About this tour
Embark on an unforgettable Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour spanning 3 days and 2 nights. This adventure will take you through the breathtaking Atlas Mountains, into the heart of the Moroccan desert, and across the vast golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Along the way, you’ll visit historic kasbahs, lush valleys, and experience authentic Berber culture. Whether you’re hiking through the impressive Todra Gorge, riding a camel at sunset, or sleeping under the stars in a desert camp, this tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of Morocco’s diverse landscapes.
Highlights
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the scenic Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Explore Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous filming location
- Visit the city of Ouarzazate, home to the Atlas Film Studios
- Discover the dramatic Todra Gorge, known for its towering rock walls
- Enjoy a camel trek at sunset across the Merzouga desert dunes
- Spend a night in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars
- Witness the magnificent sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
Included/Excluded
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver/guide
- 1 night in a hotel in Dades Valley (dinner and breakfast included)
- 1 night in a Berber desert camp (dinner and breakfast included)
- Camel trek in the Sahara Desert
- Free time to explore Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Todra Gorge
- Pick-up and drop-off from your accommodation in Marrakech
- Lunches and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for the driver/guide
- Entrance fees to optional sites (Ait Ben Haddou, Atlas Film Studios)
Itinerary
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Day 1
Marrakech – Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour begins with an early morning departure from Marrakech. You will travel through the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 meters) which offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The first stop is at the famous Ait Ben Haddou, a well-preserved fortified village that has been the setting for numerous films, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
After exploring the kasbah, you’ll continue your journey to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Hollywood of Morocco” due to its film studios. After lunch, the tour proceeds to the beautiful Dades Valley, known for its impressive rock formations and fertile oases. You’ll spend the night in a local hotel or guesthouse in the valley, where you can enjoy dinner and relax in this picturesque environment. -
Day 2
Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, you’ll explore the Dades Valley and then head toward the stunning Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with cliffs rising over 300 meters high. You’ll have time to walk along the riverbed, surrounded by towering rock walls. After a break, the journey continues towards the desert of Merzouga.
In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, where the real desert adventure begins. You’ll swap your vehicle for a camel and embark on a camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. As the sun sets, the golden sands of the Sahara transform into a mesmerizing landscape of color. You’ll arrive at your Berber camp just before nightfall. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner around a campfire, followed by local music and storytelling. Spend the night in a comfortable Berber tent under the stars. -
Day 3
Merzouga – Draa Valley – Marrakech
Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes before riding your camel back to Merzouga. After breakfast at a local hotel, the return journey to Marrakech begins, passing through the lush Draa Valley, known for its extensive palm groves and ancient kasbahs. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to stop for photos and enjoy the scenery. You’ll cross the Atlas Mountains again and arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where the tour ends.
Tour's Location
- Ait Benhaddou | Desert | Fes | Ifrane | Marrakech | Marrakech Morocco | Merzouga | MERZOUGA DESERT | Morocco | Ouarzazate | Sahara | Tour
