Marrakech & Sahara Express - 3 Days



Trip Snapshot
Age range
1 - 100Physical rating
Group size
1 - 7Meals included
5Highlights
- [NEW HIGHLIGHT]
- Ait Benhaddou - Explore the UNESCO-listed ksar with a local guide, discovering one of Morocco’s best-preserved fortified villages along ancient caravan routes
- Dades Valley - Admire the dramatic Dades Gorges and surrounding desert landscapes after travelling through the Valley of Roses and Skoura palm groves
- Todra Gorge - Walk beneath towering canyon walls rising up to 300 metres in one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural gorges
- Merzouga Sahara - Ride camels across the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset before spending the evening at a traditional desert camp
Free Brochure
Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.
Summary
Travel from Marrakech to Marrakech on this 3-day desert tour, crossing the dramatic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The journey leads to the famous kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou before continuing through Ouarzazate and the palm groves of Skoura to the striking landscapes of the Dades Valley. Continue past Todra Gorges and Berber villages on the way to the golden dunes of Merzouga, where a camel trek and night in a Sahara desert camp await. The return journey travels through desert towns and the scenic Draa Valley before crossing the Atlas Mountains once more and finishing back in vibrant Marrakech.
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech to the Dades Valley
Marrakech - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley. Once you have arrived, you will be met and transferred from your accommodation in Marrakech. One of our experienced drivers will collect you, and we will begin our 3-day desert tour.
We travel through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), the highest mountain pass in Morocco. Along the way, we pass traditional Berber villages and dramatic mountain scenery, with stops to take photographs and enjoy the views.
Our first break is in the village of Ait Barka at around 10:00 am, where you can relax, take photos and enjoy breakfast. We then continue to the highest point of the pass for another short stop to admire the panoramic views.
We then arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s best-preserved fortified villages. A local guide leads us through the historic ksar, sharing the history of this remarkable site. Afterwards, you have around one hour of free time to enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon we continue through the Valley of Roses and the Skoura palm grove before arriving in the Dades Valley and its impressive gorges.
Tonight you stay in traditional Moroccan accommodation located in the heart of the Dades Gorges in southern Morocco.
Day 2
Road of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Sahara Desert
Dades Valley - Todra Gorges - Merzouga. This morning, we depart our accommodation in the Dades Gorges at 8:00 am after a traditional Moroccan breakfast. We travel along the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing colourful Berber villages and striking desert landscapes in the Dades Valley.
Around 45 km further, we arrive in Tinghir, known for its vast palm groves and historic Jewish quarter. From here we continue to the dramatic Todra Gorge, where towering canyon walls rise up to 300 m. Here you have free time to walk through the gorge and enjoy the scenery - a popular spot for climbers from around the world.
After time for lunch, we continue towards the Sahara Desert and the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga. On arrival at the edge of the dunes, we ride camels across the sand for around 1 hour and 30 minutes, timing our journey to enjoy the sunset over the Sahara.
We arrive at our desert camp, set among the dunes near an oasis. Tonight we experience a traditional Saharan bivouac, staying in nomadic-style tents. After dinner, we gather around the fire to play drums with our camel guides before spending the night under the clear desert sky in the Merzouga Sahara.
Day 3
Sunrise in the Sahara & Return to Marrakech
Merzouga - Alnif - Nkoub - Ouarzazate - Marrakech. Today, you rise early to enjoy the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi - often considered the most memorable moment in the Merzouga desert. The soft morning light across the Sahara creates a peaceful and unforgettable scene.
After sunrise, we enjoy a traditional breakfast at the desert camp before riding camels back across the dunes to meet our driver.
We then begin our journey back to Marrakech, travelling through Rissani, Tazarin, Nkob and the scenic Draa Valley - Morocco’s longest valley, known for its vast palm groves and historic caravan routes. We continue to Ouarzazate, where you have free time for lunch.
After lunch, we visit a historic kasbah once associated with the powerful Pacha El Glaoui., once the residence of the powerful Pacha El Glaoui, one of Morocco’s most influential figures in the early 20th century. This impressive kasbah offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and traditional architecture.
In the afternoon, we cross the High Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. We arrive in Marrakech at around 7:00 pm, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation or the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of our 3-day desert tour.
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 3, Lunches: 0, Dinners: 2
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
Self GuidedWifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Apr 2026
from £1,352May 2026
from £1,352Jun 2026
from £1,352Jul 2026
from £1,352Aug 2026
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from £1,352Nov 2026
from £1,352Dec 2026
from £1,352Jan 2027
from £1,352Feb 2027
from £1,352Mar 2027
from £1,352Apr 2027
from £1,352May 2027
from £1,352Jun 2027
from £1,352Jul 2027
from £1,352Aug 2027
from £1,352Sep 2027
from £1,352Oct 2027
from £1,352Nov 2027
from £1,352Dec 2027
from £1,352Jan 2028
from £1,352Feb 2028
from £1,352Mar 2028
from £1,352
- Sat 4 Apr 2026 > Mon 6 Apr 20266+ spaces of 7 leftBest offer£1,352
- Sun 5 Apr 2026 > Tue 7 Apr 20266+ spaces of 7 leftBest offer£1,352
- Mon 6 Apr 2026 > Wed 8 Apr 20266+ spaces of 7 leftBest offer£1,352
- Tue 7 Apr 2026 > Thu 9 Apr 20266+ spaces of 7 leftBest offer£1,352
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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