Explore Morocco on a 4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga and back. Cross the Atlas Mountains, visit kasbahs, ride camels, and sleep in a Sahara desert camp.
- 4 Days/ 3 Nights
- Start in Marrakech
- End in Marrakech
4 DAYS FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA DESERT TOUR OVERVIEW
This 4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is an unforgettable journey into the heart of southern Morocco, taking you through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, ancient kasbahs, lush valleys, and dramatic desert landscapes before returning to Marrakech. Along the way, you will cross the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass, visit iconic sites such as Ait Ben Haddou and the Todra Gorges, and experience the ever-changing scenery of the Dades Valley and pre-Saharan regions. The highlight of the tour is Merzouga, where you will ride camels across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, watch a magical desert sunset, and spend the night in a traditional or luxury Sahara camp under a sky full of stars. Blending culture, nature, and adventure, this tour offers a complete desert experience with comfortable travel, local insight, and memorable moments before ending back in Marrakech.
Tour Highlights:
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains and across the Tizi n’Tichka pass
- Visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Explore Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara”
- Walk through the beautiful Rose Valley and Dades Valley landscapes
- Discover the dramatic rock formations of the Todra Gorges
- Journey through Erfoud, famous for fossils and date palms
- Camel trekking across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga
- Watch a breathtaking sunset and sunrise over the Sahara Desert
- Overnight stay in a traditional or luxury desert camp under the stars
- Experience Berber hospitality, music, and culture in the desert
- Enjoy ever-changing desert scenery, oases, and palm groves
The Itinerary of our Desert Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga 4 Days
This 4 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is designed to give you a complete and well-paced Sahara experience, combining long scenic drives with meaningful stops, cultural discoveries, and time to enjoy the desert itself. Each day reveals a different side of southern Morocco, from mountain passes and ancient kasbahs to deep gorges, palm-filled valleys, and the vast golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. The itinerary is carefully planned to balance adventure, comfort, and exploration, ensuring you experience the highlights of the Moroccan desert before returning to Marrakech.
1st day : Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Ounila Valley - Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah - Ouarzazate ( 4 Hours Drive )
Your 4-day desert tour begins with an early morning departure from Marrakech, heading south across the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. The drive takes you over the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass, where you will enjoy panoramic views of mountain scenery, winding roads, and traditional Berber villages perched along the hillsides. Several short stops are made along the way to stretch your legs, take photos, and appreciate the dramatic landscapes.
Leaving the main road, you continue through the scenic Ounila Valley, known for its lush greenery, adobe villages, and quiet rural atmosphere. This lesser-known route offers a more authentic glimpse into local life and contrasts beautifully with the surrounding arid mountains. The journey then leads to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive ksars in Morocco. You will have free time to explore the ancient alleys, climb to the top for panoramic views, and learn about its history and role in famous films.
In the afternoon, the tour continues to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the “Gateway to the Sahara.” Here, you may have the opportunity to see the exterior of film studios or nearby kasbahs before heading to your accommodation. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable hotel or riad in Ouarzazate, allowing you to rest and prepare for the journey deeper into southern Morocco.
2nd day : Ouarzazate - Agdz -Draa Valley - Nkob - Rissani - Merzouga Desert - Camel trekking - overnight in a luxury camp ( 5.5 Hours Drive )
After breakfast in Ouarzazate, the journey continues south toward Agdz, marking the entrance to the legendary Draa Valley, one of the longest and most beautiful valleys in Morocco. As you drive along the valley, you will be treated to stunning views of endless palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and traditional villages built from earth and stone. This region offers a fascinating contrast between lush oasis landscapes and the surrounding desert terrain, with photo stops along the way to capture its unique beauty.
The route then takes you through Nkob, a quiet town known for its collection of historic kasbahs and its location between the Draa Valley and the pre-Saharan desert. Continuing east, you pass through arid plains and rocky desert scenery before reaching Rissani, an important historical trading center and the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling dynasty. Depending on timing, you may have the chance to see its traditional market, which remains one of the most authentic in the region.
By late afternoon, you arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you leave your vehicle behind and set off on a memorable camel trek across the golden sands, timed perfectly to catch the sunset as the dunes glow with changing colors. Upon arrival at your luxury desert camp, you will be welcomed with traditional Moroccan hospitality. The evening includes a delicious dinner, Berber music around the campfire, and a peaceful overnight stay in a comfortable luxury tent under the vast, star-filled Sahara sky.
