10-Day Agadir to Marrakech Desert Tour via Merzouga
A private Agadir to Marrakech desert tour through the Draa Valley, the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga, the Todra and Dades Gorges and Ait Ben Haddou
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Tour at a Glance
Duration
10 days and 9 nights
Tour Type
Private tour for your group only
Starts and Ends
Starts in Agadir and ends in Marrakech, with hotel or airport transfers
Overnight
Riads, kasbahs and a Berber camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Highlights
Taroudant, the Draa Valley, Merzouga and Erg Chebbi, the Todra and Dades Gorges, Ait Ben Haddou, Telouet, the Tizi n’Tichka pass and Marrakech
Price
On request. Contact us for a free quote
Your Agadir to Marrakech Desert Tour, from the Ocean to the Red City
This private Agadir to Marrakech desert tour crosses the whole south of Morocco in ten unhurried days. You leave the Atlantic coast through the ramparts of Taroudant and the saffron fields of Taliouine, follow the palm groves of the Draa Valley to Zagora, and ride a camel into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga for a night under the stars.
On the way north you walk through the Todra Gorge, drive the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the Dades Gorges and the Valley of Roses, visit Ouarzazate and the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, then cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass to Marrakech, where two days in the Red City end your trip. If you prefer to return to the coast, see our 8-day round trip from Agadir to Merzouga.
Tour Highlights
- Taroudant and the saffron village of Taliouine
- The palm groves of the Draa Valley and Zagora
- A sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- A night in a Berber desert camp in Merzouga
- Gnawa music in Khamlia and the market of Rissani
- The Todra Gorge and the Dades Gorges
- The Valley of Roses and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs
- Ouarzazate and the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
- The Telouet Kasbah and the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- A guided day in Marrakech and Jemaa el-Fna square
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This Agadir to Marrakech desert tour can be modified and designed according to your requirements and needs. Contact us to adapt it.
Day 1
Agadir, Taroudant and Taliouine
Pickup from your hotel or the airport in Agadir and drive through the argan forests of the Souss Valley to Taroudant, the “little Marrakech” with its red ochre ramparts. After a walk through its souks, continue to Taliouine, the saffron capital of Morocco, and visit a women’s saffron cooperative. Dinner and overnight in Taliouine.
Stops on Day 1
- Agadir
- Taroudant
- Taliouine
Day 2
Taliouine, Tazenakht, the Draa Valley and Zagora
Cross the Jbel Siroua to Tazenakht, famous for its hand-woven carpets, then drive over the Tizi n’Tinifift pass to Agdz and the Draa Valley, a 100 km ribbon of palm groves and earthen kasbahs. Stop at the Tamnougalt Kasbah and reach Zagora and its “52 days to Timbuktu” sign. Overnight in Zagora.
Stops on Day 2
- Tazenakht
- Agdz
- Draa Valley
- Zagora
Day 3
Zagora, N’Kob, Alnif and Merzouga: Camel Trek and Desert Camp
Visit Tamegroute and its ancient Koranic library, then take the southern desert road through the kasbah village of N’Kob and the fossil area of Alnif to Merzouga. In the late afternoon you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes, the highest in Morocco, to watch the sunset. Dinner with Berber drumming around the campfire and overnight in a desert camp.
Stops on Day 3
- Tamegroute
- N’Kob
- Alnif
- Merzouga
Day 4
Exploring the Sahara around Merzouga
Wake early for sunrise over the dunes and ride back by camel. After breakfast, explore the desert around Merzouga: the Gnawa musicians of Khamlia, whose families came from Mali with the caravans, nomad families, the seasonal lake of Dayet Srji and the old market town of Rissani. Optional 4×4 dune tour, quad biking or sandboarding. Second night in a hotel or camp in Merzouga.
Stops on Day 4
- Erg Chebbi
- Khamlia
- Dayet Srji
- Rissani
Day 5
Merzouga, Erfoud, the Todra Gorge and the Dades Valley
Drive north through Erfoud, known for its fossils, and the palm groves of the Tafilalet to Tinghir. Walk through the Todra Gorge, where cliffs rise 300 metres on either side of a narrow canyon, then continue to the Dades Gorges and the rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers”. Overnight in the Dades Valley.
Stops on Day 5
- Erfoud
- Tinghir
- Todra Gorge
- Dades Gorges
Day 6
The Valley of Roses, Skoura and Ouarzazate
Follow the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through Kelaat M’Gouna and the Valley of Roses, famous for its rose water, and the palm grove of Skoura with the Kasbah Amridil. Arrive in Ouarzazate, our home town and the “door of the desert”, in the afternoon. Overnight in Ouarzazate.
