12 Days Marrakech desert Tours

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Overview of 12 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

During the 12 days Marrakech desert Tours to the imperial cities, including Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen – Fez, and Marrakech, you will enjoy the many beauties of Morocco from north to south and from west to east.

At first sight one can admire the imposing architecture of the land of the great south, on the slopes of the mountains and the green oasis; they will be taken by the imposing gorges of the Atlas and the austere beauty of the desert areas.

Then, you will cross the Middle Atlas and its cliffs and discover, one after the other, the imperial cities of Morocco, witnesses of the splendor of the royal dynasties. Finally, you will discover Marrakech and its magnificent gardens, the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque, the tombs of Saadian, and the palace of Bahia, many of which will be visited. We will finish in beauty with the Pearl of the South: Marrakech.

12 Days Marrakech desert Tours Info:

+ Duration: 12 Days & 11 nights
+ Departure: 08:00 am
+ Starting Location: Marrakech
+ Ending Location: Marrakech

12 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Highlights:

+ Visit Marrakech.
+ Cross the High Atlas mountains and pass Tizi Ntichka.
+ Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
+ Trip to the Dades gorges.
+ Visit the Todgha Gorge and drive through Erfoud in the desert.
+ Ride a camel in Merzouga while watching.
+ Sleeping under the stars in the camp Erg Chebbi Sahara.
+ discover the Merzouga desert and meet travel people and their cultures.
+ drive through the Ziz valley to Fez.
+ Visit Fez and discover the most beautiful places.
+ Explore Volubilis and Meknes in Rabat.
+ Drive to Hassan 2 Mosque Casablanca.
+ Visit Essaouira.

Intinerary 12 days Desert Tours from Marrakech to Merzouga

Day 1: Marrakesh

Pick up at Marrakech airport. Transfer to the Riad. Visit the city and its famous DJeema el Fna square. accommodation in Riad

Day 2: The Visiting of Marrakech

In the morning will start our day of 12 days Marrakech Desert Tours, visit Marrakech, founded by the Almoravids in the 11th century. We highlight the minaret of Koutoubia, a symbol of the city and true jewel of Almohad art, the Tombs of the Saadia, the Bahia Palace, the Medina, and the famous Jemaá el Fná square, where a multitude of sellers, acrobats, and storytellers. night at the hotel/riad.

Day 3: Marrakech - High Atlas - Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley

in the morning will start our second day of 12 Days Desert Tours from Marrakech to Merzouga, We will Pick you up at 8 am in the Riad/Hotel, where you stay in Marrakech to reach the High Atlas Mountains, Moroccan Atlas sub-mountain range crossing the Tizi-NTichka, where we will make several stops to appreciate its beautiful panoramic views and take photos of the Berber villages that are camouflaged with the color of the earth.

Then we head south to reach the fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou or Fortified City, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1986. In this spectacular setting, countless films have been shot as well known as Laurent of Arabia, the Mummy, Gladiator, Game of Thrones, etc. We will have lunch in the city to continue towards Ouarzazate, known as the great gate of the desert, whose Berber name means without noise or confusion. It is worth noting that it is kasbah or Alcazaba whose name is a tourist.

We will continue through the Valley of the Roses passing by the Great Palm Grove of Skoura where we can admire the more than 700 palm trees and the great concentration of kasbah that spread through the oasis and its surroundings, later we will arrive at the Valley of the Roses, as the name suggests is a beautiful place where the most beautiful damask roses are grown to make cosmetics such as rose water much appreciated. In this Valley once a year and in May the Museum of Roses is celebrated. We will reach the Dades Vally where we can stay overnight at a local hotel/riad.

Day 4: Dades Valley - Gorges of Todra - Dunes of Merzouga - Night in the tent

After breakfast we continue our fourth day of 12 Days Marrakech desert Tours to Merzouga, we can enjoy one of the best views of the valley of Dades. We will do this from one of the most strategic places that the mountains offer us. From there, we can observe the quantity of kasbah that exists and the picturesqueness of each of them.

After several stops on the way, we will arrive at the Todra Gorges. Located near the town of Tineghir, they give way to the desert. Surrounded by a valley full of palm trees and pisé villages, here are the mountains most appreciated by climbing enthusiasts.

These mistakes of Todra and Dades are the most famous and impressive in Morocco. After a walk in the Todra Gorges and lunch in Tinejdad or Touroug, we leave towards the desert to reach the impressive dunes of Merzouga where we will leave in a caravan for a trip of about an hour to reach our nomad tent, Located in the middle of a sea of dunes (Erg Chebbi), we enjoy one of the most impressive sunsets you have ever seen. Dinner and night in a nomadic tent in the heart of the desert under a spectacular starry sky.

Day 5: Merzouga Desert - Nomadic Families - Khamlia Village - Erg Chebbi Tour

Today will be a day of a desert day trip, we will get up before dawn to see the sunrise from the great dunes. return with the dromedaries to the city of Merzouga.

After a rich and hearty breakfast, we will visit the dunes of the Erg Chebbi, an extension of the desert of sand where the great dunes of Morocco is located, and the mountains that border Algeria in the background. Stop at the oasis of Tissardmin, where we can find fossil races still found in this region, and we will head to a nomadic colony where we will know some of its secrets and customs. Later, stop at a viewpoint where we can see the Erg Chebbi as a whole.

We arrived at the village of Khamlia, originally from Mali, where we relaxed with tea and enjoyed a small concert of spiritual music of Gnawa. return to the hotel and free afternoon to stroll around the city or climb the nearby dunes to enjoy the sunset. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. in of our fifth of 12 Days Marrakech desert Tours.

Day 6: Merzouga Desert - Ziz Valley - Middle Atlas - Cedar Forest - Ifrane - Fez

Once you’re ready, we will start the sixth day of our 12 Days Desert Tours from Marrakech to Merzouga heading north through the palm grove of Tafilalet, where we can see the infinity of palm trees 20 km away, making it one of the largest palm groves in the world. Crossing the road, we reach the Ziz Valley, the name of the river that flows from the High Atlas and feeds the palm grove. Here we stop to look at the valley from above and see the city of Aoufous.

A stop in Midelt, in the heart of the Atlas, to rest and have lunch. In the afternoon we continue our way through the cedar forest, where, if we are lucky, we can find some monkeys without stopping at Ifrane, which is located on the northwest side of the Middle Atlas at 1630 meters altitude.

The width of its avenues, its urban development, its impeccable state of cleanliness, its gardens and green spaces, and especially its architecture, typical of an Alpine city, makes Ifrane of its place in Morocco and won the nickname (Moroccan Switzerland) There is the Michlifen ski slope, one of the most important slopes in the world. Arrival in Fez around 18:00,  overnight in Riad/Hotel.

Day 7: Visit of the Medina and the Monuments of Fez

After a rich breakfast in the Riad, we begin our guided tour of the new part of the city of Fes, where we approach the royal palace, and Jewish neighborhood (Mellah), then we will go to a viewpoint where we can see all of Medina from the Tower. from the south and the few Mosques. Then we had to walk the medina, declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site.

Its labyrinthine alleys are structured by guilds of potters, dyers, … etc, the bustle of its people will transport you centuries ago. We will note that it is a medieval city and that time has stopped on the clock la ’la Magana Bounania’ ’1200 years after its construction. A marvel! accommodation in Riad. The end of the seventh day of 12 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert trip.

Day 8: Fez - Meknes - Volubilis - Chefchaouen.

On the eighth day of the 12-day tour from Marrakech, we leave early after breakfast for Meknes, where we have a great view of the city. The tour begins with a visit to the ramparts with archaeological gates dating back to the 17th century, Bab Berdine and Bab El Khamis. From here, we continue our tour of the city, passing the stables (rue), grain silos (hiri) and the horse farm. We will then stop at the Moulay Ismail Mausoleum, which was for a long time the only mosque that non-Muslims could visit in Morocco. We will then head to the famous Bab Mansour in the vast city of Louie. We will then continue on to the ancient Roman ruins in Willy. We’ll spend some time exploring these 2,000-year-old ruins and learn about life during the time of the Roman Empire. Finally, we’ll head to the Blue City where we’ll spend the night in Chefchaouen.

Day 9: Chefchaouen - Rabat - Casablanca

In the morning, we will drive you to Rabat, we visit the Kasbah of Udaya as erected by a terrible tribe of predators in the twelfth century. Further, we visit Hassan 2 tower, where 4 facades are decorated differently from each other, three in shades of pink and one in gray because of the sea breeze, you will discover the mausoleum next to the tower. Next, we reach Casablanca in the late afternoon. Finally, and overnight in the hotel.

