TEL:+212 618-893170
moroccoepicjourney@gmail.com
This four-day tour steps into the captivating world of the Sahara, taking you from Marrakech through some of southern Morocco’s most striking settings: the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Skoura and the Valley of Roses, the Dades Gorge, Todgha Gorge, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, Rissani, the Draa Valley and Agdez, Ouarzazate, and the kasbahs of Aït Benhaddou and Telouet. You discover ancient Berber villages, enjoy camel trekking on the dunes, spend a magical night in a desert camp with friendly locals, and get a glimpse of their unique Berber culture — marvelling at sunset and sunrise over the Erg Chebbi Dunes and delighting in the breathtaking views of the Draa Valley along the way.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: MARRAKECH -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> SKOURA -> DADES GORGES
Your tour begins with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation. Departing Marrakech, we journey through the stunning High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Throughout the drive, your friendly guide and driver make stops at the most picturesque spots, and you can request halts whenever you wish.
Following a delightful lunch in either Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate, our journey proceeds towards the Dades Gorges through the captivating Skoura and the enchanting Rose Valley. In Skoura’s lush oasis, you have the option to visit the remarkable Amridil Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most impressive fortified villages. For those travelling during the spring season, we can also make a special stop to witness the valley in full bloom, adorned with a mesmerizing display of roses at this time of year.
As we arrive at the Dades Gorges, get ready to be amazed by the impressive rock formations often referred to as “monkey fingers,” while also relishing a panoramic view of the stunning gorge. Finally, we head to your hotel for relaxation, dinner, and a well-deserved overnight stay.
Approximate driving distance/time: 353 km / 6 hours 30 minutes
DAY 2: DADES GORGES -> TODRA CANYON -> MERZOUGA DESERT
Start your day with a delicious breakfast, and then take a scenic drive along the Dades and Todra Rivers, which are surrounded by palm groves and Berber villages. Your destination is the Todra Gorge in Tinghir, one of the most amazing canyons in the world! Afterward, head to the Merzouga desert.
Before reaching the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, our driver/guide will suggest visiting a traditional Berber shop. There, you can take free pictures wearing a Berber outfit! If you want, you can buy something, like scarves that are great for the desert or some souvenirs. Remember, it’s not necessary to buy anything; the shop’s main purpose is to share Berber culture. Just let your driver/guide know if you’re not interested, and you can skip the shop.
Once you arrive in Merzouga, get ready for a camel ride into the desert to watch the sunset over the dunes and try sandboarding. Then spend the night in a luxury desert camp, where you’ll enjoy a tasty dinner and experience the magic of the Sahara at night.
Approximate driving distance/time: 310 km / 5 hours
DAY 3: MERZOUGA -> RISSANI -> AGDEZ -> OUARZAZATE
Today, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise if you wake up early. The spectacular display of colors can be witnessed from the nearest dune to your camp. Once you’ve had a delightful breakfast at the camp, you have two options for your journey back to the town of Merzouga: a camel trekking adventure or a comfortable 4-by-4 vehicle ride.
Just a short distance away from the town lies the village of Khamliya, renowned for its enchanting Gnawa music. Here we take a moment to immerse ourselves in the captivating sounds of this Moroccan music style. Afterward, our next destination is Rissani, an ancient city that holds historical significance as the foundation of the current ruling family of Morocco and an important stop along old caravan routes. If it happens to be Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the traditional Moroccan souk in the city.
From Rissani, our journey continues through the picturesque Draa Valley in Agdez, a truly charming sight. The road leads us to Ouarzazate, where we arrive in the afternoon and settle into our accommodation.
Approximate driving distance/time: 370 km / 5 hours 30 minutes
DAY 4: OUARZAZATE -> AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH -> TELOUET KASBAH -> MARRAKECH
Today, our adventure begins with a delectable breakfast before we set out to explore Ouarzazate, often referred to as the Hollywood of Africa and a key gateway to the Sahara desert. Notably, this city boasts the largest studio in all of Africa, the renowned Atlas Studios, as well as the historic Taourirt Kasbah.
Once we’ve immersed ourselves in the charms of Ouarzazate, our journey continues to the captivating Ait Ben Haddou. Here we have the opportunity to explore the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a site that has earned UNESCO’s protection since 1987. This remarkable fortress has served as a backdrop for numerous iconic films and TV series, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones, adding to its allure.
As we conclude our exploration of the mesmerizing Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, our journey leads us onwards to the vibrant city of Marrakech, taking us through the majestic Atlas Mountains. The drive presents a tapestry of breathtaking vistas, showcasing the charm and allure of the quaint Berber villages dotting the mountainside. Along the way, we have the pleasure of pausing to admire the captivating Kasbah of Telouet.
As we bid farewell to this unforgettable 4-day desert tour from Marrakech, we ensure your safe return by dropping you off at your accommodation in Marrakech. The memories woven into these four days will forever hold the essence of desert wonders and cultural treasures we’ve had the privilege to experience together.
Approximate driving distance/time: 194 km / 3 hours 39 minutes
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 between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours 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 Marrakech Menara Airport or your accommodation in Marrakech on the first day. The tour begins and ends in Marrakech, with the final drop-off at the airport or your accommodation on the last day. If preferred, the tour can also finish in Fes instead of returning to Marrakech 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.
Wonderful and well-balanced. the Erg Chebbi dunes and the Dades Valley alone are worth the trip. Thank you so much.
Un viaje perfecto en familia. Los niños adoraron las dunas de Erg Chebbi y la noche en el campamento del desierto. Conductor paciente con todos.
Beautifully paced. the Erg Chebbi dunes, Ait Ben Haddou and the Dades Valley were the standouts. Everything ran smoothly.
Perfecto para unas vacaciones en familia. Los camellos, el campamento y la música bereber hicieron felices a nuestros niños. Conductor muy amable.
Ho scoperto il vero Marocco meridionale. Da Ait Ben Haddou alla Valle del Draa, ogni tappa aveva qualcosa di speciale. Rientro a Marrakech perfetto.
