Itinerary

1. Day 1: Travel from Marrakech to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and Ouarzazate Studios towards Dades Valley

   • The private driver for your Marrakech to desert tour will meet you, and we will depart Marrakech, heading over the High Atlas Mountains to the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
   • We will have time to pause and take in the scenery and enjoy a break for coffee and freshly squeezed orange juice.
   • We will spend the day at Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This community of clustered Berber kasbahs has appeared in over 20 films and was one of the most important fortress strongholds on the historic Salt Road, transporting enslaved people, gold, ivory, and salt from Saharan Africa to Marrakech and beyond.
   • We will drive via Ouarzazate and the Valley of the Roses, which is known for its delicate Persian rose oil.
   • You will pass through many Berber settlements and observe arid hillsides studded with kasbahs once you are in the desert.
   • We will have dinner and stay at the Dades Valley Hotel.

2. Day 2: Transport from Dades Gorges to Erg Chebbi near Merzouga and camel ride to camp

   • After breakfast, we will take a short trip to stroll through a major fault that divides the High Atlas mountains. 
   • The steep rock walls of Todra Gorge rise to 300 metres at their narrowest point. 
   • Then, we will make our way to the Erg Chebbi sand sea. 
   • We will travel farther into the desert environment till we see dunes on the horizon. 
   • Our destination for the afternoon is a hotel (small rural inn) near Merzouga, where you will meet your camel guide and ride into the bivouac (camp). 
   • Upon arrival, a traditional tagine dinner (vegetarians are welcome) will be prepared under the evening stars sparkling brightly in the pure night sky. 
   • Climb the dunes and watch the moon rise before retiring to your nomad tent bed.

3. Day 3: Travel From Erg Chebbi Desert to Marakech

   • Return to the hotel by camel in the morning for food and a shower. 
   • The rest of the day will be spent driving back to Ouarzazate, where we will have lunch and visit the historic Glaoui Kasbah Taourirt. 
   • Then, we cross the High Atlas again, this time through the Tizi n'Tichka pass. 
   • Arrival at Marrakech in the evening, around 6 p.m. 
   • Staying in a Marrakech hotel for this night is optional and at an additional expense.