Tour From Agadir to the Merzouga Desert - 4 Day
Morocco offers much more than just its coastline! Enhance your Agadir beach resort holiday by embarking on an adventurous desert trip to the Erg Chebbi dunes. This diverse four-day desert tour to Merzouga's Sahara desert allows you to experience the beauty and excitement it holds. To gain a deeper understanding of Berber life in the southern region, you will visit various places. Taroudant, often referred to as the "little Marrakech," offers insights into Berber culture. Talouine, known for its saffron production, features a government-run saffron museum. Taznakht is a bustling town filled with cooperatives selling authentic Berber rugs. You'll also have the opportunity to explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Skoura oasis and Kasbah Amredhil provide a glimpse into rural Berber life. The Dra'a Valley, adorned with palm trees and ancient kasbahs, showcases life in the oases and traditional building techniques. In the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, you can visit the Damascene rose distillery, offering beautifully scented cosmetic products as delightful souvenirs. The stunning geological wonders of the Dades Valley and Toudgha gorges await your exploration. After a warm welcome with a refreshing glass of mint tea at the camp, brace yourself for an exhilarating camel ride to the peak of the Erg Chebbi Dunes. From this vantage point, you'll witness a breathtaking sunset. A delicious dinner featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine will be served, followed by an evening of music around a cozy campfire. Finally, retreat to your exotic tent in a luxurious desert camp, completing the evening in absolute perfection.
The Sahara trip from Agadir to the Erg Chebbi dunes – Itinerary :
1st day : Agadir – Ouarzazate
Start your day with an 8:30 am departure from Agadir in a 4×4 vehicle, heading towards Ouarzazate. Along the way, you’ll pass through Taroudant, often referred to as “the little Marrakesh,” and continue through Taliouine and Taznakht. The journey then takes you to the renowned Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the most famous kasbah in Morocco and one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage sites. After enjoying lunch in the village, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the kasbah, including a climb to the top for breathtaking views.
In the afternoon, a visit to the Atlas Film Studios is on the schedule. These studios have been the backdrop for numerous Hollywood blockbusters, and many of the sets are still intact (including those from Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Asterix and Obelix, and Game of Thrones). With just a few kilometers remaining, you’ll arrive in the charming town of Ouarzazate, where you’ll spend the night in a riad.
2nd day : Ouarzazate – Merzouga
We begin our morning journey from Ouarzazate towards the Toudgha gorges, passing through Skoura. Along the way, we’ll take an off-road route to explore the kasbahs. While some may be in a state of disrepair, they are beautifully situated among the lush palm trees of this magnificent oasis. One must-visit kasbah is Amredhil, which offers a picturesque setting for capturing photos and a quick visit. Continuing on the main road, we pass through the Valley of Roses, where roses are distilled to create oils, lotions, and creams that are sold throughout the country.
Our next destination is the Dades Valley, known for its green gardens along the river and stunning rock formations. We’ll pause for a delightful lunch in the Toudgha gorges.
In the afternoon, our journey takes us to the Merzouga dunes, where a two-hour camel ride awaits to transport us to the Erg Chebbi dunes, towering at a height of 250 meters. The view from the top of the dunes during sunset is simply breathtaking.
For the evening, we’ll indulge in a delicious dinner and spend the night at a luxurious camp. The tents feature private bathrooms, king-sized beds, and tastefully arranged Moroccan furnishings and lamps that add to the ambiance, allowing you to fully appreciate the serene beauty of the dunes.
3rd day : Merzouga – Agdz
For those who wake up early, a mesmerizing sunrise awaits, offering a breathtaking display of vibrant colors and captivating interplay of shadows on the dunes.
Following breakfast, our itinerary takes us to the Dra’a Valley, the longest valley in Morocco. As we traverse the route, we pass through charming villages such as Rissani, Alnif, Tazzarine, and N’Qob, where we pause for a delightful lunch.
In the afternoon, our journey continues to Tansikht, crossing the Dra’a River. The river’s flow can vary from a mighty current to a gentle trickle. From here, we head north, venturing off-road along the ancient caravan route that runs parallel to the valley, showcasing its majestic palm trees and ancient villages. As the afternoon draws to a close, we make a stop in Agdz for a well-deserved dinner and a restful night’s sleep.
4th day : Agdz – Agadir
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we head northwest from Agdz towards Taznakht, renowned for its Berber gelims and carpets. Along the way, we are treated to stunning landscapes and pass by the Bouazzer mines. This region is secluded and offers a more off-the-beaten-track experience.
Continuing our journey, we head west towards Agadir, crossing the Tizi-n-Ikhsane and Tizi-n-Tighatine passes, each offering breathtaking views. We make a stop in Taliouine for lunch, a place known as the heart of the saffron growing area in Morocco. Here, you can explore an excellent small museum that showcases the art of saffron cultivation.
In the afternoon, we proceed to Taroudant once again, following the course of the often dry Souss River. The route treats us to the sight of numerous argane trees dotting the slopes of the hillsides. Eventually, we reach Agadir by late afternoon, as the journey concludes.
Your Agadir to Merzouga desert tour concludes around 18:00, leaving you with cherished memories of this incredible adventure.
Map of Agadir to Merzouga Desert Tour :
