5 Days from Agadir to Merzouga Desert Tour
📝 Tour Description: What to Expect on Your Journey
Why not combine your relaxing beach holiday with an exhilarating desert adventure? If this sounds like the perfect getaway, embark on a 5-day desert tour from Agadir to the mesmerizing dunes of Merzouga.
Start your journey from Agadir, heading to Taroudant, known as the “Little Marrakech.” Wander through its vibrant medina and explore Taliouine, famed for its saffron farms and the government-run saffron museum. Along the way, stop at Taznakht, a town renowned for its Berber rug co-operatives.
Continue your adventure to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular filming location in Morocco, before reaching Ouarzazate. Discover the beauty of Skoura Oasis and take a guided tour of Kasbah Amredhil. Traverse the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and visit the rose distillery in the Valley of Roses. Explore the scenic Dades Valley, and enjoy a guided hike through the Toudgha Gorges.
In Merzouga, embark on an unforgettable camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Witness a magical sunset from the dunes’ summit and revel in the tranquillity of the vast Sahara. End your day with a traditional dinner under the starlit sky, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of Berber music around a campfire.
Spend the night in a private nomad tent, surrounded by the serene beauty of the desert. Experience the warmth of Berber hospitality, visit local villages, and discover the lush Dra’a Valley, adorned with palm groves, kasbahs, and green oases.
Highlights
- Wander through the bustling market in Taroudant’s medina & visit the saffron museum in Taliouine.
- Discover the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou & learn about traditional Berber rugs in Taznakht.
- Tour Kasbah Amredhil’s museum and get insights into Berber life in the Skoura Oasis.
- Explore the Valley of the Roses, with a stop at Kel’aa M’gouna’s local cosmetic co-operatives.
- Visit the scenic Dades Valley, hike through the Toudgha Gorges, and learn about the “Khettara” water system.
- Experience camel trekking, sand-boarding, and sunset photography in the dunes of Merzouga.
- Dine under a starlit sky, dance to traditional nomad music, and spend a night in a luxury desert camp.
Destination | Taroudant, Taliouine, Taznakht, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, Skoura, Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, Merzouga, Dra’a Valley |
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Departure Location | Any place in Agadir |
Return Location | Any place in Agadir or return by request |
Departure Time | Please arrive by 07:45 AM for a prompt departure at 08:00 AM |
Duration | 5 Days / 4 Nights |
Price | Depends on the number of travelers |
What’s Included / What’s Excluded
- Transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle; 4×4 Toyota Prado Tx
- Experienced English, French, Spanish, Italian-speaking Berber/Nomad driver-guide
- Pick-up from and drop-off at your hotel in Agadir
- Accommodation in air-conditioned rooms/suites with private bathrooms
- Overnight in a luxury desert camp in Erg Chegaga dunes: private tent with bathroom & shower, king-sized beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, blankets, lamps & traditional furniture
- All meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner – with vegetarian and vegan options available
- Bottled water, tea, and coffee in the desert camp
- Sunset camel ride with guide plus free sandboarding if desired
- Possibility to go for short hiking in the midst of beautiful scenery
- Free time to explore sites of interest, for walks, photos and tea/ coffee breaks
- Luggage service to the desert camp and all accommodation
- Entrance fees and local guides
- Personalised service throughout the trip
- Drinks
- Tips
- Extras
🌟 Explore the Full Itinerary of Your Journey👇
- 08:30 AM - Departure from Agadir: Depart from your hotel and set off on your adventure into the Moroccan desert.
- First Stop: Taroudant:
- Arrive in Taroudant, known as “the little Marrakech.”
- Explore the vibrant medina and take photographs of its impressive massive ramparts.
- Visit to Taliouine:
- Continue your journey to Taliouine, the heart of Morocco's saffron-growing region.
- Visit a small museum dedicated to saffron agriculture and learn about the process of growing and harvesting this valuable spice.
