Overview: Marrakech to Merzouga 4 days Desert tour
Marrakech to Merzouga 4 days tour, is one of the most popular tours for travelers who prefer to explore each destination at a relaxed pace. Along the journey, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, the route continues through Ouarzazate, often called the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Next, you’ll pass through the beautiful Rose Valley and the striking Dades Valley, both known for their breathtaking landscapes. Finally, you’ll reach the impressive Todgha Gorgesthe highest in Morocco offering dramatic rock formations and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing to the desert. All in all, this well-paced itinerary allows you to truly absorb the unique charm of southern Morocco without feeling rushed.
Summary: Marrakech to Merzouga 4 days tour
Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, stopping to visit the Telouet Kasbah and admire traditional Berber villages along the scenic Ounila Valley. Explore the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah before continuing to Ouarzazate for dinner and overnight stay.
Drive through the beautiful Draa Valley with its palm groves and ancient kasbahs, then head toward the golden dunes of Merzouga. Enjoy a camel trek into the Sahara and spend a magical night in a Berber tent under the stars.
After watching the sunrise over the dunes and returning by camel, visit the traditional market in Rissani and fossil workshops in Erfoud. Walk through the dramatic Todra Gorges before ending the day in the scenic Dades Valley.
After breakfast, drive through the beautiful Dades Valley and Rose Valley, stopping in Kalaat M’Gouna to explore local rose products and traditional Berber villages. Continue via Ouarzazate and cross the High Atlas Mountains again to arrive in Marrakech by the evening.
Highlights: Marrakech to Merzouga 4 days tour
- Drive through the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m)
- Guided visits to Telouet Kasbah and Ait Ben Haddou (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Journey through the Ounila Valley and Draa Valley, palm groves and Berber villages
- Camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
- Overnight stay in a traditional Berber desert camp under a starry sky
- Sunrise view over the Sahara Desert from the top of a dune
- Visit to the traditional market in Rissani and fossil workshops in Erfoud
- Walk through the impressive Todra Gorges
- Discover the Rose Valley in Kalaat M’Gouna, known for its local rose products
- Stop in Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Morocco"
Full Itinerary: Desert tour from Marrakech to Desert in 4 Days
First Day: Marrakech - High Atlas - Telouat Kasbah - Ait Ben Haddou - Ounila Valley - Ouarzazate
You will be picked up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8:30 in the morning in a private 4×4 vehicle, and we will begin our journey toward Ouarzazate by crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains.
Along the way, we will pass through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which, at 2,260 meters, is the highest road pass in Morocco. Along the route, we’ll enjoy stunning panoramic landscapes and make several stops to take pictures of traditional Berber villages nestled in the mountains.
Afterward, we’ll take a small detour to visit the historic Telouet Kasbah. Following the visit, you will have free time to enjoy a typical Moroccan lunch in town.
In the afternoon, we continue our journey through the scenic Ounila Valley, where you’ll witness remote Berber villages and families living in adobe houses surrounded by mountains. Eventually, we’ll arrive at the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.
Notably, this iconic location has served as the backdrop for many famous films such as Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, and Sahara starring Penélope Cruz. Finally, after visiting the kasbah, we head to Ouarzazate, famously known as “The Gate of the Desert.” Dinner and overnight at a local hotel.
Second Day: Ouarzazate - Draa Valley - Merzouga Desert - Camel ride and night in the Berber tent
After breakfast, we will depart toward the Draa Valley, home to one of the longest rivers in Morocco. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to take photos and admire the scenic views of the valley, dotted with spectacular kasbahs and traditional Berber villages.
Later on, you’ll have some free time for lunch in either Nkob or Alnif, depending on the pace of the journey. Afterwards, we’ll continue driving for about two hours until we reach the magnificent Merzouga dunes, known for their soft, golden sands.
At this point, we’ll switch from our 4×4 vehicle to camels, beginning a peaceful trek into the heart of the Sahara. Upon arrival at the desert camp, you’ll settle into traditional tents made from camel hair, similar to those used by nomadic families. In the evening, enjoy dinner and spend the night under a beautiful starry sky, surrounded by the tranquility of the desert.
Third Day: Merzouga Desert - Rissani Market - Erfoud Fossil's - Todra Gorges - Dades Valley
A “date with the sunrise” awaits you in the middle of the desert waking up early is a must to witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises you’ll ever see, from the top of a nearby dune. After enjoying this magical moment, we return to Merzouga by camel, where a warm and hearty breakfast will be waiting.
Following breakfast, we leave the desert and head to Rissani, where you can explore its traditional market (on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). From there, we continue to Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and marble products, before making our way toward the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad.
