Morocco · Desert Adventure

4-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech with Ait Ben Haddou

4 Days Round trip from Marrakesh Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N Tichka pass at 2260 m
02 Ride a camel through the dunes of Erg Chebbi and watch the sunset over Merzouga
03 Spend a night under the stars in nomadic tents in the Sahara
04 Visit the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N Tichka pass and explore Ouarzazate, including Kasbah Taourirt and the film studios, before following the beautiful road of one thousand Kasbahs toward the gorges and desert landscapes of southern Morocco. This 4-day tour takes you through Todra Gorges, the palm groves of the Palmeraie, Rissani, and Merzouga, where you will ride a camel across the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset. Spend the night under the stars in a Sahara desert camp, then continue through the Draa Valley and visit the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrive in Merzouga and enjoy a camel ride through the fascinating dunes of Erg Chebbi, observing the sunset behind the sand dunes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 4 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Erfoud, Rissani, Aït Benhaddou, Tizi n'Tichka, Atlas Mountains, Erg Chebbi, Tinejdad, Dadès Gorges

Languages Arabic, English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marrakech to Ouarzazate and Todra Gorges via Ait Ben Haddou

Depart early in the morning from Marrakech.
Cross the High Atlas Mountains and reach the Tizi N Tichka pass at 2260 m.
Continue driving towards Ouarzazate city.
Visit Kasbah Taourirt and the film studios.
Continue to the Dades Gorges. On the way, cross the beautiful road of one thousand Kasbahs.
Arrive at Todra Gorges for dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance: 300 km

Day 02

Todra Gorges, Rissani and Merzouga Desert Camp

Visit the Palmeraie area, which has thousands of palm trees.
Reach Todra Gorges and walk around the area.
Continue the journey through Tinejdad and Erfoud.
Have lunch in Rissani and visit the tomb of the Alaouite dynasty's first king, linked to the current Royal family.
Arrive in Merzouga and enjoy a camel ride through the fascinating dunes of Erg Chebbi, observing the sunset behind the sand dunes.
Spend the night under nomadic tents or marabou among the sands.

Day 03

Merzouga through the Draa Valley to Ait Ben Haddou

After breakfast, depart towards the Draa Valley through Alnif, Nqob, and Tazarine.
Cross mysterious desert landscapes dotted with oases.
Continue to Agdez along the Draa Valley.
Have lunch and arrive at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.

Distance: 250 km

Day 04

Ait Ben Haddou and Return to Marrakech

After breakfast, visit the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Hundreds of movies were shot in this area, such as The Mummy and Gladiator.
After visiting the Kasbah, continue back to Tizi N Tichka.
Have lunch, then proceed towards the red city of Marrakech.

Distance: 200 km