Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah - Ouarzazate - Dades Gorges.

Tizi n Tichka - Departing from Marrakech at approximately 07:30, the journey crosses the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n Tichka pass, which stands at an altitude of 2260 meters. Travelers will enjoy stunning views of Berber villages and elevated mountain vistas. Before reaching the fortified Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, there is another beautiful kasbah at Telouet.

Kasbah du Pacha el Glaoui - Nestled in the Atlas Mountains at an elevation of 1800 meters, the Telouet Kasbah is a hidden gem along the former caravan route from the Sahara over the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech. It was the seat of power for the El Glaoui family, sometimes referred to as the Palace of Glaoui. Construction began in 1860 and continued to expand over the years.

Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou - Located 30 km before Ouarzazate, the fortified Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou was built in the 11th century. It was once a key stop on the caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Situated on a hill along the Ounila River, it features beautiful examples of Kasbahs, though they suffer damage from rain and windstorms. Most residents now live in a modern village across the river, but about five families still reside within the Kasbah. Ait Benhaddou has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, and several films have been shot there, including “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962), “Time Bandits” (1981), “The Jewel of the Nile” (1985), “Kundun” (1997), “Gladiator” (2000), and “Alexander” (2004).

Atlas Studios - Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa,” is a city located on a barren plateau south of the High Atlas Mountains. It is primarily inhabited by Berbers, who built many of the area’s notable Kasbahs and buildings, including the Taourirt Kasbah, which dates back to the 17th century. The town earned its nickname due to its popularity as a filming location, with Morocco’s largest studios attracting international film companies to shoot movies such as “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962), “The Living Daylights” (1987), “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988), “The Mummy” (1999), “Gladiator” (2000), “Kingdom of Heaven” (2005), Martin Scorsese’s “Kundun” (1997), and “Babel” (2005).

Dades Gorges - The journey to Dades Gorges passes through the “1000 Kasbahs,” with numerous Kasbahs lining both sides of the road. Some of these old fortified houses have been restored, but many remain in ruins. A visit to the Amridil Kasbah is included. The route passes through the Kelaa M’gouna valley of roses, showcasing the green hues of alfalfa plants, olive trees, fig trees, and grapes. This valley is known for producing roses used in various cosmetic products like soap, perfumes, and skin creams. Locals celebrate the rose with a national festival at the end of April. The journey continues through the Dades Valley, which originates in the High Atlas Mountains.

Dades Gorges - Todra Valley - Todra Gorges - Merzouga Desert.

Gargantas del Todra - The route passes through Boumalen city, located on the edge of the Dades Valley, which rises in the High Atlas Mountains and supports a large Berber community with its rich agriculture. The Todgha Gorges, situated beyond the central High Atlas Mountains, offer breathtaking landscapes reminiscent of Colorado, with high plateaus, gorges, and canyons. Several peaks in this area exceed 4000 meters, with Jbel Saghro at 2500 meters and Jbel Mgoun at 4068 meters being the highest in this part of the High Atlas. The area is inhabited by Berbers, and visitors can enjoy hiking among the stunning canyons.

Merzouga Desert - The journey continues to the red sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. From a vast plateau, the impressive sand dunes of Merzouga emerge on the horizon. In the evening, a camel ride lasting about one and a half hours leads to a breathtaking sunset in the middle of the high sand dunes of Merzouga. Overnight accommodation is in a Berber tented desert camp, offering a spectacular view of the stars.

Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif - Agdez - Marrakech.

Merzouga - Early risers can witness the magical sunrise, with the dunes’ colors and shadows creating a stunning display. Afterward, a camel or 4x4 ride returns travelers to meet their driver and enjoy Gnaoua music in Khamlia village.

Khamlia Gnawa Music - Khamlia is a village of nomadic Tuareg people. A stop by a nomadic family offers tea and a glimpse into nomadic life. Visitors can explore the traditional lifestyle of the Tuareg people in Alkhamliya, a village unchanged for centuries.

Moulay Ali Cherif Mausoleum - A visit to Rissani includes the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the founder of the Alaouite Dynasty of Morocco in the 17th century. This quiet town was once the ancient capital of Tafilalet and served as a major caravan center due to its strategic location at the crossroads between north and south. Rissani remains a significant commercial hub in the region, with a bustling souk, especially lively on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Historically, it was known for leather and goat skin trading.

Alnif - After a three-hour drive from Rissani, a stop is made in Alnif village for a break.

Nkob - Lunch is scheduled in this town at a panoramic restaurant overlooking the Saghro Valley.

Agdz - A brief stop or continuation of the journey.

Toufliht - A quick break for restrooms, etc.

Marrakech - Arrival in Marrakech is around 19:30, with drop-off at the accommodation, marking the end of the trip.

• Private transportation
• 1-hour guided tour of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah with a local guide
• Choice of camel ride or 4x4 adventure in Merzouga Desert
• Dinner
• Air-conditioned vehicles
• Breakfast
• Fuel surcharges included
• Mineral bottled water provided

• Lunch
• Gratuities (Optional)
• soda/pop

Rich in scenery, you will never be bored as you will be busy admiring one scene after another. on this 3 days adventurous desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. you will enjoy the scenic road, beautiful landscapes with different colors, and the Berber villages along the way. you will enjoy the UNESCO site Kasbah of Ait ben Haddou and Taourirt kasbah in Ouarzazate. then continue through the oasis, palm groves, and the gorges, we will cross the valleys and dry rives to reach Merzouga to enjoy a camel trek for a beautiful sunset over the sand dunes experience and overnight in a desert camp under the stars while enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.