Morocco · Desert Adventure

3-Day Marrakech Desert Tour with Aït Benhaddou and Erg Chebbi

3 Days Round trip from Marrakesh Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Journey through the High Atlas Mountains, exploring Berber villages and the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Aït Benhaddou
02 Experience the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges with spectacular rock formations and deep ravines
03 Ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes and witness a breathtaking Saharan sunset
04 Spend a night in a nomad tent in the desert, enjoying Berber music under a starlit sky

Embark on a 3-day adventure through Morocco's stunning landscapes from Marrakech to the desert. Explore the High Atlas Mountains, UNESCO-listed Aït Benhaddou, and Ouarzazate's iconic kasbahs before continuing through the Dades and Todra Gorges. Experience a camel trek across Merzouga's Erg Chebbi dunes and immerse yourself in Berber culture with an overnight stay in a desert camp. Conclude the journey with a scenic drive through the Draa Valley before returning to Marrakech.

Evening: Arrive in Merzouga, where camels will be waiting to take you on a 1.5-hour ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Erfoud, Rissani, Aït Benhaddou, Erg Chebbi, Tinejdad, Skoura, Dadès Gorges

Languages English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marrakech to Dades Valley via Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate

08:00 AM: Departure from Marrakech, driving through the High Atlas Mountains and crossing the Tizi n Tichka pass (2260 m).
Morning stops: Visit Berber villages and take photos of the stunning mountain landscapes.
Midday: Arrive at Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the fortified ksar on foot.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate, then continue to Dades Valley.
En route: Stop in Skoura to see the impressive 17th-century Amerhidl Kasbah and admire the lush oasis.
Evening: Arrive in Dades Valley for dinner and an overnight stay at a local hotel.

Day 02

Dades Gorge to Merzouga Desert Camp via Todra Gorge

Morning: After breakfast, visit the Dades Gorge, famous for its unique finger-shaped rock formations.
Mid-morning: Drive to the Todra Gorge, a spectacular 300 m-deep canyon carved into red limestone, with free time to explore.
Lunch: Stop in the town of Tinjdad for a traditional lunch.
Afternoon: Continue to Merzouga via Erfoud, known for its fossils.
Evening: Arrive in Merzouga, where camels will be waiting to take you on a 1.5-hour ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Sunset: Arrive at your desert camp, climb the highest dune for a sunset view, or try sandboarding.
Night: Enjoy a traditional Berber tagine dinner, followed by local entertainment with drums and singing around the campfire. Overnight in a nomad tent.

Day 03

Merzouga to Marrakech via Rissani and Draa Valley

Early morning: Return by camel to Merzouga for breakfast and a shower.
Morning: Depart in your 4x4 vehicle, traveling through the Draa Valley, famous for its date palms, and passing Rissani, Alnif, Tazzarine, and N'Kob, featured in the film Babel.
Lunch: Stop for lunch in N'Kob.
Afternoon: Continue through the Draa Valley, passing ancient kasbahs such as Tamnougalte and the Anti-Atlas Mountains.
Evening: Arrive in Ouarzazate, cross the Tizi n Tinfifite pass (1660 m), and continue back to Marrakech, arriving in the evening.

End of tour: Drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech.