience Berber culture in remote villages like Ramlia and Ouzina Desert, and enjoy camel treks in Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes. Witness desert sunrises, visit historical sites, and traverse the scenic Draa Valley before returning to Ouarzazate. This journey offers a rich blend of landscapes, culture, and desert experiences.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its medieval architecture and cinematic history.
- Visit the Kasbah Amridil in Skoura, a majestic example of traditional Moroccan architecture set amidst lush oasis scenery.
- Traverse the Valley of Roses, famous for its fragrant rose fields, and continue to the dramatic Dades Valley with its striking red rock formations.
- Hike through the spectacular Todra Gorges, limestone river canyons cutting through the High Atlas Mountains.
- Experience the remote Ouzina Desert near the Algerian border, gaining insights into traditional Berber life.
- Enjoy a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, experiencing the vastness of the Sahara Desert.
- Witness a mesmerizing desert sunrise and sunset over the dunes, offering breathtaking views.
- Immerse yourself in local culture with visits to villages like Ramlia and Khamlia, known for their hospitality and cultural richness.
- Discover historical sites such as Rissani, an ancient town with ties to the Alaouite dynasty, and explore picturesque Berber villages like N’Koub.
- Drive through the scenic Draa Valley, known for its palm groves and traditional kasbahs, offering a glimpse into rural Moroccan life.
- Enjoy traditional Berber cuisine and music under the stars at a desert camp, experiencing the hospitality of nomadic families.
DETAILLED ITINERARY
Day 1: Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – Skoura, Kasbah Amridil – Valley of Roses – Dades Valley
Our adventure begins from Ouarzazate, where we gather at the designated starting point. Our first destination is the ancient Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval architecture and cinematic history in films like Gladiator and The Kingdom of Heaven. We’ll explore its narrow alleys and learn about its rich history. Continuing our journey, we proceed to the lush oasis of Skoura, where the majestic Kasbah Amridil stands as a testament to traditional Moroccan architecture. Moving onward through the Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant rose fields, we arrive at the dramatic Dades Valley, famous for its stunning gorges carved into red rock formations. Dinner and overnight stay will be at a Riad.
Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Tafraout – Ramlia – Ouzina Desert
After breakfast, we depart from the Dades Valley towards the Todra Gorges, a spectacular series of limestone river canyons cutting through the High Atlas Mountains. We’ll hike through this natural wonder, marveling at its towering cliffs and unique geological formations. Continuing south, we follow the former Paris Dakar Rally route to reach Ramlia village and eventually arrive at the remote Ouzina Desert. Nestled near the Algerian border, Ouzina offers a glimpse into traditional Berber life amid stunning desert landscapes. Dinner and overnight accommodation await at Riad TGM Ouzina.
Day 3: Ouzina Desert – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast in Ouzina, we explore the village, visiting communal ovens and gardens, and interacting with locals to learn about their daily life and culture. We’ll seek out a nomadic family in the desert, experiencing firsthand their hospitality and ancient traditions. Later, we journey back to Merzouga via the Paris Dakar track, stopping at Khamlia village to enjoy “Berber Pizza” and listen to soulful Gnawa music. Upon arrival in Merzouga, camels will transport us across the breathtaking Erg Chebbi dunes to our desert camp. Here, under the vast Saharan sky, enjoy a traditional Berber dinner followed by music around the campfire and stargazing. Overnight in a comfortable nomadic tent.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – N’Koub – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
For early risers, a mesmerizing desert sunrise awaits. After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Ouarzazate, passing through Rissani, an ancient town steeped in Alaouite dynasty history. Our route takes us through scenic Berber villages like Alnif and N’Koub, continuing along the picturesque Draa Valley to Agdez for lunch. Finally, we conclude our four-day exploration of Merzouga and Ouzina Deserts, arriving back in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon, allowing ample time for onward travel arrangements.
included
- Riding a camel
- English speaking driver
- Transportation
- Breakfast and dinner
Excluded
- Drinks
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses