3 Night Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

Highlights

  • Gaze in awe and channel your inner gladiator at Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou.
  • Take in the stunning sight of the sun setting over magnificent Saharan dunes.
  • Experience staying in a traditional Berber camp.
  • Squeeze through the dramatic Todra Gorge.
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3 Nights

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What you'll do

Overview

On this incredible private tour of Morocco's beautiful deserts and mountains, you'll be stunned by the natural beauty of the High Atlas and the Sahara, and amazed at the warm hospitality you'll receive from your local hosts, who will ensure you see Morocco at its most authentic.

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On this incredible private tour of Morocco's beautiful deserts and mountains, you'll be stunned by the natural beauty of the High Atlas and the Sahara, and amazed at the warm hospitality you'll receive from your local hosts, who will ensure you see Morocco at its most authentic.

Tour Summary

Day 1:

Depart from Marrakech
Travel through the Atlas Mountains
Visit Ait Ben Haddou
Overnight in Boumalne

Day 2:

Todra Gorge
Overnight in Merzouga Desert

Day 3:

Ramlia, Sahara Desert
Overnight in Ouarzazate

Day 4:

Travel through Atlas Mountains
Return to Marrakech

This four-day tour both starts and ends at the buzzing imperial city of Marrakech.

You’ll swoop through jaw-dropping mountain ranges, trek across endless, beautiful deserts, gaze at otherworldly fortress cities, and be fully immersed in native Moroccan culture, from rural and city life, to the cuisine, to the music.

You’ll be able to cool off from hot, dusty days of sightseeing with a cool swim in the idyllic Dades River, and relax from trekking in the Sahara by a crackling campfire under an endless shower of stars.

From magical music performances to plunging gorges and incredible meals, as rich in spices as Morocco is diversity, this is an experience not to be missed.

Jaw-Dropping Mountains and Ancient Fortresses

On day one, we will set off after breakfast from your Riad or hotel in Marrakech.

You’ll travel through the stunning Atlas Mountains, taking in incredible vistas of snow-capped mountains stretching endlessly into the distance. Pure white snow turns to lush green forests, which in turn descend into dusty brown rock in this truly beautiful landscape.

We’ll then stop at Tizi N’Tichka, the winding mountain pass that creeps up the side of the sheer cliffs and mountains, offering incredible views down deep valleys and of beautiful saw-toothed peaks.

As we travel onwards, you’ll witness a captivating transformation of the landscape, as the vegetation and shrubbery gives way to smouldering sandstone and soaring columns of rock.

Arriving at Ouarzazate, also known as Moroccan Hollywood, we’ll head to see the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This incredible fortified village is the backdrop of many famous movies, such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

As we walk to Ait Ben Haddou, which has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO, you’ll learn its fascinating history, drink in the stunning architecture, immerse yourself in the ancient culture and enjoy panoramic views, which provide wonderful photo opportunities.

We then go on to Boulmane Dades, located by the Dades River, where you’ll be able to take a relaxing stroll in the warm evening air, then head for a leisurely dinner of beautifully cooked, authentic Moroccan cuisine.

 

Dramatic Gorges and Desert Camps

Leave after breakfast to see Todra Gorge. The gorge is a result of natural forces: both the Dades and Todra rivers have carved through these limestone canyons, with walls reaching 300 metres high!

After breakfast at your accommodation, we’ll continue our journey and set out to see the seriously impressive Todra Gorge. A result of the Dades and Todra rivers cutting cleanly through limestone canyons, the gorge is a spectacular sight.

Rushing waters pile through this deep gouge in the landscape, and drops of pure, crystal clear water dance in the sunlight as they splash through the sun-drenched walls.

We’ll then continue on to the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi, Merzouga. These immaculately sculpted, golden waves of sand provide excellent photo opportunities.

Enjoy a refreshing mint tea at the hotel on arrival, where you will mount your camel and trek into the atmospheric, endless Sahara dunes to enjoy a deep, glowing African sunset.

Continuing our camel trek, we’ll arrive at a traditional Berber camp in the dunes to have an authentic Moroccan dinner. You’ll be entertained by hypnotic desert drums, enjoy stargazing under the iridescent night sky and spend the night in the desert camp, gathered around the heat of a campfire.

This evocative experience will stick with you for life, and is one not to be missed.

An Unforgettable Sunrise

The day begins with a beautiful Sahara sunrise, before we begin the camel trek back to the hotel. When we arrive, we’ll take time to refresh with breakfast and time for a shower.

