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Merzouga Desert Activities

4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Essaouira Overview:

The 4 days desert tour from Marrakech to Essaouira via the Merzouga desert is a chance to enjoy an enriching journey that blends the exotic allure of the Merzouga Desert with the coastal charm of Essaouira. In these 4 days / 3 nights, you will explore fabulous places in Morocco.

Commencing the journey from Marrakesh, contemplating views of the Atlas Mountains, Tizi N Tichka snaky road, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Valley of Roses, and Dades Valley.

Next, you will visit the Merzouga desert, experience camel trekking, spend an overnight in a desert camp, in the heart of the desert, and enjoy marvelous sunset and sunrise.

Also, explore the Hollywood of Africa Ouarzazate with its important historical monuments. Finally, the tour ends in Essaouira.

4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech Info:

Departure time: Around 8:00 AM
Departure point: Marrakech accommodation or airport
Trip style: Private Tour
Trip Length: 4 days/3 nights
Ending time: Around 6:00 PM
Ending Point: Essaouira Hotel, or airport

4-Day Marrakech to Essaouira Sahara Tour Highlights:

Traverse the High Atlas Mountains
Enjoy the scenic Tizi n'Tichka pass
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site Aït Ben Haddou
Visit the desert gateway, Ouarzazate
Contemplate rock formations
Enjoy the simplicity of Merzouga village
Erg Chebbi dunes
Experience a camel trek to the middle of the Desert
Enjoy a colorful sunset in the desert
Spend the night in a traditional desert camp.
Enjoy Essaouira’s coastal breeze

Itinerary of 4 Days Marrakech to Essaouira Desert Trip:

Day 1: Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Ait Ben Haddou - Dades

The 4-day desert journey promises an incredible tour through Morocco’s amazing landscapes and rich cultural heritage. To start, the tour commences at around 8:00 AM with an early pick up from Marrakech accommodation, traversing the High Atlas Mountains with the panoramic views of the Tizi N Tichka Pass.

Next, a stop will be at a viewpoint to enjoy the panoramic views of the snaky road of the mountains. Furthermore, another pause in Ait Ben Ammar Berber mud village at the edge of the mountains, an ideal place for photography lovers.

After that, the journey continues to the historical monument Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a fortified mud village declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO since 1987, its location and fabulous architecture made it a popular destination for travelers, in addition, numerous movies were filmed in this strategic point such as the 1962 epic film ‘‘Sodom and Gomorrah’’, the 1967 Italian movie ‘‘Oedipus Rex’’, the 1975 adventure movie ‘The Man Who Would Be King, in addition to the American fantasy drama TV series ‘‘Game of Thrones’’

After Lunch in the Kasbah, we head toward Boumalne Dades through the Gateway to the desert Ouarzazate, Skoura dates palms, and Kalaat M’gouna known for the traditional method of distillation that involves collecting the morning dew on rose petals and extracting the essential oil through a distillation process, this colorful Moroccan spot hosts the Rose Festival every year usually on the first week of May or last week of April, a vibrant celebration of the rose harvest, beauty contest, traditional music and a special dance known as the Ahidous or Ahwach.

Finally, reach Boumalne Dades and spend the night in the Dades Gorges. Accommodation with dinner and breakfast in the hotel

Day 2: Dades Gorges - Todra Gorges - Merzouga Desert

After a delicious breakfast, we start the second day of the journey toward the Merzouga desert well-known for its very high golden dunes.

Next, continue the expedition through Melaab, Tinejdad, Touroug palm trees, and Erfoud.

Afterward, reach the Merzouga desert to begin the camel trekking to the middle of the golden dunes, feeling the tranquility of the middle of nowhere, and contemplating the vibrant sunset in one of the highest dunes.

After the sunset, continue to the desert camp where you will be welcomed with bottles of fresh mineral water, a cup of mint tea, some nuts and sweets, and your private tent according to your preferred type.

Finally, taste a saharian dinner and the Berber drums played by local nomads amidst the desert under a starry, open sky.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert - Draa Valley - Ouarzazate

A fresh day begins and allow the splendor of the lively desert sunrise to bring joy and happiness to your heart. After breakfast, return to Merzouga village by camel again, then leave the breathtaking Sahara desert and depart toward Ouarzazate.

