5-day route from Errachidia to Ouarzazate through the desert
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5-day route from Errachidia to Ouarzazate: desert, Todra and Valley of Roses
- Morocco, Errachidia
5 days / 4 nights
Errachidia Airport
Ouarzazate Airport
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Description
Fly direct from Barcelona to Errachidia and back from Ouarzazate: that way you cross the south of Morocco without retracing your steps. On this 5-day route you enjoy the Merzouga desert to the full and then follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Ouarzazate.
Three nights in the desert (two in a riad by the dunes and one in a luxury camp), a 4×4 tour visiting nomad families, camels at sunset, the Rissani souk, quads and sandboarding included, the Todra Gorge and valley, the Dades Valley, the Valley of Roses and the Taourirt Kasbah. We are from Merzouga and show you the south like family. The trip is 100% private, just for your group.
Highlights
- Three nights in the desert: riad by the dunes and luxury camp in Erg Chebbi
- 4×4, nomad families and sunset camels
- Rissani souk, quads and sandboarding included
- Todra Gorge and valley and the Dades Valley
- Valley of Roses, Taourirt Kasbah and drop-off at Ouarzazate Airport
The route
- Errachidia AirportStart
- Merzouga3 nights
- RissaniExcursion
- Todra GorgeStop
- Dades Valley1 night
- Valley of RosesStop
- Ouarzazate AirportFinish
In a private air-conditioned vehicle, stopping whenever you like.
Tour itinerary
Day 01: Errachidia Airport – Ziz Valley – Merzouga
We meet you at Errachidia Airport when your flight lands. We head south along the Ziz Valley, with viewpoints over a huge palm grove and old mud-brick ksour. We pass through Erfoud and in about two hours reach Merzouga, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You stay in a riad or hotel right by the dunes and, if there is time, we climb a dune to watch the sunset. Dinner and night at the riad.
Day 02: 4×4 tour around Erg Chebbi – Nomad families – Night in a luxury camp
After breakfast we set off by 4×4 around Erg Chebbi. We visit a nomad family who welcome us with tea and tell us about life in the desert, the village of Khamlia and its Gnawa music, the Dayet Srji lake (when it has water) and the old mines of the area. In the afternoon, a sunset camel ride across the dunes to the luxury camp (or arrival by 4×4 if you prefer). Berber dinner, music around the fire and a night in a luxury tent with private bathroom in our luxury camp, under the stars.
Day 03: Sunrise on the dunes – Rissani market – Quads and sandboarding
We get up early to watch the sunrise from the top of a dune and go back to the riad for breakfast and a rest. In the morning we visit Rissani, the old gateway to the desert: we walk through its souk, one of the most authentic in the south, among spices, dates, crafts and the famous donkey market, and visit its mud-brick ksar. In the afternoon, adrenaline on the dunes: a quad ride across Erg Chebbi and sandboarding down the dunes until sunset. Dinner and night at the riad.
Day 04: Merzouga – Tinghir – Todra Gorge – Dades Valley
After breakfast we head west along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. We stop in Tinghir, with a viewpoint over its vast palm grove, and follow the Todra Valley to its gorge, a canyon with rock walls hundreds of metres high where we walk along the river. In the afternoon we continue to the Dades Valley, among kasbahs and rock formations. Dinner and night in a hotel or riad in the Dades.
Day 05: Dades Valley – Valley of Roses – Ouarzazate – Airport
Breakfast and departure through the Valley of Roses in Kelaat M’Gouna, famous for its rose bushes and rose water. We pass the Skoura palm grove and reach Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert and city of cinema, where we visit the Taourirt Kasbah, former residence of the Glaoui family. Depending on your flight time, we drop you at Ouarzazate Airport in good time.
Photo gallery
Included / Not included
The price includes
- Pick-up at Errachidia Airport and transfer to Ouarzazate Airport
- Private 4×4 or minibus with air conditioning
- English or Spanish-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel, tolls and vehicle costs
- 2 nights in a riad or hotel by the dunes with dinner and breakfast
- 1 night in a luxury desert camp (tent with private bathroom) with dinner and breakfast
- 1 night in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley with dinner and breakfast
- 4×4 tour around Erg Chebbi with visits to nomad families and Khamlia
- Sunset camel ride (option to reach the camp by 4×4)
- Visit to the Rissani souk and ksar
- Quad ride and sandboarding on the dunes
- Todra Gorge and valley, Dades Valley and Valley of Roses
- Visit to the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
The price does not include
- Flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
- Activities not mentioned in the programme
- Travel insurance
Accommodation
Choose the level you prefer. The itinerary is the same; the type of accommodation and some details change.
Authentic and comfortable
- Charming riad or hotel at the foot of the dunes
- Luxury camp: tent with private bathroom
- Dinners and breakfasts as per the programme
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
More space, more detail
- Boutique riad or upscale hotel by the dunes
- Luxury camp: superior tent with private bathroom
- Dinners and breakfasts as per the programme
- Superior 4×4 vehicle
Ultimate luxury
- The best accommodation in Merzouga
- Private luxury camp in the Sahara
- Private dinner and special touches
- Price on request
Accommodation is confirmed subject to availability at the time of booking.
Optional experiences
Ask us and we’ll send you a price.
Route map
Good to know
- Private trip: only you and your family or friends, no other groups.
- We pick you up at Errachidia Airport (Moulay Ali Cherif) when your flight lands.
- The trip ends at Ouarzazate Airport: choose a return flight from midday on day 5 so you can enjoy the visits calmly.
- We can provide child seats; just let us know when booking.
- Summer is very hot in the desert: activities take place early in the morning and at sunset.
- Vegetarian or special menus: let us know in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the tour private or in a group?
It is 100% private: the vehicle and driver are just for your group, and we stop wherever you like.
How long does it take from Errachidia Airport to Merzouga?
About two hours by road, with stops at the Ziz Valley viewpoints. It is the fastest way to reach the Sahara from Spain.
What if my flight arrives late or leaves very early?
No problem: we adapt the pick-up and transfer to your schedule. If your return flight is very early, we leave the desert in good time so you arrive relaxed.
What should I bring for the night in the desert?
A small backpack with what you need for one night, warm clothes (nights get cool), sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf for the wind. Your suitcase stays at the riad.
When is the best time for this trip?
From March to May and from September to November temperatures are ideal. In winter days are pleasant and nights cold; in summer the desert is very hot.
How do I book and pay?
Message us on WhatsApp or email with your dates, flight and number of travellers. We send you a no-obligation quote and explain the booking and payment conditions.
Can I finish in Marrakech instead of Ouarzazate?
Yes. Ouarzazate is about four hours from Marrakech across the High Atlas: we can take you there via Ait Ben Haddou. Ask us for a price.
Like this trip?
Tell us your dates, your flight and how many you are. We reply quickly with a no-obligation quote and tailor it to what you want.
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