4 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Dades Valley [332 km]

Your 4 days desert tour from Marrakech begins with a pick-up from your accommodation. The journey takes you towards the High Atlas Mountains, and you’ll cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of rugged peaks, Berber villages, and terraced fields. This drive offers a unique glimpse into Morocco rich rural life.

Our first major stop is the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou kasbah, an ancient fortified village built from sun-dried mud bricks. This stunning kasbah, famous for its role in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones, is a must-see. Take a stroll through the labyrinth of narrow streets and climb to the top for an unforgettable panoramic view of the surrounding valley.

Continuing our journey, we reach Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa. Here, you have the option to visit the Atlas Film Studios, where famous films like Lawrence of Arabia were made. After a relaxing lunch, we travel through the Valley of Roses, named for its fragrant Damask roses that bloom each spring. The annual Rose Festival in Kelaat M’Gouna is a highlight of the region, attracting visitors from around the world.

Next, we enter the Dades Valley, a beautiful region filled with spectacular rock formations, lush palm groves, and traditional kasbahs nestled in the red canyons. Be sure to visit the famous Monkey Fingers rock formation, a natural wonder carved by wind and water over centuries.

You’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel or riad in Dades Valley, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert [275 km]

After a hearty breakfast, we set off towards Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering 400-meter-high cliffs. Famous among rock climbers, this awe-inspiring location is also home to Berber nomads and ancient mud-brick villages. Take a short walk along the river, where you may see locals herding goats in the lush valley.

Next, we drive to Erfoud, a town famous for its fossils and date palms. You can visit local workshops where craftsmen showcase prehistoric marine fossils dating back millions of years.

By afternoon, we reach Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes, where the Sahara Desert truly comes alive. You’ll embark on a camel trek through the dunes, where the vastness of the desert stretches endlessly before you. As the sun sets, watch the desert transform into a mesmerizing array of colors, offering a truly magical experience.

In the evening, you’ll arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll spend the night in a private Berber tent. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by Berber music and drumming around the campfire. For those seeking an additional thrill, there is the option to try sandboarding or quad biking across the dunes, adding an extra layer of excitement to your luxury desert tour Morocco.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate [367 km]

Wake up early fantastic sunrise over the dunes. The first light of day illuminates the desert in golden hues, creating an ethereal atmosphere. After a traditional Berber breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to try sandboarding or quad biking for an extra rush of adrenaline.

Our first stop today is Rissani, a historic desert town that was once the capital of the Alaouite dynasty. Explore the bustling souk, where you can purchase local spices, handmade crafts, and try the famous Madfouna, a type of Berber pizza. The market is a vital trading center, and you may encounter nomads who come to barter goods.

From Rissani, we drive through the Draa Valley, the longest oasis in Morocco, stretching for over 1,100 kilometers. The valley is lined with date palms, kasbahs, and ancient caravan routes, making it a crucial point in Saharan trade. This area is also home to prehistoric rock carvings and ancient Berber traditions.

We then continue our journey through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, a dramatic landscape of volcanic peaks and deep gorges, before arriving in Ouarzazate. Known as the Gateway to the Sahara, this city is home to the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, a historical fortress once owned by the powerful Glaoui family.

You will enjoy a relaxing evening in Ouarzazate, where you will spend the night in a hotel or riad.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Telouet Kasbah – Marrakech [195 km]

After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Marrakech. The drive takes us through the picturesque Ounila Valley, where hidden Berber villages and ancient kasbahs are nestled in the landscape. Our main stop is the Kasbah Telouet, a fascinating yet lesser-known site. This kasbah, once home to the powerful Glaoui clan, is partially in ruins but still offers an impressive view of the region’s historical significance. The intricately decorated rooms provide a glimpse into the opulence of its past.

We continue our journey back to Marrakech, passing through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass once more. The scenery shifts from the dry, arid landscapes of the Sahara to lush valleys and vibrant Berber villages.

By late afternoon, we arrive back in Marrakech, where your 4 days Marrakech to Merzouga Desert tour comes to an end. We’ll drop you off at your accommodation or the airport.