Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari with Food

Tickets To Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari with Food

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Marrakech to the Gates of the Sahara: A Day of Merzouga Village, Dramatic Landscapes, and Hollywood Glamour

Our Moroccan adventure begins with a serpentine climb through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Berber villages, draped like ochre jewels against the rugged slopes, flit by our window, offering glimpses of a timeless way of life. As the road uncoils, the landscape shifts, revealing sun-baked plains and the jagged teeth of distant peaks. Then, nestled in a dramatic bend of the valley, a vision emerges: Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site where time seems to have stood still.

This fortified village, a labyrinth of red clay kasbahs and narrow alleys, whispers tales of ancient caravans and Berber resilience. Imagine exploring its maze-like streets, the sun warming the cool plaster walls, and feeling the whisper of history in the air. Climb the kasbah tower, where Hollywood directors once dreamed up epic scenes, and let your gaze sweep across the breathtaking panorama of the valley below.

After feasting on a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, we’ll continue our journey through Ouarzazate, nicknamed the “Gate of the Sahara” for its proximity to the vast desert. This bustling city, a crossroads of cultures and landscapes, offers a glimpse into Morocco’s cinematic side, having served as a backdrop for countless films and TV shows.

As the sun dips towards the horizon, we’ll wind our way along the Dades Valley, a canyon carved by the rushing Dades River. Lush palm groves cling to the valley floor, contrasting with the towering cliffs that stand sentinel on either side. Take in the dramatic panorama, a symphony of light and shadow playing across the ochre and emerald hues of the landscape.

Finally, we reach Boumalne Dades, nestled in the heart of the valley. Here, at Kasbah Amazigh or Hotel Chems, we’ll settle in for the night, enveloped in the warmth of Berber hospitality. Savor a traditional dinner under a star-studded sky, the day’s adventures replaying in your mind like a vibrant film reel.

This is just the beginning of our Moroccan odyssey, a journey that promises to captivate our senses, touch our hearts, and fill our memories with the colors, flavors, and stories of this captivating land. So, buckle up, fellow adventurers, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Morocco!

Sun-Kissed Canyons and Camel Caravans: Embracing the Majesty of Morocco’s Desert Heart

Bidding farewell to the Dades Valley’s enchanting kasbahs, we ascend through winding roads towards Tinghir. Here, the world narrows into a dramatic spectacle: the Todgha Gorges, towering walls of ochre rock cleaved by the roaring Todgha River. Time for your inner explorer to awaken! Wander through the labyrinthine alleys of the gorge, tracing your fingers along the sun-warmed stone and feeling the cool whisper of the river against your skin.

After a delicious lunch at a local cafe, the desert beckons. We journey onward to Merzouga, the golden gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, camel caravans await, their silent figures silhouetted against the setting sun. Climb aboard your gentle steed and feel the rhythm of the desert beneath your feet as you embark on a breathtaking journey across the endless sand sea. Watch the fiery sunset paint the dunes in a kaleidoscope of orange, pink, and purple, the sky ablaze with a thousand stars.

As twilight descends, our haven in the heart of the desert emerges – a traditional camp nestled amidst the dunes. Savor an authentic Moroccan dinner under a canopy of stars, the air alive with the strumming of Berber lutes and the hypnotic beat of Tam Tam drums. Local nomads, garbed in flowing robes and adorned with intricate henna patterns, share their ancient stories and teach you the rhythms of their ancestral land. Tonight, sleep under the watchful gaze of the Milky Way, your dreams cradled by the whisper of the desert wind.

This is not just a day; it’s an immersion into the majesty of Morocco’s heart. From the sun-kissed canyons to the camel caravans and starlit desert nights, every moment promises an unforgettable encounter with the soul of this captivating land.

