3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Your adventure begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Marrakech toward the High Atlas Mountains. As you ascend the winding road of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), the landscape transforms from olive groves and red clay villages to rugged mountain peaks dotted with Berber hamlets. You’ll stop at panoramic viewpoints to capture photos and learn about the traditional way of life in this mountain region.

Descending into the southern slopes of the Atlas, you’ll arrive at the ancient ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most famous landmarks. This fortified village, made entirely of mudbrick, rises majestically from the desert plain and has served as a backdrop for countless films and series such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. You’ll have time to wander through its narrow alleys, visit the old granary on the hilltop, and soak in the views over the valley before continuing your journey.

After lunch, the road leads you to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa” for its film studios and cinematic landscapes. The journey continues through the Skoura Oasis, famous for its palm groves and ancient kasbahs, then along the Valley of Roses, where the sweet scent of blossoms fills the air in springtime. In the late afternoon, you reach the Dades Gorges, a spectacular canyon carved by the Dades River, surrounded by fascinating rock formations nicknamed “monkey fingers.” Here you will enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a traditional riad overlooking the valley.

Overnight: Riad or hotel in Dades
Meals: Dinner & breakfast

After a hearty Moroccan breakfast, the journey continues along a scenic route filled with oases, mudbrick villages, and desert landscapes. The first highlight of the day is the Todra Gorges, a breathtaking canyon where sheer limestone cliffs rise up to 300 meters high, creating a dramatic natural corridor. Take your time to walk through the gorge, meet local families, or simply relax by the crystal-clear stream that flows through the valley.

As you continue south, the scenery becomes increasingly arid, announcing the approach of the Sahara. You will pass through Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, a town renowned for its fossil workshops and date palm festivals. Soon after, the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi come into view — waves of golden sand glowing in the afternoon light. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you will meet your camel caravan, ready to take you deep into the dunes. The gentle sway of the camel ride and the silence of the desert create a magical sense of peace as you watch the sun set over the horizon.

In the evening, you’ll arrive at your luxury desert camp, where a warm welcome, mint tea, and Moroccan hospitality await. After a delicious dinner of traditional dishes, you can gather around the campfire, listen to Berber drumming beneath a sky filled with stars, and embrace the serenity of the Sahara. For many travelers, this is the most unforgettable night of their entire Moroccan journey.

Overnight: Desert camp in Merzouga
Meals: Dinner & breakfast

Before dawn, you’ll wake up to witness the sunrise over the dunes, a breathtaking spectacle as the desert comes alive with shades of gold and amber. After breakfast in camp, you can return to the village by camel or 4x4. The journey back to Marrakech takes a different scenic route through Alnif, Tazzarine, and the Draa Valley, the longest river valley in Morocco. This lush corridor of palm trees, ancient kasbahs, and small Berber villages is one of the most beautiful regions of the south. You’ll stop along the way for photos, rest, and lunch, retracing your route through Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains before arriving back in Marrakech in the evening, filled with unforgettable memories of your Sahara experience. the end of your 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

Meals: Breakfast