Day 1: Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Dadès Gorges
Your 4-day desert journey begins in Marrakech, the “Red City” famous for its vibrant souks, historic palaces, and bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. After breakfast at your riad or hotel, your driver and guide will meet you to start the adventure.
We set off across the dramatic High Atlas Mountains, following the winding road that climbs to the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, perched at 2,260 meters above sea level. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of rugged peaks, fertile valleys, and small Berber villages with their terraced fields and traditional adobe houses. This is an excellent chance to learn about the lifestyle of mountain communities who have preserved their traditions for centuries.
Our first stop is the charming village of Telouet, where we explore the impressive Kasbah of El Glaoui, once the stronghold of the powerful Pasha of Marrakech. The kasbah tells stories of Morocco’s feudal lords and their political influence, with its crumbling walls hiding beautiful mosaics and intricate carvings.
Continuing south, we reach the legendary fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient ksar, built of clay and stone, is one of the best examples of traditional Moroccan architecture and has appeared in many films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. You’ll have time to walk through its labyrinthine alleys and climb to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding valley. After lunch in Ait Benhaddou or nearby Ouarzazate, we drive through the Skoura palm groves and the Valley of Roses before reaching the spectacular Dadès Gorges, where red rock formations create dramatic landscapes. Dinner and overnight stay in a charming riad or hotel in the valley.
Day 2: Dadès Gorges – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
After a traditional breakfast, we continue our adventure through the dramatic scenery of the south. The road takes us to the famous Todra Gorge, with its sheer cliffs rising more than 300 meters high. You’ll have time to walk along the crystal-clear river that flows through the canyon, surrounded by towering rock walls — a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
From Todra, we drive through several towns such as Tinjdad and Jorf before reaching Erfoud, the gateway to the Sahara. This town is known for its fossil workshops and the rich palm groves of the Tafilalt Oasis. By afternoon, we arrive at Merzouga, where the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise dramatically from the desert floor.
Here, a unique experience awaits: your camels will be ready to take you on a trek across the dunes, just as nomads have traveled for centuries. The slow rhythm of the caravan and the silence of the Sahara create an unforgettable atmosphere. As the sun sets, the dunes glow in shades of orange and red, offering a magical photo opportunity.
At the desert camp, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and a traditional dinner under the stars. Around the campfire, Berber guides will play drums and share stories, immersing you in their nomadic culture. You’ll spend the night in a comfortable Berber tent, enjoying the tranquility of the desert sky filled with countless stars.
Day 3: Merzouga – Ouarzazate
Wake early to witness a Sahara sunrise, one of the most breathtaking moments of the trip. After breakfast and a refreshing shower, we leave Merzouga and begin our journey back towards Ouarzazate.
Along the way, we’ll stop in small villages and local shops where artisans sell handmade carpets, fossils, lamps, and leather goods. This is the perfect chance to purchase unique souvenirs and support local craftspeople.
By the afternoon, we arrive in Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” thanks to its film studios and cinematic landscapes. Many blockbusters and series have been filmed here, making it a fascinating stop for film enthusiasts. Dinner and overnight stay in a comfortable hotel.
Day 4: Ouarzazate – Marrakech
On the final day of your desert tour, we set off from Ouarzazate after breakfast. Before leaving, you’ll have another opportunity to visit Ait Benhaddou, this time with more leisure to explore its historic alleys and enjoy lunch overlooking the ksar.
Afterward, we cross the High Atlas Mountains again via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with its scenic viewpoints and winding roads. In the late afternoon or evening, we arrive back in Marrakech, where your driver will drop you at your accommodation, marking the end of an unforgettable 4-day adventure through Morocco’s desert, mountains, and historic kasbahs.
Price Includes:
✅ 2 nights in hotel/riad with dinner & breakfast
✅ 1 night in a Berber desert camp with dinner & breakfast
✅ Comfortable 4×4 AC Land Cruiser for the entire trip
✅ Professional English-speaking driver/guide
✅ Fuel and transfers
✅ 2-hour camel trekking in the Sahara
