Overview
Discover Morocco’s diverse landscapes on this 4-day round trip from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, walk through dramatic gorges, and experience the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.
Duration: 4 days and 3 nights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Benhaddou
Depart from Marrakech in the morning and begin your journey over the High Atlas Mountains. The route climbs through the Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 meters, offering spectacular views of mountain peaks and traditional Berber villages.
Ait Benhaddou: Stop at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, Morocco’s most iconic fortified village. Walk through the ancient kasbah built from red clay and straw. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding valley. This historical site has served as a filming location for many international productions including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia.
Continue through Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert” and home to Morocco’s film studios. Pass through the Valley of Roses, famous for its rose cultivation and rose water production.
Dades Valley: Arrive in Dades Valley in the late afternoon. This valley is known for its dramatic rock formations, including the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formations. The valley is dotted with traditional kasbahs and lush agricultural areas along the river. Check into your chosen hotel or guesthouse for the night.
Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert via Todra Gorge
After breakfast, continue east through spectacular landscapes toward the Sahara Desert.
Todra Gorge: Stop at this impressive canyon where limestone cliffs rise up to 300 meters high on either side. The gorge narrows to just a few meters wide at its most dramatic point. Walk along the river at the bottom of the gorge and admire the towering rock walls. This is a popular spot for rock climbers from around the world.
Continue through the Ziz Valley with its thousands of date palms and ancient kasbahs. The landscape becomes increasingly arid as you approach the desert.
Merzouga: Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. This small village sits at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, some of Morocco’s highest sand dunes reaching up to 150 meters. Check into your chosen accommodation or prepare for optional desert activities if arranged separately.
The Erg Chebbi dunes offer opportunities for camel trekking, sandboarding, or 4×4 excursions if you’ve made arrangements. Many visitors choose to watch the sunset over the dunes. Overnight in Merzouga area accommodation of your choice.
Day 3: Merzouga to Ouarzazate
Wake early to see the sunrise over the dunes if you wish. After breakfast, begin your journey west toward Ouarzazate.
Travel back through the Ziz Valley, taking a different perspective on the landscapes you passed through yesterday. The route follows ancient caravan trading paths that connected the Sahara with northern Morocco.
Pass through the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, lined with palm groves and traditional kasbahs. Stop in small towns along the way for breaks and to explore local life.
Ouarzazate: Arrive in Ouarzazate in the late afternoon. This city sits at the crossroads of the desert and mountain routes. Known as Morocco’s Hollywood, the area hosts large film studios where many international movies have been produced. Check into your chosen hotel for the night. You can explore the town in the evening or visit the Taourirt Kasbah, one of the best-preserved kasbahs in the region.
Day 4: Ouarzazate to Marrakech
After breakfast, spend some time exploring Ouarzazate if you didn’t visit sites the previous evening.
Optional stops in Ouarzazate:
- Atlas Film Studios (if interested in cinema history)
- Taourirt Kasbah (historical palace complex)
- Local handicraft shops
Begin your return journey to Marrakech, retracing the route over the High Atlas Mountains. The morning light offers different views and photo opportunities compared to your outbound journey.
Stop again at Ait Benhaddou if you’d like more time to explore or take additional photos. The light at different times of day changes the appearance of the earthen architecture dramatically.
Continue over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, descending through the High Atlas Mountains with views of terraced hillsides and mountain villages. Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon or early evening. Your driver will drop you at your accommodation, concluding your 4-day Sahara experience.
What’s Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (4×4 or minibus) for the entire tour
- Professional English-speaking driver
- Guided stop at Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
- Stops at Todra Gorge, Dades Valley, and other scenic locations
- Flexible timing at each location
What’s Not Included
- Accommodations in Dades Valley (Night 1), Merzouga (Night 2), and Ouarzazate (Night 3)
- Meals and drinks
- Camel trekking and desert activities in Merzouga (can be arranged)
- Entrance fees to sites and kasbahs
- Desert camp experiences (if desired, book separately)
- Personal expenses and tips
Important Information
Accommodation: You need to book your own accommodations in Dades Valley, Merzouga, and Ouarzazate in advance. Choose hotels or guesthouses that fit your budget and preferences. Our driver can recommend options or take you to your chosen places.
Desert activities: Camel rides, desert camps, and other activities in Merzouga are optional and should be arranged separately. Our driver can provide recommendations for reputable providers.
Best time to travel: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer comfortable temperatures for desert travel. Summer can be very hot (40°C+), while winter nights in the mountains and desert can be cold (near 0°C).
What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers for cool mornings and evenings, camera, and hat. Bring cash for small towns as card payment is not always available.
Physical level: Moderate. Most time is spent in the vehicle with stops for walking and sightseeing. Walks at Todra Gorge and Ait Benhaddou involve some uphill paths but are optional.
Route flexibility: The itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests. Want more time at specific locations? Let us know when booking.
Good to Know
Mountain passes: The Tizi n’Tichka pass can occasionally be affected by snow in winter months (December-February). Alternative routes are available if needed.
Photography: This tour offers excellent photography opportunities including mountain landscapes, ancient architecture, desert dunes, and traditional village life. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best lighting.
Local culture: You’ll pass through many traditional Berber villages. Respect local customs and ask permission before photographing people.
Driving distances: This tour involves significant driving time each day (typically 4-6 hours), but with regular stops for sightseeing, photos, and breaks.
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