Morocco Amazing Destination
4-Day Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley & Merzouga
Explore the beauty, culture and history of Morocco our personalized tours crafted by locals, trusted by travelers worldwide
Tour Overview
Night in Dades Valley - Scenic landscapes, kasbahs, and the Valley of Roses
Night in Luxury Desert Camp (Merzouga) - Camel ride and Sahara sunset
Night in Riad (Merzouga area) - Local culture and Gnawa music experience
Day 1: Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Dades Valley
Your adventure begins with an early pickup from your riad in Marrakech. Journey across the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass at 2,205 meters above sea level, once a vital caravan route linking Marrakech to the Sahara.
En route, stop at the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous film location. This fortified village, built of clay and stone, showcases traditional Berber architecture and was once a thriving trade hub.
After lunch at a local restaurant, travel through the Valley of Roses in Kelaa M'Gouna, known for its rosewater distilleries and annual Rose Festival in May. Explore shops selling rose-based perfumes, oils, and handmade crafts.
The day ends in the stunning Dades Valley, where panoramic views of rock formations and ancient kasbahs await. Overnight in Dades.
Day 2: Dades Valley - Todra Gorge - Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, admire the morning light over the Dades Valley before heading toward the spectacular Todra and Dades Gorges. These dramatic canyons, with cliffs up to 300 meters high, are a paradise for hikers and climbers.
Pass through the lush palm oasis of Tinghir, a striking contrast of green palms and ochre desert scenery. Continue south as the landscape shifts to arid, golden plains - the gateway to the Sahara.
In Merzouga, mount a camel for a trek across the dunes, stopping to watch an unforgettable desert sunset. Arrive at your luxury desert camp for a night under the stars, complete with modern comforts.
Day 3: Merzouga Desert Exploration
Wake up to a desert sunrise before exploring the cultural gems around Merzouga. Visit a nomadic Berber family in their traditional tent to learn about their heritage, crafts, and daily life.
Continue to Khamlia village, home to descendants of Sub-Saharan slaves, where you'll enjoy an authentic Gnawa music and dance performance.
After lunch, enjoy free time for adventure activities such as quad biking or buggy rides. Spend the night in a charming riad near Merzouga.
Day 4: Merzouga - Erfoud - Rissani - Marrakech
Travel to Erfoud, the "Fossil Capital" of Morocco, famous for marine fossils over 350 million years old. Visit a fossil workshop to see skilled artisans at work.
Next, explore the Rissani market, a vibrant souk where locals trade livestock, spices, and handicrafts.
Finally, journey back through the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech, where your tour concludes with drop-off at your riad.
What's included
Pickup and drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation
Private transport in air-conditioned vehicle
English/Spanish-speaking driver-guide
1 night in Dades Valley hotel (breakfast & dinner included)
1 night in luxury desert camp (breakfast & dinner included)
1 night in Merzouga riad (breakfast & dinner included)
Camel ride in the Sahara Desert
Visits to Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge, and cultural stops
What's Not Included
Flights to/from Morocco
Lunches and drinks
Entrance fees to some attractions
Personal expenses
Optional activities (quads, buggies, etc.)
What our travelers say
Reviews from TripAdvisor
The best Berbers in the desert
"100X100 recommended, Both Hassan and Hamid amazing, has not been my first experience but if the best, you live exactly what life is in the desert and I will definitely repeat with them I have no doubt. He offered us at home a real Berber meal, very hospitable family. We adore you"
Esther V
Excellent trip from Sahara to Marrakech
"We had an absolutely unforgettable experience on our route through Morocco, thanks to our guide Hassan, who not only showed us spectacular places, but also opened the doors of his house and got to know the authentic Berber culture. It's a lovely family"
Yolanda B
Spectacular experience 100% recommended
"The service of our guide Hassan has been excellent. At all times we have felt accompanied by him, feeling him as a friend who has made the journey with us and who has transmitted to us the passion for his work, his country, his people and especially his Berber culture."
Recardo J
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4 days enough for a round trip to the desert from Marrakech?
Yes, 4 days is a good duration. It allows you to spend two nights in the desert area (one in camp, one in a riad), giving you a full day to explore Merzouga without the rush of a 3-day trip.
Do we visit the same places on the way back?
We return via a slightly different route through Rissani and Tazarine or Alnif if time permits, but we do cross the High Atlas mountains again to reach Marrakech.
What is the fossil capital?
We visit Erfoud, known as the fossil capital, where you can see amazing fossil preparations and learn about the geological history of the region.
Ready for an Adventure?
Have questions? Feel free to contact us using the form below. We're here to help!
Email us
Call us
+212 605 67 95 37 / +34 634 22 58 83
Follow us
@moroccoamazingdestination