4-Day Dades Valley and Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech

Head south through the mountainous Tizi NTichka at an altitude of 2,260 meters, experience stunning and breathtaking scenery.

About 40 kilometers from Ouarzazate, arrive at the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou; that is a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified city or ksar is a traditional pre-Saharan habitat that exhibits the amazing architecture of Morocco still used today. Ait Benhaddou is also used in media as a backdrop to movies and series such as Game of Thrones, Kingdom of Heaven, Babel, and so forth.

Continue south, arrive at Ouarzazate, the Hollywood of Morocco where will visit the Kasbah of Taourirt which was controlled by the Glaoui for the Saharan Caravan Route to West Africa. Marked by intricate ceilings, have a chance to embrace the historical monument giving tribute to the pashas of Marrakech.

After this visit, head east to the Dades Gorges driving through breathtaking roads and villages such as Skoura, K’laat M’Gouna, and Boulmane Dades. Skoura has one of the largest oasis’ giving it the name of the ‘Oasis of 1000 Palms.’

In K’laat M’Gouna, have a chance to explore the home of the roses whose petals are used for perfumes, lotions, and oils.

Stop at the Dades Gorge in Boumalne Dades which follows a windy road and limestone cliff with shaped erosions and superb scenery.

Visit Todra Gorge, known to be the Moroccan Grand Canyon with its naturally pink-grey gigantic rock walls that change colours depending on the time of the day.

Head to Erfoud, the City of Fossils, take a tour at a local cooperative that exhibits the process to make fossils into beautiful furniture, home décor, and personal items such as bracelets, key chains and necklaces.

Continue the trek to the Saharan desert, have the opportunity to ride dromedary camels through the dunes for two hours before watching the sunset.

After dinner, spend the night under the starry sky listening to local music and dance until retiring into your tents for the night.

After breakfast, experience the beautiful sunrise, pass through villages and make several stops to see the local artisanal crafts. These include the making of marble from fossils which provides an authentic opportunity to see how Moroccans use their natural resources to make exquisite masterpieces.

Pass through the Draa Valley, which is home to one of the most beautiful and longest palm grove and river in Morocco. It is also said that the best dates come from this area.

After this beautiful jaw-dropping drive, arrive in Ouarzazate and stay for the night.

Take some time to visit what is known to be the ‘Hollywood’ of Morocco. With this, visit three important sites, all of which have actually been filmed in popular movies.

Stop at Kasbah Taourirt, once controlled by the pasha and his wives. These amazing castle shot scenes from Rules of Engagement. While shooting for movies has been stopped, enjoy the beautiful ceilings with their original artwork.

Proceed to The Atlas Film Studio, which gives an opportunity to see sets from past movies.

Stop by the infamous Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, last stop before heading back to Marrakech. Known as a gateway stop to Timbuktu, this castle provides an incredible look into Morocco’s southern architecture and lifestyle.

To finish off the day, enjoy a stroll through shoppers’ paradise at Jamaa el Fna.