Join our unforgettable 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, one of the most popular Sahara desert experiences in Morocco. Discover the charm of Ait Ben Haddou, explore cinematic Ouarzazate, and travel along the scenic Draa Valley. Ride camels into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, witness magical desert sunsets and sunrises, and enjoy authentic Berber hospitality in a desert camp. This tour ends in Marrakech after a rich adventure through Morocco’s diverse landscapes and culture.
Your private 4-day desert tour begins with a morning departure from Marrakech, traveling through the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m). Along the way, enjoy photo stops at panoramic viewpoints and traditional Berber villages.
Our first major stop is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars. This ancient fortified village has served as a backdrop for many famous films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
Next, we head to Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa,” for a quick visit before continuing along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. We stop in Kalaat M’Gouna, known for its rose products, then travel to Dades Valley, where you’ll spend the night in a cozy hotel with dinner and breakfast included.
After breakfast, we continue our journey through Dades Valley, stopping to admire the fascinating “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. We then visit the dramatic Todra Gorges, where towering red cliffs reach heights of 300 meters. You’ll have free time to walk along the gorge and take in the views.
Our next destination is Jorf, where you’ll explore a traditional underground irrigation system, followed by a visit to Erfoud, famous for its fossils and date markets. After a short visit to a fossil workshop, we drive to Rissani and finally arrive in the Merzouga desert.
In Merzouga, you’ll begin your camel trekking adventure into the Erg Chebbi dunes, guided by a local camelman. As the sun sets, enjoy the mesmerizing landscape before arriving at your luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy Berber music, a traditional dinner, and an overnight stay under the stars.
Wake up early to witness the magical sunrise over the dunes, followed by breakfast and a refreshing shower at the camp.
Today’s excursion takes place in a 4×4 vehicle, allowing you to explore hidden gems around the Merzouga desert. We visit Khamlia Village, home to the Gnawa people, where you’ll enjoy a live performance of their unique music. Then we explore Sahrij Lake (seasonal), often visited by migratory birds including flamingos.
We also visit the Mifis mines, an old site from the French colonial era, and meet nomadic Berber families living in traditional tents. You’ll enjoy a Berber pizza lunch with them before returning to Merzouga town for a relaxing evening at your accommodation. Dinner and breakfast included.
On the final day, we begin our return journey to Marrakech via a scenic route. First, we stop in Rissani, a historic town and former capital of the Alaouite dynasty, then continue through the expansive Draa Valley, home to Morocco’s longest river and thousands of date palms.
We stop in Agdz for lunch and take time to admire the majestic Anti-Atlas Mountains. Later, we visit Atlas Studios in Ouarzazate for a final taste of Morocco’s film industry.
Our journey continues back across the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, arriving in Marrakech in the evening. We’ll drop you off at your hotel or riad, marking the end of your 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour.
