3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert

Day 1: Marrakech – tizin tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges

Your 3 days tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert commences after breakfast with a pick-up from Best Morocco Travel company at 8:30 am. The journey kicks off with a scenic drive over the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260 m), revealing breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains and charming Berber villages. Along the way, there will be ample opportunities to pause for picturesque photographs.

Continuing your route, you will reach the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified village designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. This location has played a starring role in numerous films, including blockbusters like Gladiator, Obelix, The Mummy, The Jewel of the Nile, and Sahara featuring Penélope Cruz. You will have free time to savor lunch at a local restaurant.

The Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour proceeds to Ouarzazate, where you will explore the Oscar Atlas film studio, one of Morocco largest film studios, and the Taourirt Kasbah, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Following this, you will traverse the breathtaking Skoura palm grove, the Rose Valley, famous for its annual rose festival and cosmetic products in May, and journey through the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, where you will encounter numerous centuries-old adobe kasbahs. In the afternoon, you will arrive at the Dades Valley, where you will relish dinner and spend the night at a hotel with a captivating view of the valley.

Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert

The second day of your 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert kicks off with breakfast at your hotel. Your journey then leads to the remarkable Todra Gorge. En route, you will pass through Tinghir, offering a chance to admire the picturesque Todra Valley, adorned with lush palm trees. Upon reaching the Todra Gorges, you will go on a brief walk through these awe-inspiring canyons, which can soar to heights of up to 300 meters. These gorges have gained popularity as a prime destination for rock climbing enthusiasts in Morocco.

Continuing, your route takes you through Tinjdad and Touroug, where a delightful lunch awaits. From here, you will proceed to Erfoud, marking your entrance into the Saharan oasis of Tafilalet.

The adventure endures as you journey to Merzouga and the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes. To reach your desert camp, a camel ride of approximately one and a half hours awaits you. Along the way, a stop amidst the dunes provides the opportunity to witness a captivating desert sunset, try your hand at sandboarding (if you desire), capture breathtaking photographs, and bask in the scenic beauty.

After sunset, your camel trek leads you to the camp, where you will be warmly welcomed with a refreshing glass of mint tea. The evening unfolds with dinner, a campfire, live music, and an overnight stay in the luxury desert camp at Merzouga.

Day 3: Erg Cheebi – Nkob – Ouarzazate – Marrakech

The final day of your 3 days tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert offers a chance to witness the enchanting desert sunrise. Following this mesmerizing moment, you will savor breakfast at the camp. After breakfast, you will have time to freshen up and shower. You can opt to return to your original starting point via a 4WD vehicle or continue the journey on camelback, depending on your preference.

Your route then takes you back to Marrakech, guiding you through the arid pre-desert landscape adorned with characteristic acacia trees. Along the way to the Draa Valley, you’ll make several stops to admire the scenic river, the longest in Morocco.

Continuing, the 3 days tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert heads towards Ouarzazate, passing through the rugged Anti-Atlas Mountains. In Ouarzazate, we will have lunch, and in the afternoon, the journey proceeds to Marrakech. Anticipate arriving in the late afternoon or evening. Your tour concludes with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel/riad in Marrakech, marking the end of your unforgettable 3 days Morocco desert adventure.