Three Days through the Dades and Todra Gorges to the Merzouga Dunes
A slower route to Erg Chebbi with walks in the Dades and Todra valleys, remote villages, the ksar of Igoulmim, a camel trek and a night in the dunes.
With a third day, the road to the desert stops being a transfer and becomes the trip itself. A local guide walks you through the Dades Valley, you spend the night near the Todra or in Tamtatoucht, you pass through the isolated villages around Amellagou, and Erg Chebbi only comes into view at sunset on day two.
We recommend this plan to anyone who wants to get to know the Draa Tafilalet region instead of racing across it. Night two is spent in the Merzouga desert, either in a nomad camp or in a luxury camp, a popular choice when winter nights turn cold. If camping is not for you, hotels with a pool on the edge of the dunes can replace it.
Highlights
- Amridil Kasbah, then Kalaat Mgouna, the town of roses
- An off road crossing of Boutaghrar and the Mgoun Valley
- A guided walk in the Dades and a hike at the Todra or in Tamtatoucht
- The old ksar of Igoulmim outside Goulmima
- Camels at sunset and a night among the dunes
- Rissani market and the Draa Valley on the way home
Day by day
Day 1: Ouarzazate, Skoura, Dades, Todra
We collect you at 8:30 am. After Amridil Kasbah in the Skoura palms comes Kalaat Mgouna. From there an off road track runs through Boutaghrar and the Mgoun Valley, where nomads live in caves, and over to the Dades Gorges by the Ait Youl kasbah. A local guide leads a walk in the valley before you drive on to the Todra valley and gorges, where a guesthouse hotel hosts you for the night.
Day 2: Todra, Tamtatoucht, Amellagou, Erg Chebbi
Breakfast first, then a hike either in the Todra Valley or around the village of Tamtatoucht. The drive continues through Amellagou and Ait Hani, isolated villages in striking country, to Tadighoust and Goulmima. You stop at the old ksar of Igoulmim, then enter the Merzouga desert for a camel ride at sunset and a night under canvas.
Day 3: Erg Chebbi, Rissani, Agdz, Ouarzazate
Get up early to watch the sun rise over the dunes, eat breakfast and ride back on camels to the driver. A different road takes you home: there are stops at the market in Rissani and in the Draa Valley as you pass Agdz and cross the Anti Atlas to Ouarzazate.
Where it happens
You leave by Skoura and Kalaat Mgouna, then an off road track crosses Boutaghrar and the Mgoun Valley to reach the Dades Gorges before the drive continues to the Todra. On the second day the road links Tamtatoucht, Amellagou, Ait Hani, Tadighoust and Goulmima on its way into the Merzouga desert. Day three brings you home over the Anti Atlas by Rissani, Agdz and the Draa Valley.
Who it suits
Good for travellers who like variety and short walks, and who would rather not sit in the car as long each day as on the two day plan. In winter, families and anyone who feels the cold can swap the nomad camp for the luxury camp or a hotel by the dunes. Let us know about children or health concerns in your request.
Included
- Private licensed vehicle with fuel and passenger insurance
- English speaking driver
- Pickup and drop off at your hotel or riad in Ouarzazate
- Night in a Todra Valley or Tamtatoucht hotel with dinner and breakfast
- Night in a tented camp inside the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Dinner and breakfast in the desert
- Sunset camel ride and camel ride back from camp
- Local taxes
What to bring
- Warm layers and a hat for cold desert nights in winter
- A head torch
- A scarf against sand and sun
- Hiking shoes for the Dades and Todra walks
- A small overnight bag for the camp
Good to know
- Night one is spent in a hotel in a remote spot: the Dades Gorges, the Todra or Tamtatoucht.
How to book
Send us your dates online or on WhatsApp and say whether you want the nomad camp, the luxury camp or a hotel by the dunes. We confirm availability and give you the final price per person, which depends on how many of you there are. No payment happens online.
Questions and answers
What does the 3 day Merzouga tour cost?
Per person, it costs 728 USD for one traveller, 415 USD each for two, 358 USD each for three and 300 USD each for a group of four or more.
Where do we sleep?
The first night is in a hotel near the Dades, the Todra or in Tamtatoucht; the second is in a tented camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes, nomad style or luxury.
Why choose 3 days instead of 2?
You cover much more ground, with walks in the Dades and Todra and visits to isolated villages, while each day has less driving.
Request this trip
Choose an activity and a date. Our team replies to confirm availability, the meeting point and the final price. Nothing is charged online.
