Day 1: Agadir – Taroudant – Tilouine – Foum Zguid

The journey begins at 8 o’clock in the morning from Agadir via 4WD, heading towards Taroudant, also known as “the little Marrakech”. Its enormous ramparts and beautiful medina are a sight to behold.
Next, we proceed to Tilouine, the heart of saffron cultivation in Morocco, where we visit an interesting museum that showcases the cultivation of this “golden” plant, imbued with a delicious saffron aroma.
We cross the two mountain passes of Tizi-n-Tighatine and Tizi-n-Ikhsane, before reaching Kourkouda and Taznakht, famous for their Berber gelims and carpets. Here we stop for lunch, before continuing southwards, driving past mesmerizing rock formations and wider flat fields as we approach the edge of the Sahara.
Finally, we arrive at Foum Zguid, where we will spend the night.

Day 2: Foum Zguid – Chegaga dunes

After having breakfast, we will embark on a journey through the Sahara. Our route will take us across the dried-up Lake Iriqui, which was once fed by the Dra’a River and teeming with fish and water birds. While crossing this lake, we can explore the area and search for fossils. As we venture deeper into the desert, we will encounter different types of terrain, including rocky and stony deserts, as well as the “reg” and “hammada.”
Our lunch stop will be at Chegaga, a remote location surrounded by vast dunes that stretch as far as the eye can see. This area is far away from any villages or civilizations, allowing us to fully appreciate the serene desert environment. After lunch, you can climb to the top of the highest dunes to witness a breathtaking sunset.

Day 3: Chegaga Dunes – Agdez

After breakfast at the desert camp, the journey continues with a 60 km drive across the desert road to reach M’hamid, passing by the Sacred Oasis. The village on the other side of the Dra’a River features adobe buildings and covered streets, typical of desert dwellings designed to shield inhabitants from the intense heat of summer. One example of such a house is Abdelhadi’s ancestral home, which visitors can explore.
The tour then proceeds up the Dra’a Valley, the longest valley in Morocco, passing through Zagora, the largest oasis in the Dra’a Valley, known for its delectable dates. Following the ancient caravan route used by traders crossing the Sahara, the road meanders between the river and the mountains, passing Kasbahs and local gardens, offering a vivid glimpse of life in this part of Morocco. The overnight stop is at a traditional guest house in Agdez.

Day 4:  Agdez – Taznakht – Tizi-n-Tighatine – Taliouine – Agadir

After breakfast, we depart from Agdez and head north towards Taznakht, which is renowned for its Berber gelims and carpets. Later, we continue our journey to Agadir, crossing the Tizi-n-Ikhsane and Tizi-n-Tighatine passes. We stop for lunch in Taliouine, which is considered the heart of the saffron-growing area of Morocco. In the afternoon, we continue our drive towards Taroudant and eventually reach Agadir by late afternoon. Your Agadir to Merzouga desert tour will conclude around 6:00 pm.