6-Day Marrakech, Merzouga Desert & Essaouira Tour

The tour leaves Marrakech and climbs over the High Atlas and the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres. On the other side the road reaches Ait Ben Haddou, the old ksar of clay houses above the river. From there the drive continues into the Dades Valley, past kasbahs and palm groves. You spend the night in a hotel in the Dades Valley.

From the Dades Valley the road leads to Todra Gorge, where it runs between high rock walls. The drive then turns east, across dry plains, to Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. In the late afternoon you ride camels into the dunes at sunset. The night is spent in the desert camp, with dinner in camp.

The morning starts with sunrise over the dunes and breakfast in the desert camp. Then the drive leaves Merzouga and follows the Draa Valley west, past palm groves and kasbahs. The route continues to Ouarzazate, the town at the edge of the desert. You spend the night in a hotel in Ouarzazate.

The return drive from Ouarzazate crosses the High Atlas and the Tizi n'Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres. The road winds down the other side into the plain around Marrakech. You spend the night in a riad in Marrakech.

The drive leaves Marrakech and heads west to the Atlantic coast, about 190 kilometres to Essaouira. The road runs west across the plain to the sea. In the afternoon you walk through the medina of Essaouira and along the harbour, with its blue fishing boats. You spend the night in Essaouira.

The last day in Essaouira is free, with no fixed plan. You can walk on the beach, wander the medina, or sit by the harbour and eat at the fish restaurants there. Departure is as planned, when it suits your onward travel.