This four-day tour is an unforgettable desert adventure, taking you from Marrakech through some of southern Morocco’s most striking settings: the High Atlas Mountains, the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses, the Dades Gorge, Todgha Gorge, the golden Erg Chebbi dunes around Merzouga, and the Draa Valley with Agdez. You ride a gentle camel and explore the beautiful Sahara with its huge sand dunes, camp out under the stars, and visit a nomadic Berber family for a real cultural exchange. With a full day dedicated to the Merzouga desert, you’ll have plenty of time to explore its breathtaking landscapes and make friends with the friendly local nomadic people who live there.
Every itinerary is fully customisable to suit your preferences and pace.
DAY 1: MARRAKECH -> HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS -> AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH -> OUARZAZATE -> DADES GORGES
Start your tour with a convenient pickup from where you’re staying, whether it’s a hotel, riad, or another spot in Marrakech. Leave the city and travel southeast through the High Atlas Mountains. You’ll see charming Berber villages and get chances to take great pictures at some beautiful viewpoints.
Have a delicious lunch at Ait Ben Haddou village, where you’ll also explore the old Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. This special “fortified village” has been recognized by UNESCO as an important place since 1987. It’s even been in famous movies like Prince of Persia, Gladiator, and the famous TV series Game of Thrones.
After a short drive to Ouarzazate, we stop at the biggest studio in Africa if you’d like to visit it. Then head to Dades Gorge, passing through the pretty Valley of Roses on the way. In the Dades Valley, you’ll get to see amazing rock formations (known as monkey fingers) and a panoramic view of the gorge and the valley before we go to your hotel for the night.
Approximate driving distance/time: 353 km / 6 hours 30 minutes
DAY 2: DADES GORGES -> TODRA CANYON -> MERZOUGA DESERT
Begin your day by enjoying a delightful breakfast that sets the mood for the exciting experiences to come. Start a scenic drive along the beautiful Dades and Todra Rivers, surrounded by green palm groves and authentic Berber villages. Your first stop will be the incredible Todra Gorge in Tinghir, famous as one of the most breathtaking canyons globally. Following this, your journey carries you toward the fascinating Merzouga desert.
On the way to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, our knowledgeable driver/guide will suggest stopping at a traditional Berber shop. Here you can try on Berber clothes and take pictures all without any cost. If you want to, you can buy things like scarves that are good for the desert or souvenirs. But you don’t have to buy anything if you don’t want to; the shop is mostly there to show and tell about Berber culture. If you don’t want to go to the shop, just tell the guide and we can keep going without stopping there.
Upon your arrival in Merzouga, get ready for an unforgettable camel excursion into the heart of the desert. When the sun goes down behind the sand dunes, enjoy the beautiful sight and try the fun activity of sandboarding. As the night unfolds, retreat to a luxurious desert camp, where a delicious dinner awaits. You’ll experience the magic of the desert at night, which will make you feel like you’re part of its special charm that has been around for a very long time.
Approximate driving distance/time: 275 km / 4 hours
DAY 3: EXPLORE THE MERZOUGA DESERT
Starting your day with an early wake-up is a great idea. You can watch a stunning sunrise from a nearby sand dune. Once you’ve had a tasty breakfast at the camp, your exploration of the Merzouga desert will begin. We have a special 4×4 SUV that will take you to meet the Berber Nomads who live behind the sand dunes. They will show you how they live and share lots about their unique culture. You’ll even visit a little hidden village called Mefis, listen to Gnawa music in Khamlia village, and see the Lake of Birds if it happens to be full.
After lunch, we head to your riad where you can check in and have some free time. During this time, you can decide if you want to go for a swim or take a walk to the nearby sand dunes. Later in the evening, you’ll have dinner, and then you’ll spend the night at your riad. Remember, you can choose to spend another night at the desert camp if you’d like.
Approximate driving distance/time: 57 km / 1 hour 15 minutes
DAY 4: MERZOUGA DESERT -> AGDEZ -> MARRAKECH
Following a tasty breakfast in your riad, we start our journey back to the vibrant city of Marrakech. This time, our route takes us through the Draa Valley, known as Morocco’s longest valley. During this drive, we stop in Agdez to enjoy a panoramic view of this valley that’s full of palm trees.
On our way, we have the opportunity to stop in Ouarzazate for a satisfying lunch. Afterward, our path leads us through the majestic High Atlas Mountains again as we make our way back to Marrakech. We drop you off at your accommodation, and that marks the end of this tour.
Approximate driving distance/time: 560 km / 9 hours
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.
Como viajero solo, disfruté mucho de la visita a la familia nómada y la música Gnawa en Khamlia. Guía competente y lleno de historias interesantes.
Tutto organizzato alla perfezione. Attraversare l’Alto Atlante e la giornata intera nel deserto sono state emozionanti. Autista puntuale e professionale.
Perfecto para unas vacaciones en familia. Los camellos, el campamento y la familia nómada hicieron felices a nuestros niños. Conductor muy amable.
Four perfect days as a couple. Ait Ben Haddou, the Todgha Gorge and the camel trek at sunset left us with priceless memories. Flawless organization.
A private tour that let me enjoy every stop at my own pace. Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes will stay among my dearest memories.
