3-Day Tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert

Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from your riad or hotel in Marrakech. We’ll travel across the High Atlas Mountains, driving through the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), with plenty of photo stops along the way.

Our first major stop is the Kasbah of Telouet, once the seat of the powerful El Glaoui family. After exploring the ruins and its beautifully decorated interiors, we continue through the breathtaking Ounila Valley, dotted with Berber villages and kasbahs, until we reach the UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou—one of Morocco’s most famous landmarks and a backdrop to countless films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

After visiting Ait Ben Haddou, we continue past Ouarzazate and arrive at the lush Skoura Oasis, where you’ll spend the night in a charming guesthouse nestled among palm groves.

Overnight: Traditional guesthouse in Skoura oasis
Driving time: Approx. 5 hours (excluding visits)

After breakfast, we begin the day with a visit to the well-preserved Kasbah Amridil, one of the most beautiful and iconic kasbahs in the region. From here, take a peaceful walk through the palm grove of Skoura before heading east.

We drive through the scenic Valley of Roses and the town of Kalaat M’Gouna, known for its rose distilleries. Continuing through the Dades Valley, we reach the spectacular Todra Gorge, where we’ll take a walk along the river beneath towering 300-meter cliffs, passing local villagers and date palms.

After lunch near the gorge, the journey continues through Erfoud and Rissani, the gateway to the desert. Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga by late afternoon. Here, trade your 4x4 for a camel ride across the dunes, climbing up to a high point to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Sahara.

After sunset, ride to your luxury desert camp, where a delicious Moroccan dinner, campfire, and music under the stars await. Your private tent includes an en-suite bathroom for maximum comfort.

Overnight: Luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi
Driving time: Approx. 4 hours (excluding stops)

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, a magical moment not to be missed. After breakfast at the camp, we begin the return journey to Marrakech.

Today’s route takes us through the expansive Draa Valley, known for its endless palm groves and fortified villages. We’ll pass through small towns like Alnif, Tazzarine, and Nkob, eventually reconnecting with the main road in Ouarzazate. After a break for lunch and a chance to stretch, we cross the High Atlas Mountains again and arrive in Marrakech by late afternoon or early evening.

End of tour.
Driving time: Approx. 8 hours