4 Days Morocco Desert Tour — Marrakech, Dades Gorges, Merzouga, Ouarzazate, Marrakech
4 days•Private tour•From Marrakech

4 Days Morocco Desert Tour

A relaxed loop with Aït Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, the Rissani market, the Draa Valley and a night in the Merzouga dunes.

Overview

About this tour

Four days give the desert the time it deserves. This loop from Marrakech avoids long rushed drives: each day has room for walks, markets and tea with locals, and the return takes a completely different road.

Beyond the dunes of Erg Chebbi you will hear Gnawa music in Khamlia, browse the historic market town of Rissani and follow the Draa Valley back to Ouarzazate for a final night before Marrakech.

Tour highlights

  • Aït Ben Haddou and the Dades Gorges
  • Walk the narrow canyon of Todra Gorge
  • Camel trek, sunset and night in Erg Chebbi
  • Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia
  • Rissani market and the Draa Valley palm groves
  • Different return route via Ouarzazate

Your route

  1. Marrakech
  2. Dades Gorges
  3. Merzouga
  4. Ouarzazate
  5. Marrakech
Day by day

Itinerary

Day1 Marrakech → High Atlas → Aït Ben Haddou → Dades Gorges

Pick-up in Marrakech and a drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass with stops in Berber villages. Guided visit of Aït Ben Haddou, lunch in Ouarzazate, then the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs via Skoura and Kalaat M'Gouna to the Dades Gorges.

  • Kasbah hotel, Dades Gorges
  • Dinner
Day2 Dades Gorges → Todra Gorge → Merzouga

Morning drive through the twisting Dades road, then on to Tinghir and the vertical walls of Todra Gorge. Continue via Erfoud to Merzouga, where camels carry you into the dunes for sunset. Dinner and a night in our desert camp.

  • Desert camp, Merzouga
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day3 Merzouga → Khamlia → Rissani → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate

Sunrise over Erg Chebbi, breakfast, then a visit to Khamlia to hear Gnawa musicians play. In Rissani, explore the market and the old ksar before driving west through Alnif, Tazzarine and the palm groves of the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate.

  • Hotel, Ouarzazate
  • Breakfast, Dinner
Day4 Ouarzazate → High Atlas → Marrakech

A relaxed breakfast, a photo stop at Taourirt Kasbah or the film studios, then back across the High Atlas. Arrival in Marrakech in the early afternoon and drop-off at your hotel.

  • End of tour — drop-off
  • Breakfast
What's included

Price includes & excludes

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minivan) with fuel
  • English-speaking driver-guide for the whole journey
  • Pick-up in Marrakech and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel, riad or airport)
  • 3 nights of accommodation in hotels, riads and kasbahs
  • 1 night in our desert camp in Merzouga
  • Camel trek into the dunes at sunset
  • 4x4 excursion around Erg Chebbi (nomads, Khamlia, Mifis)
  • Breakfasts and dinners as shown in the itinerary

Not included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments and museums
  • Local city guides (optional — we can arrange them)
  • Optional activities such as quad bikes or sandboarding
  • Tips for your driver and camp staff
  • Flights and travel insurance

Where you sleep

  • Night 1Kasbah hotel, Dades Gorges
  • Night 2Desert camp, Merzouga
  • Night 3Hotel, Ouarzazate
Practical information

Good to know

Private & flexible

Only your group travels in the vehicle. Ask your driver to stop for photos whenever you like, and tell us if you want to change the route or add days.

Your desert camp

Our camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes has comfortable tents with real beds and blankets. Your big luggage stays in the 4x4 — take a small bag for the night.

What to pack

Sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for the wind, comfortable shoes and a warm layer: desert nights are cold from November to March.

Best time to travel

October to May is ideal. In summer we start early and rest at midday to avoid the heat. Every season has its own beauty.

Food & diets

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are possible. Just tell us when you book or let your driver know on day one.

How to book

Send us your dates and number of travellers. We reply with a price for your group. A small deposit confirms the tour; the balance is paid in cash on the first day (euros, dollars or dirhams).

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Which vehicles do you use?

Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles adapted to your group: 4x4 Land Cruisers or minivans for small groups, and Mercedes Sprinter minibuses for groups of 8 or more.

How far in advance should we book?

As early as possible, especially for spring, autumn and holiday periods. Last-minute requests are welcome too — contact us and we will do our best.

How do I pay for the tour?

We ask for a small deposit when you book. The balance is paid in cash to your driver on the first day of the tour, in euros, dollars or Moroccan dirhams.

What happens to my luggage in the desert?

Your suitcases stay safely in the vehicle or are brought to the camp by 4x4. You only need a small backpack for the camel ride.

I don't want to ride a camel. Can I still sleep at the camp?

Of course. We can take you to the camp by 4x4 instead of camel.

Can we change the itinerary?

Yes. All our tours are private, so we can add nights, change hotels, include activities or adjust the route to your wishes.

Is the tour suitable for children and older travellers?

Yes. We adapt the pace, the stops and the accommodation for families and for travellers who prefer an easier rhythm.