Private 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

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

After enjoying a traditional Moroccan breakfast in Marrakech, we begin our journey south toward the Sahara. As we leave the bustling city behind, we ascend into the High Atlas Mountains, traveling along one of Morocco’s most scenic roads. The route offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks (in winter), verdant valleys, and remote Berber villages clinging to the hillsides.

Our first major stop is the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in North Africa at 2,260 meters (7,415 feet). Here, you’ll have time to take photos of the stunning landscape and learn about the significance of this historic trade route that once connected Marrakech to the desert.

Continuing our descent, we arrive at the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved ksars (fortified villages) in Morocco. Made entirely of earthen clay, Ait Benhaddou has served as the backdrop for numerous films and series including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy. You’ll explore the narrow alleyways of the village and enjoy sweeping views from the hilltop granary.

We then head to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its film studios and desert landscapes. After lunch here, we continue to the Dades Valley, known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” This region is famed for its dramatic gorges, unique rock formations, and the winding Dades River.

In the evening, we arrive at our charming guesthouse or hotel located within the valley. After check-in, you can unwind and enjoy a hearty dinner of local specialties while taking in the tranquil surroundings.

Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga – Camel Trek – Sunset in Erg Chebbi Dunes – Desert Camp

After breakfast, we begin our day with a scenic drive through the Dades Valley, where you’ll spot centuries-old kasbahs and lush palm groves nestled between red sandstone cliffs. The road winds through an area known as the “Monkey Fingers” due to the unique rock formations carved by erosion.

Next, we continue to the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon carved by the Todra River over millennia. The gorge’s sheer cliffs soar up to 300 meters, creating a narrow corridor that’s popular with climbers and nature lovers. You’ll have time to walk along the riverbed, admire the towering rock walls, and take photos of this awe-inspiring natural site.

We then journey to Erfoud, a desert town known for its fossil workshops and annual date festival. You’ll get a glimpse into Morocco’s prehistoric past as you browse items made from fossilized stone and visit local artisans at work.

From here, we continue toward the edge of the Sahara Desert, arriving in Merzouga, a small village that borders the famous Erg Chebbi dunes—vast, rolling sand dunes that can reach heights of up to 150 meters.

Upon arrival, you’ll meet your camel caravan and begin a magical trek through the golden dunes, timed perfectly to catch the sunset over the desert. The colors of the sand change dramatically as the sun dips below the horizon, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

After the ride, we reach our desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and Moroccan hospitality. Enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, followed by Berber music and storytelling around the campfire. Fall asleep to the silence of the desert in your cozy tent, surrounded by dunes.

Merzouga – Rissani Market – Erfoud – Alnif – Tazarine – Marrakech

We rise early to witness the sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, a peaceful and spiritual moment as the first light of day stretches across the sands. After breakfast in the camp, we ride camels back to Merzouga, where our driver awaits.

Our first stop is Rissani, a historic town that was once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Sijilmassa and a key point on trans-Saharan trade routes. We visit the bustling Rissani souk, where locals trade everything from spices and fabrics to donkeys and livestock. This is a great opportunity to experience the authentic rhythm of life in a traditional Moroccan market.

We return briefly through Erfoud and then begin our long but scenic drive back to Marrakech. Along the way, we pass through Alnif and Tazarine, small desert towns surrounded by rugged landscapes, palm groves, and rocky plateaus. The route offers glimpses of the nomadic lifestyle and the vast, untouched beauty of southern Morocco.

We stop for lunch en route and continue our journey through the Draa Valley, one of the longest valleys in Morocco, known for its continuous palm oasis and fortified villages. Eventually, we reach the High Atlas Mountains again before descending back into the plains and returning to Marrakech in the evening, where our unforgettable desert adventure ends.