Amazing 3 Days Tour From Agadir to Merzouga is one of the most popular itineraries in Agadir. On this tour, you will visit some of the most attractive sites in Morocco. This includes the smaller city of Taroudant near Marrakech, where you can explore the old medina, visit the tannery, and purchase leather goods. You will also travel to Taliouine, known for its saffron production, and the rug and carpet-making hub of Taznakht.
The tour then continues to the Berber fortress of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddo, which has been the filming location for many movies. Afterwards, you will head to the Merzouga Sahara, passing through the stunning Dades Valley and Todra Gorge along the way. One of the highlights of the 3 days tour will be spending an unforgettable night camping in the desert near Merzouga.
The first day of the 3 Days Tour From Agadir to Merzouga will begin early in the morning, departing from your hotel in Agadir. Our first stop will be in Taroudant, a city located in a valley and known as the “Grandmother of Marrakech” due to its resemblance to a smaller version of the famous city.
Taroudant was once the capital of the Saadi dynasty before they relocated to Marrakech in the 16th century, and it was also occupied by the Almoravids in 1056. Today, Taroudant is renowned for its local crafts, including jewelry and carpets. The city also houses a small tannery, which produces goods like sandals, leather bags, and belts. We will take a brief tour of the town before continuing our journey to Taliouine.
Taliouine is our next destination, famous as the heart of Morocco’s saffron-growing region. We will visit a saffron cooperative, where you can purchase some of this prized spice derived from the Crocus sativus flower.
Afterward, we will proceed to the town of Taznakht, known for its handwoven rugs and carpets. These traditional Moroccan carpets are made using premium wool and Amazigh designs, with a variety of earthy color palettes that make them suitable for both summer and winter use.
Our next stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, an intriguing red earth castle located along the ancient road of the Kasbahs, approximately 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate. This town, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa,” is home to one of the largest film studios in the world, where movies such as “Gladiator,” “Jewel of the Nile,” and “The Sahara” have been filmed.
Finally, we will check into your riad or hotel in Ouarzazate, where you will have dinner and breakfast.
The third day of the 3 Days Tour From Agadir to Merzouga will take us through the Dades Valley towards Tinghir and the Todra Valley. After an hour and a half of driving, we will reach one of the most famous spots in the High Atlas, the Todra Gorge, located 16 kilometers from Tinghir.
This stunning canyon, with its towering cliffs and a rushing river, offers panoramic views of the old mud-brick Berber villages along the valley. The Todra Gorge is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who come to enjoy hiking and rock climbing in the canyons.
After exploring the Todra Gorge, we will stop for lunch at a beautiful riverside restaurant. We will then continue our route to the Merzouga Sahara, making a stop in Erfoud, known as the “Fossil City” and a popular filming location for movies such as “March or Die,” “The Mummy,” and “Prince of Persia,” thanks to the stunning desert landscapes and oasis areas surrounding the town.
Upon reaching Merzouga, we will find camels waiting to take us on the next part of our desert adventure. We’ll start with a refreshing glass of traditional Berber “whisky” (mint tea) before mounting the camels and heading into the golden dunes of the Sahara. As we get closer to the desert camp, we’ll stop to admire the spectacular sunset views from the top of a dune, which is sure to be one of the highlights of the trip.
After a delicious dinner at the camp, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to and even participate in local music, gathered around the campfire under the starry desert sky. You will then spend the night in a traditional Berber nomad tent.
The final day of the 3 Days Tour From Agadir to Merzouga begins with a stunning sunrise over the panoramic desert landscape, which is well worth waking up for. After your breakfast at the camp, you will have the option to return to Merzouga Sahara either by camel or by 4×4 Jeep, providing one last chance to soak in the incredible desert experience.
Leaving the Sahara behind, we will head towards Rissani, the ancient capital of Tafilalet (formerly known as Sijilmassa) and the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, the current ruling family of Morocco. This very traditional Moroccan town, with its veiled women and hooded men, was once a major caravan route and commercial center, boasting a large, bustling marketplace or “souk”.
Continuing our journey, we will drive through the Draa Valley, bypassing Alnif where we’ll stop for a coffee and bathroom break, before reaching N’Qob for lunch. We’ll then carry on to Agdz, traversing the Draa Valley, which at 1,100 kilometers is the longest river in Morocco, flowing out from the High Atlas Mountains. The Draa Valley is renowned for its stunning oases, Berber villages, impressive kasbahs, and the snow-capped Atlas peaks that overlook it.
From Agdz, we will make our way back to Agadir via Taznakht and Taliouine, arriving after sunset and concluding our 3 Days Desert Tour from Agadir to Merzouga.