Day 10: Casablanca to Marrakech

Start your day After breakfast. Departure to Marrakech via the highway, stop to have rest and have a coffe and then continue our way to the red city of Marrakech. arrive in the afternoon and spend a night at the hotel/riad.

Day 11: Marrakech - Essaouira

After breakfast, we go to Essaouira, a coastal town that crosses the Argan Valley to Essaouira. It is full of small squares, walls, fortifications, and historic monuments. A pleasant and strange complex, a historical and cultural heritage. The three most characteristic features of the city are culture, traditions, and crafts. The cultural heritage is deeply rooted and forward-looking, a city where everything is mixed and bewitched by everyone who visits it. Visit Its Medina has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 2001, a city of wind and light. Their appearance can bring to mind the image of the “white villages” of Andalusia. Nicknames such as: “The Pearl of the Atlantic”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Well Kept” have been attributed to him. It is a meeting place with inner peace, where for centuries, there has been a crossbreeding of cultures, civilizations, and religions, such as Phoenicians, Romans, Berbers, Carthaginians, Portuguese, and French. Accommodation in Essaouira. 

Day 12: Essaouira to Marrakech airport.

After breakfast transfer to the airport in Marrakech, depending on the flight time and end of our 12 day tour in Morocco from Marrakech.

Tour di 12 Giorni in Marocco da Marrakech

What's included in 12 days desert Tours from Marrakech to Merzouga:

  • Native guide and/or driver who speaks your language and has the main function to support you during the desert trip.
  • Continuous attention and support for and during the trip for any doubts that may arise.
  • Exclusive vehicle transport during the visit, modern, comfortable, and Fully equipped.
  • Beds and breakfast every day.
  • Visit with a local guide in Marrakech and Fez.
  • Camel ride per person.
  • A magical night in the Berber desert camp surrounded by dunes.

What's not included in 12 days desert tours from Marrakech to Merzouga Sahara:

  • Flight Tickets.
  • Lunches.
  • Entrance fees to monuments.
  • Drinks.

NOTE:

If this 12 Days Marrakech Desert Tours does not match what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us and we will prepare the trip for your needs and requirements.

12 Days Tours from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Reviews

12 days Desert Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga

I chose Marrakech Tour Company because of the great reviews. They did not disappoint. From the start, my requests for information were met with detailed questions followed by suggested routes and timely responses. It seemed like these people never slept because they always responded quickly. They listened to what I wanted to achieve and then we decided that a personalized tour would meet our needs. The accommodation, the food, and the vehicle were first class. Best of all, we had Hassan, one of the directors of the company, as our guide. We were 2/3 of the way when the borders were closed due to COVID-19. We decided to stay in Morocco because changing the date of our departure flight became impossible. We felt safe and didn’t want to risk getting caught in the crowds of airports and airplanes. It was the best decision since our time in isolation here was a positive experience. Hassan treats us like his extended family and keeps in touch to make sure he is always there for us 24/7. We came to find out that this is the Moroccan way. If you decide to visit the country, an incredible experience awaits you, a feast for the eyes and full of people who welcome foreigners with delicious food and generous hearts. Morocco should be on everyone’s wish list once the borders reopen. It offers good value for money and will provide unique experiences.

Carlos K. January 2023
★★★★★ 5/5

Exclusive 12 days Marrakech Desert tour to Merzouga

We had a wonderful time on a 12 days Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert and Imperial Cities with a group of 8 for a bus tour (which was the best of its kind) from a stay in a desert oasis, the picturesque covered mountainous city snow of Ifrane, views on the way and finally return to Marrakech. Along the way we were guided by one of the owners, who took great care to ensure that our stay and experience were the best possible, organizing the best accommodation for us and making sure that even the smallest detail is taken care of. In, especially when we informed one of our friends about his birthday, Said made sure that special arrangements were made on short notice with cakes and celebrations at the riad we stayed at. Overall one of the best experiences we have had and we cannot recommend enough trips to Morocco for the care they provide to their clients and to ensure that even the smallest details are looked at. I will definitely be back!

Stane H. December 2022
★★★★★ 5/5

Amazing tour in 12 days from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert

Is a very nice agency with a good and professional guide Hassan is in the desert and in other places wonderful cities and places of great suggestions hope to visit again this country’s magic and go again with this agency, thanks, Hassan.

