The itinerary at a glance
If you only have 3 days, the Marrakech to Merzouga desert route is the best way to experience the essence of Morocco: the High Atlas, the mud-brick kasbahs, the gorges and a night under the stars in the Sahara. Here's the day-by-day itinerary.
Day 1 · Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dadès Valley
An early start from Marrakech and the climb to the Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), the High Atlas crossing. The first big stop is Ait Ben Haddou, the UNESCO World Heritage mud-brick kasbah. Then Ouarzazate and its film studios, ending the day in the spectacular Dadès Valley.
Day 2 · Dadès → Todra Gorges → Merzouga (night in the desert)
In the morning, the Todra Gorges, a canyon with red walls up to 300 m high. On along the Route of a Thousand Kasbahs to Merzouga. At sunset you enter the dunes of Erg Chebbi on a camel and reach the camp for dinner, Berber music and a night under a starry sky.
Day 3 · Sunrise over the dunes → back to Marrakech
Get up early for the sunrise over the dunes — the most magical moment of the trip. Breakfast at the camp and the return to Marrakech on a scenic route, with stops to eat and photograph the landscape.
Tips for this route
- Bring a warm layer: the desert gets cold at night (see what to pack for Morocco).
- 3 days is the minimum; if you can, 4 or 5 let you enjoy it without rushing.
- The best time is October to April (see the best time to travel).
How to do it?
The most comfortable and safest way is on an organised tour, with private transport and a guide. That's exactly what our 3-day tour from Marrakech to the desert offers. If you have questions about the journey, read how to get from Marrakech to Merzouga.
