3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga via the Dades Valley

Tour itinerary

Day 1

Marrakech -> Atlas -> Ait Ben Haddou -> Ouarzazate -> Dades:

The 3-day desert tour begins with a pick-up at 8:00 from your riad or any other location in the city. Leaving the lively streets of Marrakech behind, we set off on a journey through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we climb winding roads up to the renowned Tizi N’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres above sea level, where panoramic views and photo stops await. We also stop to admire the traditional Berber villages nestled along the hillsides.

The next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a remarkable example of southern Moroccan architecture. This ancient ksar (fortified village) has been the backdrop for many international films and series, including Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Babel (2006), Prince of Persia (2010), Game of Thrones (2012) and David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020). You will have plenty of time to explore its winding lanes and mud-brick buildings.

After a delicious local lunch, we continue south along the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing Ouarzazate, the palm groves of Skoura and the fragrant Valley of Roses at Kalaat M’Gouna. The final destination of the day is the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and winding gorges. If time allows, we visit the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formation; otherwise, we explore it the following morning.

Day 2

Dades -> Todra Gorge -> Erfoud -> Merzouga -> desert:

After a restful night and a delicious Moroccan breakfast, we continue our journey towards the Sahara. Along the way, we travel through the scenic Dades Valley and head for Tinghir, a region known for its lush palm groves and the charming Berber villages dotted across the landscape. We stop at a viewpoint overlooking the valley and its oases: the perfect moment for photos and for taking in the authentic beauty of southern Morocco.

A short drive then takes us to the spectacular Todra Gorge, where sheer limestone walls rise to 300 metres. You will have time to stretch your legs and walk through the gorge, listening to the sound of the river echoing off the canyon walls. In the afternoon we reach the mystical town of Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here your adventure takes an exciting turn: a camel trek awaits. You climb onto your camel and begin the journey across the vast golden dunes. As the sun begins to set, we stop on top of a high dune to watch the sunset over the Sahara: a truly magical moment.

After sunset, we continue our camel ride to the luxury desert camp, where you are welcomed with traditional Berber tea and hospitality. Take some time to relax and settle into your private tent, which offers all the comforts of home. As evening falls, a delicious Moroccan dinner is served under the stars. Then everyone gathers around the fire with local Berber musicians to listen to drum rhythms and stories of desert life. The evening ends with stargazing under one of the clearest skies in the world: an unforgettable desert night. You will sleep peacefully in your desert camp, surrounded by silence, sand and stars.

Day 3

Merzouga -> Alnif -> Draa Valley -> Atlas -> Marrakech:

This morning we recommend waking up early to watch the beautiful sunrise from a nearby high dune: a truly unforgettable experience. After a hearty breakfast at the camp, you return to the village of Merzouga on camelback or in the comfort of a 4×4. Our journey back to Marrakech starts with a scenic route along a different road, following the course of the Draa river, the longest in Morocco, which stretches for more than 1,100 kilometres.

You can ask the driver to stop along the way whenever you want to take photos or stretch your legs. We break for lunch in Ouarzazate, then continue through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. On arrival in Marrakech, we drop you off at your accommodation, bringing your 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to a close.