Day 1: Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Dadès Gorges
Your 3-day desert tour begins in the bustling red city of Marrakech, where your driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel or riad. Leaving behind the noise of the medina, we journey into the stunning landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains. The road climbs up through the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, sitting at 2,260 meters above sea level, where dramatic scenery unfolds — snow-capped peaks in winter, green valleys in spring, and endless horizons all year round. Along the way, we stop at traditional Berber villages to see how mountain communities live in harmony with nature.
Our first major visit is Telouet, once an important stop on the caravan trading route. Here, you’ll take a guided tour of the Kasbah of El Glaoui, the grand residence of the powerful Pasha of Marrakech. This fortress-like palace tells stories of Morocco’s fascinating past, from feudal rulers to the French protectorate era.
Continuing our drive, we arrive at one of Morocco’s most iconic sites: Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage village. This fortified ksar with its earthen clay architecture has appeared in countless films and series, from Gladiator to Game of Thrones. Walking through the narrow streets feels like stepping back in time. After lunch in Ait Benhaddou or nearby Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” we pass through Skoura’s palm groves and rose fields of Kelaat M’Gouna before reaching the Dadès Gorges. Here, you’ll spend the night in a charming riad or hotel, enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner surrounded by the spectacular rock formations of the valley.
Day 2: Dadès Gorges – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we continue our journey deeper into southern Morocco. The road winds through fertile valleys and scattered villages, eventually bringing us to the dramatic **Todra Gorge**. Towering limestone cliffs rise more than 300 meters high, creating one of the most beautiful natural sights in Morocco and a paradise for hikers and climbers. You’ll have time to walk along the crystal-clear river at the base of the gorge and take memorable photos.
From here, we cross the towns of Tinjdad, Jorf, and Erfoud, each marking the beginning of the Sahara’s influence. Erfoud, in particular, is known for its fossil workshops and date palm groves, part of the legendary Tafilalt Oasis. By late afternoon, we reach Merzouga, the gateway to the golden Erg Chebbi dunes.
Here the adventure truly begins. Your camels will be waiting to carry you across the rolling sands of the Sahara. The slow, rhythmic pace of the caravan allows you to absorb the magic of the desert while watching the colors of the dunes change as the sun sets. Arriving at your desert camp, you’ll climb a high dune to admire a breathtaking sunset, then enjoy a warm Moroccan dinner under the starry sky. Local guides will entertain you with Berber drums and stories around the fire, giving you a taste of nomadic culture. Overnight, you’ll sleep in a traditional but well-equipped Berber tent, with the silence of the desert all around.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Wake early to witness the unforgettable sunrise over the Sahara, a moment travelers often call the highlight of their trip. After breakfast and a refreshing shower at the camp or in Merzouga, we begin our journey back. On the way, you’ll have the chance to stop at roadside Berber shops offering unique souvenirs such as fossils, handmade carpets, silver jewelry, and leather goods — perfect reminders of your desert adventure.
We retrace our path through the oasis towns and mountain passes, arriving in Ouarzazate in the afternoon for a short rest. From here, the road leads us back to Marrakech, where your driver will drop you off at your accommodation, marking the end of an unforgettable 3-day desert tour filled with culture, history, and natural wonders.
Price Includes:
✅ 1 night at a hotel/riad with dinner & breakfast
✅ 1 night in a Berber desert camp with dinner & breakfast
✅ 3-day tour in a comfortable AC 4×4 Land Cruiser
✅ Professional English-speaking driver/guide
✅ Fuel throughout the trip
✅ 2-hour camel trekking experience in the Sahara