Stops on Day 6
- Kelaat M’Gouna
- Valley of Roses
- Skoura
- Ouarzazate
Day 7
Ouarzazate, the Fint Oasis and Ait Ben Haddou
Visit the Taourirt Kasbah, the former palace of the Glaoui family, and the Atlas film studios, then discover the hidden palm oasis of Fint. In the afternoon, drive to Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and climb to the old granary at sunset for wide views over the Ounila Valley. Overnight in a kasbah guesthouse.
Stops on Day 7
- Taourirt Kasbah
- Atlas film studios
- Fint oasis
- Ait Ben Haddou
Day 8
Ait Ben Haddou, Telouet, the Tizi n’Tichka Pass and Marrakech
Follow the old caravan route up the Ounila Valley to the Telouet Kasbah, with its painted ceilings and zellige tiles. Then cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres, with views over Berber villages and terraced valleys, and descend to Marrakech. Overnight in a riad in the medina.
Stops on Day 8
- Ounila Valley
- Telouet Kasbah
- Tizi n’Tichka
- Marrakech
Day 9
A Guided Day in Marrakech
Discover the Red City with a local guide: the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the medersa of Ben Youssef, then lose yourself in the souks of spices, leather and lanterns. In the evening, enjoy the storytellers, musicians and food stalls of Jemaa el-Fna square. Overnight in your riad.
Stops on Day 9
- Koutoubia
- Bahia Palace
- Saadian Tombs
- Souks
- Jemaa el-Fna
Day 10
Marrakech and Departure
Enjoy a free morning in Marrakech, perhaps at the Majorelle Garden or for some last shopping in the souks. Transfer to your hotel or to Marrakech Menara Airport. End of our services.
Stops on Day 10
- Majorelle Garden
- Marrakech
What Is Included
Included
- Private tour for your group only
- English-speaking driver and private 4x4 or air-conditioned minivan with fuel
- 9 nights’ accommodation (riads, kasbahs and one night in a desert camp)
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
- A local guide for the day in Marrakech
- Pickup in Agadir and drop-off at your hotel or the airport in Marrakech
Not Included
- Flights
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments, kasbahs and film studios
- Optional activities (quad, 4x4 dune tour, sandboarding)
- Tips and personal expenses
Contact us to confirm the details for your dates and group size.
What to Bring
- Warm layers, as desert nights can be cold in winter
- Sun protection, sunglasses and a scarf for the dunes
- Comfortable shoes and a small overnight bag
- Cash for lunches, drinks and tips
- A camera and a power bank
Is This Tour Right for You?
This tour suits travellers who fly into Agadir and out of Marrakech, or who want to see the coast, the Sahara and the imperial city in one trip. The driving is split into comfortable stages, with two nights in the Merzouga desert area and two nights in Marrakech.
Every Agadir to Marrakech desert tour we run is private, with your own driver and a pace that suits you. To start and end in Marrakech instead, see our 9-day loop tour from Marrakech.
More Tours You May Like
Compare our other tours from Agadir and Marrakech.
A private round trip from Agadir to the Erg Chebbi dunes, the gorges and the Draa Valley.
A round trip from Marrakech through the Sahara desert and Fes.
Taroudant, the saffron fields of Taliouine and Ait Ben Haddou, ending in Ouarzazate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need to travel from Agadir to Marrakech via the desert?
We recommend at least 8 to 10 days. Merzouga is about 10 hours from Agadir and 9 hours from Marrakech, so ten days give you two nights in the Sahara and two nights in Marrakech without long days in the car.
Does the tour end in Marrakech?
Yes. It starts in Agadir and ends in Marrakech, at your hotel or Marrakech Menara Airport. It is ideal if your flights arrive in Agadir and leave from Marrakech.
Do I sleep in a desert camp?
Yes. On day 3 you ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes and sleep in a Berber desert camp. Day 4 is spent exploring the Merzouga area, with a second night in a hotel or camp.
Can I do the tour the other way, from Marrakech to Agadir?
Yes. We can reverse the route and finish on the coast in Agadir. Tell us on our contact page.
When is the best time to go?
From October to April, when days are warm and nights are cool in the desert. Spring is also the season of the roses in Kelaat M’Gouna. Summer is very hot in the Sahara.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. All our tours are private, and the itinerary can be adjusted to your pace, budget and interests.
How do I book or get a price?
Fill in the form at the bottom of this page or email travelstomorocco@gmail.com with your dates and the number of people, and we will reply with a free quote.
Plan Your Trip
Helpful pages before you book:
Ready for Your Sahara Adventure?
Tell us your dates and group size, and we will send you a free quote for this trip.
Email: travelstomorocco@gmail.com | Phone: +212 6 62 38 50 95
Ask for Prices
Please fill in the form below or contact us directly by email at travelstomorocco@gmail.com, and we will answer you as soon as possible. Include your tour date and the number of people.