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Official Dossier
8-Day Desert Circuit: Ouarzazate, Ait Benhaddou, Merzouga & Draa Valley Tour
"An 8-day circular tour from Ouarzazate exploring Ait Benhaddou, valleys, and the Merzouga desert with immersive cultural experiences."
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Trajectory
The Daily Scroll
01Arrival in Ouarzazate & Transfer to Ait Benhaddou
01
Arrival in Ouarzazate & Transfer to Ait Benhaddou
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Welcome to Morocco! Your driver will meet you at Ouarzazate Airport and escort you directly to the historic ksar of Ait Benhaddou.
Day Highlights
- Meet and greet at Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ)
- Private transfer to the village of Ait Benhaddou
- Check into your hotel or riad with views of the famous kasbah
- Evening at leisure to relax after your journey
EndOf Day 01
02Ait Benhaddou to the Dades Valley
02
Ait Benhaddou to the Dades Valley
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Depart the iconic kasbah and journey through fertile valleys towards the dramatic rock formations of the Dades region.
Day Highlights
- Explore the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Benhaddou at your own pace
- Drive through the fragrant Valley of Roses
- Continue to the scenic Dades Valley, one of the most famous in the region
- Check into a traditional riad or hotel in the Boumalne Dades area
- Overnight stay with dinner (depending on your booking)
EndOf Day 02
03Dades Valley to the Sahara Desert at Merzouga
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Dades Valley to the Sahara Desert at Merzouga
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A day of transition from rocky gorges to golden sands, culminating in a classic camel caravan into the dunes.
Day Highlights
- Morning drive to the towering Todra Gorges near Tinghir for a walk and photos
- Lunch at a local restaurant in the area
- Continue the journey via Erfoud, the 'Gateway to the Desert'
- Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga in the late afternoon
- Mount your camel for a trek through the dunes during sunset
- Arrive at your luxury desert camp, enjoy mint tea, a traditional dinner, and Berber music under the stars
EndOf Day 03
04Discover Merzouga: Nomads, Gnawa Music & Desert Life
04
Discover Merzouga: Nomads, Gnawa Music & Desert Life
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A full day dedicated to understanding the culture and environment of the Saharan region.
Day Highlights
- Optional sunrise viewing from the dunes
- Breakfast at the camp before returning to Merzouga village
- Off-road excursion to visit a nomadic Berber family and learn about their lifestyle
- Visit Khamlia village for a live and energetic Gnawa music performance
- Enjoy a lunch of traditional 'Berber pizza' in a local home
- Afternoon at leisure to relax at your hotel in Merzouga
- Overnight at the hotel
EndOf Day 04
05Merzouga Desert to Tafraoute Sidi Ali
05
Merzouga Desert to Tafraoute Sidi Ali
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Leave the great dunes behind and travel towards the rugged, pre-Saharan landscapes near the Algerian border.
Day Highlights
- Breakfast at your hotel
- Visit the traditional souk in Rissani (best on market days: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday)
- Drive through remote landscapes to Tafraoute Sidi Ali
- Check into a simple, authentic Berber hotel for the night
- Experience the quiet solitude of this less-visited region
EndOf Day 05
06Tafraoute Sidi Ali to Agdz via the Draa Valley
06
Tafraoute Sidi Ali to Agdz via the Draa Valley
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Journey into the lush, palm-filled expanse of the Draa Valley, Morocco's longest river oasis.
Day Highlights
- Morning departure towards Zagora
- Begin your descent into the breathtaking Draa Valley
- Lunch at a Berber restaurant along the route
- Continue through the valley, passing countless ancient kasbahs and villages
- Arrive in Agdz for check-in at your hotel or riad
- Overnight in Agdz
EndOf Day 06
07Agdz Back to Ouarzazate
07
Agdz Back to Ouarzazate
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Complete the circuit by following the Draa Valley northwards, returning to your starting point.
Day Highlights
- Leisurely breakfast with views of the oasis
- Final drive through the Draa Valley, enjoying last glimpses of the palm groves
- Lunch at a local restaurant en route to Ouarzazate
- Arrive back in Ouarzazate in the afternoon
- Check into your hotel or riad for a final night
- Farewell dinner (depending on your booking)
EndOf Day 07
08Departure: Transfer to Ouarzazate Airport
08
Departure: Transfer to Ouarzazate Airport
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Your tour concludes with a timely transfer to the airport, depending on your flight schedule.
Day Highlights
- Enjoy a final Moroccan breakfast at your accommodation
- Check out and private transfer to Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ)
- Assistance with luggage and farewell at the airport terminal
EndOf Day 08
Extended File
Embark on an immersive eight-day circular journey that begins and ends in Ouarzazate, taking you deep into the contrasting landscapes and rich cultures of southern Morocco. This comprehensive tour is designed for travelers who wish to experience the full spectrum of the region—from the iconic, film-famous kasbah of Ait...
Logistics & Support
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Comprehensive Protection
Guest Narrative
The Guest
Ledger
01
"The entire trip was seamless. From the airport pickup to the desert camp, every detail was handled perfectly. I felt inspired."
Alex Johnson
Solo Traveler • Australia
Expedition: Desert Tour
02
"An architectural masterpiece of a journey. The balance between rugged adventure and absolute luxury was precisely what I wanted."
Sarah Miller
Luxury Explorer • United Kingdom
Expedition: Cultural Tour
03
"The light in the Sahara is unlike anything else. Direct Morocco Tours positioned us perfectly to capture the soul of the desert."
Marc Durand
Photographer • France
Expedition: Mountain Trek
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narrative
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