3 Days Desert Tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Dades Gorges and the Merzouga desert from Ouarzazate, finishing across the High Atlas in Marrakech.
- Duration3 days / 2 nights
- StartOuarzazate
- EndMarrakech
- Tour typePrivate tour
- Desert nights1
- DepartureDaily, 8:00 am (flexible)
About this tour
Start in Ouarzazate and finish in Marrakech, with the best of the south in between. You visit Aït Ben Haddou, sleep among the red cliffs of the Dades Gorges and spend a night in the Sahara.
The final day is a long, scenic drive back west through the Draa Valley and over the High Atlas.
Tour highlights
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Dades Gorges and Todra Gorge
- Camel trek and night in Erg Chebbi
- Draa Valley on the return
- Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Ends in Marrakech
Your route
- Ouarzazate
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Dades Gorges
- Merzouga
- Marrakech
Itinerary
Day1 Ouarzazate → Aït Ben Haddou → Dades Gorges
Begin with the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and film location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones. In the afternoon, drive the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through Skoura's palm grove and the Valley of Roses to the Dades Gorges.
Day2 Dades Gorges → Todra Gorge → Merzouga
Morning drive through the Dades Gorges, then on to Tinghir and a walk inside Todra Gorge. Continue east to Merzouga, where you swap the car for a camel and ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset, dinner and a night at our camp.
Day3 Merzouga → Ouarzazate → High Atlas → Marrakech
Sunrise, breakfast and an early start for the drive west via Rissani, Alnif and the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate. After lunch, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass and arrive in Marrakech in the evening.
Price includes & excludes
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minivan) with fuel
- English-speaking driver-guide for the whole journey
- Pick-up in Ouarzazate and drop-off in Marrakech (hotel, riad or airport)
- 2 nights of accommodation in hotels, riads and kasbahs
- 1 night in our desert camp in Merzouga
- Camel trek into the dunes at sunset
- 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
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).
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.
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