Tours from Marrakech
Private 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech via Atlas Road
Tour Overview: Private 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech via Atlas Road
his 3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road in Morocco, as you make your way toward the cinematic kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and the movie studios of Ouarzazate.
Explore the dramatic rock formations of the Dades and Todra Gorges before reaching the golden Sahara dunes of Erg Chebbi. A memorable camel trek leads you to a desert camp where you’ll enjoy traditional Moroccan hospitality and a night under a star-filled sky.
On the final day, enjoy a magical sunrise over the dunes before traveling back to Marrakech with unforgettable memories of Morocco’s most iconic desert experience.
Tour Hilights: Private 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech via Atlas Road
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Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’ Tichka scenic pass (2,260m)
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Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
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Stop at Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Africa
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Discover the Valley of Roses and Berber villages along the route
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Explore the dramatic Dades and Todra Gorges
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Enjoy a camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
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Overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp with Berber music and dinner
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Experience a magical sunrise in the Merzouga desert
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Visit fossils workshops in Erfoud and the traditional souk in Rissani
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Return to Marrakech through Agdez and Ouarzazate
Itinerary Details of the Private 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech via Atlas Road
Day 1 : Marrakech – Tizi n’ Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges
The first day tour is starting today from Marrakech towards Ouarzazate via Tizi N’Tichka mountain pass at 2260m above sea level. which is the highest road pass in all of Morocco, then we go through the high Atlas Mountains until we reach the World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. Here, many famous movies were filmed, The Mummy, Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and others. We will then continue till we arrive at the Dades Gorges. And we visit Ouarzazate, which is called as the Hollywood of Morocco, and visit movie studios here. Then we continue to Kelaat m’ Gouna, called Valley of the Roses. We will spend the night in a local Riad or hotel in the Dades Valley.
Day 2 : Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga desert and camel trek
This day of our Private 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech via Atlas Road starts with a tour towards Todra Gorges, where we can take some photos and enjoy the incredible views of this valley, then pass old mud Berber villages where many rock-climbers come, we have an extra time to free explore Todra valley with ourselves, then we continue to Erfoud, where we visit some fossil shops and a fossil factory. Then the tour continues to Rissani in order to visit the local souk. And then go towards Merzouga desert, which is called Erg Chebbi, from where we ride camels to the middle of the desert. We really enjoy riding camels, especially in the desert, until we reach the desert camp, a bivouac where we stay overnight after having a traditional Moroccan dinner.
Day 3: Merzouga desert – Agdez – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
The last day of our tour starts early with riding camels and enjoying the fabulous sunrise here before going back to Merzouga village for breakfast and a shower. Followed by a travel through Agdez, Ouarzazatte, to Marrakech. After these long and beautiful days we the trip is finished in Marrakech afternoon/evening. We take many pictures that describe the most beautiful places in the world, now we will go back to the Hotel, then towards the airport. End of our Private 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech via Atlas Road.
Book this tour
Tour Price Includes
- Private air-conditioned transportation with a professional driver throughout the tour
- Licensed local guides
- Accommodation in quality hotels, riads, and a luxury desert camp in Merzouga (private tent)
- Daily breakfast at all accommodations
- Camel trek into the Sahara Desert with a sunset/sunrise experience
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
- Assistance from the tour operator team throughout the trip
Tour Price Excludes
- International or domestic flights
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Lunches and dinners not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, snacks, etc.)
- Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff (at your discretion)
- Optional activities not listed (e.g. quad biking, hammam & spa experiences)
- Any additional excursions on Day 10 based on flight schedule (e.g. extra Ourika or Atlas trek)
Gallery of the Private 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech via Atlas Road
More info about the places we will visit in this Private 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech via Atlas Road
Marrakech – The Red City
Marrakech is where your desert journey begins. A city full of history and vibrant traditions, it is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Founded in the 11th century, Marrakech blends old and new, luxurious hotels next to ancient palaces.
The medina is a maze of colorful souks filled with spices, leather goods, carpets, and handcrafted treasures. The beating heart is Jemaa el-Fnaa, a UNESCO cultural heritage square where storytellers, musicians, and local food vendors create a magical evening atmosphere.
Landmarks include the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, and the stunning Majorelle Garden. Marrakech is the perfect introduction to Morocco’s rich culture before heading into the mountains and the Sahara.
High Atlas Mountains & Tizi n’Tichka Pass
As you leave Marrakech, the scenery changes dramatically. The High Atlas Mountains are the highest in North Africa, forming a natural barrier between the coastal cities and the Sahara Desert.
This route has been historically important for trade caravans, and today it remains the most picturesque road connecting Marrakech to the desert.
Ait Ben Haddou – UNESCO World Heritage & Film Location
Ait Ben Haddou is one of Morocco’s most impressive ksars (fortified villages). Built from clay and straw, its kasbahs seem frozen in time. Many families still live in the lower part of the village while the upper fortification offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert plains.
It gained global fame thanks to major films and TV productions such as Gladiator, The Mummy, Kingdom of Heaven, and Game of Thrones (as Yunkai).
Walking through its narrow alleys allows you to explore centuries of architecture, ancient caravan trade history, and local crafts. It is a true highlight of any desert route.
Dades Valley & Dades Gorges – The Land of Thousand Kasbahs
Known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs, the Dades region is famous for its dramatic landscapes. Here the river has carved a deep canyon through the rose-colored mountains, creating one of Morocco’s most stunning natural wonders.
Highlights include:
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The “Monkey Fingers” rock formations
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The breathtaking zigzag road viewpoint
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Traditional Berber homes made of earth and stone
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Green oases lined with fig, almond, and palm trees
Staying overnight here allows you to admire the valley’s beauty in the changing light of sunset and sunrise—spectacular moments for photos and relaxation.
Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes – Sahara Desert Experience
The highlight of your adventure arrives as you reach Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s most famous dune field. The dunes can rise up to 150 meters, shifting constantly with the wind to create a dream-like landscape.
Experiences that make Merzouga unforgettable:
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A peaceful camel trek through golden dunes at sunset
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Sandboarding for those who want more adventure
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Overnight stay in a traditional or luxury desert camp
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Berber music around the campfire
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Stargazing under one of the clearest skies in the world
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A sunrise that paints the dunes in gold and red
Merzouga is the perfect place to disconnect, relax, and appreciate the beauty and silence of the Sahara Desert.
