Experience the best of Morocco on this 6-day adventure from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, including a scenic excursion to the stunning Ouzoud Waterfalls. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, fertile valleys, and the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges, before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. Enjoy camel trekking, nights under the stars in a traditional desert camp, meet nomadic Berber families, and explore Berber culture along the way. This tour also includes a refreshing visit to Ouzoud, Morocco’s highest waterfalls, creating the perfect balance of adventure, nature, and cultural immersion.
Highlights
- Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Ouarzazate
- Explore Dades Valley and Todra Gorges
- Camel trek and overnight stay in Erg Chebbi desert camp
- Visit nomadic families and Khamlia village (Gnawa music)
- Return through the scenic Draa Valley
- Excursion to Ouzoud Waterfalls and Atlas foothills
- Discover Moroccan landscapes from mountains to desert
Your journey begins early in the morning as you leave the vibrant city of Marrakech behind and travel south toward the majestic High Atlas Mountains. The winding road of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, terraced farmlands, and traditional Berber villages, giving you a glimpse of life in the Atlas. Along the way, you can stop to take photos and enjoy the serene mountain scenery. The first major highlight is the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages. Walking through its narrow alleyways and earthen buildings feels like stepping back in time. The kasbah has also served as the backdrop for many international films, including Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” where you may visit the Taourirt Kasbah or the renowned Atlas Film Studios. From Ouarzazate, the road winds through the Skoura Oasis, famous for its palm groves and historic kasbahs, before entering the fragrant Valley of Roses, with its small villages and stunning natural scenery. The day concludes in the Dades Valley, where dramatic cliffs, gorges, and winding roads create some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Morocco. Enjoy dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad or hotel with panoramic views of the valley.
After breakfast, continue your journey along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”, passing through small Berber villages and scenic palm groves. The first major stop of the day is the Todra Gorges, a narrow canyon carved by the Todra River, with cliffs reaching up to 300 meters high. Take a walk along the gorge floor and admire the contrast between the sheer rock walls and the greenery that lines the river. Afterward, continue toward the edge of the Sahara, passing through Tinghir, Tinjdad, and Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils, dates, and desert heritage. In the afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, where your camel awaits for an unforgettable trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. The late afternoon light transforms the sand into a sea of orange and gold, making it one of the most magical moments of the journey. Arrive at your desert camp to enjoy traditional Moroccan tea, a delicious dinner, and Berber music around the campfire. Sleep under the stars and enjoy the quiet solitude of the desert — an experience that captures the true essence of Morocco.
Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, a moment of peace and natural beauty as the desert awakens with golden and pink hues. After breakfast at your camp, embark on a full-day desert exploration by 4x4. Visit nomadic Berber families who live in traditional tents and learn about their daily life, herding practices, and survival skills in the harsh desert environment. Continue to Khamlia Village, famous for its Gnawa musicians whose rhythms and melodies reflect African roots and centuries-old traditions. Enjoy a live music performance and feel the spiritual energy of this small desert community. After lunch, venture off-road toward the remote Ouzina Desert, an untouched area of red dunes and volcanic rock formations. This serene location provides a private and authentic desert experience away from the crowds. Arrive at your camp, watch a spectacular desert sunset, enjoy a Moroccan dinner, and spend a second night under the stars surrounded by the silence of the Sahara.
After breakfast, begin the journey back toward Marrakech. Drive through the lush Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest palm valley, where thousands of date palms, historic kasbahs, and small Berber villages line the winding valley. Stop along the way to take photographs and appreciate the contrast between the green oasis and the arid desert landscape you’ve just left behind. Continue through Agdz and the Anti-Atlas Mountains, passing rugged landscapes and remote villages before reaching Ouarzazate, where you may stop for a brief visit or lunch. From here, cross the High Atlas Mountains once again via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, watching the scenery transform from mountains to plains as you approach Marrakech. Arrive in the city in the evening for a night at leisure in a riad or hotel, reflecting on the incredible landscapes you’ve explored so far.
On day five, take a full-day excursion to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, located about 150 km from Marrakech in the Atlas foothills. The waterfalls, which cascade over 110 meters into a lush canyon, are surrounded by olive groves and small Berber villages, creating one of Morocco’s most picturesque natural settings. Enjoy a walk along the trails to see the falls from multiple viewpoints, spot wild monkeys in the surrounding trees, and capture stunning photos of the rushing waters. Stop for a traditional Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant or picnic by the falls. Afterward, return to Marrakech in the late afternoon, enjoying the scenic route and stopping at viewpoints along the way. Spend the evening at leisure exploring the medina, Jemaa el-Fna Square, or relaxing at your riad.
On your final day, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and free time in Marrakech before your departure. You may explore the vibrant souks, visit the famous Majorelle Garden, or take a traditional hammam spa experience. Depending on your schedule, transfer to the airport or continue your Moroccan adventure. This concludes your 6 Days Tour from Marrakech to the Desert with Ouzoud Waterfalls Excursion through the High Atlas Mountains, the Sahara Desert, and the beautiful Ouzoud Waterfalls; a tour filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable memories.
Included:
- Private or shared transport in air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan
- English-speaking driver-guide
- 2 nights in Dades Valley hotel/riad
- 2 nights in desert camps (Merzouga & Ouzina)
- 1 night in Marrakech riad/hotel
- Camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
- Breakfasts and dinners during the desert tour
- Berber music, sandboarding, and campfire entertainment
Excluded:
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees (optional)
- Personal expenses and tips














