Marrakech to Merzouga loop in one week

Hi everyone, We’re planning a trip to Morocco in February 2026. We already know the country a bit, including the desert where we were lucky enough to take part in a rally. This time, we’d like to explore the Merzouga dunes as a family. We’ll be renting a car in Marrakech and we’re looking for advice on the best stops to make the most of the drive. We’re still undecided about the return route: should we go back through the Valley of the Roses (and maybe see the gorges if we don’t have time on the way there) or take the Draa Valley for a change? Here’s our rough itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech in the evening – Overnight stay there

Day 2: Drive east – Overnight in Skoura? Boumalne? Further on?

Day 3: Drive with a stop at the Dadès or Todra Gorges – Overnight in Merzouga

Day 4: Desert day – Overnight in Merzouga

Day 5: Return drive (Draa Valley or back through the Valley of the Roses / Route of the 1000 Kasbahs?) – Overnight in Agdz? Ouarzazate?

Day 6: Drive back to Marrakech with a stop at Aït Ben Haddou / Fint Oasis – Overnight in Marrakech

Day 7–8: Marrakech then departure

If any of you have suggestions on timing, the most enjoyable stops, or feedback on these routes, I’d love to hear your tips. Thanks in advance!

Hi, Exploring the dunes with family is a really fun experience. Leaving Marrakech in the morning, you can take the time to stop by Télouet and Ait Benhaddou—the Ounila Valley is gorgeous. And you’ll break your journey in Skoura, which is perfect on the way to Merzouga. Instead of spending two nights in the desert, I’d spend one night in Tineghir to have time to visit the Dades Gorges along the way. Then you can see the Todgha Gorges nearby. For the return trip, you could go through Alnif and the Draa Valley. You might spend a night in the Fint Oasis—it’s so close to Ouarzazate. And then back to Marrakech. Have a great day.

Tips we gathered from the forums helped us plan this trip. Thanks to everyone!

We landed in Marrakech and spent our first night at Hôtel Faouzi in the medina—quiet, typical, and pleasant.

After picking up our rental car (a LOGAN from Medloc), we headed toward the Ouzoud Waterfalls. We left the car to walk down and admire the falls from the bottom, then crossed the river on a small ferry and climbed back up the other side to see them from above. It’s really impressive! So beautiful!

Next, we drove to Demnate and Iminifri, checked into Riad Agbalou—a lovely, very quiet little hotel—and took a walk to the bridge, a surprising arch with birds nesting all over. The next day, we were advised to visit the prehistoric animal footprints in the neighboring village and the potters’ village a few kilometers away. Two interesting stops with great vibes... After breakfast by the pool, we hit the road again, taking the 307 to Skoura in the palm grove, where we stayed at Gîte La Palmeraie. There, we met Mohamed, his wife Ghizlane, and their little boy Abdou. We spent a few days there, visiting the palm grove and learning how it works thanks to Mohamed’s explanations. We also took a long hike in the almond valley, visited a nearby kasbah, explored villages deep in the palm grove, and of course, shared some recipes with Ghizlane.

Then we continued to the Valley of Roses, followed by the Dades Valley, with a new stop at Kasbah Ait Arbi—also very pleasant. We walked at the foot of the Monkey Fingers; the light there is stunning. The evening was spent playing games and watching magic tricks. Bravo!

The next day, we left for Tinghir and the Todra Gorge, staying at the entrance of the gorge at Hôtel La Vallée—simple but fine. A remarkable site with gorges and palm groves.

Our next stop was the desert: Erg Chebbi. We spent a night in a bivouac with the folks from L’OASIS, riding camels for 2 hours each way. It’s really impressive being on a camel’s back! Much higher than I’d imagined! Uncomfortable too! But the desert is magical—the lines, the colors—amazing!

Then we started our return to Ouarzazate, stopping in Tamnougalt to visit a large ksar and spending the night at Jardin de Tamnougalt. Our host, a somewhat cold Berber, had nice rooms and a pretty garden.

The next day, we visited the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate before heading to Aït Benhaddou—another remarkable site. We explored the ksar in the evening; the lighting was extraordinary. We stayed at Valentine’s place—cute and welcoming—but we were the only guests. Surprising for such a famous spot!

After a good night’s sleep, we continued to Télouet to visit the beautiful Glaoui Kasbah, then returned to Marrakech via the Tizi n’Test pass, making plenty of photo stops.

Thanks so much!

You're right, the Flint Oasis looks amazing. I’ll add it to our overnight stop on the way back.

Thanks again!

Thanks so much for the great tips!

I’ll take a closer look at those.

Cheers

Hi there, Two updates: the Taourirt kasbah in Ouarzazate and the one in Telouet were closed to visitors in October 2024. The first due to the earthquake that weakened it, and several reasons were given for the second. Milorde suggests returning to Marrakech from Telouet via the Tizi n’Test pass... It seems more logical to me to take the Tizi n’Tichka pass instead. The Tizi n’Test route takes over 9 hours (and it’s under construction), compared to 2.5 to 3 hours via Tichka. If you choose the latter option, I recommend that after passing the pass in Zekten (about 10 km after the summit), you take a left onto the P2015 toward Tighadwiyn. The scenery is stunning, and the road is quieter for the same travel time.

Here’s an itinerary that might fit what you’re looking for. https://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=9249648#9249648

Thanks so much, I’ll check out these options carefully

Thanks. Definitely an awesome travel journal!

Live photos from Skoura.... stunning!