Luise H. December 2022
★★★★★ 5/5

Places to see in Your Marrakech Desert tours 12 Days to Merzouga Sahara

Ait BenHaddou Ksar

Although the oldest building of Ait Benhaddou dates from the 17th century, the place was used by the Almoravids, Morocco in the 11th century. The century reigned, fortified. The current structures are probably a replica of the previous buildings, making Ksar one of the best examples of Adobe architecture in the country. It is made entirely of straight earth, mixed with straw, clay bricks, and wood. This architectural style is economical and aesthetic but requires constant maintenance to withstand the annual rains and desert winds.

12 Days Marrakech desert trip will let you discover the historic village of Ait Benhaddou, it is still inhabited, but only by some Berber families (between five and ten of them, as you ask). When the Ksar lost its importance with the disappearance of the Trans-Saharan caravans, its livelihood was neglected and it began to suffer the harsh desert climate. Most of the inhabitants have moved to more modern and easy-to-maintain homes across the Ounila River, where they continue to live and rely on tourism and agriculture for their income. Marrakech Tour Company offers you the best day trip from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah.

Dades Valley, Boumaln Dades.

The beautiful Dades Valley in Boumalne Dades, with the picturesque Dades Gorge and the spectacular winding road, is one of the highlights of a visit to Morocco. Whether by car or motorcycle, a ride in this canyon is a very special and truly adventurous experience. Visitors are delighted with the contrasting colors and the incredible beauty of the landscape. But the most spectacular stretch of the road is certainly the impressive Zik-Zak Road, almost at the end of the gorge. But also for hiking and trekking come visitors from all over the world. With our Company, you can do 3 Days from Marrakech to Merzouga desert or to Fes if you don’t have time for our 12 Days desert trip from Marrakech.

Todra Gorge, Tinghir

Todra Gorge is famous for the beauty of the landscape and its bright red limestone, very compact and abrasive, whose exceptional quality and durability are truly amazing in my opinion. According to residents, there are more than 400 roads, divided into 46 sectors, up to the impressive walls inside and outside the gorge; it is possible to choose from endless single-step bolted routes and multi-step routes and also some traditional and mixed adventure routes, where to make practical use of eccentric and cam.

Sahara Desert, Erg Chebbi

The Sahara spans much of North Africa, from the Red Sea to the Atlantic, and covers some (or all) of the 11 countries of the African continent. In addition to the occasional oasis, the desert is composed of rocky plateaus, saline, sand seas, or ergs. These Ergs or dunes are formed by wind and can reach peaks of up to 180m. They rise like a desert sea and are tempting places to visit. For political reasons, some of these sand seas are inaccessible to tourists, like the Ergs in Libya or Tunisia are more accessible, although independent visits to them are difficult, if not impossible to organize. The easiest to visit is the Erg Chegaga and Erg Chebbi dunes in southeast Morocco. The 22 km long and 5 km wide Erg Chebbi dunes offer incredible activities, such as Merzouga quad Bike, Excursion by 4×4, Overnight Camel Trek, and 2 nights in the Desert. Sleeping under the stars in a Berber tent, camel trekking, and the silence that only the desert can offer, make it a must on any travel list. many tourists prefer to do Desert Tours, from 3 to 12 Days Marrakech desert trip.

The Ziz Valley, Errachidia

The Oued (river) Ziz meanders from Riche through the dramatic Ziz Valley, bringing to life the last southern valley of the Ziz and Tafilalt oases before ending in the rose gold dunes of Merzouga. The mighty Ziz valley starts south of the central Atlas city of Rich and about 30 km north of Errachidia and offer a rocky passage to the south through the Tunnel du Légionnaire (built-in 1928 by the French). To the south, the valley widens and offers a spectacular sight: a dense canopy of palm trees wedged between old striped cliffs from the Jurassic period. It is worth taking some time to explore the rich, untouristed Palmeraies (palm groves).

Second switzerland of Ifrane

Ifrane is a beautiful Moroccan city of 1700 meters high and is located in the central Atlas mountains. It is often called Morocco’s Switzerland, probably because of its unique location in the country.

The city of Ifrane is characterized by its very particular climate, but especially by its unusual architecture, which transmits a small alpine village. The cottages have sloping ceilings and are surrounded by lush forests surrounded by small lakes, which resembles a typical European ski resort.