Farewell to the Shifting Sands: Leaving Merzouga with Memories Woven in Starlight

Bidding farewell to the golden embrace of Merzouga involves one last magical sunrise. Rise before the world stirs, grab a steaming cup of mint tea, and find yourself atop a dune. As the horizon bursts into a symphony of orange, pink, and purple, feel the desert awaken around you. The wind whispers secrets in the swaying grasses, the sand dunes cast long shadows like slumbering giants, and the infinite sky shimmers with the promise of a new day. This sunrise, etched in memory, becomes your parting gift from the Sahara.

After indulging in a traditional breakfast, fueled by fresh bread and sweet jams, it’s time to bid farewell to your desert home. A friendly driver awaits, ready to whisk you back through the winding roads and dramatic landscapes of Ouarzazate. Breathe in the fresh air as you leave the golden dunes behind, watching the towering kasbahs and palm groves recede into the distance.

Halfway through the journey, a welcome pit stop beckons. Refuel with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the vibrant flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Share stories of camel treks and starlit nights with your fellow adventurers, a final chapter scribbled in the shared adventure book.

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows across the land, you’ll find yourself back in the bustling heart of Marrakech. Your driver will drop you off at your chosen destination, whether it’s the lively chaos of Djemaa El Fna or the familiar comfort of your original departure point.

But for those craving a taste of desert luxury, an offer lingers. Upgrade your journey and spend your final night under the canopy of stars in a deluxe desert camp. Imagine drifting off to sleep in a plush private tent, the gentle breeze lulling you with tales of nomads and moonlit dunes. Wake to the sun filtering through silk curtains, an en-suite shower beckoning to refresh your soul, and an indulgent breakfast awaiting on your doorstep. This, dear traveler, is an experience that redefines a farewell, transforming it into a final, decadent embrace of the desert’s magic.

So, whether you choose a simple yet satisfying return or revel in a night of desert royalty, know that your Merzouga adventure leaves its mark upon your soul. Carry the whispers of the wind, the warmth of the sand, and the memories woven in starlight, for they are your passport to a Morocco forever etched in your heart.

Timings

Starting time is 7:00 AM

Duration of this trip is 3 days

Ticket Prices

Adult (13 and above) 108 EUR

Children (5-12) 99 EUR

Infant (4 and younger) do not require a ticket

Guide available in English, Arabic, and French

Ticket prices include:

Pickup and drop off

Air-conditioned transportation in a minibus or minivan

Driver-guide

1-night accommodation at hotel

1-night accommodation at desert camp

Luxury private tent (if option selected)

2 dinners

2 breakfasts

Sunset camel trekking in Erg Chebbi

Sunrise camel trekking in Erg Chebbi

Ticket prices don’t include:

Local guide in Kasbah Ait Ben Hddou (available for an extra charge 3€ pp)

Lunch and drinks

Tips to driver

Important Information

This trip is not suitable for wheelchair users and pregnant women

This tour is not suitable for children because it involves a long drive

If you have extra luggage, you can leave it on the minibus for the night. However, make sure you have a backpack ready to go to the camp.

Diets that are vegan or vegetarian can be accommodated if they are mentioned at the time of booking.

In the event that the Atlas Mountains road is closed in the winter, there is an other route that goes via Taroudant; this route has an additional fee of €10 per person.

The typical desert camp has a bathroom outside the tent and is located roughly 200 yards (200 meters) from the hotel, which is included in the cost.

The luxury desert camp is situated amidst the dunes, featuring an indoor restroom and shower.

The last day’s travel return to Marrakech takes about ten hours.

Accommodations more than 4 miles (7 km) from Jemaa El Fna Square are not eligible for pickup.

What to bring:

Comfortable shoes

Passport or ID card

Sunglasses

Sun hat

Sunscreen

How To Get There

Meet your driver at your hotel or riad in Marrakech.

Naqiya Saifee

An explorer at heart and a wordsmith by profession, discovered early on that her joys were found in blending the themes of travel and storytelling. With a background in creative writing and a passion for culture, she takes you to the soul of the destination. Join her as she spins tales of curious cultures for curious minds.