Merzouga is the gateway to the Sahara Desert, the edge of Erg Chebbi, and the home to the high dunes and fine, orange sand people often associate with the Sahara Desert.

Duration: 3 Days, 2 nights

Distance: 563 km / 350 miles

Start: Marrakech

End: Marrakech

Type: Private or Group Tour

• Drive over the High Atlas Mountains, through Tizi n’Tichka pass

• Visit Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Visit Atlas Studios and Kasbah Taourirt

• Ride a camel to the overnight luxury campsite.

The Fee Includes:

*Comfortable, air conditioned vehicle

*English or Spanish speaking guide

*Overnight accommodation at luxury campsite

*Camel ride

*Breakfast and dinner each day

The Fee Does NOT Include:

*Admission to attractions

*Lunch

*Drinks outside of meals

*Tip for your guide (optional)

Day 1: Marrakech -> High Atlas Mountains -> Tizi n’Tichka Pass -> Telouet Kasbah -> Ait Ben Haddou -> Ouarzazate -> Kalaat M’gouna -> Boumalne Dades

After a hearty breakfast, we will ascend the majestic High Atlas Mountains as we begin our trip toward the Sahara. You will be amazed by the gorgeous scenery that only seems to be more spectacular after each turn! There will be plenty of time to stop for pictures. Legend has it the road was built on the path the camel caravans used in ancient times when that was the best way to travel between the desert and Marrakech. As we drive along the Tizi n’Tichka Pass you will see many traditional Berber villages. We will stop to examine Berber architecture more closely starting with Telouet Kasbah. This is sometimes called the Palace of Glaoui (referring to a powerful family from the mid-1800s who built their wealth from the passing camel caravans). Inside you will see incredible tile work and decorations that go far beyond “typical” Berber structures. Down the road a bit we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This place also rose to prominence during the days of camel caravans because it offered a place for both the people and the animals to rest and restock supplies. The buildings here are simpler, more traditional, and much older. If it looks familiar to you, it was used as a filming location for many popular movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. The nearby city of Ouarzazate is the “Hollywood of Morocco” and home to Atlas Studios. Movie buffs might like to tour the studios or the Museum of Cinema – just let us know. Kalaat M’gouna, or the Valley of Roses, is the rose production center of Morocco. They harvest almost unimaginable amounts of rose petals in the spring, then distill them into many health and beauty products. We can stop to learn more from a friendly shop owner if you wish. When we reach Boumalne Dades, we will stop at our hotel or riad for the night and enjoy a traditional Berber dinner.

Day 2: Boumalne Dades -> Todra Gorge -> Erfoud -> Rissani -> Merzouga

After a good breakfast in the hotel, we will drive to Todra Gorge to walk along the river and marvel at the steep canyon walls that rise 300 meters straight up. If you are lucky, you may see some brave adventurers trying to climb those walls. As we drive toward Erfoud, you will notice the terrain changes. The mountains are disappearing, and there are date palm trees everywhere! Then, as we approach Erfoud you will see numerous signs for fossils. In ancient times, this area was the bottom of the ocean. As a result, there are many unique fossils to be found here, along with the marble for which Erfoud is known. From there it will be a short drive to Rissani. The souk in Rissani has been open to serve the people who live in the region since the 8th century. If it is a souk day (Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday) we can stop to walk around if you like. You will not find many tourists here, nor many people selling things for tourists. This is one of the most authentic souks a visitor will find here. Our next stop will be Merzouga, on the edge of the Sahara Desert. You will see the high, orange dunes of Erg Chebbi as you approach. You will meet the camel who will carry you over the dunes to your overnight accommodations in a luxury campstie where you will enjoy a delicious dinner, some live after-dinner entertainment, and a peaceful night amongst the stars.

Day 3: Merzouga -> Rissani -> Draa Valley -> Anif -> Agdz -> Ouarzazate -> High Atlas Mountains -> Marrakech

Early risers today will be treated to a gorgeous sunrise in the dunes of the Sahara. After a breakfast at camp featuring many favorite Moroccan breakfast foods, you will ride back to town (in a car) and we will begin our journey toward Marrakech. Our first stop will be in Rissani to pick up the Berber Pizza we will need later. From there we will drive into the Ante Atlas Mountains, along the Draa Valley, following “the route of a thousand kasbahs” (which is not an exaggeration; there are actually more!). Soon after we pass through Anif and Agdz we will be in the city of Kalaat M’gouna. We will stop there for lunch, drive to Ouarzazate with time to see some interesting sites such as movie lots or the Kasbah Taourirt. We will continue our drive north, climbing into the High Atlas Mountains, navigating the Tizi n’Tichka pass, stopping as needed to stretch and take even more pictures of the gorgeous scenery, until we reach Marrakech. We will take you to the hotel you have previously booked or Jemaa el Fna.