- Scenic Mountain Passes:
- Travel through the stunning Tizi-n-Tighatine and Tizi-n-Ikhsane mountain passes.
- Experience breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Lunch Break:
- Stop in Taznakht, a town renowned for its exquisite Berber rugs and carpets.
- Optionally visit a local cooperative to observe women weaving on their looms, showcasing traditional craftsmanship.
- Descent into Dra’a Valley:
- After lunch, head over the Anti-Atlas Mountains to Agdz, an oasis town famous for its variety of palm dates.
- As you descend the Tizi-n-Tinfifite pass (1660m), take in the stunning views of green oases and palm trees, marking the start of the Dra’a Valley.
- Overnight Stay:
- Spend the night in a guesthouse overlooking the beautiful Dra’a Valley, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and local hospitality.
- Morning: Kasbah Tamnougalt
- After breakfast, visit Kasbah Tamnougalt, the oldest kasbah in the Dra’a Valley.
- Explore its partially inhabited structures and discover the historic Jewish quarter that adds to the site’s rich cultural heritage.
- Journey along the Ancient Caravan Route
- Travel along the Ancient Caravan Road, passing through lush green oases and sprawling palm groves.
- Enjoy the serene landscapes as you make your way towards the Dra’a River at Tansikht.
- Lunch in N’Qob
- Stop for lunch in N’Qob, where you can taste local Moroccan cuisine and relax before continuing your journey.
- Scenic Drive through Historic Towns
- Continue your journey through Alnif and Tazzarine, both of which were featured in the film Babel.
- Take in the unique architecture and atmosphere of these charming towns.
- Afternoon Arrival at Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Arrive at the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.
- Check in to your desert camp and settle into your tent, designed with modern comforts.
- Camel Ride to Watch the Sunset
- After enjoying refreshing tea and delicious Moroccan biscuits, embark on a camel ride to the summit of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Experience the breathtaking view as the sun sets, painting the dunes in stunning colors.
- Evening at Camp
- Return to camp for a delightful dinner under the stars.
- Enjoy an evening filled with nomadic music and drumming around a cozy campfire, immersing yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the desert.
- Overnight Stay
- Spend the night in your private tent, complete with all the modern comforts you need for a restful sleep.
- Early Morning: Sunrise Over the Dunes
- Wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Watch as the first light of day transforms the landscape into a vibrant palette of colors.
- Breakfast
- After enjoying a hearty breakfast at camp, prepare for a day of exploration.
- Exploration of Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes
- Spend your morning exploring the vast Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
- Feel the soft sand beneath your feet as you wander through the towering dunes, taking in the stunning desert scenery.
- Visit to Khettarat
- On your way to Tinjdad and Erfoud, stop to visit the khettarat, the ingenious underground water channels designed to minimize water evaporation.
- Experience the coolness of the underground passages and marvel at the ancient engineering that has sustained desert life for centuries.
- Lunch in Toudgha Gorges
- Stop for lunch in Toudgha Gorges, where you can enjoy local dishes while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
- Afternoon: Walk Through Toudgha Gorges
- After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the lush gardens and the massive Toudgha Gorges.
- Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, characterized by towering cliffs and vibrant greenery.
- Evening: Arrival in Dades Valley
- Continue your journey to the Dades Valley.
- Upon arrival, check in to your guesthouse overlooking the valley, where you can relax and unwind.
- Dinner and Overnight Stay
- Enjoy a delicious dinner at the guesthouse, featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine.
- Spend the night in a comfortable room with stunning views of the Dades Valley, with breakfast included for the next day.
- Morning: Breakfast and Departure
- Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse in the Dades Valley.
- After breakfast, set out for another day of exploration.
- Travel Through the Valley of the Roses
- Journey through the scenic Valley of the Roses to Kel’aa M’gouna, a town renowned for its annual rose harvest.
- Take in the picturesque landscapes, adorned with blooming rose bushes and lush greenery.
- Visit to Rose Cooperative
- Stop at a local cooperative producing rose-based cosmetics, where you can see how these fragrant products are made and even pick up a few as souvenirs.
- Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Continue your journey along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, a route dotted with historic fortresses and traditional mud-brick structures.
- Enjoy the stunning contrast of green oases against the backdrop of rugged mountains and desert plains.
- Arrival at Skoura Oasis and Visit to Kasbah Amredhil
- Arrive at the Skoura Oasis, where you will visit the beautifully restored Kasbah Amredhil.
- This iconic kasbah is known for its unique adobe construction, which keeps rooms cool in summer and warm in winter.
- Take a guided tour of the kasbah to learn about its history and architectural features.
- Lunch in Skoura
- Have lunch in a local restaurant within the Skoura Oasis, enjoying traditional Moroccan dishes.
- After your meal, take some time to explore the oasis, walking through palm groves and learning about the Berber way of life.
- Afternoon: Continue to Ouarzazate
- After your exploration of Skoura, continue your journey to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara and a hub for film production in Morocco.
- Arrive at your guesthouse in the late afternoon.
- Evening: Dinner and Overnight Stay
- Check in to your guesthouse in Ouarzazate.
- Relax and enjoy a delicious dinner, followed by a comfortable overnight stay.
- Morning: Breakfast and Departure
- Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your guesthouse in the Dades Valley.
- Depart and head through the scenic Valley of the Roses towards Kel’aa M’gouna, known for its annual rose harvest.
- Explore Kel’aa M’gouna and Local Rose Cooperative
- In Kel’aa M’gouna, where over 4,000 tons of roses are harvested each spring, visit a local cooperative.
- Learn about the process of making organic cosmetic products from the valley’s fragrant roses and see how this industry sustains the local community.
- Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Skoura Oasis
- Continue your journey along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, a famous route lined with traditional fortresses.
- Arrive at the lush Skoura Oasis, home to palm groves and the Kasbah Amredhil.
- Visit to Kasbah Amredhil and Lunch in Skoura
- Explore the beautifully restored Kasbah Amredhil, which once appeared on the Moroccan 50-dirham note.
- Take a guided tour to learn about its unique architecture and the Berber traditions associated with it.
- Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, taking in the serene surroundings of the oasis.
- Afternoon: Film Studios Near Ouarzazate
- In the afternoon, head to Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Morocco."
- Visit the iconic Film Studios, where blockbuster movies like Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones were filmed.
- Discover how the desert landscapes and kasbahs serve as the perfect backdrop for epic cinematic scenes.
- Evening: Relaxation, Dinner, and Overnight Stay
- After a day filled with cultural and cinematic experiences, unwind at your guesthouse in Ouarzazate.
- Enjoy a delicious dinner featuring local Moroccan cuisine.
- Overnight stay in a comfortable room, ending your day in complete relaxation.
- Morning: Breakfast and Final Visit to the Film Studios
- Start your day with a relaxing breakfast at your guesthouse in Ouarzazate.
- Visit the renowned Film Studios, famous for hosting productions like Gladiator, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones.
- Take a guided tour to see the iconic film sets and learn about how this desert location became a hub for international filmmaking.
- Explore Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
- Head to the legendary Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore this stunning example of traditional Moroccan earthen architecture, which has served as a backdrop for countless movies and TV shows.
- Stroll through its winding pathways and enjoy views from the top of the kasbah, where you can see the surrounding desert landscapes.
- Journey Back to Agadir
- Begin the return journey to Agadir, traveling through scenic routes that showcase the beauty of Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
- Stop at viewpoints along the way for breaks, photos, and an opportunity to take in the stunning vistas.
- You will have time to reflect on the memories of your desert adventure and appreciate the changes in scenery as you move from the arid desert to the greener landscapes.
- Late Afternoon Arrival in Agadir
- Arrive back at your hotel in Agadir by late afternoon, marking the end of your unforgettable 5-day desert adventure.
- Take some time to relax and unwind after a journey filled with exploration, culture, and breathtaking sights.