3 jours circuit Désert de Merzouga à partir du Marrakech

After breakfast at your riad, your journey begins at 7 a.m. sharp. As you leave Marrakech behind, you’ll head straight into the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Your first stop is the Tizi n'Tichka pass — one of the highest in Morocco — where you can pause to enjoy panoramic views and take stunning photos of the mountain scenery.

Next, continue toward the legendary Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true symbol of southern Moroccan architecture. Perched on a hillside, this historic ksar is made up of mud-brick houses surrounded by ancient defensive walls. At the very top, you’ll find an old Agadir — a collective granary once used to store grain and valuables. Ait Ben Haddou was also home to the powerful Pacha Thami El Glaoui and has served as the backdrop for many famous films.

After exploring the village, head toward Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Africa," where you can visit the world-renowned film studios and the Kasbah Taourirt. Depending on your pace and preference, you can enjoy lunch in Ouarzazate before continuing your journey.

In the afternoon, travel through the lush palm groves of Skoura, an oasis full of date palms and traditional kasbahs. Take a short break to admire the scenery and snap a few photos. Then, head toward the Valley of Roses, where you’ll visit a local cooperative that produces rosewater and natural cosmetic products — a unique part of Moroccan heritage.

As you continue driving, the landscapes become more arid and open, giving you a glimpse of the desert’s edge. You may even spot nomadic families herding camels across the plains. By sunset, you’ll arrive in the breathtaking Dades Gorges, where steep cliffs and winding roads offer a dramatic view. Spend the night in a charming guesthouse surrounded by nature, getting ready for the highlight of your adventure — the Merzouga Desert.

After breakfast in your guesthouse, it’s time to continue your journey deeper into southern Morocco. As you leave the Dades Gorges, the road leads you through a landscape that shifts from rocky cliffs to open desert plains, with scattered palm groves and traditional Berber villages along the way.

You’ll pass through the town of Tinghir and enjoy a short break to admire the palm oasis and the surrounding villages built from sun-dried mud. The scenery here is breathtaking — a mix of green valleys and dramatic mountain backdrops.

Your next major stop is in Erfoud, a desert town famous for its fossils, dates, and desert energy. This is the last big town before entering the Sahara. Here, you can try the local specialty called Madfouna — often referred to as Berber pizza — a warm, hearty flatbread stuffed with spiced meat and vegetables, baked in a clay oven.

From Erfoud, the adventure intensifies as you approach the Merzouga Desert. The road becomes quieter, and soon, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rise on the horizon like waves in the ocean. In Merzouga, you’ll leave your vehicle behind and hop onto a camel for a peaceful ride through the sand. This traditional camel ride takes you deep into the dunes, offering silence, vast open space, and a spectacular desert sunset.

After about 90 minutes of camel trekking, you’ll arrive at a Berber-style desert camp in the heart of the Merzouga Desert. Settle into your private tent, enjoy Moroccan mint tea, and prepare for a magical night. Around the campfire, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner followed by live Berber music under a sky full of stars.

The peace of the desert, the warmth of local hospitality, and the stunning beauty of the dunes make this night in the Merzouga Desert an unforgettable part of your Moroccan journey.

Wake up early in the peaceful silence of the Merzouga Desert to catch one of the most unforgettable sights of your journey — the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the first rays of light touch the sand, the desert glows in soft shades of gold and orange. After a warm breakfast at the camp, you’ll mount your camel once more for a short trek back across the dunes to meet your driver.

The journey back to Marrakech begins with a last look at the endless horizon of the Sahara. As you leave the Merzouga Desert behind, the landscape slowly transforms from golden dunes to stony plateaus and then into green valleys and mountainous terrain.

Along the way, you’ll pass once more through Erfoud and the Ziz Valley — a stunning ribbon of palm trees that winds through the desert rock. You may stop for photos or a coffee in Midelt, a town nestled between the Middle and High Atlas Mountains, known for its fresh air and apple orchards.

Continuing through the Atlas range, you’ll cross Berber villages perched on hillsides and drive through mountain passes offering sweeping views. A stop for lunch is planned along the way (depending on timing and preference), giving you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy local flavors one last time.

By late afternoon or early evening, you’ll arrive back in Marrakech, filled with memories of your time in the Merzouga Desert, the valleys, the kasbahs, and the warmth of the people you met along the way.

This return marks the end of a breathtaking journey across Morocco’s most iconic landscapes — from vibrant cities to quiet deserts — a perfect blend of discovery, adventure, and culture that will stay with you long after you return home.