Tour Overview
A fast-paced 3-day desert crossing from Marrakech to the golden dunes of Merzouga — ideal if your time is limited but you still want the full Sahara experience. Cross the High Atlas to the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, wind through the Dades and Todra Gorges, and follow the Draa Valley's palm groves toward the desert. Mount your camel at sunset for the ride into Erg Chebbi, share a Berber dinner around the campfire, and sleep beneath one of the clearest night skies on Earth before returning to Marrakech.Tour Highlights
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage kasbah of Aït Benhaddou
- Cross the High Atlas via the spectacular Tizi-n-Tichka pass (2,260m)
- Walk through the dramatic Todra and Dades Gorges
- Pass through the fragrant Rose Valley and Skoura palm oasis
- Follow the Draa Valley, historic gateway to the Sahara
- Sunset camel trek into the dunes
✓ Included
- 2 nights accommodation (hotel + desert camp)
- Breakfast & dinner daily
- Camel trek into the Sahara Desert
- Guided tour of Ait Benhaddou
- Professional English & Spanish speaking driver/guide
- All transportation in private 4×4 or mini van
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
✗ Not Included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide/driver
- Entry fees to optional sites
Day by Day Itinerary
The tour starts with an early pick up from your accommodation in Marrakech. Drive through the fascinating High Atlas mountains and Tizi-N-Tichka pass (2260m). Stops will be made for panoramic views of the breathtaking landscapes and Berber villages. Visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — a UNESCO World Heritage Site which appeared in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and many more. Continue to Ouarzazate (free time for lunch), then through the Rose Valley passing the large palm grove of Skoura. Drive to Boumalne Dades for overnight.
Drive through the Dades gorges stopping to enjoy the spectacular landscape. Continue to Todra Gorges, where the river has carved a grand canyon through the mountains with 300-meter high red cliffs. Feel free to wander the gorges. Drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad (free time for lunch on the way). In the afternoon reach the Sahara desert of Merzouga. Switch to camels and cross the sandy desert. Stop at sunset on top of a high dune. Continue to the luxury desert camp for Berber drums music, dancing around the campfire, dinner and overnight under a sky full of stars.
Wake up early morning to watch the beautiful sunrise in the middle of the desert. Enjoy a warm Moroccan breakfast. Return on camels or by 4×4 to Merzouga. Continue to Rissani town (well known for its ethnic large souk). Drive along the Draa valley to Ouarzazate. Cross the Tizi-n-Tichka pass to reach Marrakech. Drop off at your accommodation. Tour ends.
