Marrakech Sahara Desert Trip

Day 1: Marrakech — Ouarzazate — Dades Valley

We’ll meet you at your Marrakech riad or hotel at 8:00 a.m. and begin our journey through the stunning Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260m) in the High Atlas Mountains.

As we drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate, you’ll experience a scenic route filled with breathtaking landscapes, colorful Berber villages, and the beauty of Morocco’s diverse terrain.

In Ouarzazate, you’ll have time to explore the historic Taourirt Kasbah before enjoying a relaxing lunch. Afterward, we’ll continue our journey southeast through the lush Skoura palmery and the Valley of Roses.

We will arrive at the picturesque Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy an overnight stay at a hotel with dinner and breakfast included.

Day 2: Dades Valley — Todra Gorges — Merzouga Desert (Erg Chebbi)

After breakfast, we’ll depart from your hotel at 8:00 a.m. and drive through the famous Road of 1000 Kasbahs, passing through colorful Berber villages.

Our first stop is Tinghir, known for its beautiful palm grove and the old Jewish quarter.

Next, we’ll visit the breathtaking Todra Gorges, where you’ll have time to trek along the towering canyons, which rise up to 300 meters.

After exploring, we’ll continue towards the Erg Chebbi sand dunes in the Merzouga Sahara Desert, stopping for lunch along the way.

As the desert dunes appear on the horizon, you’ll feel the magic of the Sahara come to life. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Merzouga.

Day 3: 4×4 Desert Safari — Nomad Villages — Black Desert — Gnawa Music

This day is dedicated to exploring the hidden gems around the Erg Chebbi dunes.

We’ll visit small villages such as Merdani, Khamlia, and M’fis, where you might meet local desert foxes and observe desert wildlife.

In Khamlia, a village known for its vibrant culture, you’ll be greeted with a warm cup of Berber tea (known as “Berber Whiskey”) and treated to a performance of traditional Gnawa music, a unique spiritual experience.

Next, we’ll head towards the Algerian border, stopping for a picnic lunch amidst the stunning golden dunes.

You’ll also have the chance to visit a Nomad family, experiencing their traditional way of life in the desert, before exploring the nearby black volcanic rock formations.

After a day of adventure, we’ll return to Merzouga for the night.

Day 4: Merzouga — Ait Ben Haddou — Marrakech

After breakfast, we’ll begin our return journey to Marrakech, stopping in Ouarzazate to visit the famous Atlas Film Studios, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.”

We’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a spectacular Kasbah that has been featured in films such as Gladiator, Indiana Jones, and Lawrence of Arabia.

You’ll have time to explore this stunning site, learning about its rich history and traditional Moroccan architecture.

Our journey continues over the Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, with a break for lunch in the heart of the mountains.

We’ll arrive back in Marrakech in the early evening, where you’ll be dropped off at your riad or hotel.