4
2+
10
$700
Marrakech
08:00 AM
18:00 PM
This 4-day, 3-night desert tour from Marrakech back to Marrakech is a beautifully paced journey through Morocco’s most iconic landscapes, historic kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and the golden dunes of the Sahara. Designed for travelers who want a deeper desert experience without rushing, this itinerary combines scenic drives, cultural discoveries, and unforgettable moments under the stars.
Leaving Marrakech, you cross the majestic Atlas Mountains, traveling through spectacular mountain passes and Berber villages before reaching the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most famous kasbahs. The journey continues through the palm groves of Skoura and along the scenic Valley of Roses to the impressive Dades Gorges and the towering limestone cliffs of Todra Gorges.
The highlight of the tour awaits in Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. Here, you’ll enjoy a camel ride across the golden dunes, perfectly timed for a magical desert sunset, before arriving at your traditional desert camp. Spend the night under a star-filled sky, enjoy dinner by the campfire, and wake early to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunrise over the dunes.
The return journey takes you through the quieter and more authentic regions of southern Morocco, including Nkob, the lush palm groves of the Draa Valley, and Agdz, before passing through Ouarzazate, often called the gateway to the desert. From here, you cross the High Atlas once more, returning to Marrakech with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s desert south.
Your journey begins with a prompt 08:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Marrakech, where you'll meet your driver-guide and begin the scenic drive through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. As you ascend the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass, enjoy panoramic views of Berber villages clinging to the hillsides and rugged landscapes that mark the gateway to southern Morocco.
By late morning, you’ll arrive at the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its earthen clay architecture and cinematic history. Here, a local guide will lead you on a walking tour through the ancient ksar, sharing insights into its construction, its role in Saharan trade routes, and the many films shot on location, such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.
After your exploration of Ait Ben Haddou, continue your journey toward the Skoura Oasis. Upon arrival, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Kasbah Amridil, one of Morocco’s best-preserved and most iconic kasbahs, offering insight into traditional southern Moroccan architecture and oasis life.
Your route then takes you through the beautiful Valley of Roses, passing through Kelaat Mgouna, known for its fragrant rose fields and locally made cosmetics. If your visit falls in spring, the blooming season offers a truly enchanting experience.
In the late afternoon, you'll arrive in the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Valley, carved by the Dades River into spectacular rock formations and winding gorges. Upon arrival, check into your charming Riad or hotel in Dades, where you’ll enjoy a delicious traditional dinner and a peaceful overnight stay, surrounded by the natural beauty of southern Morocco.
Dinner and Overnight at the Hotel / Riad in Dades.
Departure from your hotel in Dades gorges after a typical Moroccan breakfast. Taking the road of 1000 Kasbahs driving around the colorful Berber villages of Dades valley.
45 km further, you will get to Tineghir. It is famous by its beautiful palm groves and Jewish quarter. While arriving Todra gorges (Todgha) its free time to go on trek along the canyons about 300 m high. It’s a preferred place by mountain climbers.
Afterwards you will leave to Erg Chebbi Sand dunes in Merzouga Sahara desert. Then it’s free time for lunch on the way before you arrive to Erfoud. Once you arrive to the dunes of Erg Chebbi, you will take a camel ride at the sunset to get to the oasis where the camp is located.
Spend the night in the desert camp (bivouac) in Merzouga Sahara dunes under nomadic tents or outside under shooting stars. Play drums with the camel drivers.
Dinner and overnight at the Desert Camp in Sahara desert of Merzouga.
An Unforgettable Sunrise and Scenic Journey to Ouarzazate.
Today begins with an early wake-up call for one of the most magical moments of your journey—watching the sunrise over the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. You'll climb the sand dunes to take in the serenity and splendor of the Sahara as the first light of day transforms the landscape into a sea of warm hues. It's an experience that may well become the highlight of your trip.
Afterward, return to your desert camp for a traditional breakfast. Then, you'll begin a peaceful camel trek back to the village of Merzouga, savoring the quiet beauty of the desert and the shifting colors of the dunes in the soft morning light.
You'll meet your driver and travel from the Merzouga dunes to Ouarzazate via Nkoub Oasis and Daraa valley.
Nkob is the only Moroccan village with more than forty kasbahs. The old part of the village still contains many old impressive kasbahs, all constructed in mud in front of the oasis and the Jbel (mountain) Saghro.
Daraa Valley is located at the south of the Atlas Mountains and it is the largest palm grove in the world, a green corridor 200 kilometers long and 18 wide that runs from Agdz.
Diner and overnight at the Hotel / Riad in Ouarzazate.
Your journey begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Ouarzazate at 08:00 AM. After meeting your driver-guide, you will have the opportunity to explore some of Ouarzazate’s cultural highlights, including Kasbah Taourirt, an excellent example of traditional Berber architecture, and the famous cinema studios, renowned for hosting numerous international film productions.
The drive then continues through the spectacular landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains. En route, a stop will be made at Kasbah Telouet. As the kasbah is currently closed to the public, it can be viewed from the outside only, allowing you to appreciate its impressive façade and historical setting while learning about its important role in Moroccan history.
The journey proceeds through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views and excellent photo opportunities before descending toward the plains of Marrakech.
You will arrive in Marrakech in the afternoon or early evening, followed by a drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech, marking the end of the tour.
Morocco Sahara Desert Travel Agency. The agency based in Marrakech in Morocco. Start your tour from any city in Morocco.
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