Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day Desert Adventure and Camel Trek

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Roses Valley → Tinghir/Dades
3 stops
1
Tizi n Tichka
After departing from Marrakech, you’ll begin your journey towards the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, one of the highest and most scenic mountain passes in Morocco, located in the High Atlas Mountains. The winding roads and dramatic landscape will keep you captivated as you climb higher into the mountains. The views are breathtaking, with the sharp contrasts of green valleys and the stark, rocky terrain of the Atlas peaks. The pass itself reaches an elevation of about 2,260 meters (7,415 feet), offering incredible panoramic views of the rugged landscapes. As you drive through Berber villages, you’ll experience traditional mountain life with locals going about their daily routines
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Ait Ben Haddou
The road eventually leads you down the other side of the pass to Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village perched on the edge of the Ouarzazate River. Known for its adobe buildings and earthen architecture, Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most photographed places in Morocco, often appearing in films like Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia. You’ll have time to explore the winding streets, visit the historic kasbahs, and enjoy a stunning view of the surrounding area. After exploring Ait Ben Haddou, you’ll continue your journey south, heading towards your next destination.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
3
El Kelaa M'gouna
Leaving Ait Ben Haddou behind, you’ll make your way towards Roses Valley. This beautiful valley, often referred to as Morocco's "Valley of Roses," is famous for its cultivation of fragrant damask roses, which bloom in the spring. As you drive through, you'll encounter lush landscapes and local farms producing rose water and other products made from the roses. The town of Kelaat M'Gouna is the heart of the valley, and you might even stop here for a brief walk around its markets. From here, the road will lead you further south, heading towards the stunning Dades Valley or Tinghir, depending on your route.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Todra Gorge → Tinejdad → Arfoud→ Merzouga
4 stops
4
Todra Gorge
After breakfast at your accommodation in Tinghir or Dades, you’ll set off early for the Todra Gorge, one of the most stunning natural attractions in Morocco. The drive from Tinghir to Todra Gorge is short, taking about 30-40 minutes, and you'll arrive at the entrance of the gorge, which is famous for its towering cliffs that rise up to 300 meters (984 feet). Once you arrive, you'll meet with a local guide who will take you on a walk through the gorge, offering you a deeper insight into its geological history, local culture, and natural beauty. The path through the gorge is surrounded by dramatic rock formations, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to snap incredible photos. The cool, shaded narrow passage makes for a refreshing and peaceful walk. You can also observe the local Berber communities who have lived here for centuries, and you may even see them tending to their livestock.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
5
After visiting Todra Gorge, it will be time for lunch. Depending on your schedule, you can either have lunch in the Todra Gorge area or head toward a nearby village like Tinejdad or Tourog, where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal in a local restaurant. The lunch will typically include dishes such as tagine, couscous, or grilled meats, often served with Moroccan bread, olives, and seasonal vegetables. This break will give you the chance to relax and enjoy a delicious meal before continuing on your journey. Plan for around 1 hour for lunch.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
6
After lunch, you’ll make a stop in a nearby market or village to buy headscarves (also known as cheches or shemags). These scarves are essential for protecting yourself from the sun and sand during your time in the desert. You’ll have the chance to choose from a variety of colorful, traditional scarves, and the local vendors will show you how to tie them properly to shield yourself from the elements. This is also a good opportunity to pick up some small souvenirs, like handmade crafts or local spices, as you’ll be heading toward the desert and may not have many chances to shop along the way.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
7
Merzouga Desert
After your scarf stop, you’ll begin your drive towards Merzouga, Upon reaching Merzouga, you’ll arrive at the camel trekking camp, where your camel ride will begin. The camel ride into the desert is one of the highlights of the trip. You’ll ride camels, known as the "ships of the desert," through the vast dunes of the Erg Chebbi, a stunning part of the Sahara Desert. The camel ride lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing you to enjoy the peaceful desert ambiance and the spectacular scenery. As the sun begins to set, the desert landscape transforms with the changing light, providing the perfect opportunity for breathtaking photographs. Your guide will lead you to your desert camp, where you will enjoy a traditional Berber dinner under the stars, listen to local music, and sleep in a luxurious desert camp or nomadic tent. The night will be spent in the tranquility of the desert, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Merzouga → Erfoud → Jorf→ Tinghir → Ouarzazate→ Marrakech
1 stop
8
Marrakech-Safi
On Day 3, you’ll depart Merzouga early after the sunrise camel ride and breakfast, heading toward Erfoud. From there, you'll drive through Tinghir, Kelaat M'Gouna, and Ouarzazate, making stops along the way for rest and lunch. After lunch, you’ll continue through the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, enjoying the stunning Atlas Mountains, before reaching Marrakech by evening. This journey will allow you to experience diverse landscapes, from desert to mountains, with scenic breaks for photos and relaxation.
9 hours • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Wheelchair accessible
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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