3-Day Private Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour | Sahara, Gorges & High Atlas

Your private driver meets you at your Marrakech Riad or Airport (RAK) early in the morning. Begin your drive into the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260 m) with stops for sweeping mountain vistas.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, the famous earthen fortified ksar featured in Gladiator and The Mummy. Continue through Ouarzazate and the palm groves of Skoura, driving through the fragrant Rose Valley in Kelaat M'Gouna before arriving in Boumalne Dades for overnight

• Tizi n'Tichka Pass, Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, Rose Valley, Dades Valley

After breakfast, drive along the Dades Valley to take in the panoramic canyon vistas. Continue to Todra Gorge, taking a relaxing stroll beneath sheer 300-meter vertical limestone cliffs along the Todra River.

Pass through the palm oases of Touroug and Tinjdad before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga. Mount camels (or board a 4WD) to ride across the high dunes for sunset. Arrive at your luxury desert camp for a traditional Berber dinner and drumming around the campfire under a starry sky

• Todra Gorge walk, Erg Chebbi golden hour, camel trek, luxury desert camp

Wake early to watch a magical sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After breakfast, return to Merzouga by camel or 4WD to meet your driver. Visit the desert market town of Rissani, famous for its historic trans-Saharan trading heritage.

Drive through Alnif and along the lush, palm-dense Draa Valley toward Ouarzazate. Cross the High Atlas Mountains via Tizi n'Tichka pass once more, arriving back in Marrakech by early evening for hotel drop-off

• If you prefer to avoid the 9-hour return drive, finish your tour at Errachidia Airport (ERH, 2 hours from Merzouga) for a quick 1-hour flight to Marrakech (or opt for a drop-off in Fes)