Day 01 :
Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley
- 08:00 AM: Depart Marrakech and ascend the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m). Enjoy scenic stops for photos.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou. Explore the ancient fortified village (Ksar), a famous filming location for Game of Thrones and Gladiator.
- 01:00 PM: Lunch in the village or nearby Ouarzazate.
- 03:00 PM: Drive along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" through the Skoura palm grove.
- 05:00 PM: Pass the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" and arrive in the Dades Valley.
- 06:30 PM: Walk along the Dades gorge (known as the "Monkey Fingers" rock formations).
- Overnight: Hotel/Riad in Boumalne Dades.
Day 02 :
Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert
- 08:30 AM: Breakfast. Drive through the Dades Valley towards Tinghir.
- 10:00 AM: Arrive at Todra Gorge. Walk through the massive canyon and see the rock climbers scaling the 300m high walls.
- 01:00 PM: Lunch in Tinghir or a small Berber village.
- 03:00 PM: Drive to Merzouga. Stop to see the fossils in Erfoud.
- 04:30 PM: Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi Dunes. Mount your camels for a 1-hour trek into the desert to watch the sunset.
- 06:30 PM: Arrive at the Desert Camp. Relax on the dunes, watch the stars, and enjoy traditional Berber drums.
- Overnight: Luxury or Standard Desert Camp (tents).
Day 03 :
Merzouga – Ziz Valley – High Atlas – Marrakech
- 06:00 AM: Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes.
- 07:30 AM: Breakfast at the camp, then camel ride back to the village.
- 09:00 AM: Depart towards the Middle Atlas Mountains (via the Boumalne route) or the direct route to Ouarzazate. (The direct route is usually taken to save time).
- 11:00 AM: Drive through the Tizi n'Tichka pass again, stopping for panoramic views.
- 01:00 PM: Lunch in a village near the mountains.
- 02:30 PM: Stop at an Argan Oil cooperative to learn about the "Liquid Gold."
- 07:00 PM: Descend from the mountains and arrive back in Marrakech.
- 08:00 PM: Drop-off at your hotel/Riad.
How long is the drive each day?
- Day 1: Approx. 7.5 hours driving (scenic with stops).
- Day 2: Approx. 3.5 hours driving.
- Day 3: Approx. 8 hours driving.
- Note: The return journey on Day 3 is long, but it is necessary to get back to Marrakech.
Are the toilet facilities at the Desert Camp clean?
In “Luxury” camps, tents have private ensuite bathrooms with proper showers and toilets. In “Standard” camps, toilets and showers are shared block facilities.
Can we skip the Camel Trek?
Yes, if you prefer not to ride a camel, the 4×4 can drive you directly to the desert camp.