Journey from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert: a 4-day adventure designed for a relaxed and unhurried experience.
- Duration: 4 days
- From: Marrakech
- Arrival: Marrakech
This itinerary to the Merzouga Desert closely resembles our 3-day tour, with one important distinction: the addition of a fourth day, allowing for a more relaxed pace and the chance to explore extra points of interest along the way. That’s why this 4-day, 3-night journey is perfect for those with a bit more time who want to fully immerse themselves in both the desert experience and the road leading to it. Still, both tours have one unforgettable highlight in common: the incredible feeling of crossing the Erg Chebbi dunes and spending the night beneath the stars.
Services included
- Pick-up in Marrakech, at your hotel or at the agreed location
- 4x4 route, with a Spanish-speaking driver/guide
- Assistance and accompaniment throughout the excursion
- Camel ride to the tent camp
- Dinner at the tent camp
- Accommodation in a Berber tent
- Assistance at destination
Services not included
- Arrival and return flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Tickets to monuments
- Tips
- Schedule
Day 1
This journey to the Merzouga Desert begins in Marrakech, with pick-up available from any location you prefer whether it’s the airport upon arrival or your hotel in the heart of the Red City. From there, our driver/guide will greet you and accompany you in a comfortable vehicle for the duration of the tour.
We’ll traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N’tichka Pass, which offers breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks from autumn through spring. Our first major stop will be the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah an optional visit packed with reasons to explore, from its UNESCO World Heritage status to its role as a backdrop for iconic films and series like Lawrence of Arabia and Game of Thrones.
As we pass through Ouarzazate, known as Morocco’s Hollywood, we’ll enter the famed “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” a route lined with countless adobe fortresses. The landscape then comes to life with the colors and greenery of the Valley of the Roses, followed by the scenic Dades Valley.
We’ll end the first day in the peaceful setting of the Dades Valley, where you’ll enjoy dinner and a relaxing night’s stay in a charming riad—an ideal rest stop before continuing toward the Merzouga Desert.
Summary of the day
- Meeting with your guide/driver and departure from Marrakech by road
- Road route, which includes:
- High Atlas
- Route of the Thousand Kasbahs
- Valley of the Roses
- Dades Valley
- Visit of the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Lunch on the road
- Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad in the Dades Valley
Day 2
The second day starts with breakfast at the riad, where the connection with the journey becomes even more personal. One of the highlights before reaching the Merzouga Desert is the Todra Gorges—our vehicle will carefully navigate the winding roads, but we’ll also take time to walk and admire the towering rock walls and the narrow riverbed that carved this natural wonder.
The Merzouga Desert deserves no less admiration. It stretches out like a golden sea of fine sand dunes. Upon arriving in the town of Merzouga, which gives the desert its name, we’ll stop at a designated hotel to switch modes of transport: the car gives way to camels as we ride across the dunes to reach our desert camp (you may opt for a 4×4 vehicle instead).
The sunset over the Erg Chebbi dunes will surely be one of the most unforgettable moments of the trip, followed by a breathtaking display of stars in one of the clearest skies you’ll ever see.
To end the day, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner and a peaceful night’s rest in the Berber-style tents of the camp, where comfort meets authenticity.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at the riad in the Dades Valley
- Visit to the Todra Gorges
- Lunch on the road
- Arrival in Merzouga and camel ride to the camp
- Dinner and overnight stay in the tents
Day 3
The third day begins with the unforgettable sunrise over the Merzouga Desert a serene spectacle of light and stillness. After taking in this magical moment, we’ll ride camels back to the town of Merzouga. During the morning, you’ll also have the chance to freshen up either at the camp or in a nearby hotel, depending on your selected package before continuing the journey in comfort.
Back on the road, we’ll bid farewell to Merzouga and explore other parts of the Sahara, dotted with fascinating towns. Among them is Rissani, home to the largest traditional medina in southern Morocco. From there, we’ll pass through Alnif, Tazarine, and N’Kob small towns that still reflect the spirit and simplicity of ancient Berber desert communities.
We’ll then take a scenic detour south into the Draa Valley, giving us the opportunity to fully admire the largest palm grove in North Africa. After this lush interlude, we’ll head back toward Ouarzazate, bypassing Zagora. Known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” Ouarzazate will now serve as our resting point for the night, where you’ll enjoy a comfortable hotel stay with dinner included.
Summary of the day
- Sunrise in the dunes of Erg Chebbi
- Camel ride to Merzouga
- Breakfast and shower (at the camp or in a hotel, depending on the package purchased)
- Road trip through Alnif, Tazarine, N’Kob and the Draa Valley
- Lunch on the road
- Dinner and overnight stay in Ouarzazate
Day 4
The fourth and final day of this Merzouga Desert tour marks our return to Marrakech. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, there will still be time for one last stop: the magnificent Taourirt Kasbah, one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in southern Morocco. An optional visit offers the chance to admire its intricate adobe brickwork on the outside, as well as its richly decorated interiors featuring colorful plaster and tile designs.
Following this cultural visit, we’ll continue our journey with the final 200 kilometers back to Marrakech. Crossing the Atlas Mountains once more via the Tizi N’tichka Pass, we’ll revisit the green valleys and Berber villages that welcomed us on the first day.
Our tour concludes upon arrival in Marrakech whether at the airport or another prearranged location where we’ll part ways with gratitude, warm wishes, and the hope of seeing you again on another adventure.
Summary of the day
- Breakfast at a hotel in Ouarzazate
- Visit (optional) to the Taourirt Kasbah
- Road route to Marrakech
- Lunch on the road
- Transfer to the airport or the agreed place for the end of the services
- Photos
- Map
- FAQ
Morocco Turism offers an extensive selection of tours, from explorations of the imperial cities to thrilling journeys through the Sahara Desert. For more information, check out our tours page.
Tour durations vary, ranging from quick weekend escapes to extended trips of over a week. You can select the option that best fits your schedule and interests.
The cities you’ll visit depend on the tour you select, but options often include Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and more. Each tour features a detailed itinerary available on our website.
Definitely. Your safety is our highest priority. We partner with professional guides and skilled drivers to provide you with a secure and unforgettable travel experience.
Our tours feature a variety of accommodations, including boutique hotels and traditional riads. Each option is thoughtfully chosen to provide both comfort and an authentic Moroccan experience.
Yes, at Morocco Turism, we recognize that every traveler is different. Reach out to us to tailor your tour according to your preferences and specific interests.
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