4 Days Tour From Marrakech to Merzouga Sahara Desert

Depart early from Marrakech and drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in North Africa. Your first stop will be the famous fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and backdrop for many iconic films. After exploring the kasbah, continue to Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa”, and visit the impressive Kasbah Taourirt if time permits. The journey continues through the beautiful Skoura Oasis, filled with palm groves and historic kasbahs, then onward through the Valley of Roses at Kelaat Mgouna, renowned for its annual rose festival. By afternoon, you will reach the stunning Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a charming hotel nestled between the dramatic rock formations.

After breakfast, explore the incredible scenery of the Dades Valley, famous for its natural rock formations like the “Monkey Fingers” and ancient Berber villages. Then drive towards the spectacular Todra Gorge, a paradise for rock climbers, where you can take a relaxing walk between its towering canyon walls. Afterward, continue your journey towards the desert, passing through Erfoud, a town known for its fossil workshops and bustling date market. Arrive at the edge of the mighty Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga in the late afternoon. Here, a camel caravan awaits to carry you across the golden sands to your desert camp. Watch a stunning desert sunset and spend the night under the stars, enjoying traditional Berber music, a hearty Moroccan dinner, and the serene beauty of the Sahara.

Wake up early to witness an unforgettable sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll have a full day to explore the desert surroundings. Visit the nearby village of Khamlia, famous for its traditional Gnawa music, played by descendants of sub-Saharan slaves. Then head to Rissani, an ancient trading post and home to one of the most authentic souks in southern Morocco, where you can discover spices, crafts, and traditional goods. Explore the black desert (volcanic stones area), nomadic families living in tents, and oasis villages. Return to your accommodation near the dunes in Merzouga, where you can relax by the pool or enjoy another camel ride at sunset (optional). Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional desert lodge.

After breakfast, depart from Merzouga and begin the return journey to Marrakech. Travel through the arid landscapes of Alnif and the rugged mountains toward the vast Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest palm oasis stretching for miles along the Draa River. Enjoy scenic stops along the way to capture the valley’s natural beauty and explore its small villages. Continue through Ouarzazate once more, and retrace your path across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Arrive back in the bustling city of Marrakech by late afternoon or early evening, where your amazing desert adventure ends.