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3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Sahara Tour — Ait Ben Haddou, Dades & Erg Chebbi

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Day 1: Atlas & Kasbahs

Marrakech, Morocco on November 14, 2025

7:00am

Hotel pick-up from Marrakech

Early private pick-up to beat traffic and make the most of the mountain scenery; you’ll start climbing toward the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
MADR0, 0h30m

9:30am

Tizi n’Tichka pass photo stop

Short stop at the 2,260 m pass for panoramic pictures of the High Atlas and Berber stone villages; great spot for layered mountain views.
MADR0, 0h30m

11:30am

Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah visit

Explore the UNESCO-listed kasbah and its alleys used in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones; the site is open for visitors and offers excellent views from the hilltop.
MADR50, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at local restaurant near Ait Ben Haddou

Relax with a tagine or couscous at a kasbah-side restaurant; a good chance to sample regional specialties before continuing to Ouarzazate. (Restaurants typically open 11:30am–4:00pm)
MADR120, 1h15m

2:30pm

Ouarzazate — optional stops

Quick visit to Ouarzazate’s Taourirt Kasbah or the Cinema Museum (museum hours ~9:00am–5:30pm) to see film sets and movie props; useful cultural context en route to the desert.
MADR30, 1h00m

4:00pm

Drive through Skoura & Valley of Roses

Scenic drive with photo stops through lush oases and picturesque kasbahs; roses are in season in spring, but the valley is photogenic year-round.
MADR0, 1h00m

6:00pm

Check-in and dinner in Dades Valley

Arrive at your riad or kasbah overlooking the gorge, settle in, and enjoy a traditional dinner included with accommodation; evenings are calm and the gorge is atmospheric after sunset.
MADR0, 1h30m

Day 2: Gorges & Dunes

Dades Valley → Merzouga, Morocco on November 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast in Dades (included)

Hearty Moroccan breakfast at your riad to fuel a day of walking and driving; typically includes bread, olive oil, eggs, and mint tea.
MADR0, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Todra Gorge

Scenic 1–1.5 hour drive through lush palm groves toward Tinghir and the dramatic canyon of Todra, with opportunities for roadside photos.
MADR0, 1h30m

10:15am

Todra Gorge walk

Walk the canyon floor beneath towering 200–300 m cliffs — a short, accessible hike that’s great for photos and light scrambling; the gorge is open all day.
MADR0, 1h00m

12:00pm

Lunch in Tinghir

Stop at a local restaurant in Tinghir for fresh salads, tagine, and a chance to rest; most eateries serve lunch from 12:00pm to mid-afternoon.
MADR90, 1h15m

2:00pm

Erfoud — fossil workshop visit

Short visit to fossil workshops and small showrooms; Erfoud is famous for Paleozoic fossils — browsing is free but purchases are optional (shops open ~9:00am–6:00pm).
MADR0, 0h45m

3:30pm

Arrival in Merzouga / free time

Arrive at Merzouga village, freshen up and prepare for the camel trek; a short rest before heading into the dunes.
MADR0, 0h30m

4:00pm

Camel trek to Erg Chebbi (sunset)

Ride camels into the golden Erg Chebbi dunes to reach a rising dune for sunset; the hour varies seasonally — in November expect sunset around 5:15pm–5:30pm. (Included in tour)
MADR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Desert camp arrival & dinner

Settle into your Berber camp, enjoy a hot shower (if available) and a traditional dinner under the stars followed by local music around the fire; camp activities typically run until late evening.
MADR0, 3h00m

Day 3: Sunrise & Return

Merzouga → Marrakech, Morocco on November 16, 2025

6:30am

Sunrise on the dunes

Wake early to climb a dune and watch the Sahara sunrise — a magical light show worth the early start; dunes are accessible at all hours.
MADR0, 0h45m

7:30am

Camel ride or 4x4 back to Merzouga village

Return to Merzouga by camel or by 4x4 depending on your package; time to shower and pack at either the camp or a village auberge.
MADR0, 1h00m

9:00am

Breakfast in Merzouga (included)

Breakfast at the camp or a local guesthouse before the long drive back to Marrakech.
MADR0, 0h45m

9:45am

Depart Merzouga — drive via Alnif & Nkob

Scenic drive west through Alnif and the ksar village of Nkob, crossing high plateaus and desert highways toward the Draa Valley.
MADR0, 3h30m

1:30pm

Lunch stop (Ouarzazate area)

Lunch in Ouarzazate or Agdz depending on timing; a good break for a leisurely meal before the Atlas crossing (most restaurants serve lunch 12:00pm–3:00pm).
MADR130, 1h00m

3:00pm

Draa Valley palm grove drive

Drive along the lush Draa Valley with photo stops among palm groves and traditional ksars; great contrast to the Sahara dunes you saw earlier.
MADR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Tizi n’Tichka pass photo stop (Atlas crossing)

Final scenic stop as you climb back over the High Atlas with sweeping views toward Marrakech; brief rest and photos before the last leg.
MADR0, 0h30m

7:30pm

Drop-off in Marrakech

Arrive back in Marrakech and transfer to your riad or hotel; tour ends on arrival. Estimated arrival time can vary with traffic and stops.
MADR0, 0h15m
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