Embark on a 4-day desert tour from Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via N-Tichka Pass. Visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, then journey through Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses, and Dades Valley. Explore the breathtaking Todgha Gorge before reaching Merzouga, where you’ll ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes and enjoy a luxury desert camp experience with Berber music under the stars. Witness a stunning Saharan sunrise, visit Rissani market, and drive through the scenic Draa Valley to Ouarzazate. Conclude your adventure with visits to Atlas Studios, Ait Ben Haddou, and Telouet Kasbah before returning to Marrakech.
4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech—High Atlas Mountains—Ait Ben Haddou—Dades Valley
Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech. We set out towards the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the stunning Tizi-N-Tichka Pass (2,260 m), with stops at panoramic viewpoints and traditional Berber villages for photo opportunities.
Our next stop is the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You’ll have time to explore its narrow alleys and soak in its history before enjoying lunch in a local restaurant.
We then continue through the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through Ouarzazate, Skoura, and the Valley of Roses (Kalaat M’Gouna) before reaching the Dades Valley. Here, we visit the unique “Monkey Fingers” rock formations before settling into a comfortable hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Driving distance: 353 km
Driving time: 6 hr, 30 min
Day 2: Dades Valley, Todgha Gorge, Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we leave the Dades Valley and head toward Tinghir, stopping at scenic viewpoints overlooking Berber villages and palm oases. One of the highlights of the trip is Todgha Gorge, a breathtaking canyon with towering 300-meter cliffs. We take a short walk through this impressive natural wonder before continuing to Merzouga.
Upon arrival, we embark on a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes, pausing to watch the magical Sahara sunset from a high dune. Afterward, we continue to a luxury desert camp, where a warm Berber welcome awaits with traditional mint tea.
Dinner is followed by an evening around the campfire, enjoying live Berber music under the starry desert sky. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable luxury tent.
Driving distance: 275 km
Driving time: 4 hr
Day 3: Merzouga-Rissani-Draa Valley-Ouarzazate
If you wake up early, you can watch the mesmerizing sunrise over the dunes. After breakfast, you have the option of returning to Merzouga by camel or 4×4
We then visit Rissani, where, on market days (Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday), we explore a traditional Moroccan souk. Continuing through the Draa Valley, we pass palm groves and fortified villages before reaching Ouarzazate in the afternoon. We check into our accommodation and relax for the night.
Driving distance: 370 km
Driving time: 5 hr, 30 min
Day 4: Ouarzazate-Telouet Kasbah-Marrakech
After breakfast, we explore Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa, home to Atlas Studios and the historic Taourirt Kasbah. We then revisit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO site and filming location for famous movies.
Our journey continues through the Atlas Mountains, with a stop at the Kasbah of Telouet before heading back to Marrakech, where we drop you off at your accommodation, concluding your unforgettable desert adventure.
Driving distance: 194 km
Driving time: 3 hours, 39 minutes
