4 Days from Marrakech to Merzouga
Overview
The 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is one of the most comprehensive routes for those who want to explore the heart of the Sahara Desert at a leisurely pace. Along the way, we discover historic kasbahs, cross impressive gorges, visit fertile valleys, experience Berber hospitality, and culminate the experience with a magical night in a camp in the dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Crossing the High Atlas
We depart from Marrakech early in the morning, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), a scenic road with spectacular views of mountains, Berber villages, and agricultural terraces.
Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
We stop to visit the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fortified adobe ksar has served as a backdrop for films and series such as Gladiator or Game of Thrones.
Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses
We continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert” and famous for its film studios and the Kasbah of Taourirt. Then we continue through the Valley of Roses, renowned for its perfumes and products derived from the damask rose.
Night in the Dades Valley
We arrive at the Dades Valley, where we enjoy dinner and overnight in a traditional riad or kasbah surrounded by mountains and unique rock formations.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga
Todra Gorges
After breakfast, we explore the impressive Todra Gorges, a natural canyon with walls up to 300 meters high, perfect for hiking and photography.
Route to Merzouga
We continue south, passing through Erfoud, known for its fossils and dates, and Rissani, cradle of the Alaouite dynasty, where a unique traditional market is still preserved.
Arrival at the Merzouga desert
In the afternoon we arrive at Erg Chebbi, the most famous dunes in Morocco. Here camels await us to begin a sunset ride among the dunes, enjoying an unforgettable landscape.
Night in Berber tents
The day culminates with a traditional dinner and overnight in a Berber camp in the heart of the Sahara, where drum music and the starry sky make the experience magical.
Day 3: Exploration of the Merzouga desert
Sunrise in Erg Chebbi
We rise early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, a natural spectacle that moves every traveler.
4×4 route through the desert
We dedicate the day to exploring the surroundings of Merzouga in 4×4, visiting nomadic villages, kohl mines, the village of Khamlia known for its gnawa music, and the oases scattered throughout the region.
Afternoon rest and second night in the desert
In the afternoon we return to the camp or chosen accommodation, where we can relax, walk through the dunes, and enjoy another sunset in the Sahara. Sleeping another night in the desert allows you to experience it with more calm and authenticity.
Day 4: Merzouga – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Farewell to the desert
After breakfast, we begin the journey back to Marrakech.
Draa Valley
We cross the impressive Draa Valley, the largest palm grove in Morocco, full of adobe kasbahs and landscapes that reflect the traditional life of the south.
Stops in Ouarzazate and High Atlas
On the way, we make a final stop in Ouarzazate before crossing the High Atlas again to arrive in Marrakech at sunset, where the journey ends.
What makes the 4-day tour to Merzouga special
More time in the desert: unlike the 3-day route, this tour allows you to dedicate a full day to exploring Merzouga and Erg Chebbi.
Variety of landscapes: from the Atlas to the dunes, passing through gorges, palm groves, and valleys.
Cultural contact: visits to kasbahs, Berber villages, and encounters with local hospitality.
Authentic experience: two nights in the desert to fully live its magic.
The 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is a perfect experience for those who want to enjoy the Sahara Desert with more calm and depth. This route not only offers the magic of the Erg Chebbi dunes but also the cultural and historical richness of kasbahs, gorges, and Berber villages. An unforgettable adventure that combines nature, culture, and Moroccan hospitality.