A stop will be made at the Draa Valley, which is one of the longest rivers in Morocco, originating in the High Atlas Mountains and eventually reaching the Atlantic Ocean, it is well-known for its lush and verdant date palm trees providing a vital water source for agricultural fields.

After lunch, we continue toward Ouarzazate passing through ancient fortified villages known as ksour and historic kasbahs along the way.

Finally, reach the Hollywood of Africa Ouarzazate, and spend the night in a high-quality hotel.

Day 4: Ouarzazate - High Atlas - Essaouira

On the last day of your fabulous 4 days Desert Tour Marrakech to Essaouira , after breakfast, we cross again the High Atlas Mountains with the option to visit the Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate.

Passing through through the red city of Marrakech, Chichaoua, and Sidi Moukhtar. Along the way a stop will be made at the panoramic view of Essaouira’s beautiful town, after that, still be only 20 minutes to arrive at Essaouira.

Finally, the tour ends with a drop-off at your accommodation in Essaouira

Price includes:

Price excludes:

FAQ of Marrakech to Essaouira Desert Tour:

What is the route from Marrakech to Essaouira via Merzouga?

The typical route involves heading southeast from Marrakech towards Merzouga in the Sahara Desert, passing by Ouarzazate, Kalaat M’gouna, and Tinghir. Exploring Merzouga, then traveling west to reach Essaouira on the Atlantic coast passing by Alnif, Agdez, Ouarzazate, and Marrakech.

How long does the journey will take?

The journey length is 4 days and 3 nights. With departure every at 8:00 visiting important places and concluding the day at 8 or 7 PM

What attractions are included in the itinerary?

The itinerary program includes attractions such as the World Heritage site Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, Taourit Kasbah, the Sahara Desert with camel trekking, Fossil town Erfoud, Todra Gorges, and finally, the coastal town of Essaouira.

Is the camel trek in Merzouga suitable for all travelers?

The camel treks in the Merzouga desert are suitable for all travelers except for those with specific health concerns and elderly people

Are meals included in the tour price?

The tour includes breakfast and dinner, but lunches and additional beverages are not part of the package.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Of course yes, the Marrakesh Trips team provides customized and tailor-made itineraries. Therefore, the proposed tour program is a suggestion. So if it doesn’t match what you are looking for, the Marrakesh Trips agency will arrange an alternative itinerary tailored to your needs. Feel free to reach out to us for further assistance.

What type of accommodation is provided?

Marrakesh Trips agency provides top-notch accommodations for our clients, which include an overnight stay in Boumalne Dades, a traditional desert camp, a night in a hotel in Merzouga desert, and a comfortable overnight in Ouarzazate.

What is the best time of year for this Marrakech desert tour?

The optimal period for the tour is in the milder seasons of fall and spring, spanning from October to April or May. however, Essaouira city has amazing weather the whole year which is moderate and cool

What is the cancellation policy?

A 20% advance payment is necessary to confirm your tour reservation 100% through either Paypal or Bank Transfer and the rest of the payment is paid by cash to the driver during the scheduled program. A full refund is applicable in case of cancellation up to 30 days before the scheduled tour.

Know Before You Go

Before you book your 4-day Tour from Marrakech to Essaouira via Erg Chebbi dunes, please review the following details:

You can opt for a 5-day tour from Marrakech to Essaouira
If you want to extend your stay in the Merzouga Desert, such as spending 2 nights camel trekking, please inform us when you make your reservation.
You’ll receive a booking confirmation immediately upon booking.
Our 4-day tour from Marrakech ensures there are no tourist traps.
Our desert tour packages from Marrakech have transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
Alcoholic drinks are available for purchase; simply notify your driver or guide at the beginning of the trip, and they’ll take you to the best places.
Secure the best prices by booking your Morocco desert trip with us in advance.
The tour departs daily around 8:00 AM. We’ll confirm the exact departure time the day before the start of the Sahara Trip.
Enjoy additional desert activities like quad biking or buggies in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
If you have specific dietary preferences, such as being vegetarian or having food allergies, please inform us when booking so we can ensure your trip is enjoyable and hassle-free.