4 days · Marrakech
4-Day Sahara Tour from Marrakech (Round Trip)
Overview
The same Sahara night as the 3-day tour, with a calmer way home. After the dunes you break the return in Ouarzazate, with an afternoon by the pool, then cross the Atlas by the old caravan route through the Ounila Valley and the Glaoui family's kasbah at Telouet.
Best for: A full desert loop without rushing back.
Highlights
- Aït Benhaddou, Skoura oasis and the Dades Valley
- Todra Gorge and a camel trek into Erg Chebbi
- Sunset, campfire music and sunrise in the dunes
- Rissani market and the Draa Valley palm groves
- Ouarzazate's cinema museum and a free afternoon
- Ounila Valley, an old salt mine and Telouet kasbah
Day by day
Marrakech – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
We meet you in Marrakech and cross the High Atlas over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, into Glaoua country with its kasbahs and granaries. Lunch near Ouarzazate, then a visit to the ksar of Aït Benhaddou. In the afternoon we drive through the oases to the Dades Valley for the night.
Dades – Todra Gorge – Rissani – Merzouga desert camp
After breakfast you walk in the Todra Gorge, then drive on toward the dunes. In Merzouga you leave unneeded luggage at a hotel and ride a camel into Erg Chebbi, with free time to climb the dunes. Dinner and live music by the fire, a sky full of stars, and a night in a private tent.
Merzouga – Rissani – N'kob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate
Sunrise over the dunes, breakfast and a shower before the road west. You stop at the Rissani market and in villages of the Draa Valley, among palm groves and kasbahs. Arrive in Ouarzazate in the afternoon, with time by the pool and a free evening. Night in a hotel.
Ouarzazate – Ounila Valley – Telouet – Marrakech
After breakfast, visit Ouarzazate's cinema museum, then follow the Ounila Valley, the old caravan road from the Sahara to Marrakech. You stop at an abandoned salt mine with coral-like crystals, and at Telouet, the former seat of the Glaoui family. Over the Tizi n'Tichka pass and back to your riad by early evening.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned car with your own English-speaking driver-guide, pickup and drop-off at your riad
- 2 nights in hotels, kasbahs or riads, 1 night in a desert camp (private tent)
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Camel ride, one camel per person
- Sandboarding and live Berber music at the desert camp
- Passenger insurance in the vehicle
Not included
Flights, lunches, drinks, entrance fees, tips and personal expenses.
Questions about this tour
3 days or 4 days?
The 4-day tour has the same desert night but splits the long drive home into two easier days.
Is the salt mine safe to visit?
It's a short walk into dim tunnels. Bring a phone light and closed shoes.
Can we add a second night in the desert?
Yes, see the 5-day tour, or ask us to adapt this one.
Where would your road take you?
Tell us your dates and group size. Abdou or one of the team will reply with a route and a price within 24 hours.