3 Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

Leaving the vibrant energy of Marrakech, you’ll head south toward the majestic High Atlas Mountains, the highest mountain range in North Africa. As the noise of the city fades behind you, the landscape begins to change dramatically — from the red ochre walls of Marrakech to winding mountain roads lined with olive groves, terraced fields, and ancient Berber villages clinging to the hillsides.

Stop in Ait Ben Haddou – Lunch with a View of History After an unforgettable drive through the High Atlas Mountains, your journey brings you to one of Morocco’s most iconic and cinematic landmarks: Ait Ben Haddou. This ancient fortified village, or ksar, rises dramatically from the desert landscape — a collection of clay-brick homes and towers set against the red hills of southern Morocco. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ait Ben Haddou has been featured in numerous films and series such as Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and The Mummy — and when you see it in person, you'll understand why.

Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley After lunch in Ait Ben Haddou, the journey continues through Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” with an optional photo stop near the Atlas Film Studios. You’ll then follow the scenic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through dramatic landscapes and traditional Berber villages as you make your way into the Dades Valley. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at your accommodation, where a warm dinner and a peaceful overnight stay await in the heart of the valley.

Dades Valley → Todra Gorges → Merzouga (Sahara Desert) After breakfast, you'll depart from Dades Valley and head toward the spectacular Todra Gorges, where you can take a short walk between the towering canyon walls carved by the river.

The journey continues through desert towns, gradually transitioning into the golden dunes of the Sahara. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Merzouga, where a camel ride will take you into the dunes to watch the sunset. You’ll spend the night in a desert camp, enjoying a traditional dinner and music under the stars.

Merzouga → Marrakech (Last Day) After an early breakfast in the desert camp, you will take a camel ride before sunrise back to the village, enjoying the magical colors of the desert as the sun rises over the dunes. Once back in the village, you’ll begin your journey back to Marrakech. The drive will take most of the day, crossing diverse landscapes from the Sahara outskirts through desert towns and the Atlas foothills. You can stop for breaks and refreshments along the way, taking in views of palm groves and small villages. In the evening, you’ll arrive in Marrakech for your final night, with time to relax or soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere one last time.