3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley

Your adventure begins early in the morning as you depart from Marrakech, heading toward the High Atlas Mountains. As you wind through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of verdant valleys, traditional Berber villages, and snow-capped peaks. Your first stop is at the historic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its earthen clay architecture and its role in numerous films. After exploring the kasbah, you’ll continue to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Desert.” Here, you may visit the Taourirt Kasbah or the Atlas Film Studios. The journey then proceeds through the scenic Skoura Oasis, where you’ll witness the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” before arriving at the Dades Valley. Overnight in a traditional hotel or guesthouse nestled within the valley, with time to relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga

After breakfast, you’ll continue your journey through the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and lush greenery. The road takes you to the Todra Gorges, a striking canyon with towering cliffs, where you can take a walk along the river and marvel at the impressive scenery. Leaving the gorges behind, you’ll pass through a series of small towns and oases, each offering glimpses into the local way of life. As you approach Merzouga, the landscape gradually transforms into an arid desert. In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you’ll embark on a camel trek, led by a local guide, into the heart of the dunes. As the sun sets, you’ll witness the sands change color in a breathtaking display. The evening is spent at a desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, accompanied by Berber music and storytelling.

Day 3: Merzouga – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

You’ll wake up early to catch the sunrise over the dunes—a truly magical experience. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll ride your camel back to Merzouga, where your driver will be waiting. The return journey to Marrakech takes you through the vast landscapes of the Alnif, Tazarine, and Draa Valleys. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at small Berber villages and take in the changing scenery as you approach the High Atlas Mountains once again. The tour concludes as you arrive back in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening, filled with memories of your desert adventure.