Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and Return

Day 1: Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Benhaddou – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Boumalne Dades

Your driver will pick you up at 8:00 AM from your riad or hotel in Marrakech. Begin your journey by ascending the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), with several stops for panoramic views and photos along the way.

Arrive at the legendary Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic film location. Enjoy lunch on-site before continuing toward Ouarzazate, where you’ll visit the historic Kasbah Taourirt.

Travel onward to Skoura, known for its palm groves and the “Route of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Drive through the fragrant Valley of Roses and arrive at Boumalne Dades, passing through the charming Aït Youl Kasbah. Continue into the scenic Dades Gorge, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel nestled within the valley.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Tinjdad – Erfoud – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)

After breakfast, depart for the spectacular Todra Gorges, where you can enjoy a walk through the towering canyon walls. The route then takes you through Tinjdad and Touroug, with a lunch stop along the way.

Arrive in Erfoud, known for its fascinating fossil workshops—you’ll have the option to visit one and learn about this unique local craft. From there, continue off-road toward the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.

Upon arrival at the edge of the dunes, switch from your 4×4 to a camel and embark on a sunset trek through the Sahara. Reach your desert camp nestled deep within the dunes for an evening of traditional Berber music, dinner, and a night under the stars in a well-appointed bivouac tent.

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

Rise early to experience the magical sunrise over the dunes, then return by camel to the inn in Merzouga for breakfast and a shower.

Begin the journey back with a visit to Rissani, once the capital of the ancient kingdom of Tafilalet and a center of Alaouite dynasty heritage. Continue through the desert landscapes to Alnif, the oasis town of Tazarine, and N’Kob, with a lunch stop en route.

From there, drive along the scenic Draa Valley, dotted with palm groves and ancient ksars, and pass through the Berber village of Agdz. Cross the Aït Saoune Pass (1,660m) and continue to Ouarzazate, then over the High Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech.

Arrive in the evening, where your desert adventure concludes.