DAY 1: MARRAKECH → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → SKOURA → DADES GORGES

Your 4 day desert tour begins with a pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech. The route heads south over the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with stops at the finest viewpoints along the way.

After lunch in Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate, the drive continues east through the palm oasis of Skoura, where you can optionally visit the impressive Amridil Kasbah — one of the most remarkable fortified villages in Morocco. If you’re travelling in spring, we can also stop to see the Valley of Roses in full bloom.

You’ll reach the Dades Gorges by afternoon, where the spectacular “monkey fingers” rock formations and panoramic views of the gorge await before you check in to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Approximate driving distance: 353 km
Approximate driving time: 6 hours 30 minutes

DAY 2: DADES GORGES → TODRA CANYON → MERZOUGA DESERT

After breakfast, the drive continues along the Dades and Todra rivers, threading between palm groves and Berber villages until you reach the Todra Gorge in Tinghir — one of the most spectacular canyons in the world.

The road then continues toward the Merzouga desert. On the way, your guide may suggest an optional visit to a traditional Berber shop, where you can try on traditional clothing and take photos at no cost. Any purchases are completely optional, and you’re welcome to skip the stop entirely.

You’ll arrive in Merzouga in the afternoon. A camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes takes you to a high vantage point for sunset, followed by sandboarding on the steep slopes. As night falls, you’ll settle into a luxury desert camp for a Moroccan dinner, drumming, and a long night under the stars.

Approximate driving distance: 310 km
Approximate driving time: 5 hours

DAY 3: MERZOUGA → RISSANI → AGDEZ → OUARZAZATE

An early wake-up is rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise from the nearest high dune. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll return to Merzouga by camel or 4×4.

A short drive brings you to the village of Khamlia, where you can stop to hear the rhythms of traditional Gnawa music. The route continues to Rissani — an ancient city at the heart of the trans-Saharan trading routes and the historical birthplace of Morocco’s ruling dynasty. If your trip falls on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, you’ll have a chance to wander the traditional Moroccan souk.

From Rissani, the drive crosses the scenic Draa Valley near Agdez before arriving in Ouarzazate in the afternoon. Check in to your hotel for the evening.

Approximate driving distance: 370 km
Approximate driving time: 5 hours 30 minutes

DAY 4: OUARZAZATE → AIT BEN HADDOU → TELOUET KASBAH → MARRAKECH

After breakfast, you’ll have time to explore Ouarzazate — often called the “Hollywood of Africa” and a gateway to the Sahara. The city is home to the Atlas Studios, the largest film studio on the continent, and to the historic Taourirt Kasbah.

The drive continues to Ait Ben Haddou, where you’ll explore the ancient kasbah — a UNESCO-listed fortified village used as a backdrop for many internationally famous productions.

From there, the route heads over the High Atlas back to Marrakech, with a stop to admire the atmospheric Kasbah of Telouet along the way. Your driver will drop you off at your accommodation in Marrakech, marking the end of the tour.

Approximate driving distance: 194 km
Approximate driving time: 3 hours 39 minutes

IMPORTANT NOTES

– Dietary preferences (vegetarian, vegan, allergies) can be accommodated — please mention this when booking.
– Optional extras such as quad biking, buggy driving, or a professional photographer can be arranged on request.
– If you’d like a full day in the desert itself, consider the 4 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
– For an even more relaxed pace and an extra night in the desert, see the 5 Days Marrakech to Merzouga Tour.
– All our luxury camps offer private tents with en-suite bathrooms.
– The itinerary is fully flexible and can be adjusted upon request.