4 Days - Desert Excursion, starts and ends in Marrakesh

Tour Overview

This 4-day desert adventure takes you from Marrakesh to the Sahara and back, offering a rich mix of landscapes and cultural experiences. On Day 1, journey through the High Atlas Mountains to visit the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate before reaching Boumalne Dades. Day 2 brings exploration of the Dades and Todra Gorges before heading to Merzouga, where you'll enjoy a camel trek and a night under the stars in a Berber desert camp. Day 3 includes visits to Rissani, Alnif, and the scenic Draa Valley before arriving in Ouarzazate. On Day 4, explore Ouarzazate’s film studios and the Kasbah of Taourirt before returning to Marrakesh via the High Atlas Mountains.

Day 1: Marrakech to Boumalne Dades

Morning:

  • Depart from Marrakech early in the morning, around 7:00 AM, to make the most of the day.

  • Drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (the highest major mountain pass in North Africa at 2,260 meters), taking in panoramic views of Berber villages nestled into the mountainside and lush valleys.

  • Stop at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most famous Ksars (fortified villages), where you can explore the ancient mud-brick structures and climb to the top for a view of the surrounding landscape. You may recognize the location from famous films like "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones."

Afternoon:

  • Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Sahara," and visit the Taourirt Kasbah, a sprawling fortress that was once the residence of the Glaoui family. Wander through the maze-like structure, discovering its rich history and beautifully decorated rooms.

  • Optional: Visit the Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studio in the world, where movies like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "The Mummy" were filmed.

  • After lunch in Ouarzazate, drive along the scenic Valley of Roses, known for its rose water production, especially during springtime when the roses are in bloom.

  • Continue to Boumalne Dades, a small town located in the Dades Valley, surrounded by rugged, dramatic landscapes.

Evening:

  • Enjoy a leisurely evening in Boumalne Dades, taking in the breathtaking views of the Dades Gorge, with its unique rock formations known as "Monkey Fingers".

  • Settle into your accommodation, which might be a traditional Moroccan guesthouse (Riad) or a hotel with views of the gorge.

  • Have dinner featuring local Berber cuisine, and spend some time under the clear desert sky, possibly stargazing if the night is clear.

Day 2: Boumalne Dades to Merzouga

Morning:

  • After breakfast, explore more of the Dades Gorge, taking a short walk or hike to appreciate the striking rock formations and vibrant green valleys that contrast with the barren mountains.

  • Head toward the Todra Gorge, where the towering canyon walls rise up to 300 meters high, making it a spectacular spot for hiking or even a quick swim in the Todra River.

  • As you continue, drive along the Road of 1000 Kasbahs, dotted with ancient fortified villages and Kasbahs, providing excellent photo opportunities of Morocco's historical and architectural richness.

Afternoon:

  • Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the vast Erg Chebbi dunes of the Sahara Desert. Merzouga is famous for its golden dunes that stretch endlessly towards the horizon.

  • Option to take a camel trek into the desert, riding into the sunset as the sand dunes glow orange and gold. Alternatively, a 4x4 excursion is available if you prefer a more comfortable journey into the dunes.

  • As you reach the desert camp, enjoy a warm welcome with mint tea.

Evening:

  • Settle into your traditional Berber camp, where you’ll sleep under a sky full of stars in either a basic tent or a more luxurious glamping-style tent.

  • After a hearty traditional Berber dinner of Tagine or Couscous, enjoy live Berber music around a campfire, listening to the rhythmic beats of drums and stories of the desert.

  • Before going to bed, take some time to absorb the surreal silence and vastness of the Sahara Desert.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – N’kob – Agdz – Ouarzazate

​You will wake up early to enjoy the sunrise from the top of the dunes, then ride your camel back to the hotel to shower and have breakfast. Next we will drive to Rissani to visit the souk and agricultural market, if available. Later will we will drive to Alnif (home of Trilobite), then N’kob for lunch. Next, we head towards Agdez and stop to view the beautiful Draa Valley. Later we will cross Ait Saoun Mountains to reach Ouarzazate.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakesh

​After breakfast we will see the Kasbah of Taourirt then tour the Atlas Film Studios if you are interested. Ouzazate is also home to the largest solar project in the world. After lunch, we will continue back towards Marrakesh.

What is included :

  • Private Transport AC Minibus with English speaking guide/driver or spanish.
  • Pick up & Drop off at your accommodation.
  • 1 night at the bomaln dadas hotel / riad with dinner.
  • 1 night at the desert camp (Private tents) .
  • Camel Trekking in the Sahara Merzouga.
  • Dinner & Breakfast.
  • 1 night at ouarzazat hotel with dinner

What is not included:

  • Lunches.
  • Drinks.
  •  Entrance fees, other personal  expenses and gratuities.