3 days desert tour from Marrakech

About This Excursion

DAY 1: TRAVEL FROM MARRAKECH TO AIT BENHADDOU KASBAH AND OUARZAZATE STUDIOS TOWARDS DADES VALLEY Your private driver will meet you in the morning, and your desert journey begins with a scenic drive from Marrakech through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. As we ascend the winding roads of the Tizi n’Tichka pass—Morocco’s highest road pass at 2,260 meters—you’ll have the chance to stop for breathtaking photos, enjoy a fresh glass of orange juice, or sip coffee while admiring the panoramic views of the mountain peaks and Berber villages. Our main destination for the day is the legendary Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars. This fortified village, made entirely of mudbrick and surrounded by desert terrain, has served as the backdrop for over 20 major films and series, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Lawrence of Arabia. Rich in history, Aït Benhaddou was once a vital stop on the ancient Salt Road, where camel caravans carried gold, slaves, ivory, and spices from sub-Saharan Africa to Morocco's northern cities. After exploring the kasbah and enjoying lunch at a local eatery, we continue toward Ouarzazate, often called the "Hollywood of Morocco" for its film studios and desert scenery. From there, we pass through the fragrant Valley of the Roses, famous for its annual rose festival and the production of rosewater and essential oils. As we enter the desert landscape, you’ll see numerous Berber villages and remote kasbahs set against rugged hillsides and dry riverbeds. We end our day in the beautiful Dades Valley, known for its winding roads and dramatic rock formations. Here, you’ll settle into a comfortable hotel, where you’ll be served a delicious Moroccan dinner and can relax for the evening surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of the valley. DAY 2: TRANSPORT FROM DADES GORGES TO ERG CHEBBI NEAR MERZOUGA AND CAMEL RIDE TO CAMP After breakfast at your hotel, we begin with a short but memorable drive into the Dades Gorges, where you'll walk through towering canyons carved by centuries of water erosion. Later, we continue to the famous Todra Gorge, where steep limestone cliffs soar up to 300 meters on either side of a narrow passage. It's a favorite destination for photographers and rock climbers, offering an awe-inspiring look at nature’s power and beauty. Following our time in the gorge, we journey deeper into the desert toward Merzouga and the spectacular Erg Chebbi dunes. As the flat rocky plains give way to waves of golden sand, you'll know you're approaching one of Morocco’s most magical places. Upon arrival at a desert inn near Merzouga, you’ll meet your camel caravan and begin a serene ride into the dunes during sunset—an unforgettable experience as the sands glow orange and gold in the fading light. At your Sahara bivouac camp, you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and traditional Moroccan hospitality. A hearty tagine dinner will be served under a star-filled sky, followed by Berber music and the chance to sit around a fire or climb the surrounding dunes for nighttime views. You’ll spend the night in a nomadic-style tent, enjoying the silence and wonder of the Sahara. DAY 3: TRAVEL FROM ERG CHEBBI DESERT TO MARAKECH Wake up early to witness a spectacular desert sunrise, then ride your camel back across the dunes to the desert inn, where you can enjoy breakfast and freshen up with a hot shower. We then begin our journey back toward Marrakech, retracing part of our route through the desert and stopping in Ouarzazate once more. There, we’ll pause for lunch and visit the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, formerly the residence of the powerful Glaoui family and a fine example of southern Moroccan architecture. As we return across the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll once again pass through the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass, giving you one last look at the mountain landscapes before arriving in Marrakech by early evening, typically around 6:00 p.m