4-day Marrakech → Merzouga itinerary

Your journey begins bright and early as you leave behind vibrant Marrakech for the stunning High Atlas Mountains. The winding roads travel through breathtaking landscapes and go through the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, leading up to dramatic peaks and valleys as far as you can see. Your first major stop along your way is Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with views of the very impressive fortified village and film set that have been included in many movies and television series. You can wander through narrow alleyways and view mudbrick buildings while gazing upon stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After this stop, you can visit a local restaurant for lunch to enjoy an authentic Moroccan meal before continuing your journey to Ouarzazate, known as the "gateway to the Sahara". Along your travels to Ouarzazate, you will get a glimpse of the desert plains as well as small villages that will give you a hint of what lies ahead. You have the opportunity to visit the world-famous Atlas Film Studios here, or simply spend a relaxing night in a beautiful riad/hotel to prepare for your adventure deeper into the Sahara.

After breakfast, head east out of Ouarzazate. You will have the chance to hike or stroll through the gorgeous Todra Gorges, which are characterised by their tall red limestone cliffs, over 300 meters tall. As you follow the river, you will see all of the somewhat uneven red cliffs surrounding you, and the beauty of the canyon.

You will wind your way through the scenic valleys of Tinghir and Rissani; this area of Morocco is filled with small rural towns, lush date palm trees, and traditional Berber-style Kasbahs, where you will experience the real lifestyle of Morocco.

You will arrive in Merzouga just as the sun sets, and as you look out towards the Erg Chebbi dunes, you will see a massive expanse of dunes offsetting the bright yellow sun as it rises from behind the horizon. You will mount a camel and ride into the heart of the desert. There, you will experience a spectacular sunset over the dunes, painting everything with orange and gold.

When it is dark, you will settle into a Berber tent equipped with everything you need for your stay, including a delicious dinner, drum music around a campfire, and an amazing starry night in the Saharan sky.

Rise before dawn and discover the breathtaking beauty of the Sahara desert's sunrise either from your campsite or from atop a sand dune after taking an easy morning camel ride. Following the sunrise, continue exploring the surrounding desert area with a visit to Khamlia Village, where you can learn firsthand about the beautiful rhythms of Gnawa music and the village’s rich cultural history. You will also get to meet local nomadic families and have an opportunity to learn about how they live in their traditional Berber way of life, or simply take pleasure in the peaceful solitude of the surrounding desert landscapes.

For those of you looking for a bit more excitement, the afternoon offers several thrilling activities like quad biking across the dunes or sandboarding, followed by a 4x4 excursion further into the Sahara. After enjoying your fun-filled day, return to your campsite for a delicious Moroccan dinner and listen to live music around the campfire while relaxing in the tranquil atmosphere of the Sahara desert night. This day was designed for you to fully immerse yourself into all of the culture, adventure, and natural splendours of the Sahara desert.

Visit Rissani, an ancient market town with many colorful souks, for the last day of the tour. While in this historic area, visit several local stores selling spices, carpets, and other handcrafted products.

After your visit to Rissani, start your journey home through the Middle Atlas Mountains, where you will find excellent places to stop and take pictures and appreciate the beautiful scenery. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant before you continue back through Tizi n'Tichka Pass, where you will once again travel through the pass that you followed on day one of your trip.

At about sunset, you will return to Marrakesh, concluding your four days of incredible travelling through Morocco's deserts, vibrant cities, and welcoming Berber tribes. You will have gained an appreciation for the rich culture and historic significance of the country and have many fond memories of your time spent in Morocco.