Overview
Spend part of your journey discovering ancient kasbahs and spectacular canyons, enjoy a full day immersed in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, admire vast palm groves and cross the Atlas Mountains on some of Morocco's most scenic roads.
This is our most complete desert tour, at a pace that leaves room to enjoy each stop: Ait Ben Haddou, the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, the Dades and Todra gorges, nomad families and Gnawa music around Merzouga, a camel trek at sunset and a night in a desert camp, then the return through the Draa Valley.
Highlights
- The High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260 m)
- Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, twice
- The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and the palm groves of Skoura
- The Dades Valley and the Todra Gorges
- A full day around Erg Chebbi by 4x4: nomads and Gnawa music in Khamlia
- A camel trek at sunset and a night in a desert camp
- The Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest palm-lined valley
5 days / 4 nights
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
An early departure from Marrakech takes you over the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), with panoramic views of Berber villages along the valleys. Continue to the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the best-preserved ksars in Morocco, and explore its narrow alleys.
After lunch, drive through Ouarzazate, the “Hollywood of Morocco”, and along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through the palm groves of Skoura. Arrive in the Dades Valley in the late afternoon. Dinner and night at a hotel.
Day 2
Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast, set off for the dramatic Todra Gorges, whose walls rise up to 300 metres, and take a walk through the canyon. Continue through palm-filled valleys and Berber villages to Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops. In the afternoon, arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara, where golden dunes stretch as far as the eye can see. Dinner and night at a hotel near the dunes.
Day 3
Merzouga – Erg Chebbi exploration – desert camp
A day dedicated to the desert. Explore the dunes of Erg Chebbi by 4x4, visit nomad families to learn about their way of life, and stop in the village of Khamlia to listen to Gnawa musicians. Back at the hotel, rest before the highlight of the trip: a camel trek across the dunes at sunset.
At the desert camp, you are welcomed with mint tea, then dinner and Berber music around the fire under a sky full of stars. Night in a comfortable tent.
Day 4
Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – N’Kob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
Wake up early for the sunrise over the dunes, then ride back by camel for breakfast and a shower. Head west through Rissani, birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, and Alnif, then cross the Anti-Atlas through the villages of Tazzarine and N'Kob. Follow the magnificent Draa Valley, lined with thousands of palm trees, kasbahs and oasis villages, to Ouarzazate. Dinner and night at a hotel.
Day 5
Ouarzazate – Ait Ben Haddou – High Atlas – Marrakech
After breakfast, visit the Taourirt Kasbah, former residence of the Glaoui family. Return to Ait Ben Haddou for a second look and photos in a different light, then, after lunch, cross the High Atlas back to Marrakech, arriving in the late afternoon.
Included
- Air-conditioned 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser or minivan
- Fuel, tolls and all vehicle expenses
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Pick-up from your accommodation
- 3 nights half board (dinner and breakfast) in the Dades Valley, Merzouga and Ouarzazate
- 1 night half board in a desert camp in Merzouga
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Tips (optional)
Accommodation
Two categories are available: Standard (3-star) and Superior (4-star).
Standard
- Dades Valley: Hotel Panorama, Hotel Babylon, Auberge Tifawen or similar
- Merzouga, first night: Dar Tafouyte, Riad Mamouche or similar
- Merzouga, second night: standard desert camp
- Ouarzazate: Hotel Riad Amlal, Hotel La Perle du Sud or Les Jardins de Ouarzazate
Superior
- Dades Valley: Riad Dades Paradise, Dar Rihana, Ksar Sultan, Xaluca Dades or similar
- Merzouga, first night: Riad Azawad, Riad Madu or similar
- Merzouga, second night: Azawad Luxury Desert Camp
- Ouarzazate: Dar Chamaa, Palm View Palace, Ksar Ben Youssef or similar
Prices
| Travellers | Standard (3-star) | Superior (4-star) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 pers. | €1,120 | €1,380 |
| 2 pers. | €1,250 | €1,540 |
| 3 pers. | €1,340 | €1,810 |
| 4 pers. | €1,540 | €2,290 |
| 5 pers. | €1,760 | €2,620 |
| 6 pers. | €1,920 | €2,900 |
| 7 pers. | €1,920 | €3,250 |
| 8 pers. | €2,080 | €3,780 |
| 9 pers. | €2,505 | €4,110 |
| 10 pers. | €2,680 | €4,460 |
| 14 pers. | €3,290 | €5,980 |
Total price of the private tour for the whole group, in euros. For other group sizes, ask us.
Good to know
- Duration: 5 days / 4 nights
- When to book: as soon as you know your travel dates, especially for the busiest periods
- Payment: 30% deposit when booking, the balance on the day of departure
- Free cancellation up to 5 days before your travel date
- Instant confirmation of your booking
Photos
Frequently asked questions
How does the price work?
Prices are for the whole private tour, depending on the number of travellers and the hotel category. For example, for two travellers in Standard category, the total is €1,250, or €625 per person.
Is the Superior desert camp comfortable?
Yes. The Azawad Luxury Desert Camp has spacious tents with real beds and private bathrooms, so you get the magic of the desert without giving up comfort.
Can we cancel?
Yes, cancellation is free up to 5 days before your travel date.
What should I pack for the desert?
Layers: days are warm but desert nights can be cold, especially from November to March. Bring a warm jacket, a scarf or cheche against sand and sun, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes and a small bag for the night in the camp.
Plan this trip with us
Tell us your dates and group size: we reply within 24 hours with a tailored proposal. Every tour is private and can be adjusted.