We’ll then go to visit a community of traditional Gnawa musicians deep in the dunes and enjoy their trancelike, spiritual music. With its rich heritage rooted firmly in Morocco, this is a privileged spiritual experience in the beautiful Sahara Desert that many don’t see.

This is a chance to get a deep insight into Moroccan culture, firmly off the beaten track.

Finally, we’ll leave the desert for an overnight stay in Ouarzazate, another stunning, ancient fortified village of squat red blocks and twisting stairways and alleys.

One Last Journey Through the Mountains

On our final day, we’ll depart for Marrakech after breakfast, stopping along the way to admire and take photos of the beautiful scenery.

As with our outward journey, the views simply don’t let up. As you round each corner you are presented with incredible panoramic view after incredible panoramic view.

We’ll traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains, finally arriving back in Marrakech where the tour ends.

What's included

Included

  • 1 Night Accommodation in Riad Dades Paradise, Boumalne Dades (HB)
  • 1 Night Accommodation in Luxury Camp, Merzouga (HB)
  • 1 Night Accommodation in Kasbah Riad Dar Chamaa, Ouarzazate (HB)
  • 3 Breakfasts
  • 3 Dinners
  • 1 Lunch (on Day 3)
  • English speaking local guide
  • Transportation throughout the tour

Accommodation

Riad Dades Paradise, Boumalne Dades (or similar)

Riad Dades Paradise is a charming guesthouse located in Boumalne Dades, Morocco, nestled in the stunning Dades Valley. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and lush greenery, this traditional riad offers a peaceful retreat with Moroccan-style architecture, cosy rooms, and warm hospitality. Guests can enjoy scenic views of the valley, authentic Moroccan cuisine, and easy access to nearby attractions like the Dades Gorges, perfect for hiking and exploring the region's natural beauty.

Luxury Camp, Merzouga (or similar)

A premium desert glamping experience in the heart of the Sahara Desert, near the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes. Combining comfort and adventure, the camp features spacious, elegantly furnished tents with modern amenities, private bathrooms, and panoramic views of the dunes.

Kasbah Riad Dar Chamaa, Ouarzazate (or similar)

This is a beautifully restored riad located in Ouarzazate, Morocco, blending traditional Moroccan architecture with modern comforts. Situated near the Atlas Mountains and desert landscapes, the riad offers elegant rooms, a tranquil garden, and a refreshing pool. Guests can relax in a serene atmosphere while enjoying authentic Moroccan cuisine, and explore nearby attractions such as Ait Ben Haddou and the Ouarzazate film studios. The riad provides a peaceful retreat with stunning views and warm hospitality.

Your local host

Youssef

My name is Youssef. I turned my passion for travel into a career, living my dream by crafting unforgettable experiences for others.

Beyond work, I enjoy fishing, driving, drawing, trekking, and most of all travelling. Exploring new places and cultures is my greatest adventure.

Welcome to Morocco! Rest assured, you’re in great hands.

... Read All

My name is Youssef. I turned my passion for travel into a career, living my dream by crafting unforgettable experiences for others.

Beyond work, I enjoy fishing, driving, drawing, trekking, and most of all travelling. Exploring new places and cultures is my greatest adventure.

Welcome to Morocco! Rest assured, you’re in great hands.

Location

Pick up and drop off will occur from Marrakech.

Specific pick up and drop off points will be arranged on a case by case basis.

What our travellers are saying...

A mother daughter trip couldn’t have been more magical. The 4 day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga covering caring varied landscapes was simply awesome. Mohammad, our guide and driver was simply the best. He was pleasant, polite, conversant, engaging, respectful, friendly , considerate, perceptive and simply great fun to enjoy the journey with. The desert camp was the icing on the cake. The camel ride, miles and miles of pristine sand dunes, The

Sunita Nair

Simply superb. Was very well organised and our driver was great. Too many highlights to write here... had everything in it... deserts, mountains, camels, tents, rivers, gorges, on road and off road routes, villages... one particular highlight was having lunch with our host's family...one of the hotels wasn't great but the host was happy to ownership of that and make it as comfortable as possible.

Rahul D

Hamid, a local to Merzouga, led the tour, and I cannot rate him highly enough. He drove long distances to get from Marrakech to the Sahara, stopping for the most amazing photo opportunities, pointing out little businesses on the way that provided rose water, argan oil and fossil artefacts, and was always ready to answer our questions. He formed a good connection with my children and truly showed them what life was like in Morocco. The accommodati

Tania S

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