Departing Marrakech in the early morning, the road winds up into the High Atlas Mountains, a dramatic gateway to the south. As you climb the twisting roads of the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, you’ll witness Berber villages tucked into hillsides and catch panoramic views that stretch for miles.

A must-stop is Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site and famous filming location (Gladiator, Game of Thrones). This ancient ksar — a fortress of earthen clay buildings — offers a glimpse into medieval desert life.

After lunch, continue through the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses, eventually arriving in the rugged beauty of the Dades Valley. Known as the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs,” this region is home to spectacular rock formations, deep gorges, and fortified villages. You’ll spend the night in a cozy guesthouse, listening to the quiet flow of the Dades River.

After breakfast, the journey heads east through dramatic landscapes toward the desert. Stop at the towering cliffs of Todra Gorges, a paradise for hikers and climbers. As the land flattens and the dunes appear on the horizon, you’ll know you’re approaching the Sahara.

By late afternoon, you’ll reach Merzouga, a village at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, your camel awaits. As the sun dips below the horizon, you ride into the dunes — soft, golden, and endless. The peacefulness of the desert is overwhelming.

Arrive at your Berber-style camp nestled between the dunes. With a traditional dinner, drumming by the fire, and a sky blanketed in stars, it’s a night you’ll never forget.

Awake early to catch the sunrise over the dunes — a magical, silent moment. After breakfast, take a 4×4 transfer to Merzouga.

Then it’s on to Rissani, the desert’s historic trading center. Once the capital of the Alaouite dynasty, Rissani is known today for its authentic food and vibrant market. Here, you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch of “Madfouna” — often called Berber pizza — a savory stuffed flatbread baked in a clay oven. Or, for a more intimate experience, enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family and learn about desert hospitality.

After lunch, the road leads south through wild desert plains and eventually joins the Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river and a lush corridor of palm groves and hidden kasbahs. You’ll arrive in Agdz, a sleepy town beneath the shadow of Jbel Kissane, where time seems to slow down. Stay the night in a charming kasbah guesthouse surrounded by date palms and mudbrick walls.

After a peaceful breakfast, take some time to explore the oasis trails or visit Kasbah Tamnougalt, one of the region’s oldest. Then begin your return to Marrakech, driving through ever-changing scenery — desert, mountains, and then city bustle again.

You’ll pass back through Ouarzazate and cross the Atlas Mountains once more, arriving in Marrakech by the late afternoon or early evening.

💡 Why This Route is Special
🌄 Balanced Pace: Enough time to explore without feeling rushed.

🐫 Desert Adventure: Camel trek, dunes, and a night under the stars.

🕌 Culture: Ait Benhaddou, Rissani’s market, and Draa Valley kasbahs.

🍴 Authentic Food: Berber cuisine, local lunch in Rissani, and traditional hospitality.

🧭 Scenic Diversity: From snow-capped mountains to rolling sand dunes and palm-filled valleystour Marrakech merzouga desert