This three-day tour is the best way to discover southeastern Morocco from Ouarzazate, especially the golden sand dunes of Merzouga, weaving in some of the region’s most striking settings: the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, the Dades Valley, Todgha Gorge, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, and — on the Fes ending — the Ziz Valley, Midelt, the Azrou cedar forest, and Ifrane. You explore the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, walk beneath the 300-metre cliffs of Todra Gorge, ride camels into the Sahara dunes, and spend the night with local Berber hosts under the stars. You can end this tour in Marrakech, Fes, or wherever you prefer.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: OUARZAZATE -> AIT BEN HADDOU -> DADES VALLEY
Your tour begins with a pick-up from the airport or anywhere in Ouarzazate. We then head to the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the location of numerous films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, and the famous series Game of Thrones, among many others. After lunch in the village of Ait Ben Haddou, we continue towards the Dades Valley, passing through Ouarzazate along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.” Arrive in the evening and overnight in a hotel/riad in the Dades Valley.
DAY 2: DADES VALLEY -> TODRA GORGE -> MERZOUGA DESERT
We start the second day heading to Todra Gorge, where we take a walk beneath the 300-metre-high cliffs. We then continue the journey towards Merzouga, where an experienced camel handler and the camels will be waiting to lead us across the fabulous dunes of Merzouga, for about half an hour, until we reach the camp. You’ll spend the night with the locals under the stars.
DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT -> OUARZAZATE -> MARRAKECH
After breakfast at the camp, we begin the last day of the tour with a camel ride back to the town of Merzouga, from where we set off on the journey to Marrakech. We make several stops along the way before reaching Marrakech in the evening.
THE LAST DAY OF THE TOUR TOWARDS FES
DAY 3 (FES OPTION): MERZOUGA DESERT -> ZIZ VALLEY -> MIDELT -> AZROU -> IFRANE -> FES
After breakfast, we begin the last day of the tour towards Fes, driving along the Ziz Valley with a stop at a panoramic viewpoint. Lunch will be in Midelt, then we continue the journey. We may be able to spot the Barbary monkeys that live in the cedar forest of Azrou. The next destination will be Ifrane, also called the Switzerland of Morocco, where we make a stop before heading to Fes with drop-off at your hotel/riad.
IMPORTANT NOTES
THE PRICE
The price varies depending on the number of travelers. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person can be. Transportation costs are fixed and shared between the travelers. The final price also depends on the accommodation category you choose, such as standard, superior, or luxury. Contact us for an exact quotation based on your group size, travel dates, and preferences.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is the tour private or shared?
The tour is a completely private experience. You will travel exclusively with the members of your own group, without joining other tourists. This gives you greater flexibility with the schedule, stops, pace, and overall experience.
How long is the camel ride? What is the alternative to camels?
The camel ride usually takes about half an hour to reach the desert camp, depending on the camp location and conditions. If you prefer not to ride a camel, you can be transferred to the camp by 4×4 vehicle at no additional cost. Quad biking and buggy excursions are also available at an extra cost.
Is the desert tent private? Does it have a private bathroom and shower?
Yes. Our luxury desert camp offers private tents equipped with private en-suite bathrooms, including a shower and hot running water.
What happens to our luggage during the camel ride?
During the camel ride, you only need to carry a small backpack with the essentials you need for the night. Your main luggage will be transported by the camp’s 4×4 vehicle and will be waiting for you at your tent when you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best times to visit Morocco are generally spring, from March to May, and autumn, from September to November, when temperatures are usually pleasant across much of the country. Winter can also be an excellent time to travel, especially for exploring the southern desert regions.
What type of vehicles are used?
We use modern, comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles:
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. We can accommodate a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other specific requests. Please let us know when booking so we can arrange the included meals and stops along the route accordingly.
Is the tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is suitable for travelers of different ages. Please note that some days involve several hours of driving to cover the distances between different regions of Morocco. Our vehicles are comfortable, and regular stops can be made during the journey.
Where does the tour start and finish?
Pick-up is available directly from Ouarzazate airport or your accommodation on the first day. The tour can end in Marrakech or Fes, with a drop-off at your accommodation or the airport on the final day. If preferred, the itinerary can also start or finish in another city upon request.
Expenses and additional costs
Currency exchange: Euros and US Dollars can be exchanged for Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) at banks, airports, and exchange offices. ATMs are also widely available throughout Morocco.
Cost of meals: Lunches are not included in the tour price and generally cost around 5–20 EUR per person, depending on the restaurant and location.
Bargaining: Negotiating prices in souks and traditional markets is a normal part of shopping culture in Morocco.
BOOKING PROCESS
1. Contact us
Contact us through our contact form, email, or WhatsApp and provide the number of travelers, your approximate travel date, and your preferred accommodation category.
2. Confirm your booking
A small deposit is required to confirm your reservation. Payment can be made through PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer.
The remaining balance can be paid in cash in EUR, USD, or MAD directly to the driver upon arrival.
WHY CHOOSE A PRIVATE MOROCCO TOUR?
A private tour allows you to travel at your own pace, with greater flexibility over departure times, sightseeing stops, breaks, activities, and accommodation choices.
You will have an experienced private driver and a vehicle exclusively for your group, giving you more freedom and comfort throughout the journey. Whether you are traveling as a couple, family, group of friends, or a small private group, the itinerary can be adapted around your interests and travel preferences.
I traveled solo and felt looked after the whole time. This 3-day Ouarzazate desert tour to Marrakech or Fes is varied and full of authentic experiences. Highly recommended.
Cómodo y seguro incluso con los más pequeños. el Valle del Dades entusiasmó a todos. Muchas gracias.
Un incredibile tour di 3 giorni nel deserto da Ouarzazate a Marrakech o Fes. La notte nel campo nel deserto sotto le stelle è stata pura magia, e le dune dell’Erg Chebbi è stato un momento clou. Organizzazione impeccabile.
Días intensos y gratificantes. las Gargantas del Todra y las dunas de Erg Chebbi fueron lo mejor del viaje.
Beautifully paced. the Erg Chebbi dunes, the Todra Gorge and Ait Ben Haddou were the standouts. Everything ran smoothly.
