This is a comprehensive 4-day round-tour tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert and back. Designed for immersion and contrast, it takes you from the bustling red city, over the dramatic High Atlas Mountains, through ancient fortified villages (ksars), deep into rocky gorges, and finally to the iconic golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. The journey emphasizes stunning landscapes, rich Berber culture, and authentic experiences, culminating in a magical night (or two) in the desert before returning you to Marrakech.
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your Marrakech accommodation. We’ll drive east, crossing the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka pass. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to stop for photos of the stunning landscapes.
We will visit the famous Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO site and a popular filming location for Hollywood movies. After exploring the ancient streets and having lunch, we continue to Ouarzazate and then into the Dades Valley. You’ll spend the night in a hotel or riad nestled within the gorge, enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner.
After breakfast, we depart for the Todra Gorge, where you can walk between its towering canyon walls. The journey then leads further south towards the Sahara Desert.
We arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in the afternoon. Here, you will leave your vehicle and mount a camel for a peaceful trek into the heart of the dunes. The trek takes you to your luxury Berber camp in time to watch a spectacular sunset. The evening features a delicious dinner, live Berber music around a campfire, and a night spent in a comfortable tent under the vast, starry sky.
Awaken to a spectacle unlike any other: the sun spilling its first golden light over the endless sea of dunes. After a traditional breakfast, your adventure continues with a thrilling 4×4 expedition into the captivating landscapes surrounding Merzouga.
Today is a journey of connection. Share mint tea with a nomadic Berber family and gain an intimate understanding of their ancient traditions and resilient way of life. Discover the haunting history of the abandoned Mefis mines, feel your spirit stir to the hypnotic rhythms of Gnawa music in Khamlia village, and witness the serene beauty of the seasonal Lake of Birds, a vital oasis for migratory wildlife.
Return to your Riad for a relaxing afternoon. Unwind by the pool, savor a good book, or take a leisurely stroll into the gentle dunes as the sun begins to soften. A delicious dinner awaits you at the Riad.
As night falls, the choice is yours: retreat to the comfort of your elegant Riad or return to the luxury desert camp for a second unforgettable night under a blanket of Sahara stars.
Savor a final breakfast as we begin our scenic return to Marrakech. We’ll once again traverse the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, each turn offering a final, majestic panorama of the rugged landscape. This peaceful drive is a time to reflect on the unforgettable contrasts of your journey—from the silent, star-filled Sahara to the vibrant energy of Marrakech.
We will arrive back in the “Red City” in the late afternoon, bringing our expedition to a close. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or the airport, filled with memories of ancient kasbahs, desert sunsets, and the rich culture of southern Morocco.
