4-Day Desert Tour from Errachidia to Marrakech

Day 1: Errachidia – Merzouga Desert

Begin your adventure in Errachidia early in the morning, meeting your driver and departing southeast toward Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. The road takes you along the Ziz Valley, lined with lush palm groves, historic kasbahs, and small Berber villages where you can stop for photos or short walks. Continue to Erfoud, a town famous for its ancient fossils and dates, where you may visit a fossil workshop or sample local treats. Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon, where camels await for a sunset trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Experience the peacefulness of the desert as the sun dips behind the towering dunes, and then settle into your desert camp for a traditional Berber dinner and a night under the stars.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Erfoud – Todra Gorge

Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, a truly magical experience. After breakfast, leave Merzouga and drive through Rissani, the historic trade town that once served as a caravan center for Saharan merchants. Explore the lively market (if visiting on a market day), where local goods and spices fill the stalls. Continue to Erfoud briefly before heading toward the Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with cliffs towering hundreds of meters above the river. Enjoy short hikes or photography stops, marveling at the sheer rock walls and tranquil river flowing through the gorge. The day ends with a drive to the Dades Valley, known for its striking “Monkey Fingers” rock formations and scenic kasbahs. Overnight in a comfortable hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Valley.

Day 3: Dades Valley – Rose Valley – Ouarzazate

After breakfast, explore the Dades Valley further, taking in its lush landscapes and traditional Berber villages. Drive through the Rose Valley, famous for its rose fields and fragrant air, especially in spring. Continue toward Ouarzazate, Morocco’s film-making hub, stopping at the famous Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the impressive mud-brick architecture that has served as a backdrop for many films and enjoy a short walking tour of the village. Continue your journey toward the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass with its panoramic views of mountain peaks, valleys, and terraced villages. Overnight in a hotel or riad in a town near the mountains or directly in Marrakech, depending on schedule.

Day 4: Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

On the final day, drive through the stunning landscapes of the High Atlas, enjoying the mountains, valleys, and Berber villages along the way. Arrive in Marrakech in the late morning or early afternoon. You can spend your remaining time exploring the city’s vibrant medina, colorful souks, and iconic sites such as Jemaa el-Fnaa square or the Majorelle Garden. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech, leaving you free to continue your Moroccan adventure or relax in the lively city.