4-Day / 3-Night Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

We start our adventure early in the morning around 8 :30 AM, departing from Marrakech and heading into the High Atlas Mountains, the spine of North Africa. The journey offers incredible views of terraced hillsides, Berber villages, and winding roads. We’ll make several photo stops, including at the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), the highest paved mountain pass in Morocco.

Around midday, we arrive at the legendary Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most striking examples of Moroccan earthen architecture. You’ll explore the labyrinthine alleys of this fortified ksar, learn about its history, and enjoy lunch with a view of the ancient walls.

Afterward, we continue to Ouarzazate, where you can take a short optional visit to the Atlas Film Studios or the Taourirt Kasbah, depending on your interests and timing. From there, we drive through the Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses, where rosewater and other natural cosmetics are produced.

We arrive in the Dades Valley by late afternoon or early evening. This region is known for its dramatic rock formations, old kasbahs, and panoramic viewpoints. After checking into your charming hotel or guesthouse, enjoy dinner and relax in the quiet of the valley.

Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga – Camel Trek – Desert Camp

After breakfast, we explore more of the Dades Gorges, including the famous switchbacks carved into the mountainside. Then we set off for the Todra Gorge, one of the most impressive canyons in Morocco. The walls of this gorge rise to 300 meters and are a favorite for hikers and climbers. You’ll have time to walk along the river, take photos, and enjoy the serene beauty of the area.

We then continue south through Tinjdad and Erfoud, where you’ll get a chance to see fossil workshops and browse local marble and fossilized stone products.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, right at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You’ll meet your camel caravan and begin your trek into the heart of the Sahara, riding as the sun sets over the rolling dunes.

Arriving at your luxury or traditional desert camp, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea before enjoying a delicious Moroccan dinner. Spend the evening under the stars, listen to live Berber drumming music, and share stories around the campfire.

Merzouga – Khamlia – Rissani – Alnif – N’Kob – Agdz – Draa Valley

Wake early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, one of the most unforgettable moments of the journey. After breakfast at the camp, we return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4.

We begin the day’s drive with a visit to Khamlia, a small village known for its Gnawa music—a spiritual musical tradition brought by descendants of sub-Saharan Africans. You’ll enjoy a short performance and gain insight into the local culture.

Next, we head to Rissani, once a thriving caravan center and the seat of the Alawite dynasty. You’ll have time to visit its lively traditional market, especially interesting on market days (Tues, Thurs, Sun).

We then travel through the remote villages of Alnif and N’Kob, passing by vast desert plateaus and the rugged Jbel Saghro mountains. Along the way, we stop for lunch in a scenic location.

In the afternoon, we drive through the stunning Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, lined with palm groves, mud-brick villages, and kasbahs. We arrive in the peaceful oasis town of Agdz  near Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight stay at a kasbah-style guesthouse.

Agdz – Ouarzazate – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Marrakech

After breakfast, we begin our return journey to Marrakech, retracing part of the route through the Atlas Mountains. On the way, we stop again in Ouarzazate to explore anything you may have missed earlier or visit local cooperatives that sell argan oil, rosewater, or saffron products.

As we climb back into the High Atlas Mountains, we take breaks at scenic viewpoints to stretch, take photos, and enjoy the beauty of the landscapes. Lunch will be in a mountain village or roadside café.

We arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening, where your tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.