Marrakech Tours
- 2 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
- 2 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Merzouga
- 2 Days Tour Marrakech to Zagora Desert
- 3 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
- 3 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
- 4 Days Tour Marrakech to Fes
- 4 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
- 4 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Essaouira
- 5 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Essaouira
- 5 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Fes
Fes Tours
Casablanca Tours
Tangier Tours
Day Trips
Merzouga Desert Activities
Merzouga to Gara Medouar Day Trip Overview:
The Merzouga to Gara Medouar, Rissani, and Erfoud Day Trip is a fabulous chance to explore the beauty of the Moroccan desert surroundings, visiting the stunning Gara Medouar, and experience the culture of Rissani.
Next, see the Fossil Workshops in Erfoud and its beautiful Oisis town
Gara Medouar Day Trip from Merzouga Info:
Departure: 9 AM
Depart point: your Merzouga Accommodation
Available: Every day, all the year
Trip Style: Adventure, and Cultural Travel
Trip Length: from 4 to 6 hours
Ending time: 5:00 PM
Merzouga Desert to Rissani Highlights:
- Enjoy the drive-through desert views
- See stunning dunes, rocky deserts, and beautiful horizons
- Visit the unique, horseshoe-shaped mountain
- Discover its history and why it’s called the “Fortified Mountain.”
- Take amazing photos of this dramatic natural site
- Walk through the colorful and lively Rissani market
- Experience local trade, spices, crafts, and more
- Great place to buy souvenirs at a cheap price
Itinerary of 1 Day to Gara Medouar from Merzouga:
Please check our Merzouga Day Trip itinerary to know what to expect during this 1 day tour.
The Merzouga Day Trip to Gara Medouar starts with a pick up from your accommodation in Merzouga by one of our drivers with a modern A/C 4×4 car and head toward Gara Medouar, deep in the Moroccan desert, a short drive from Rissani, you will reach the mysterious Gara Medouar massif, made famous as the lair of Bond villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld in the 2015 James Bond film, Spectre.
Often described as a volcanic crater or a meteor impact site, the Gara Medouar is in fact neither of these. It is in fact the result of millions of years of erosion. In the film Bond and his companion, Madeleine Swann, reach it by car (to be precise, a beautiful 1948 Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith, as Bond points out). The opening to the crater was fortified centuries ago with a mud brick wall by the Almoravid dynasty (and not the Portuguese, as is often alleged) – a construction that still exists today, along with the remnants of other installations inside.
Within the massif are smaller elevations, trees and rough cliffs. This is in contrast to what the audience sees in Spectre, which is the result of a clever computer-generated illusion. In reality the film crew built both Blofeld’s villa, modelled after a luxury residence in Marrakech, and his evil command centre outside the mountain and later combined both on film.
Plus, pass through Erfoud, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” It is famous for its fossil-rich rocks and annual Date Festival. The town has a peaceful atmosphere, with palm tree groves and traditional mud-brick buildings. You can visit local workshops to see how fossils are turned into beautiful decorations or explore nearby oases for a relaxing experience.
Next, Visit Rissani Market is a colorful and lively market in the town of Rissani, near the Sahara Desert. It is a hub for locals to buy and sell goods like fresh fruits, spices, handmade crafts, and traditional clothes. The market is especially busy on market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays). One of its unique features is the donkey parking area, where traders leave their donkeys while they shop, also explore the stalls, taste local snacks, and experience the rich culture and daily life of the region.
Finally, drive back to Merzouga village at your accommodation or any place you like and relax and enjoy the views of the desert on the return journey. End of Merzouga Day Trip to Gara Medouar, Rissani and Erfoud.
Merzouga Sahara to Gara Medouar Trip Includes:
- Pick up from Merzouga hotel/Riad
- Private Transport with A/C
- Englich Speaking Driver
- Guided Rissani Visit
- Gara Medouar Exploration
- Pauses along the way for Pictures
- Drop off at your accommodation
Gara Medouar Trip Price Excludes:
- Drinks
- Lunch
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, extra snacks).
FAQ of the the Gara Medouar Desert Tour:
The trip lasts about 4 to 6 hours, starting in the morning and ending in the late afternoon.
Yes, the trip is family-friendly and safe for children.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. A hat and sunglasses are good for the sun.
You can also bring snacks if you like.
The trip can be private or in a small group, depending on what you prefer
No special equipment is needed, but bring a camera to take photos!
Yes, a 4×4 with a driver/guide is included.
Yes, there are souvenirs in Rissani Market, like crafts and local products.
The trip is easy and relaxed, with light walking at the stops.
Good to Know:
Here are some good tips about the Day Trip from Merzouga to Rissani, Gara Medouar and Erfoud:
- Our Sahara day Trips are available every day through the whole year
- You will receive confirmation of the booking immediately at the time of reservation
- There are no tourist traps during the day trip
- There are no hidden costs with our Merzouga tour packages.
- The starting of the trip will be in the morning, and we will inform you of the exact time the day before the departure.
- Desert Roads can be bumpy, so the trip uses a 4×4 or comfortable minivan.
- Weather can be hot during the day, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water.
- For Clothing you can wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking.
- Rissani Market is busiest on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
- Gara Medouar and Rissani are very scenic, so don’t forget your camera
- We arrange Camel Treks too such as Overnight Trip, 2 Nights of Camel trekking, and 3 Nights Camel Tour
- The trip is easy and enjoyable, with plenty of time to explore and rest.
