If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, a 4-day desert tour from Marrakech is a must-do activity. This tour is highly recommended by previous travelers, as it offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning Sahara Desert, learn about the rich Moroccan culture, and visit some of the most beautiful cities in the country.
During this tour, you’ll start and end your journey in Marrakech, one of the most vibrant and fascinating cities in Morocco. You’ll then travel through the High Atlas Mountains, past Berber villages, and across stunning landscapes to reach the Sahara Desert. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to visit ancient kasbahs, ride camels through the sand dunes, and stay in traditional nomad camps.
Overall, a 4-day desert tour from Marrakech is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, this tour is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the beauty and culture of Morocco in an authentic and unforgettable way.
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Gorges
On the first day of your 4 days desert tour from Marrakech, you will depart from your riad or hotel in Marrakech early in the morning. You will travel across the Tizi-n-Tichka Atlas pass, which is 2260 meters above sea level. This pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You will also see traditional Berber villages along the way.
The first stop on your journey will be the Kasbah of El Glaoui, a former War Lord and Pasha of Marrakech. You will take a guided tour of this impressive ancient fortress, which was once a center of power and wealth. The Kasbah of El Glaoui is an excellent example of Moroccan architecture, and it is a must-see for anyone interested in history and culture.
After visiting the Kasbah of El Glaoui, you will continue your journey to Dades Gorges. This area is known for its stunning natural beauty, including towering cliffs and deep gorges. You will travel through green valleys and oases, and you will have the opportunity to visit old Kasbahs and canyons along the way.
Once you arrive at Dades Gorges, you will have some free time to explore the area on your own. You can go for a hike, take a dip in the river, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. In the evening, you will have dinner and spend the first night here at a local guesthouse or hotel.
Day 2: Dades Gorges to Erg Chebbi
On the second day of the 4-day desert tour from Marrakech, we will start our journey towards the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive towards Tinghir and visit the Todra Gorges, which are known for their stunning rock formations that rise up to 160 meters high. We will have some time to explore the gorges and take pictures before continuing our journey towards the Dades Gorges.
The Dades Gorges are located in the High Atlas Mountains and are known for their spectacular scenery. We will drive through the winding roads of the gorges and stop at some of the viewpoints to admire the panoramic views of the valley. We will also have lunch at a local restaurant in the area.
After lunch, we will continue our journey towards the Erg Chebbi dunes. We will drive through the town of Erfoud, which is known for its fossils and dates, before reaching the Merzouga desert. Here, we will switch to a 4×4 vehicle and drive towards the desert campsite in the Erg Chebbi dunes. We will have some time to relax and enjoy the sunset before having dinner under the stars.
The second day of the 4-day desert tour is a long day of driving, but it is also a day filled with stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences. From the Todra Gorges to the Dades Gorges and the Erg Chebbi dunes, this two day trip will be a highlight of your trip to Morocco.
Day 3: Erg Chebbi to Ouarzazate
On the third day of your 4-day desert tour from Marrakech, you will wake up early to witness the stunning sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. After breakfast, you will ride your camel back to the village of Merzouga where you will meet your driver and continue your journey to Ouarzazate.
On the way to Ouarzazate, you will pass through the beautiful Draa Valley, known for its lush palm groves and traditional Berber villages. You will have the opportunity to stop and explore some of these villages, meet the locals, and learn about their way of life.
Once you arrive in Ouarzazate, you will visit the city famous for Taourirt Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the residence of the Glaoui family. You will also have some free time to explore the city and visit the Atlas Film Studios, where many famous movies and TV shows have been filmed.
After a full day of exploring, you will head back to your hotel in Ouarzazate for dinner and a good night’s rest before continuing your journey back to Marrakech the next day.
Day 4: Ouarzazate to Marrakech
On the fourth day of your 4-day desert tour from Marrakech, you will leave Ouarzazate and head back to Marrakech. Ouarzazate is known as the “Door of the Desert” and is a city located in the middle atlas mountains of a bare plateau south of the High Atlas Mountains. It is a popular filming location for many movies and TV shows, including Game of Thrones, Gladiator, and Lawrence of Arabia.
During your journey back to Marrakech, you will have the opportunity to stop at the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has been used as a backdrop in many Hollywood movies. The Kasbah is a fortified village made up of mud-brick buildings and has been a popular destination for tourists and filmmakers alike.
