What makes the 5-day version different?

It adds a stop in Rissani's fossil country on the return leg, alongside the same Kasbah Amridil and Todra Gorge stops as our 4-day tour.

What fossils are found near Rissani and Erfoud?

The region is known for trilobites and ammonites, still extracted from local quarries and sold in workshops.

How many nights are spent in the desert?

Two nights camping at Erg Chebbi, with guesthouses for the rest of the trip.

Can this tour be shortened?

Yes, see our 3 and 4-day Ouarzazate to Merzouga tours for faster versions of this route.

Ouarzazate Desert Trip to Erg Chebbi - 5 Days

Overview

Our most complete Ouarzazate desert trip to Erg Chebbi, adding Rissani’s fossil country to the classic route.

Departure City: Ouarzazate

Destination: Merzouga

Explore more Sahara adventures: Tour from Ouarzazate to Merzouga, Ouarzazate Desert Tour to Merzouga, Marrakech Desert Trip to Erg Chebbi – 6 Days.

Browse all our Sahara desert tours, or reserve a comfortable stay at our desert camp accommodation before or after your trip.

Accomodation
Guesthouses & desert camp
Departure City
Ouarzazate
Arrival City
Ouarzazate
Guide
Guided
Meals
Full board in desert, breakfast elsewhere
Transportation
Private vehicle & camel
Wifi
Available (guesthouses only)
Destinations
Desert Tours From Ouarzazate

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

About this journey

This Ouarzazate desert trip to Erg Chebbi is our most complete route to Merzouga — Skoura, Kasbah Amridil, the Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, two nights of desert camping, and a stop in Rissani’s fossil country on the return leg.

Rissani was once the site of Sijilmasa, an ancient trading post at the crossroads of trans-Saharan caravan routes, and the surrounding quarries near Erfoud are still a source of trilobite and ammonite fossils today.

Day 1 :

Ouarzazate to Skoura

Ouarzazate to Skoura to Kasbah Amridil

A short first day to Skoura, an oasis town wrapped in palm groves, with a stop at Kasbah Amridil, one of Morocco's best-preserved fortified kasbahs.

Overnight in Skoura, with the afternoon free to explore the palm groves.

Skoura oasis - Kasbah Amridil visit - Overnight in Skoura

Day 2 :

Skoura to Dades Valley

Skoura to Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to Dades Valley

The route follows the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' through dramatic river-carved landscapes.

Overnight in the Dades Valley, among some of southern Morocco's most striking rock formations.

Road of a Thousand Kasbahs - Dramatic river landscapes - Overnight in Dades Valley

Day 3 :

Dades Valley to Merzouga

Dades Valley to Todra Gorge to Merzouga

A morning walk through Todra Gorge's 300-metre limestone walls precedes the drive toward the desert.

By late afternoon, camels carry you into Erg Chebbi for sunset, dinner around the campfire, and the first of two nights camping under the stars.

Todra Gorge walk - Camel trek into Erg Chebbi - First desert camp night

Day 4 :

Full Day in Erg Chebbi

Sandboarding and free time in the dunes

A full day to enjoy Erg Chebbi at your own pace — sandboarding, dune climbs for panoramic views, and time to rest through the midday heat.

A second night at the desert camp follows.

Sandboarding and dune climbs - Free time in the desert - Second night at Erg Chebbi camp

Day 5 :

Return to Ouarzazate

Merzouga to Rissani to Ouarzazate

A final sunrise over the dunes precedes the drive back through Rissani's fossil country and Erfoud before returning to Ouarzazate.

Final sunrise at Erg Chebbi - Rissani and Erfoud fossil country - Arrival in Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate Desert Trip to Erg Chebbi

Overview

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Trip Info

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

About this journey