4 Days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate

Begin your journey with an early morning departure from Marrakech, heading towards the High Atlas Mountains. Cross the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, winding through scenic mountain roads dotted with traditional Berber villages. Your first stop is the iconic Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most famous ksars (fortified villages). Explore its ancient streets and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding valley.

Continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its film studios and famous kasbahs, including the Taourirt Kasbah. From here, you’ll travel through the picturesque Skoura Oasis and the Valley of Roses, arriving at the Dades Valley for your overnight stay in a local guesthouse or hotel.

• Overnight: Dades Valley
• Highlight: High Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga via Todra Gorge

After breakfast, drive through the Dades Valley, passing by stunning rock formations and ancient kasbahs. You’ll head toward the towering cliffs of the Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s most impressive natural landmarks. Take a walk through the gorge, enjoying the cool air and breathtaking views of the cliffs that rise to 600 meters.

In the afternoon, continue your journey to the Merzouga Desert, passing through the towns of Erfoud and Rissani, famous for their fossil quarries and lively date markets. Upon arrival in Merzouga, you’ll swap your vehicle for a camel and begin a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes, where you’ll enjoy the stunning desert sunset. Spend the night in a traditional Berber camp, where you’ll experience a magical evening under the stars, complete with a traditional dinner and Berber music.

• Overnight: Merzouga Desert Camp
• Highlight: Todra Gorge, Camel Trek, Sunset in the Sahara, Berber Camp Experience

Day 3: Full Day in Merzouga – Explore the Desert

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over the dunes, a sight that is sure to leave a lasting impression. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll spend the day exploring the vast desert around Merzouga. This full day allows you to immerse yourself in the desert life at a relaxed pace.

You can choose to visit nearby Nomad families and learn about their way of life, explore the fossil-rich hills, or visit the seasonal Lake Dayet Srji, which attracts flamingos and other wildlife during certain times of the year. Another popular option is to visit the village of Khamlia, known for its Gnawa music, where you can enjoy a unique cultural experience.

Return to your desert camp in the afternoon to relax and enjoy another beautiful desert sunset. Dinner will be served at the camp, followed by a peaceful night in the dunes.

• Overnight: Merzouga Desert Camp
• Highlight: Sunrise in the Desert, Nomad Visit, Gnawa Music, Free Time to Explore

Day 4: Merzouga to Marrakech via Draa Valley

After breakfast, your camel trek will take you back to Merzouga village, where you’ll meet your driver to begin the return journey to Marrakech. On the way back, you’ll drive through the stunning Draa Valley, known for its endless palm groves and traditional kasbahs. Pass through Ouarzazate once again, and continue across the High Atlas Mountains before arriving in Marrakech in the late afternoon or evening.

• Highlight: Scenic Drive through Draa Valley, Return to Marrakech