3 days from Marrakech to Merzouga

Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

Crossing the High Atlas
The journey begins early from Marrakech, leaving behind the vibrant Red City to cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 meters. Along the way, the mountain scenery and traditional Berber villages highlight the cultural and natural richness of southern Morocco.

Visit to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Our first major stop is at the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Famous for its adobe architecture, it has served as the backdrop for international films such as Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. Walking through its alleys feels like stepping back in time.

Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses
The route continues to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert”, where we can admire the Taourirt Kasbah and the famous film studios. We then pass through the Valley of Roses, renowned for rosewater distillation and its colorful spring landscapes.

Overnight in the Dades Valley
The day ends in the Dades Valley, where we enjoy Moroccan hospitality in a local riad or kasbah. The valley’s rock formations and gorges, including the famous “Monkey Fingers”, offer an awe-inspiring natural setting.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Desert

Exploring the Todra Gorges
After breakfast, we head to the spectacular Todra Gorges, a canyon with cliffs rising up to 300 meters. This site is a paradise for hikers and climbers, as well as a breathtaking spot for photographers.

Journey to Merzouga
We continue south through Erfoud, known for its fossils, and Rissani, birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty and famous for its bustling traditional market. As we approach Merzouga, the scenery shifts dramatically to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.

Camel Ride and Desert Camp
In Merzouga, camels await to carry us deep into the Sahara for a magical sunset trek. The immensity of the dunes, the changing colors of the sky, and the silence of the desert make for an unforgettable experience.

We spend the night in a Berber camp in the desert, enjoying traditional dishes, live music around the campfire, and sleeping in comfortable tents beneath a canopy of stars.

Day 3: Merzouga – Draa Valley – High Atlas – Marrakech

Sunrise in Erg Chebbi
The day begins with the mesmerizing sunrise over the dunes of Merzouga, one of the highlights of the trip. After breakfast, we return by camel or 4×4 to resume the journey back to Marrakech.

Through the Draa Valley
The route passes through the spectacular Draa Valley, Morocco’s largest palm grove, dotted with kasbahs and traditional villages that reflect the daily life of southern Morocco.

Crossing the High Atlas and Return to Marrakech
We once again cross the majestic High Atlas, enjoying panoramic mountain views, before arriving in Marrakech at sunset. The journey ends with drop-off at your accommodation, carrying the unforgettable memories of a Sahara adventure.

What Makes This Excursion Unique

• Complete desert experience: Erg Chebbi’s dunes are higher and more impressive than those of Zagora.

• Cultural immersion: Visits to kasbahs, Berber villages, markets, and palm groves showcase Morocco’s diversity.

• Unforgettable landscapes: Mountains, gorges, oases, valleys, and desert—all in one itinerary.

• Authentic encounters: Berber hospitality and a night in desert tents create a genuine experience.

👉 The 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is the best way to discover Morocco’s cultural and natural richness in a short time. In just three days, travelers experience it all: crossing the Atlas Mountains, exploring historic kasbahs, and sleeping under the starry Sahara sky. A journey that blends adventure, culture, and emotion—perfect for those who dream of discovering Morocco’s authentic desert.