4 Days Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
Experience an unforgettable 4-day journey from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert of Merzouga, travelling through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and the beautiful valleys of Dades and Todra. This tour offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, and adventure as you explore historic kasbahs, walk through dramatic gorges, and discover traditional Berber villages. The highlight is your camel ride into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, followed by a magical night in a desert camp under the stars. With comfortable accommodations, a local guide in Ait Ben Haddou, and professional transport, this tour is ideal for travellers looking to experience the real beauty of Morocco in a short yet rich itinerary.
Trip Overview
Experience a 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour through the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorges, and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy camel trekking, a night in a Sahara camp, and stunning landscapes on this unforgettable Morocco desert adventure.
Day-by-Day Program
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your desert adventure begins early in the morning as you leave Marrakech and cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Enjoy the beautiful drive through winding roads, Berber villages, and panoramic viewpoints. Your first big stop is the UNESCO Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its traditional architecture and movie history. You’ll have time to walk through its narrow alleys and take great photos from the top.
After lunch, continue towards Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa,” before driving deeper into the mountains. The journey takes you through the Valley of Roses and into the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and deep gorges. You will arrive at your hotel in the late afternoon, where you can relax, enjoy dinner, and rest for the next day.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi)
After breakfast, the road takes you through the charming Berber villages of the Dades Valley. Soon you will reach the Todra Gorges, a spectacular canyon with huge limestone cliffs rising to 300 meters. Take your time to walk inside the gorge, enjoy the cool air, and observe local life around you.
In the afternoon, continue your journey toward the Sahara Desert. As you approach Merzouga, the scenery changes into wide open desert landscapes and golden dunes. When you arrive, your camel caravan will be waiting for you. Enjoy a peaceful camel ride across the dunes during sunset, one of the most magical moments of the trip. You will spend the night in a traditional desert camp with comfortable tents, a delicious dinner, and music around the fire under a sky full of stars.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Rissani – Agdez – Ouarzazate
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes — a beautiful Sahara experience not to miss. After breakfast at the camp, ride camels or take a 4×4 back to Merzouga and begin your journey toward Ouarzazate. Along the way, you’ll pass by Rissani, a historic town known for its traditional market and its connection to the Alaouite dynasty.
The road continues through desert landscapes, palm groves, and quiet Berber villages. You’ll cross the Draa Valley, one of the longest valleys in Morocco, filled with thousands of date palms. Stop in Agdez for a break before continuing to Ouarzazate. Arrive in the late afternoon, check in at your hotel, and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 4: Ouarzazate – Tizi n’Tichka Pass – Marrakech
After breakfast, visit the Taourirt Kasbah from the outside or enjoy a panoramic view of the film studios if you like. Then start the drive back to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you can stop for photos, coffee, or short walks to enjoy the scenery.
By the afternoon, you will arrive back in Marrakech, and your driver will drop you at your hotel or riad. This marks the end of your 4-day desert journey filled with landscapes, culture, and unforgettable desert moments.