Four Days of Exploration in the High Atlas Mountains, Dades Gorges, and Todra Gorges, Culminating in the Sunrise Over Merzouga's Famous Dunes

Day 1: Marrakech to Tichka Pass, then to Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and the Dades Gorges. 400 km.

Travel by automobile via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, Morocco's and North Africa's highest road pass. This entire crossing of the High Atlas allows for a clear separation of the two slopes: the north, which is still unmistakably Mediterranean, and the south, which is already Saharan. On the way down, you will pass through At Benhaddou and explore the ancient hamlet, which is known for its remarkable earthy architecture and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After Ouarzazate, the road heads east towards the Dades Gorges.

Day 2: Dades Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga on Day 2. 225 km.

Return to the main road and head east to Erfoud and then Rissani, the Alaouite dynasty's ancestral residence. Shortly afterwards, you will see the Merzouga dunes. Enjoy a sunset camel ride towards the huge dunes in the late afternoon, where you will spend the evening and night in a bivouac.

Day 3: Merzouga - Alnif - Tazarine - Draa Valley - Zagora on Day 3. 320 km.

An early start is required to watch the spectacular dawn over the desert. Return to the inn for breakfast before departing for Alnif and, later, Tazzarine, crossing through an arid environment reminiscent of the Algerian Hoggar's Tassili area.

Day 4: Zagora to Ouarzazate, then to Marrakech. 400 km.

After breakfast, head for Ouarzazate in the late morning. The rest of the day is devoted to your return to Marrakech, where you should arrive at about late evening.

Further information:

Extra Credit :

• On the journey to Ouarzazate, see the stunning scenery and stop at the old kasbahs of Taourirt and Ait Ben Haddou.
• Discover the quaint town of Agdez and the lovely city of Zagora.
• Enjoy a camel ride in Merzouga and take in the gorgeous scenery.
• Explore the famed Todra Gorges cliffs, a fantastic location.
• Discover the Sahara's wealth.
• Experience a fantastic desert period in a spectacular environment with a great climate.

Duration: four days

Availability : Daily Departure Time: 8:00 a.m. (local time at your hotel).
On the last day, return time is 05:00 PM (local time at your hotel).
Tour Type: Private