3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Your adventure begins early with pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech. You’ll travel through the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), with opportunities to stop for photos of the breathtaking views and Berber villages along the way.

We then visit the famous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and backdrop to many iconic films. After exploring the kasbah, enjoy lunch in Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa.”

In the afternoon, we’ll make a stop for photos near the Atlas Film Studios before heading to the city center for a panoramic view of Kasbah Taourirt.

We continue the journey through the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses (Kalaa M’gouna), reaching Dades Valley by evening. Here, you’ll spend the night in a charming hotel, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and a relaxing atmosphere.

Day 2: Dades Gorge – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Desert

After breakfast, we head to the impressive Todra Gorge, where sheer cliffs rise up to 300 meters high. You’ll have time to explore and take in the beauty of this natural wonder, as well as stop for lunch en route.

Continuing deeper into the Sahara, we pass through Tinjdad, Touroug, and Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils and desert landscapes. We reach Rissani, the last major town before the desert, and finally arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the majestic Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

Here, your camel will be waiting for a memorable sunset ride through the dunes to your desert camp. You’ll spend the night in a Bivouac tent, enjoying Berber music, a traditional dinner, and the starry desert sky.

Day 3: Merzouga – Alnif – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes, then enjoy breakfast at camp. We return by camel to Merzouga, where you’ll rejoin your driver for the return journey.

Travel through Alnif and the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river oasis, passing palm groves and traditional Berber villages. We then stop in Ouarzazate for a break before crossing the High Atlas Mountains once again via the Tizi n’Tichka pass.

Arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon or early evening, where your tour concludes.