Your journey begins early in the morning as you depart from Marrakech and head southeast toward the High Atlas Mountains. As you ascend the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest road pass in Morocco at 2,260 meters, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of mountain peaks, Berber villages, and winding valleys. Along the way, you may stop to visit a local women’s argan oil cooperative to learn about traditional production methods.

By midday, you’ll arrive at the historic ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most iconic landmarks in Morocco. Known for its earthen clay architecture, this fortified village has served as the backdrop for numerous films and television shows including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You’ll have time to explore the village, climb to the top for panoramic views, and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, the tour continues through Ouarzazate, often called the “Hollywood of Africa” due to its film studios and historic kasbahs. If time allows, you can make a quick visit to Atlas Studios or the Taourirt Kasbah. The journey then takes you through the scenic Valley of Roses and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, a region rich in culture and natural beauty.

You’ll arrive in the Dades Valley by early evening, where you’ll check into a comfortable hotel or traditional riad. After settling in, dinner will be served, and you’ll have the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the valley.

After breakfast at your hotel in the Dades Valley, the journey continues deeper into southern Morocco. You’ll drive through a series of charming Berber villages and dramatic desert landscapes on your way to the Todra Gorges—towering limestone cliffs that rise up to 300 meters high. These gorges are a favorite destination for rock climbers and photographers, and you’ll have time to walk through the canyon, stretch your legs, and take in the awe-inspiring scenery.

From Todra, the route leads further into the desert, passing through small towns such as Tinjdad and Erfoud. Along the way, you’ll notice the changing landscapes as the greenery of the valleys gives way to the arid beauty of the Sahara. In Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and date markets, you may stop briefly before continuing toward the desert town of Merzouga.

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes—vast golden sand dunes that mark the gateway to the Sahara. Here, your camel caravan awaits. You’ll ride through the rolling dunes as the sun begins to set, casting a warm golden glow across the sand. After roughly an hour of camel trekking, you’ll reach your desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and Moroccan hospitality.

As night falls, enjoy a traditional dinner under the stars, followed by live Berber music around a campfire. The silence of the desert, the clear sky, and the gentle rhythms of the drums create an unforgettable atmosphere. You’ll spend the night in a tented camp—either standard or luxury, depending on your tour type—surrounded by the peace of the Sahara.

Your final day begins early with a breathtaking sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi—a moment of stillness and beauty as the sun paints the desert in soft pink and golden hues. After sunrise, you’ll ride camels back to Merzouga, where you’ll have time for breakfast and a quick refresh at a nearby guesthouse or lodge.

The journey back to Marrakech takes you on a new and equally scenic route through the vast and rugged landscapes of southern Morocco. You’ll travel through Rissani, a historical town once part of the ancient trans-Saharan trade route, and then pass through the desert plateaus of Alnif and Tazzarine. The road winds into the expansive palm groves and traditional mud-brick villages of the Draa Valley, one of the longest and most picturesque valleys in Morocco.

Continuing north, you’ll pass through Agdz and then reach Ouarzazate, where you may pause for a short break or lunch, depending on timing. As you approach the High Atlas Mountains once again, you’ll retrace your path over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with more panoramic views along the way.

By evening, you’ll arrive back in Marrakech, ending your desert adventure with a heart full of memories—from mountain passes and ancient kasbahs to camel rides and starry Saharan nights.