3-Day Sahara Desert Tour

Delve into the captivating landscapes of the Moroccan desert, where diverse terrains await your exploration, featuring scenic valleys, majestic mountains, and historic towns to discover.

Tour Overview

Day 1: Marrakech - Aït Benhaddou - Ouarzazate - Dadès Valley

Our journey begins as we depart from Marrakech, heading towards Ouarzazate. This route will take us through the majestic Atlas Mountains, specifically crossing the breathtaking Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass, which rises to 7414 feet (2,260 meters).

Midway, we will visit the notable Aït Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its role in films like Gladiator and Kingdom of Heaven. You will have around 2.5 hours to stroll through this extraordinary desert settlement and enjoy lunch.

Next, our travels lead us to Ouarzazate, where you can spend approximately half an hour admiring the remarkable Taourirt Kasbah and capturing photographs.

As we make our way along “The Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” towards Skoura, we will traverse through the Valley of the Roses, ultimately reaching the Dadès Valley for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Dadès Valley - Todgha Gorges - Merzouga

Following breakfast, we’ll head towards the stunning Todgha Gorges and spend some time immersing ourselves in the breathtaking views. Then, we’ll journey forward to Merzouga, passing the renowned Jorf palm grove, celebrated for its exquisite dates, before pausing for lunch at Erfoud, a village famous for its fossil finds.

Upon our arrival in Merzouga, it’s time to transition from vehicles to camels to experience the desert more intimately as we make our way to the Bedouin camp for an overnight stay.

In the serene desert environment, we will savor a traditional dinner, providing a true taste of Moroccan hospitality.

Day 3: Merzouga - Rissani - Alnif - Tizi n'Tichka - Ouarzazate - Marrakech

No visit to the desert is complete without witnessing the sunrise. After relishing this tranquil moment, we’ll enjoy breakfast at the camp and prepare for our final day of exploration.

As we pass through the Tafilalet palm grove and visit Rissani village, the birthplace of Morocco’s Alaouite dynasty, our path leads us over the acacia-studded plateaus to Alnif, where we’ll navigate through the Anti-Atlas mountains. Continuing through the striking mountainous paths of Tizi n'Tichka, we’ll reach Tinghir (an important site for the Amazigh people) and, subsequently, the Dades Valley.

Around midday, we’ll arrive at Kalaat M'Gouna to enjoy lunch and take a short break before heading back to Marrakech, passing through Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains.

We plan to return to Marrakech around 8:30 pm, with drop-off options at your preferred location or the city’s airport.

Accommodation Choices

During booking, you will select your preferred accommodation type:

• Standard Shared Accommodation: Choose this option to share your hotel room in Dades and the desert haima with up to 4 other participants in the same category. Solo travelers can avoid the single supplement for private accommodation with this economical choice. Shared accommodations will strive to separate men and women, and please note that children under 18 cannot opt for this option.
• Standard Private Accommodation: Guests selecting this option will have private hotel rooms for the first night in Dades and exclusive haimas in the desert. The campsite provides private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, accommodating up to 4 guests.
• Superior Private Accommodation: Similar to the previous choice, this option features private rooms and desert haimas. However, the camps here include upgraded interiors and superior dining experiences. Each haima in this category can host a maximum of 5 individuals.

On the first night, all guests will stay in Dades, at options like Dar Essyaha, Hotel Babylon, Hotel Le Vieux Chateau, Kasbah Tifawen, or similar. Keep in mind that all accommodations are shared.

The second night will be spent in a haima camp in Merzouga, with standard and superior camps distinctly separate. Besides differing bathroom facilities, the superior camp offers upgraded meals and decor. During peak seasons like Easter or Christmas, standard camps may occasionally provide shared bathrooms.

On the final day, guests from both categories will have breakfast and can access showers at the camp before departing.

Pickup Information

For guests staying in the Medina, please arrive at one of these designated meeting points:

• KFC Marrakech, located on Av. Mohammed V in the Medina
• Moulay El Yazid Mosque, at 23 Rue de La Kasbah
• Mohamed V School, in Riad Laarouss
• Abdelmoumen School
• Bab Doukkala Pharmacy

For those outside the Medina, complimentary pickup from your hotel or riad is available. A supplement of 10EUR to 40EUR may apply for hotels located further from Marrakech.

Private Tours

If you prefer a personalized experience, consider our 4-Day Merzouga Desert Private Tour, ideal for couples, families, or groups of friends.