4-Day / 3-Night Sahara Desert & Atlas Mountains Tour from Marrakech (Private • Morocco Travel Bliss)
A perfectly balanced 4-day Morocco journey combining the Sahara and the High Atlas: cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, visit Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO) and Ouarzazate, explore Dades & Todra Gorges, ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a Berber camp night, then follow the Draa Valley back to the Atlas Mountains for Imlil village hiking before returning to Marrakech.
Top highlights
- High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) • scenic viewpoints
- Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar • iconic kasbah architecture & film location
- Ouarzazate (“Gateway to the Desert”) • optional Atlas Film Studios
- Dades Gorges + Todra Gorge: dramatic canyon walls and oasis valleys
- Erfoud & Rissani: desert gateway towns on the way to Merzouga
- Merzouga: camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes • Sahara sunset
- Berber desert camp night (traditional or luxury upgrade) • dinner under the stars
- Draa Valley: palm groves and ancient kasbahs • Atlas Mountains in Imlil
Overview
This 4-day / 3-night private tour is ideal if you want “the best of both worlds”: authentic Sahara dunes in Merzouga and a real taste of the Atlas Mountains. You’ll follow Morocco’s legendary kasbah route to Dades, hike through Todra’s canyon landscapes, experience a camel trek to a desert camp in Erg Chebbi, then travel the Draa Valley and finish with a guided walk in the Imlil Valley (Mount Toubkal area) before returning to Marrakech.
Itinerary (Sample)
- Morning pickup from your riad/hotel in Marrakech
- Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) • panoramic stops
- Drive through Telouet Valley toward Aït Benhaddou
- Visit Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar (guided walk available)
- Lunch break (Aït Benhaddou or Ouarzazate area)
- Arrive Ouarzazate • optional Atlas Film Studios visit (time permitting)
- Continue via Skoura oasis + Kelaat M’Gouna (Valley of Roses)
- Arrive Dades Gorges • dinner and overnight in a cozy guesthouse
- Breakfast • depart Dades Gorges
- Stop in Todra Gorge for a walk between the canyon walls
- Continue via Erfoud (optional fossil workshop) and Rissani
- Arrive Merzouga • mint tea and meet your camel guide
- Camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes (sunset timing)
- Dinner under the stars • Berber music • overnight in a traditional camp
- Upgrade option: luxury camp with private bathroom (subject to availability)
- Early wake-up for sunrise over the dunes (optional)
- Breakfast at camp • camel ride back to Merzouga
- Scenic drive through Alnif and Tazzarine desert landscapes
- Follow the Draa Valley: palm groves, kasbahs and oasis viewpoints
- Lunch stop in Ouarzazate
- Continue into the Atlas Mountains to the peaceful Imlil Valley
- Overnight in Imlil (example: Riad Jnane Imlil or similar, subject to availability)
- Breakfast in Imlil
- Guided hike through Berber villages with views of Mount Toubkal (flexible duration)
- Free time for mint tea / photos / local craft stops
- Afternoon transfer back to Marrakech
- Drop-off at your hotel/riad • end of services
Included & details
- Comfortable air-conditioned private vehicle + fuel included
- Professional driver-guide (English/French speaking)
- 3 nights accommodation:
- 1 night in a guesthouse in Dades Valley / Dades Gorges
- 1 night in a nomadic desert camp in Merzouga (traditional camp)
- 1 night in a guesthouse/riad in Imlil Valley (High Atlas)
- Camel ride in the Merzouga dunes (to/from camp)
- All meals included: 3 breakfasts • 3 dinners • 4 lunches
- Guided walk in the Imlil Valley (Berber villages)
- Stops for sightseeing and photography along the route
- Drinks and personal beverages
- Entry fees for attractions and optional visits (Aït Benhaddou, kasbahs, film studios, etc.)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, tips, etc.)
- Travel insurance and flights
- Luxury desert camp upgrade (private bathroom) — subject to availability
- 4x4 transfer instead of camels (both ways)
- Extra scenic stops (Skoura / Taourirt Kasbah) if timing allows
- Longer hike in Imlil or additional viewpoint loops
Day 3 is a long transfer day (Merzouga → Draa Valley → Imlil). Atlas roads are scenic but winding — bring motion-sickness medication if needed. Desert nights can be cold from Oct–Mar, so pack warm layers. Camel trekking is not mandatory: a 4x4 transfer can be arranged.
FAQs
Yes. This is a private itinerary. We can adjust pickup time, stop duration, accommodation category, and optional visits based on your pace.
Yes. A luxury camp upgrade with private bathroom can be arranged (subject to availability).
No. If you prefer, we can arrange a 4x4 transfer to and from the camp instead of camels.
The hike is flexible and can be adapted to your fitness level. We can do a short village walk or a longer loop with more elevation.
Yes. This package includes 3 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and 4 lunches as stated in the program.
