3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Your adventure begins as your driver greets you at your riad in Marrakech. From there, we embark on a breathtaking journey through the High Atlas Mountains, traversing the Tizi N’Tichka Pass—the highest road pass in Morocco, standing at 2,260 meters (7,417 ft). This scenic route winds through a landscape of rugged cliffs, fertile valleys, and traditional Berber villages, offering spectacular views at every turn.
Our first stop is at the extraordinary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages. This architectural masterpiece, with its earthen clay structures, has served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, including Gladiator, Indiana Jones, and Game of Thrones. We will take time to explore its maze-like alleys and climb to the top, where panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes await.
After lunch in Ait Ben Haddou village, we continue toward Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its prominent film studios. Here, we make a brief stop to admire the Taourirt Kasbah, an imposing fortress built by the Glaoui family in the 18th century.
Our journey then leads us through the legendary “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”, passing through Skoura, a small town surrounded by lush palm groves that date back to the 12th century, when they were established by Almohad Sultan Yacoub el-Mansour.
We then continue through the picturesque Rose Valley, famous for its Damask roses, which were introduced to the region by pilgrims in the 10th century. This valley is also home to an annual Rose Festival, celebrating the production of rosewater and perfumes.
The final leg of our journey takes us to Dades Gorges, a stunning natural wonder bordered by lush greenery, where the Dades River has carved its way through the red rock formations. Along the way, we pass the fascinating Tamnalt Hills, known for their “Monkey Fingers” rock formations, before arriving at our hotel/riad.

After breakfast, we set off toward the Todra Gorges, one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural wonders. This breathtaking canyon, with towering 300-meter-high cliffs, is famous for its dramatic landscapes and is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers. At its narrowest point, the gorge is just 20 meters wide, creating a striking contrast with the towering rock walls.
After exploring the gorge, we continue our journey toward Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Upon arrival, you will meet your camel guide, who will lead you on an unforgettable camel trek across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun begins to set, casting golden hues over the vast desert, you will ride for approximately 1.5 hours to reach your desert camp, where you will spend a magical night.
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with traditional mint tea, followed by a delicious Berber dinner. The evening is yours to enjoy—whether stargazing under the clear desert sky, listening to live Berber music, sleep in a cozy nomadic tent for a truly immersive Sahara experience.

After an early wake-up to witness the sunrise over the dunes, we will have time to shower and refresh before we depart.
Leaving the desert behind, we travel through Rissani, a historic town that was once a major hub for caravan routes linking Morocco with the rest of Africa. This town is also the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco’s current ruling family.
We then drive through the dramatic Saghro Mountains, a volcanic range that offers a starkly different yet equally stunning landscape compared to the Atlas Mountains. Our journey continues through the Draa Valley, famous for its endless palm groves and ancient kasbahs, before reaching Marrakech in the evening at approximately 7:00 PM.