Highlights
- Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 m
- The Draa valley, a 200 km palm oasis
- 1.5-hour buggy ride and sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi
- Aït Ben Haddou, UNESCO World Heritage site
What awaits you
A private 4×4 loop from Marrakech to the Sahara and back, with plenty of stops for photos. You cross the Tizi n’Tichka, follow the palm groves of the Draa valley to Zagora, drive through the volcanic Anti-Atlas to Merzouga and spend a night in a luxury camp in the dunes, after a buggy ride and a sunset camel trek.The way back takes in the Todgha gorge, the Dades valley, Telouet and the kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou. Nights at Kasbah Sirocco in Zagora, a luxury desert camp and Kasbah Dar Daif.
Itinerary
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Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Zagora (about 6 h drive)
Pick-up at 7:30 and over the Tizi n’Tichka (2,260 m) with stops for photos. Visit of the Taourirt kasbah in Ouarzazate, then down the Draa valley among kasbahs and palm groves to Zagora. Night at Kasbah Sirocco.
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Zagora – Tazarine – Merzouga (about 6 h drive)
Across the volcanic peaks of the Anti-Atlas and past remote oases, with lunch at Chez Moha in Tazarine. In Merzouga, a 1.5-hour buggy ride in the dunes, then a camel trek at sunset and dinner with drums under the stars.
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Merzouga – Todgha gorge – Dades – Ouarzazate (about 6 h drive)
Along the road of a thousand kasbahs to Tinghir and a walk by the river in the Todgha gorge, lunch at Ksar El Khorbat, then the Dades valley. Night at Kasbah Dar Daif.
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Ouarzazate – Telouet – Aït Ben Haddou – Marrakech (about 6 h drive)
Through the Ounila valley to Telouet and its kasbah, then Aït Ben Haddou, the fortified village seen in many films. Lunch in Ait Ourir and drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech.
Timings are a guide. Your guide adapts the pace to the group and the weather.
Route
Starts at Marrakech
Historic sites along the way
Aït Ben Haddou
17th century · 1 km from the route
A fortified earthen village on the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, listed by UNESCO and seen in many films.
Kasbah Telouet
19th century · 1 km from the route
The former palace of the Glaoui family, with richly decorated rooms hidden behind crumbling earthen walls.
Bahia Palace
19th century · 1 km from the route
Painted cedar ceilings, zellige and quiet gardens in the medina of Marrakech.
Taourirt Kasbah
19th century · 1 km from the route
A maze of earthen towers and courtyards in the heart of Ouarzazate, once a Glaoui residence.
Koutoubia Mosque
12th century · 1 km from the route
Marrakech’s landmark minaret, 77 m tall, next to Jemaa el-Fna square.
Photos from this tour
What’s included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad
- Private tour in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver and guide
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary
- Breakfast and dinner
- Lunches
- Camel trek and one night in a Sahara camp
- Buggy ride in the Merzouga dunes (one buggy for two)
- Berber scarf (turban) for each guest
Not included
- Drinks and alcohol
- Entrance fees
- Tips for guides and drivers
What to bring
- Comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Warm jacket for desert nights
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
Season
All year
