Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Morocco’s Sahara with our 4-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. This carefully crafted itinerary blends natural beauty, rich culture, and authentic desert experiences. Travel through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, explore ancient kasbahs, and ride camels into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for an enchanting night under the stars.
Whether you’re chasing desert sunrises, discovering centuries-old villages, or immersing yourself in Berber hospitality, this tour offers the perfect mix of adventure and comfort. If you’re looking for a shorter desert escape without heading all the way to Fes, this 4-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is the perfect match.
Not sure when to visit the Sahara Desert or wondering if Morocco is safe for travelers?
Our detailed travel guides on the best time to visit Morocco and is it safe to travel to Morocco will help you plan your desert tour with confidence.
If this 4-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga doesn’t quite fit your travel plans, feel free to explore our full list of Morocco tours — we’re here to help you create the perfect Moroccan experience.
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura Oasis – Rose Valley – Dades Gorge
Your 4-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga begins with an early morning departure from Marrakech, heading into the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the winding Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters above sea level). You will stop for scenic views and photos of the traditional Berber villages nestled into the mountain slopes.
Your first major stop is at the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, a centuries-old fortified village known for its breathtaking mudbrick architecture and film appearances in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and more. Explore the kasbah’s labyrinthine alleys till you reach the top view.
Continue toward Ouarzazate, often dubbed the “Hollywood of Africa,” and pass by the famous Atlas Studios and Kasbah Taourirt.
From there, travel through the lush Skoura Oasis, lined with palm groves and hidden kasbahs, before reaching the fragrant Rose Valley, especially beautiful in spring when the Damask roses bloom.
By evening, you will arrive at your accommodation in the dramatic Dades Gorge, known for its winding road and striking rock formations like the “Monkey Fingers.” Enjoy dinner and overnight at you accommodation nestled in a valley between the mountains.
Day 2: Boumalne Dades – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)
After breakfast, your adventure continues through the scenic landscapes of southern Morocco. You will leave Boumalne Dades behind and make your way to the dramatic Todra Gorges, where massive canyon walls rise up to 300 meters. Take time to walk along the riverbed, explore the gorge’s narrow passages, and admire this natural wonder carved by centuries of erosion.
Next, the 4-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga takes you deeper into the arid landscapes of the south, passing through Tinjdad and Erfoud — known as the gateway to the Sahara and famous for its fossil workshops and date palms.
From Erfoud, the landscape becomes increasingly desert-like as you approach Merzouga, where the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes begin to appear on the horizon.
In Merzouga, you will swap your tour vehicle for a traditional camel ride through the towering sand dunes just in time for an unforgettable sunset. After the ride, you will arrive at your desert camp, where you will enjoy a warm welcome, a traditional Moroccan dinner, live music by the campfire, and a night under the stars in a luxury camp.
Day 3: Sahara Desert Exploration
Wake up early to catch the breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, then enjoy breakfast at your desert camp before setting out to explore the surrounding Sahara region.
This day in Sahara desert is a cultural highlight of your 4-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. Begin with a 4×4 drive to visit a nomadic Berber family who live in traditional tents in the desert. Gain insight into their daily life, customs, and how they adapt to the harsh desert environment.
Next, visit the abandoned Mfis lead mines, a fascinating colonial-era site that offers both historical context and panoramic desert views.
Continue to the village of Khamlia, where you will be welcomed by the Gnawa community, descendants of West African slaves known for their spiritual music. Enjoy a live performance of this unique musical tradition — a hypnotic blend of rhythms and chants passed down through generations.
For lunch, you will be treated to a local specialty: Berber pizza (Madfouna) — a stuffed flatbread baked in a traditional clay oven and filled with meat, herbs, and spices.
After lunch, visit a local garden and traditional irrigation system, where you will see how locals cultivate crops in the desert using centuries-old techniques.
Optional Adventure: End your day with a thrilling ride through the dunes on a quad bike or dune buggy (available at an additional cost). It’s the perfect adrenaline boost for those seeking more action during this desert tour.
Return to your desert camp for a relaxing evening, a hearty dinner, and another magical night beneath the star-filled Sahara sky.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – Draa Valley – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After a final sunrise over the dunes and breakfast at your desert camp, you will begin the desert tour back to Marrakech, retracing the beauty and diversity of southern Morocco.
Your first stop is Rissani, a historic market town and former capital of the ancient Alaouite dynasty. If it’s market day, you will experience one of the most authentic souks in the region, filled with spices, dates, donkeys, and local crafts.
Travel through the rugged desert landscapes of Alnif, then into the lush, palm-filled stretches of the Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s longest and most scenic river valleys, dotted with ancient kasbahs and traditional mudbrick villages.
Continue your drive across the Anti-Atlas Mountains and back through the High Atlas, taking in the last dramatic views before arriving in Marrakech by the evening.
This marks the end of your enriching 4-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, filled with unforgettable landscapes, cultural encounters, and desert adventure.
Ready to experience the magic of Morocco’s Sahara desert?
Ready to experience the magic of Morocco’s Sahara desert?Book your 4-day Sahara Desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with Travel Around Morocco today and let us take care of every detail — from camel ride and Berber camp to ancient kasbahs and scenic valleys.
Contact us now to reserve your spot or customize this itinerary for your perfect desert trip.
Price includes
– Four days tour with an AC Land cruiser 4×4/mini-van
– English-speaking driver
– Fuel
– 1 night at the hotel plus dinner and breakfast
– 2 nights under a Berber tent plus dinners and breakfasts.
– Camel riding in the desert