About an hour later, we reach one of the most spectacular natural sites in the High Atlas—the Todra Gorges. The river has carved out a deep, cliff-sided canyon, making it a popular spot for both photographers and rock climbers. You’ll have free time here to enjoy lunch and take a short walk through the gorges to fully appreciate their natural beauty.
In the afternoon, we continue to the Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of Figs. Passing through Boumalne Dades, we make a stop at the famous rock formations known as the “Monkey Fingers” before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay in the Dades Gorges.
Fourth Day: Dades Valley - Roses Valley - Palm Groves of Skoura - High Atlas - Marrakech
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the Dades Valley from a strategic lookout point in the mountains. Where you’ll admire the large number of kasbahs and their unique architectural features. From there, we continue along a scenic road dotted with many kasbahs of historical and touristic interest, making several stops to take in the beauty of the famous “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs”.
Next, we pass through the Valley of Roses and the expansive Skoura palm grove before arriving in Ouarzazate. Then, visit the impressive Kasbah of Taourirt, once the residence of the powerful Glaoui family. If you’re interested, we can also visit the cinema studios and the Cinema Museum, as Ouarzazate is known as Morocco’s film capital. You’ll have some free time for lunch in town.
In the afternoon, we begin our return journey to Marrakech, crossing once again the Tizi n’Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains. We’ll make several photo stops along the way, gradually leaving behind the arid, lunar-like desert landscapes for the vibrant colors of the plains. Arrival in Marrakech is expected around 6:00 PM, followed by transfer to your accommodation marking the end of our services.
Inclusions: Marrakech desert trip to Merzouga
- Private comfortable Car with A/C
- Experienced driver ( English speaking )
- Pick up from your riad in Marrakech
- Hotel in ouarzazate city ( first Night )
- Desert camp in Merzouga ( Second night )
- Hotel in Dades valley ( Third night )
- Camel ride ( sunset + sunrise )
- Traditional music with a campfire
- 4x4 to transfer all your lugguage to your tent
- Dinner + Breakfast
- Sandboard activity ( optional )
- Drop off at your hotel in Marrakech on the last day
Exclusions: Morocco Sahara tour to Erg Chebbi dunes
- Lunch
- Entrance fee to sights
- Drinks
- Other optional activities such as: ATv Quador buggy
Tour Map:
The main attarctions to explore during the 4 day itinerary:
AITBANHADDOU:
Ait Ben Haddou is a historic fortified village (ksar) located along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. It is renowned for its stunning earthen clay architecture and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The ksar is made up of traditional kasbahs, some of which are over 300 years old, and has served as a backdrop for numerous famous films such as Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. Walking through its narrow alleys feels like stepping back in time.
DARAA VALLEY:
The Draa Valley is one of the most scenic and culturally rich valleys in Morocco, stretching from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. It is home to Morocco’s longest river, the Draa, which nourishes a ribbon of lush palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and traditional Berber villages. The valley offers a striking contrast between the greenery of the oasis and the arid desert landscapes that surround it. It’s a perfect place to experience authentic southern Moroccan life and admire the beauty of earthen architecture.
RISSANI:
Rissani is a historic town in southeastern Morocco, often considered the gateway to the Sahara Desert. It was once the capital of the ancient Tafilalt region and an important stop for caravans traveling between Morocco and sub-Saharan Africa. Today, Rissani is known for its authentic souk, especially lively on market days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays), where locals trade spices, dates, livestock, and handicrafts. The town also holds cultural and historical significance as the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, Morocco’s current royal family.
ERG CHEBBI:
The Erg Chebbi dunes are a stunning expanse of golden sand dunes located near the town of Merzouga, in southeastern Morocco. Rising up to 150 meters high, these dunes stretch over 30 kilometers and are among the most iconic landscapes of the Moroccan Sahara. Erg Chebbi offers visitors a true desert experience, with camel treks, sunset views, and overnight stays in traditional Berber camps. The ever-changing shapes and colors of the dunes, especially at sunrise and sunset, make it a magical destination for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility.
TODRA GORGE:
Todra Gorge is a spectacular natural canyon located in the eastern part of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. Known for its towering reddish limestone cliffs that rise up to 300 meters high, the gorge offers stunning scenery and a dramatic contrast between narrow rocky passages and the lush palm groves below. It’s a popular spot for hiking, rock climbing, and photography, attracting visitors who want to experience the raw beauty of Morocco’s desert mountains and peaceful river valleys. The small villages nearby also provide a glimpse into traditional Berber life.
Note: If this 4 day desert trip doesn’t quite match what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us we’d be happy to customize your itinerary to suit your preferences and interests perfectly.