3rd day : Merzouga Sahara - Rissani - Erfoud - Todra Gorges - Boumalne Dades (5 Hours Drive )
After an early wake-up in the Sahara, you will have the chance to watch the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, one of the most peaceful and memorable moments of the tour. Following breakfast at the camp, you return to Merzouga village, either by camel or 4×4, and begin the journey westward toward the Atlas Mountains. The drive takes you first through Rissani, where you may glimpse local life and traditional markets that have served desert communities for centuries.
Continuing to Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil workshops and date palm oases, you will pass through landscapes shaped by ancient seas and desert winds. This area is well known for its marble and fossilized stone, offering a unique insight into the region’s geological history. Short stops are made along the way to relax and enjoy the changing scenery as the terrain gradually shifts from desert plains to rocky canyons.
In the afternoon, you arrive at the impressive Todra Gorges, a dramatic canyon with sheer limestone cliffs rising hundreds of meters on either side. Take time to walk through the gorge, enjoy the cooler temperatures, and admire the natural beauty of this remarkable place. The journey then continues to Boumalne Dades, passing through scenic valleys and unusual rock formations. Upon arrival, you check in to your hotel or riad, where dinner is served and you spend the night, surrounded by the peaceful landscapes of the Dades Valley.
4th day : Dades Valley - Roses Valley - Palm Groves of Skoura - Amridil Kasbah -High Atlas Mountains - Marrakech ( 6 Hours Drive )
After breakfast in the Dades Valley, the final day of your desert tour begins with a scenic drive through the beautiful Rose Valley, a region famous for its fragrant rose fields, traditional villages, and locally made rose products. In spring, the valley comes alive with color during the rose harvest season, while the rest of the year it offers peaceful landscapes and authentic rural life. The road continues through charming countryside and river valleys, offering plenty of opportunities for photos.
Next, you arrive at the lush palm groves of Skoura, a large oasis known for its fertile land and historic kasbahs hidden among thousands of palm trees. Here, you visit the impressive Amridil Kasbah, one of the best-preserved and most iconic kasbahs in southern Morocco. You will have time to explore its towers, courtyards, and traditional architecture while learning about the history of oasis life and desert trade routes.
In the afternoon, the journey continues toward Ouarzazate before heading back across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Enjoy final panoramic views of mountain landscapes and Berber villages as you make your way north. Several short stops are made along the route before arriving in Marrakech in the early evening, marking the end of your 4-day desert tour filled with unforgettable scenery, culture, and Sahara experiences.
Our Desert Tour Marrakech To Fes 4 Days Price:
The price of our Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga 4 Days depends on several factors, including the number of travelers, type of accommodation (standard or luxury), season, and any optional activities you may wish to include. For this reason, prices are not fixed. Please contact us directly with your travel dates and preferences, and we will be happy to provide you with a detailed quote tailored to your needs.
Tour Includes & Excludes:
What’s Included in the Price:
Private transportation for 3 days in a comfortable 4×4 or air-conditioned minivan, including fuel
Pick-up and drop-off from your riad or any location in Marrakech
Dedicated private driver/guide who speaks English
One overnight stay in a high-quality hotel or traditional riad
One overnight stay in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga with a private bathroom
Camel trek experience (one camel per person), with a 4WD transfer option available if preferred
Sandboarding equipment provided at the desert camp
Daily dinners and breakfasts
What’s Not Included:
Lunch meals and beverages
Tour Map
Know Before You Go:
- Before starting your 4-day desert tour, it is important to be prepared for changing weather conditions. Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, especially in the desert, where evenings and early mornings can be cool even in warmer months. We recommend bringing comfortable clothing, layers, a light jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Comfortable walking shoes are also advised for exploring kasbahs, valleys, and gorges. A small backpack for daily essentials, along with a reusable water bottle, will make the journey more comfortable.
- Please inform us in advance if you have any medical conditions, dietary requirements, or allergies, including food allergies or sensitivities. This allows us to make the necessary arrangements with hotels, desert camps, and restaurants to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the tour. If you require special meals (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) or have health concerns that may affect your participation in activities such as camel trekking, it is essential that we know ahead of time.
- Long driving distances are part of the desert experience, with several scenic stops along the way to rest, take photos, and enjoy the landscapes. While the roads are generally well maintained, some routes are remote, so it is recommended to bring any personal medication you may need, as pharmacies may not always be nearby. Travel insurance is strongly advised, and we encourage travelers to keep copies of important documents. With proper preparation and communication, this desert tour will be a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.