4 Days from Marrakech to Merzouga desert

Day 1: Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura Oasis

Scenic Drive through the High Atlas Mountains

Our adventure begins with an early departure from Marrakech, crossing the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the breathtaking Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). This winding mountain road offers spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, terraced fields, and traditional Berber villages that blend beautifully into the natural landscape.

Explore Aït Ben Haddou – Morocco’s Most Famous Ksar

We arrive at Aït Ben Haddou, a fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its iconic mudbrick towers and narrow alleyways, this ksar has featured in numerous blockbusters like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. Enjoy a guided walk to the top of the hill for sweeping views of the surrounding plains.

Continue to Ouarzazate and Overnight in Skoura Oasis

After lunch in Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Africa”, we continue to Skoura Oasis, a lush valley dotted with palm groves and ancient kasbahs like Kasbah Amridil. We settle into a charming guesthouse in Skoura, where a delicious Moroccan dinner awaits beneath the stars.

Day 2: Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges

Drive through the Valley of Roses and Berber Villages

After breakfast, we follow the Route of 1000 Kasbahs, passing through the Valley of Roses, where local women produce rosewater and beauty products from the fragrant Damascus roses grown here each spring.

Explore the Stunning Dades Gorges

We then enter the Dades Valley, where dramatic red rock formations and winding roads lead to the awe-inspiring Dades Gorges. We take time to explore the natural beauty, visit local villages, and photograph the famous monkey-paw rock formations and hairpin turns.

Overnight in Todra Gorges – A Natural Wonder

Later in the afternoon, we travel to the nearby Todra Gorges, Morocco’s premier canyoning and climbing destination. These vertical cliffs reach heights of up to 300 meters and form a dramatic corridor carved by the Todra River. After exploring on foot, we enjoy dinner and spend the night in a traditional hotel nestled at the foot of the gorge.

Day 3: Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga – Camel Trek and Desert Camp

Drive Toward the Sahara via Erfoud and Rissani

Today we continue deeper into the desert region of Tafilalt, passing through Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and date palms. Along the way, we stop in Rissani, an important market town with deep roots in Morocco’s history as a caravan trading hub.

Arrival in Merzouga and Camel Trek into the Dunes

By mid-afternoon, we reach Merzouga, the gateway to the awe-inspiring Erg Chebbi dunes. These towering golden sand dunes are among the highest in Morocco. Here, your camel caravan awaits for a peaceful trek into the heart of the dunes, perfectly timed to watch the sunset over the Sahara—a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Traditional Berber Camp with Dinner and Music

Upon arrival at the Sahara desert camp, enjoy a warm mint tea welcome and settle into your private tent. After a delicious Moroccan dinner, the evening comes alive with Berber music, drumming, and dancing around the campfire. The night sky here is incredibly clear, perfect for stargazing under the Milky Way. Overnight in your choice of standard or luxury desert tents.

Day 4: Merzouga – Alnif – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

Sunrise over the Dunes and Breakfast in Camp

Rise early to witness the Saharan sunrise, as the first light of day illuminates the endless dunes in shades of orange and gold. After breakfast, return by camel or 4×4 to the village of Merzouga to begin your return journey.

Return via the Draa Valley – Morocco’s Longest River Oasis

We travel through Alnif and Tazarine, passing lunar-like desert landscapes before reaching the Draa Valley—a lush corridor of date palms and ancient kasbahs that stretches along Morocco’s longest river. This route offers peaceful scenery and insight into traditional oasis farming and Berber life.

Final Leg to Marrakech

We stop for lunch along the way before retracing our path through the High Atlas Mountains. By late evening, we arrive back in Marrakech, concluding an extraordinary 4-day Sahara desert journey packed with unforgettable experiences, authentic encounters, and breathtaking landscapes.

Why Book the 4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?

More Time to Explore

Compared to shorter trips, the 4-day tour allows for a slower pace and deeper exploration. You’ll spend more time at each location, interact with locals, and avoid the fatigue of long driving days.

Authentic and Varied Landscapes

This tour covers a wide range of Moroccan landscapes: the rugged High Atlas, lush oases, dramatic gorges, ancient kasbahs, and the vast dunes of the Sahara. It’s an immersive Moroccan experience like no other.

Comfortable Travel and Personalization

Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, or solo explorer, we offer options for private or shared tours, luxury or standard camps, and experienced, English-speaking drivers and guides.

What’s Included in the 4-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Tour

• Pick-up from your Marrakech accommodation

• Private or shared transportation in A/C 4×4 or minibus

• English-speaking driver/guide

• 2 nights in hotels/guesthouses with dinner & breakfast

• 1 night in a desert camp with dinner & breakfast

• Camel trek at sunset and sunrise

• Option for 4×4 transfer to/from desert camp