Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Circuit (4 Days, 3 Nights)

2/10/2025

Travel from Marrakech to Merzouga through the Atlas, Aït Benhaddou, and Todra Gorges. Spend a night under the stars in the desert and explore the Draa Valley for an unforgettable adventure.

Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Circuit (4 Days, 3 Nights)

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

  • Depart from Marrakech early in the morning.
  • Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m) in the High Atlas Mountains.
  • Stop at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed Kasbah where movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones were filmed.
  • Continue to Ouarzazate, the "Hollywood of Morocco," and visit the Taourirt Kasbah or Atlas Film Studios.
  • Drive through the Rose Valley before arriving in Dades Valley.
  • Overnight stay in a traditional riad/hotel in the valley.

Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga

  • After breakfast, drive towards Todra Gorge, a stunning canyon with 300m high walls, popular for trekking and climbing.
  • Continue through small Berber villages, passing Tinjdad and Erfoud, famous for its fossils.
  • Arrive in Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes.
  • Switch to camels for a sunset trek into the dunes.
  • Overnight stay in a desert camp with traditional Berber music under the stars.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate

  • Wake up early for a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes.
  • Ride camels or take a 4x4 back to Merzouga village for breakfast.
  • Visit Rissani, an ancient caravan town and home to the famous souk (market).
  • Drive through the Draa Valley, known for its lush palm groves.
  • Arrive in Ouarzazate for the night.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – High Atlas – Marrakech

  • Visit any remaining sights in Ouarzazate, such as Fint Oasis or Kasbah Tifoultoute.
  • Return to Marrakech via the High Atlas Mountains.
  • Arrive in Marrakech in the late afternoon.