3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert

Your adventure begins with a departure from Marrakech. Taking you through the High Atlas Mountains, one of Morocco’s most historically significant regions. As you ascend the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, you’ll witness dramatic landscapes where ancient Berber communities have lived for centuries. The first major stop is the UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a historic fortified village that dates back to the 17th century. This kasbah was a vital stop on the caravan routes that once connected Morocco to the rest of the Sahara and sub-Saharan Africa. It’s also famous as a backdrop for many films, including “Gladiator” and “Lawrence of Arabia.” After visiting Ait Benhaddou, we travel through Skoura oasis and the Dades Valley, a historic trade route known for its ancient palm groves and ksours (fortified villages). Our day ends in Dades Valley, a place steeped in history where you can relax in a charming hotel

After breakfast, we head toward Todra Gorge, a natural wonder surrounded by ancient rock formations that have stood for millions of years. The gorge has been a significant site for trade and travel since the Berber era, with caravans passing through it on their way to the desert. From there, we continue to Erfoud. An oasis town that has historically served as a crossroads between the desert and the northern regions. Erfoud is also famous for its fossils, which date back millions of years, giving it an important place in Morocco’s paleontological history. Afterward, we reach Merzouga, where you will enjoy a camel trek through the Sahara Desert. The desert is steeped in history, having been a critical route for trans-Saharan trade and a meeting point of different cultures, including Berbers, Arabs, and Tuaregs. You’ll spend the night in a Berber camp, enjoying the peaceful solitude of the desert.

Wake up early for a mesmerizing sunrise over the towering dunes of Merzouga. A scene that has captivated travelers for centuries, as we make our way back to Marrakech. We stop in Rissani, the historical capital of the Tafilalet region. Rissani has a deep connection to Morocco’s history, as it was once the birthplace of the Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled Morocco since the 17th century. The town is home to a bustling market, where you can experience the trade practices that have been a staple of Moroccan life for generations.

Then, we visit the Draa Valley, a historically significant region that has been a crossroads of commerce and culture for centuries. The Draa Valley, known for its fertile palm groves and scenic kasbahs, once served as a major caravan route connecting the Sahara with Morocco’s imperial cities. As we travel along the valley, you will see remnants of ancient Berber villages and traditional adobe structures, which stand as silent witnesses to the area’s rich history. The valley also holds great cultural significance, as it was a vital part of the trans-Saharan trade route, facilitating the exchange of goods such as gold, salt, and spices between Africa and Europe. The stunning landscapes, coupled with the valley’s historical depth, provide a perfect reflection of Morocco’s enduring cultural heritage.

Continuing our journey, we return to Marrakech, where your adventure through Morocco’s timeless desert landscapes, ancient kasbahs, and historical treasures comes to a close.