4-Day Private Tour of the Atlas Mountains and Desert

Day 1: Marrakesh – Atlas Mountains – Ouarzazate – Boumalne Dades

Your adventure begins with an 8:30 AM departure from your Riad in Marrakesh. As we journey through the majestic High Atlas Mountains, we’ll ascend the dramatic Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaching an altitude of 2,260 meters. Along the way, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Berber villages and stunning landscapes.

Our first major stop is Ouarzazate, famously known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” Here, we’ll pause for lunch, allowing you to savor some delicious local cuisine. Afterward, we’ll continue along the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs,” where you’ll be mesmerized by the fascinating “sand castles” and have a chance to visit Kalaat Mgouna, renowned for its fragrant roses and the annual Rose Festival held in May.

The day will conclude in the heart of the Dades Gorge, where you can relax, enjoy a delightful dinner, and spend the night in a comfortable hotel, surrounded by the region’s natural beauty.

Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll depart from the Dades Gorges and head toward Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorges. The lush palm groves and towering canyon walls, some reaching 300 meters, create a breathtaking backdrop for your journey. After lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue on to Erfoud.

Next, we’ll make our way to the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to relax with a refreshing cup of tea before embarking on a camel ride through the golden sands. As you ride through the dunes, take in the crisp desert air and witness a stunning sunset over the vast desert landscape.

The day will conclude with a traditional dinner, followed by an unforgettable evening of local music around a warm fire.

Enjoy the rhythm of Berber melodies as you relax under the starry sky, spending the night in a comfortable bivouac and fully immersing yourself in the peaceful, magical atmosphere of the desert.

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Agdez – Ouarzazate

Start your day early with a breathtaking sunrise over the vast Erg Chebbi dunes—an unforgettable sight. Afterward, we’ll travel to Rissani, the ancient capital of the Alaouite Sultans and a vital trading hub for Sub-Saharan camel caravans.

Here, you’ll have the chance to explore the vibrant souk, where you can immerse yourself in local culture and browse traditional crafts. From Rissani, we’ll continue our journey through the picturesque Draa Valley, home to one of Morocco’s longest palm groves. As we drive through the valley, you’ll see beautiful adobe Kasbahs and traditional Berber villages, all set against the striking geological formations of the region.

The scenic route will take us through the Ait Saoun pass, offering more stunning views along the way. We’ll arrive in Ouarzazate in the early evening, where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and have time to relax in a comfortable hotel, reflecting on the incredible experiences of the day.

Day 4: Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech

After breakfast, we’ll begin the day with a visit to the historic Kasbah Taourirt, a stunning example of Glaoui dynasty architecture.

We’ll then make a stop at the famous Cinema Studio, where numerous films have been made against the backdrop of Morocco’s dramatic landscapes. Next, we’ll head to the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, located just 30 kilometers from Ouarzazate.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this striking fortified village has served as the backdrop for numerous Hollywood films, including Gladiator, The Mummy, and Alexander. After exploring this ancient site, we’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll embark on the scenic journey back to Marrakesh, traveling through the High Atlas Mountains and crossing the Tizi n’Tichka pass, where breathtaking views await.

We’ll arrive in Marrakesh by early evening, giving you time to relax and unwind at your Riad or hotel, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of the past few days.