Desert Tour: Marrakech to Marrakech

Leave Marrakech and climb into the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The road winds through small mountain villages, terraced hillsides, and scenic viewpoints. By afternoon, arrive at the ancient earthen village of Ait Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic ksars. Walk through its narrow alleys as the clay walls glow in the late afternoon light. Overnight in Ait Ben Haddou.

Travel east along the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Pass through the palm groves of Skoura and continue into the Valley of Roses, where fields of fragrant roses and small cooperatives produce rose water and oils using traditional methods. By late afternoon, reach the red cliffs and winding roads of Dades Gorge. Overnight in Dades Gorge.

Spend a slow day exploring the landscapes and culture of the gorge. Take a guided hike through the striking rock formations known as the Monkey Fingers, where narrow paths wind between sculpted cliffs and hidden valleys. Along the way, stop for tea with a nomadic family and learn about life in this rugged region. In the evening, share a traditional dinner with a local Amazigh family. Overnight in Dades Gorge.

Travel through desert landscapes toward the dramatic cliffs of Todgha Gorge. Walk beneath the towering rock walls that rise above the riverbed, then continue south through palm-filled oases and traditional villages. By late afternoon, the dunes of Erg Chebbi appear on the horizon as you arrive in Merzouga. Overnight in Merzouga.

Spend the morning exploring the desert region around Merzouga. Visit a Gnawa family to experience traditional music and stop at a nomadic settlement for tea. In the late afternoon, ride camels or travel by 4x4 into the dunes as the light softens. Arrive at a comfortable desert camp, enjoy a home-cooked meal, and listen to live desert music around the fire beneath the stars. Overnight in desert camp.

Wake early for sunrise over the dunes, then return to Merzouga for breakfast. Travel west through desert plateaus and rocky landscapes toward the lush Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s longest palm oases. Follow the ribbon of date palms and earthen villages along the valley floor as you arrive in the quiet oasis town of Agdez. In the afternoon, take a gentle hike in the Kissane mountain area, with wide views over the valley and surrounding desert hills. Overnight in Agdez.

Continue along the Draa Valley before turning north toward the High Atlas Mountains. Cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass once more, stopping at scenic viewpoints and small roadside markets. Arrive back in Marrakech in the late afternoon, where the journey comes full circle.