Ifrane also has a winter sports area with 5 ski slopes and 2 ski lifts, all surrounded by the famous Great Cedar Forest. Temperatures can reach 20 degrees in winter, making it an ideal place to enjoy snowy cross-country skiing.

Magical Fes or Fez City

Mystical and magical Fez: a remarkable city in Morocco, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to the oldest and largest medina in North Africa! The city was once the capital of Morocco and is still considered the cultural epicenter of the country. Explore the medieval walls of the wonderfully chaotic medina and discover spice towers, traditional crafts, hammams and tanneries. The past is alive here, so take a day or two to enjoy the best things in Fez!

Roman ruins of Volubilis

Volubilis is one of the largest and most important archaeological sites in Morocco, with remains of settlements dating from the pre-Romanesque period to the beginning of Islam. It was the capital of the Mauritanian kingdom during the reign of Juba II and Ptolemy (A.D.25-40). Annexed by the Romans in A.D.40, it received the status of Municipium and later capital of the province of Mauritania Tingitana. The city acquired considerable wealth thanks to agricultural products, but in 285 the Romans left the region and a part of Volubilis was abandoned. Upon the arrival in 781 of Idriss I, the founder of Fez and considered the first Islamic leader of Morocco, the city regained its dynamism and was occupied at the beginning of the 11th century, before being completely abandoned soon after. Until recently, the site was managed by archaeologists with little or no experience in tourism management or conservation.

Rabat Capital of Morocco

Rabat, Arab ribāṭ, city, and capital of Morocco. It is one of the four imperial cities of the country, located on the Atlantic coast, at the mouth of the Wadi Bou Regreg, opposite the city of Salé.

The history of Rabat is closely related to that of Salé, whose city was first occupied by the Roman colony of Sala (Shella). Salé was founded by the Zanātah Imazighen (Berbers) who were Sunni Muslims to welcome the non-conformist Imazighen Barghawāṭah.

Grand Casablanca

Casablanca, or “Casa”, as it is often called, is the largest city in Morocco, with a population of more than five million people. It is considered the economic and commercial heart of the country. While many people are traveling on business or passing through, Casablanca has much more to offer than at first sight.

With a beautiful coast, one of the most beautiful mosques in Morocco, and delicious restaurants, you will spend a wonderful time exploring the city that was the muse of its classic romantic 1942. Check out our best Day Trips in Casablanca to know all the highlights of the city!

The red City of Marrakech

There’s something in Marrakech. Africa’s first official cultural capital is a whirlwind of tension and energy, full of delicious dishes and a very tangible sense of importance that cannot be created. Marrakech is one of the most attractive destinations in the world. Make no mistake, a city that points to all the senses without remembering anything. The best things to do in Marrakech should be seen, heard, felt, touched, and tested.

Marrakech is not a market town, although there is something to say about wandering lazily through the souks and taking everything with you. The same goes for sunset dinners at rooftop restaurants, as the expanding city is shopping. Great museums also deserve a lot of time, Day Trips, Multiday tours, come and think about it. OK, Marrakech is not a flea market, but take your time, a contradiction? Welcome to Marrakech.

12 Days Marrakech Desert Tours to Merzouga ( FAQs )

How far is the desert from Marrakech?

Many people think that this desert is close to Marrakech, but this is not the case. Marrakech is actually about 600 km from the Erg Chebbi dunes and 360 km from Zagora.

Is 12 days Marrakech desert trip enough?

12 days desert trip is enough to discover one of the most important regions of Morocco with an extra day or two for an extra activity or a quick day trip. Consider a desert tour combined with time in Fez, or if you’re traveling during the hot summer months, combine the imperial northern cities with a short hike.

Is the Sahara desert trip safe?

The Sahara Desert in Morocco is very safe for travelers, I personally have visited the desert as a female traveler with group trips and organized many visits and I have never had security problems.

What is the best time to do my Marrakech desert trip?

The best time to visit Marrakech is in spring and autumn, when the temperatures are constantly pleasant without becoming unbearably hot. May and September are ideal months to visit, as rainfall tends to be lower than other fall and spring months.

Related tours: Itinerary 12 Days Desert Tours from Marrakech to Merzouga

Desert Tours from Marrakech offers you the opportunity to enjoy a unique stay in Morocco, with easy access to the main attractions and the Sahara Desert. for more Desert Tours from Marrakech Check the Itineraries below or read more.