3-Day Desert Tour: Marrakech to Merzouga

Join a 3-day small group tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. Explore Ait Ben Haddou, ride camels in the desert, and experience Berber culture.

Duration: 3 days
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights

Marrakech - Atlas Mountains - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Skoura -Roses Valley - Dades

Atlas Mountains - After departing from Marrakech, we will traverse the Atlas Mountains, a mountain range in the Maghreb that separates the Sahara Desert from the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Spanning approximately 2,500 kilometers (1,600 miles) across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, the range’s highest peak is Toubkal in central Morocco, standing at 4,167 meters (13,671 ft). The Atlas Mountains are predominantly inhabited by Berbers, who refer to mountains as adrar and adras in their languages, terms believed to be related to the name Atlas. The mountains are home to diverse flora and fauna, some unique to Africa and others found in Europe. We will make several stops to take in the views and enjoy a tea or coffee break.

Ait Ben Haddou - We will have ample time to explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a traditional pre-Saharan settlement consisting of clay houses surrounded by high walls, fortified with corner towers. Located in the Ouarzazate province, Ait-Ben-Haddou is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. After visiting the Kasbah, we will take a break for lunch before continuing our journey.

Ouarzazate - En route, we will visit Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert, situated in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of south-central Morocco. At an elevation of 1,160 meters (3,810 feet) on a barren plateau south of the High Atlas Mountains, Ouarzazate is a hub for filmmaking, attracting numerous international studios. Notable films shot here include Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Gladiator (2000), and parts of the TV series Game of Thrones.

El Kelaa M’gouna - Also known as Tighremt NImgunen, this town in Tinghir Province, Drâa-Tafilalet, has a population of 38,140 as of the 2019 census. It serves as an economic and social center for the region, known for its vibrant atmosphere.

Boumalne Dades - Our final stop will be Dades. Millions of years ago, this area was underwater, with silt deposits forming sedimentary rocks like sandstone and limestone. The movement of the earth’s crust elevated the region, creating the Atlas Mountains and the surrounding landscape.

Dades - Todra - Erfoud - Merzouga desert

Todgha Gorge - Free time to explore Todra Gorges

Erfoud - Gateway to the Sahara

Merzouga Desert - Camel ride and overnight stay in the Merzouga desert

Merzouga - Alnif - Nkob - High Atlas - Marrakech

Ouarzazate - Free time in Ouarzazate for lunch and a short break

Tizi n Tichka - Crossing the Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech

What's Included
  • Sand Boarding in dunes
  • Sunset and sunrise in the dunes
  • Dinner
  • Local music at the camp
  • Camel trekking
  • Breakfast
  • Private Tent in the desert for the 2nd night
  • Private Room at a standard hotel for the first night
What's Not Included
  • Entrance Fees ( 5 Euros )
  • Lunch
  • Drinks
Additional Information

This is a small group tour of 8 people maximum, and we will start this 3-day Marrakech desert tour around 08:00AM. We will have short stops for pictures on the highest point, and then we will continue to Ait Ben Haddou, where you will have to discover this area that has been used in famous movies such as Lawrence of Arabia. Our tour continues to Ouarzazate, where we will visit its famous studios, and then to the Valley of Roses. We will be reaching our last destination (Dades) by the end of the day.

On the second day, the departure is around 08:30 in the morning, we will explore Todra Gorges, a Grand canyon formed by a great river. You’ll experience a local Berber culture and savor a traditional lunch. Next, head to Merzouga desert, where you’ll go on a camel ride through the dunes. Enjoy a sunset and Spend the night in a cozy desert camp.

On the last day, you’ll have to wake up very early to watch the sun rising over the dunes, and then start the drive back to Marrakech.

Location
Hôtel Restaurant Café de France
Rue des Banques
The meeting point will be infrant of Cafe de France (Jamaa El Fna Square) at 08:00am
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 8 guests
1
Adult
September 2024
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