3 Days Ait Benhadou, Merzouga, Dades & Todra Gorges Highlights
3 Days Desert Tour: Ait Ben Haddou – Erg Chigaga – Desert camp
The trip takes you over the highest pass in the Atlas Mountains and we visit the most famous kasbah in Morocco, Ksar Ait Ben Haddou. We pass Berber villages, Morocco’s Hollywood city, Ouarzazate, green valleys where Berbers grow dates, vegetables and herbs. We visit a ceramic village to see colorful, handmade ceramics. On the way back to Marrakech we stop at Morocco’s capital carpet village. 3 Days Ait Benhadou, Merzouga, Dades & Todra Gorges Highlights
On day 2 you ride a camel into the Sahara sand dunes, enjoy an amazing sunset and a magical starlit sky. Eat well in the camp and sleep in a nomad tent. The friendly nomads give you an insight in the nomadic way of life. 3 Days Ait Benhadou, Merzouga, Dades & Todra Gorges Highlights
On the way back we drive off-road for a while on the old route of Rally Paris – Dakar.
DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM – 3 Days Ait Benhadou, Merzouga, Dades & Todra Gorges Highlights
Day 1: Marrakech – Atlas Mountains – Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou – Draa valley – Zagora
The trip starts at 9 am, when the driver picks you up at your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
We head to the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing via the twisting pass of Tizi n Tichka. We drive further until we reach the famous Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. The kasbah is a well-preserved fortified city which is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage site. From here we visit the city, or ksar, on foot. Lunch in Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
After lunch we continue south, through the city of Ouarzazate, also known as Morocco’s Hollywood and nicknamed the «door to Sahara». We continue through the lush Draa valley, where we turn off the main road and follow the old caravan route. We drive along the palm trees until we reach the desert town of Zagora.
Dinner and sleep at the guesthouse in Zagora.
- From Marrakech
- Start/stop: At your hotel or riad
- Duration: 3 days
- Transport: Landcruiser 4×4 car with aircondition
- Language: Driver/guide speaks English and French
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Todra Gorges
Embark on an adventure at 7:00 am as we depart from Marrakech in a comfortable minibus, journeying over the majestic Atlas Mountains. Traverse the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2260m), the highest mountain road pass in Morocco, offering awe-inspiring views of the zigzagging road below and the surrounding landscapes. En route to Ouarzazate, explore the renowned Ksars and Kasbahs of Aït Benhaddou, a fortified marvel. As we continue towards Ouarzazate, witness the scenic beauty of the Valley of the Roses and Kellat Mgouna. Departing from the main road, our path leads to Dades Valley, passing through the charming city of Tinghir before reaching the magnificent Todra Gorges. Overnight at a peaceful hotel/Riad, surrounded by the enchanting desert landscape.
Day 2: Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel and a visit to the impressive Todra Gorges. Journey towards Merzouga, passing through picturesque desert towns such as Tinjdad, Erfoud, and Rissani. Prepare for a camel trek from Merzouga to Erg Chebbi, a two-hour ride. As the sun sets, arrive at a nomadic camp nestled in the heart of the highest dunes in Morocco (150m). Indulge in a traditional Berber dinner, perhaps accompanied by entertainment and a drum party. Choose between sleeping under the stars or in tents at our desert camp.
Day 3: Erg Chebbi – Merzouga – Alnif – Tazzarine – Agdez – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Awaken early to witness the desert sunrise. After breakfast, reunite with the camels for a return journey through an alternative path over the dunes, reaching our waiting vehicle in Merzouga. Travel through Alnif, Tazzarine, and a segment of the extensive Draa Valley before arriving at Agdez. Continue the homeward journey to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and the Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260m). Anticipate arrival back in Marrakech around 8 pm, concluding an enriching desert expedition.
More info
Period Year round
Duration 3 days/2 nights