3 Night Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

What You'll Do

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.

Experience
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.

Experience Itinerary

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 swim in the pristine river in the warm evening air, then head for a leisurely dinner of beautifully cooked, authentic Moroccan cuisine.

Accommodation

Riad Dades Paradise, Boumalne Dades (or similar)

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.

Accommodation

Luxury Camp, MeRrzouga (or similar)

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.

Accommodation

Kasbah Riad Dar Chamaa, Ouarzazate (or similar)

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.

Location Information

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.