Experience the magic of Morocco on this comprehensive 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. This journey is designed for travelers who wish to witness the diversity of Morocco’s landscapes in a short timeframe. Your adventure begins with a scenic drive across the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, leading you to the ancient fortress of Ait Ben Haddou, a backdrop for countless Hollywood movies.
As you venture further south, the scenery shifts from lush valleys to arid pre-Saharan terrain. You will explore the towering cliffs of the Todra Gorges and the winding Dades Valley before reaching the crown jewel of the trip: the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Here, you will trade your vehicle for a camel to trek across the sands at sunset, culminating in an authentic Berber camping experience. The return journey via Alnif and Nkob offers a rare glimpse into the volcanic landscapes of the Anti-Atlas, ensuring every mile of this trip is packed with discovery.
Included
Not Included
Your adventure begins with a morning departure from Marrakech, leaving the city bustle behind as we ascend into the majestic High Atlas Mountains. The drive takes us through the winding Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m), offering spectacular panoramic views of lush valleys and traditional Berber villages clinging to the mountainsides. We will make plenty of stops for photos to capture the dramatic scenery before descending towards the pre-Saharan landscape.
Around midday, we arrive at the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most famous fortified village in Morocco. You will have time to explore its ancient earthen clay architecture, wandering through history in a location used to film blockbusters like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After exploring the Kasbah and stopping in Ouarzazate—the “Hollywood of Africa”—we continue our journey eastward.
The afternoon drive takes us through the Skoura Palmery and the fragrant Valley of Roses. As the sun begins to dip, we enter the stunning Dades Valley, where you will marvel at the strange and beautiful “Monkey Toes” rock formations. We conclude the day at a charming local Riad in the gorge, enjoying a traditional dinner surrounded by nature.
After a hearty breakfast, we set off towards the Todra Gorges, a towering limestone canyon with vertical cliffs rising 300 meters high. This is a paradise for nature lovers; you will have free time to walk along the riverbank, breathing in the fresh mountain air and admiring the sheer scale of the rock walls. From here, the landscape transforms as we drive through Tinjdad and Jorf, seeing the ancient irrigation systems of the desert.
We pass through Erfoud, the fossil capital of Morocco, before the golden sands of the Sahara finally appear on the horizon. Upon arriving in Merzouga, you will be welcomed with mint tea before preparing for the highlight of the trip. You will leave the vehicle behind and mount your camel for a magical sunset camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
As the light turns the sand into shades of gold and orange, you will arrive at your Berber Desert Camp. The evening is an unforgettable experience of Moroccan hospitality: enjoy a delicious dinner, listen to rhythmic gnawa drum music around the campfire, and sleep in a nomad tent beneath a vast sky filled with countless stars.
We recommend waking up early to witness the silence and beauty of the sunrise over the dunes, a peaceful moment that many travelers call the highlight of their trip. After breakfast at the camp, we begin our return journey to Marrakech using a different, scenic route to ensure you see as much of the country as possible.
We travel through the volcanic landscapes of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, passing through the villages of Alnif and Nkob. This route is famous for its extensive palm groves and ancient Kasbahs, offering a rugged contrast to the High Atlas. We will stop for lunch (leisurely break) along the way before reconnecting with the main road at Ouarzazate.
Crossing the High Atlas Mountains once more, we make our final descent toward the Red City. We aim to arrive in Marrakech in the early evening (approximately 7:00 PM), dropping you off at your hotel or riad with a camera full of memories and the sand of the Sahara still fresh in your mind.
Our multi-day Morocco tours include comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking professional driver-guide, accommodation in riads or desert camps depending on the itinerary, pickup and drop-off from your hotel or riad, and breakfasts throughout the tour. On Sahara desert tours, camel trekking and sunset/sunrise in the dunes are also included.
Optional activities, lunches, personal expenses, and entrance fees to monuments are not usually included unless stated in your specific Morocco tour itinerary.
Yes—Exclusive Morocco Travel specializes in private and customizable Morocco tours. You can adjust the itinerary, duration, departure city (Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, or Tangier), accommodation level (standard, luxury, or mix), and add extra activities such as quad biking, hot-air ballooning, or guided medina tours.
The best time to enjoy a Morocco desert tour is from March to June and September to November, when temperatures are pleasant both during the day and at night. Summer (July–August) is hot, especially in the Sahara, but tours are still available with early-morning and late-afternoon activities. Winter is great for travel as well, but nights in the desert can be cold—warm clothing is recommended.
Whatever the season, our team ensures a comfortable and safe Morocco travel experience.
For some off-road sections especially around Merzouga dunes, Dades Gorges, and Atlas mountain regions a 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended. All our Morocco desert tours already include the appropriate vehicle and an experienced driver familiar with local desert roads and mountain passes.
You don’t need to worry about driving yourself; we handle transportation so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Yes, our Morocco tours are ideal for families, couples, friends, and solo travelers. We adapt pacing, accommodation type, room configuration, and activities according to your needs. Family-friendly Morocco tours can include gentler camel rides and shorter driving distances, while honeymoon tours may include luxury desert camps and private dinners under the stars.
Solo travelers also enjoy our private Morocco tours thanks to safety, flexibility, and local guidance.