After visiting the Kasbah, your journey will continue through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, which is the highest mountain pass in North Africa, reaching an altitude of 2,260 meters above sea level. The pass offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, a sandy desert with snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Once you arrive back in Marrakech, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city further or relax and reflect on your desert adventure. Whether you choose to spend your time shopping in the souks, visiting the Bahia Palace, or enjoying a traditional Moroccan meal, Marrakech offers a unique and exciting experience for every traveler.
Marrakech to Fes Tours
Marrakech to Fes Tours are popular guided excursions that allow you to explore the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and historical sites of Morocco while traveling between the two iconic cities. These tours typically last between 3 to 5 days and offer various opportunities to immerse yourself in Moroccan heritage, visit stunning natural attractions, and experience local customs and traditions.
See our guide to a Fes desert tour here, which includes stopping in a sahara desert camp and seeing a beautiful sunrise on the marrakech to fes desert tour.
FAQS on 4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech: A Journey Through Morocco’s Majestic Sahara
What is the 4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech?
The 4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech is an adventure-filled guided excursion that takes you through the stunning landscapes of Morocco’s Sahara Desert. The journey includes visits to traditional Berber villages, historic Kasbahs, breathtaking canyons, and the iconic sand dunes of the Erg Chebbi region, culminating in a memorable night under the stars at a desert camp.
What is the itinerary for the 4-Day Desert Tour?
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorges
- Depart from Marrakech and cross the High Atlas Mountains
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou
- Explore the city of Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa”
- Drive through the beautiful Dades Valley and spend the night in Dades Gorges
Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Merzouga
- Visit Todra Gorges, a stunning series of limestone river canyons
- Continue the journey through the desert landscapes, passing through traditional Berber villages
- Arrive in Merzouga, a small village near the Erg Chebbi dunes
Day 3: Merzouga – Erg Chebbi – Desert Camp
- Explore the village of Merzouga and its surroundings
- Embark on a camel trek into the heart of Erg Chebbi to witness the sunset over the dunes
- Spend the night at a traditional desert camp, enjoying local cuisine, music, and a night under the stars
Day 4: Desert Camp – Rissani – Draa Valley – Marrakech
- Watch the sunrise over the dunes before heading back to Merzouga by camel
- Visit the traditional market town of Rissani
- Drive through the scenic Draa Valley, known for its palm groves and ancient Kasbahs
- Return to Marrakech in the evening
What is inc
luded in the tour price?
The tour price typically includes transportation, accommodation (including desert camp or private tent), some meals (usually breakfast and dinner), an experienced guide, and camel trekking. Additional expenses, such as lunches, drinks, and entrance fees to some attractions, may not be included.
What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in a mix of traditional hotels, guesthouses, and a desert camp. Accommodations usually offer basic amenities and may include private or shared bathrooms.
Is the 4-Day Desert Tour suitable for children?
The tour can be suitable for children, but it is essential to consider the long driving distances, high temperatures, and potentially challenging terrain. It is recommended to consult with the tour operator to discuss any specific needs or concerns.
What should I pack for the 4-Day Desert Tour?
Some essential items to pack for the tour include:
- Comfortable clothing for warm days and cooler nights. If going for a camel ride pack jeans.
- A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against the sun
- A jacket or warm layer for cooler evenings
- Sturdy walking shoes or sandals
- A small backpack for day trips
- Camera, chargers, and extra batteries
- A reusable water bottle
- Personal medications and a basic first aid kit
Are there any health and safety concerns during the tour?
While the tour is generally considered safe, it is important to follow the advice of your guide and take necessary precautions. Ensure you stay hydrated, use sun protection, and adhere to any safety guidelines provided. It is also recommended to have travel insurance and consult your doctor about any necessary vaccinations before traveling to Morocco.
What is the best time of year to take the 4-Day Desert Tour?
The ideal time to take the 4-Day Desert Tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) months, when temperatures are more moderate and the weather is generally pleasant. The summer months (June to August) can be extremely hot, particularly in the desert, while winter (December to February) can be cold at night, especially in the mountains and desert camp.
Can the tour be customized to suit specific interests or needs?
Many tour operators offer the flexibility to customize the 4-Day Desert Tour to cater to individual preferences, such as dietary requirements, specific interests, or additional activities. It is recommended to discuss any particular requests with the tour operator when booking. If you want to do special activities like an overnight camel trek, do the ziz valley, rose valley, palm grove, merzouga desert camp or sahara desert then its best to book a custom marrakech desert tour.
We recommend going to the Erg chebbi dunes in Merzouga sahara desert.
