Marrakech-Ait Benhaddou-Ouarzazate-Roses Valley-Dades Valley

Marrakech - At seven in the morning, the group stands in front of the hotel with the driver who will accompany them. They get into the car and set off. Forty-five minutes later, the cityscape fades, replaced by simple local villages and markets, as if stepping back in time.

Tizi n Tichka - Not far from the city, modern developments gradually disappear, giving way to the High Atlas Mountains and some douars perched on their slopes.

Tizi n Tichka - What a stunning road! The Tizi-n-Tichka is the second-highest peak after Toubkal (2260 m altitude). The group enjoys breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains until reaching the Ait Benhaddou Ksar, an ancient Moroccan palace.

Ait Ben Haddou - The Ait Benhaddou Ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, has been the backdrop for several films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, Prince of Persia, and Game of Thrones. There is time for lunch and visits to popular spots, including the Ksar Ait Benhaddou.

Ouarzazate - After visiting these Kasbahs, the journey continues to Ouarzazate, a charming city known as the “door of the desert” or “Hollywood of Africa.” A 20-minute drive leads to Ouarzazate, with a 45-minute stop to explore the cinema museum and the Taourirt Kasbah.

Vallee Des Roses - The visit to Ouarzazate, a delightful city, concludes, revealing why it is a world-class film studio. The adventure continues towards the desert, with the next stop being the Valley of Roses. This name is not just a metaphor; it reflects the area’s livelihood from rose cultivation and the extraction of oils, perfumes, and cosmetics using traditional methods that ensure safety and superior results compared to manufactured products.

Dades Gorges - Wow! These rocks are fascinating! The driver explains that these mountains are called the “toes of monkeys,” and upon closer inspection, they resemble fingers, though too large for monkeys—perhaps the fingers of giant gorillas. A brief stop is made before continuing the journey to the hotel, still about twenty-six kilometers away. Dinner and the first night are spent at Hotel Dades.

Dades Gorges-Boumalne Village-Tinghir City-Todra Gorges-Erfoud-Merzouga

Dades Gorges - Good morning! What a beautiful start to the day. A night spent in the Dades Gorges, despite the area’s mountainous and cold winter climate, offers one of the most wonderful experiences of the trip.

Tinghir - The day is dedicated to exploring Tinghir city, the Todra Gorges, and surrounding districts, beginning with a meeting with a local guide. A guided tour of Tinghir Oasis lasts about 1.5 hours, followed by a visit to the Todra Gorges. Lunch is enjoyed in the same village before heading to Merzouga, passing through Tinjdad, Erfoud, and Rissani.

Merzouga - Finally, Merzouga! A 45-minute camel ride offers a chance to witness the sunset and enter the Sahara, with another 45-minute ride the next morning to see the sunrise and exit the Sahara. The second night is spent under the stars in Berber tents, with entertainment by fire and folkloric dances.

Merzouga Desert - This area is perhaps the best in Morocco for spotting various desert bird species, including desert sparrows, Egyptian nightjars, desert warblers, fulvous babblers, and blue-cheeked bee-eaters. In spring, a shallow lake sometimes appears northwest of Merzouga, attracting flamingos and other water birds.

Merzouga-Anif-Kelaat M’gouna-Ouarzazate-Marrakech

Merzouga Desert - On the third day at 7:00 am, the group prepares for a walk in the sand. After breakfast, they reunite with their driver for the return journey to Marrakech.

Alnif - After leaving Merzouga, there are additional stops for photos at intriguing locations.

High Atlas Mountains - At the foothills of the High Atlas, a restaurant offers a picturesque view of several Berber villages surrounded by mountains. Enjoy a Berber meal in the tranquility of the day, with the mountain air whistling.

High Atlas Mountains - Physically exhausted from the long journey, the group carries home not only memories but also a new culture and friendships with people from different nationalities. The final stop is in Ait Barka village, a place to rest and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea.

Marrakech - At 7:30 PM, the driver drops travelers off at their hotels or near their riads (as vehicles cannot navigate the narrow alleys leading to some riads).

• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Air-conditioned vehicles
• 2 nights standard accommodation (Half Board)
• Dromedary tour

• Le guide à Ait benhaddou
• Les repas de Midi, Boisons

When a wealthy local family didn’t offer hospitality to a poor woman and her son, God was offended and buried them under the mounds of sand 50km south of Erfoud called Erg Chebbi.
So goes the legend of the dunes rising majestically above the twin towns of Merzouga.
But the reality is even more unbelievable. Shape-shifting to reach heights of 160m, Erg Chebbi glows a stunning shade of rose gold, until afternoon sunlight tints the dunes orange, pink and purple.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.