On the second day, you head further east through twisting roadways to reach the Todra Gorge, a stunning natural wonder where limestone cliffs soar high above a flowing stream. Walking through the bottom of the gorge feels like entering another world — quiet, grand, and carved by time. After soaking in the gorge’s scale, you continue through oasis towns: Tinejdad, Erfoud, and Rissani. In Erfoud, fossil workshops offer insight into ancient life buried in the rocks, while Rissani’s souk bursts with life, dates, and desert trade. As the afternoon sun begins to soften, you arrive at Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, a caravan of camels awaits to lead you into the desert. Riding over the rolling dunes at sunset is deeply peaceful, and you arrive at your Berber-style desert camp just as the light fades. Dinner is served under the stars, and traditional music around a campfire brings the desert to life.

Waking before dawn, you climb a dune to watch the sunrise over the Sahara — a moment of quiet wonder as the sands glow gold. After breakfast at the camp, you ride your camel again into the village or back toward Merzouga. From there, you begin the journey westwards, traveling through the lush Draa Valley. This valley, lined with date palms, feels like an oasis in both landscape and spirit, with traditional kasbahs tucked among the green groves. As you pass through the valley, the contrast between desert expanses and fertile palm groves is striking. By evening, you arrive back in Ouarzazate. If time allows, you can explore the Taourirt Kasbah or visit the local film studios before settling in for the night at a charming riad.

Your final day begins with a visit to the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a dramatic clay fortress that feels frozen in time. Walking through its narrow alleys, you experience a place that has served as the backdrop for countless films and stories. After exploring its ramparts and hidden corners, you start your drive back over the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass. The mountain vistas feel different now, seen in the morning light, and the journey carries you down into the more familiar surroundings of Marrakech. As you return to the city, the tour ends either at your riad or the airport, enriched by days of desert magic, mountain grandeur, and Moroccan hospitality.

FAQ – 4-Day Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Tour One common question is whether this 4-day tour is too short. While it doesn’t cover all of southern Morocco, it is thoughtfully paced to maximize your time: you cross the High Atlas, see gorges, ride camels, and spend a night in the dunes, all without feeling rushed. You may ask about the type of accommodation. During this trip, you stay in a guesthouse or hotel in the Dades Valley, a nomadic-style desert camp in Erg Chebbi, and a riad or boutique hotel in Ouarzazate — combining comfort with authentic desert ambiance. People often wonder when is the best time to take this tour. The optimal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are milder. Summer can be very hot, especially in the desert, and winter nights may be cold in both the dunes and the mountains. Another frequent concern is how the camel trek works. The camel ride into the dunes typically happens in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the sunset, and a return ride often takes place at sunrise the next morning for a magical view of the desert’s golden shift. Many travelers ask what to pack for this trip. You should bring layers — lightweight clothing for daytime, warm clothes for early mornings and desert nights, sturdy walking shoes, sunglasses, sun protection (hat and sunscreen), and a scarf or “cheche” to shield your face from sun or sand. Finally, how do you travel between these places? You will usually be accompanied by an experienced driver in a 4×4 or van, providing comfort, safety, and flexibility to stop at scenic viewpoints, local villages, and cultural spots along the route.