7 days tour Marrakech to Desert with day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls

This 7 days tour Marrakech to Desert to the Merzouga Desert with a full-day excursion to the stunning Ouzoud Waterfalls is designed to give you a deep and authentic experience of Morocco’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. From the winding mountain roads of the High Atlas to the endless golden dunes of the Sahara, and from lush green valleys to powerful cascading waterfalls, this tour combines adventure, culture, nature, and relaxation. Along the way, you will discover ancient kasbahs, traditional Berber villages, dramatic gorges, palm-filled oases, and lively desert music. It is an ideal experience for travelers who want to explore Morocco at a comfortable pace while enjoying unforgettable moments and breathtaking scenery.

7 days tour Marrakech to Desert Highlights

Cross the High Atlas Mountains
Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Explore Dades Valley and Todgha Gorge
Camel trek in Merzouga Desert
Sleep in a Sahara desert camp
Watch desert sunset and sunrise
Discover nomadic villages
Enjoy Gnawa music in Khamlia
Travel through the Draa Valley
Visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls

7 days tour Marrakech to Desert with day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Your adventure begins in the early morning with a pick-up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech. You will travel through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping along the way to enjoy panoramic views and take photos of remote Berber villages built into the mountainsides. The road continues to the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved fortified villages in North Africa. After exploring the narrow alleys and towers of the kasbah, you will continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its many film studios. From there, you will drive through the fragrant Valley of Roses before arriving in the beautiful Dades Valley, where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a charming guesthouse overlooking the river and mountains.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, you will continue your journey toward the spectacular Todgha Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering limestone cliffs rising more than 300 meters high. You will have time to walk along the cool river that flows between the cliffs and admire the natural beauty of this impressive site. From there, you will drive through palm groves and traditional desert towns such as Erfoud and Rissani, regions famous for their fossils, dates, and lively markets. In the late afternoon, you will arrive in Merzouga, where the first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise majestically from the desert floor. You will experience a magical camel trek across the sand dunes, watching the colors of the sky change during sunset, before arriving at your desert camp. A traditional Moroccan dinner will be served, followed by live Berber drumming and music around the campfire under a sky filled with stars.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert Discovery – Nomads – Khamlia Village

Wake up early to watch the breathtaking sunrise over the dunes, a peaceful and unforgettable moment. After breakfast, you will spend the day exploring the Sahara Desert by comfortable 4×4 vehicle. You will visit local nomadic families who live in traditional tents, where you can learn about their daily life, lifestyle, and hospitality. You will also discover ancient fossil beds and visit small desert oases. One of the highlights of the day is a stop in Khamlia village, where you will enjoy a live performance of traditional Gnawa music, a powerful cultural heritage brought by the descendants of sub-Saharan African tribes. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will return to your hotel or riad near the dunes to relax, enjoy dinner, and spend a peaceful second night near the desert.

Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, you will leave the desert behind and travel toward Rissani, an important historic trading town and former caravan center. Here, you may visit the traditional souk, known for its authentic desert atmosphere. The journey continues through landscapes that gradually change from dunes to rocky plains and lunar-like deserts, passing through Alnif and Tazarine. As you approach the Draa Valley, the scenery transforms into a green ribbon of palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and small mud-brick villages stretching along Morocco’s longest river. You will stop several times for photos and to admire the stunning contrast between desert and greenery. In the evening, you will arrive in Ouarzazate, where you will enjoy dinner and a comfortable overnight stay in a hotel.

Day 5: Ouarzazate – Atlas Mountains – Return to Marrakech

After breakfast, you will have the option to visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, one of the most beautiful examples of traditional Moroccan architecture, or explore the famous Atlas Film Studios. You will then begin the journey back to Marrakech, again crossing the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Along the way, you will stop at scenic viewpoints and small roadside cafes to relax and enjoy the mountain air. Upon arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon, you will have free time to explore the lively medina, colorful souks, and the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where storytellers, musicians, and food stalls create a magical atmosphere. Overnight stay in your riad or hotel.

Day 6: Marrakech – Ouzoud Waterfalls Full-Day Excursion

After breakfast, you will depart Marrakech for a full-day excursion to the stunning Ouzoud Waterfalls, located in the Middle Atlas region. This journey takes you through olive groves and traditional Berber villages before reaching one of the most beautiful natural sites in Morocco. The waterfalls cascade from a height of over 100 meters into a series of pools, surrounded by red cliffs and lush greenery. You will have time to walk along shaded paths, take panoramic photos, and observe the playful Barbary monkeys that live in the area. You can also enjoy an optional boat ride close to the falls or have lunch at a local restaurant with a breathtaking view. In the late afternoon, you will return to Marrakech and enjoy a relaxing evening in the city.

Day 7: Marrakech – Departure

On the final day, after breakfast, you will be transferred to Marrakech Menara Airport or your next accommodation, depending on your travel plans. Your tour ends with wonderful memories of Morocco’s deserts, mountains, waterfalls, and traditional culture.