4 day Sahara tour from Ouarzazate, ending in Marrakech
Quick answer: the 4 day tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech via Merzouga spends the first night in the Dades Valley, crosses the Todra Gorges to the Erg Chebbi dunes and includes 2 nights in the Merzouga desert, with a full day to explore. On day 4 you drive back through the Draa Valley, Ouarzazate and the Tizi n’Tichka pass to your riad in Marrakech.
Unlike the short trips, this itinerary gives you time: no rushed driving on the way to the dunes, a whole day in Merzouga to visit the Gnawa village of Khamlia, Rissani or try a quad or 4×4 ride, and a second sunset and sunrise in the Sahara.
It’s a private desert tour from Ouarzazate: pick-up at your hotel in Ouarzazate, drop-off at your riad in Marrakech, only your group and your own driver.
Highlights of the 4 day tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech
4 day Ouarzazate to Marrakech desert tour: itinerary
Day 1Ouarzazate – Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Valley
Pick-up at your hotel in Ouarzazate. We drive through the Skoura palm grove, with its kasbahs, and Kelaat M’Gouna, in the Valley of Roses, to the Dades Valley. Short walk in the Dades Gorges and night in a hotel in the valley.
Day 2Dades – Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga
After breakfast we drive to Tinghir and walk into the Todra Gorges, between rock walls up to 300 m high. We continue via Erfoud to Merzouga and, at sunset, ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes to the camp. Dinner and night in the desert.
Day 3A full day in the Merzouga desert
Sunrise over the dunes and breakfast. Today is for the desert: we visit Khamlia to listen to Gnawa music, the market town of Rissani and the nomad families around Erg Chebbi. Optional quad, buggy or 4×4 ride in the dunes. Second night in the desert camp.
Day 4Merzouga – Alnif – N’Kob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Tizi n’Tichka – Marrakech
Early breakfast and a long scenic drive back: Alnif, Tazzarine and N’Kob, the Draa Valley palm groves at Agdz, then Ouarzazate and the Tizi n’Tichka pass over the High Atlas. Arrival in Marrakech in the evening and drop-off at your riad or hotel.
What’s included in the 4 day Ouarzazate to Marrakech tour price
✔ Included in the price
- Pick-up at your hotel in Ouarzazate
- Drop-off at your riad or hotel in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned transport
- English & Spanish speaking driver
- Fuel
- 1 night in a hotel in the Dades Valley
- 2 nights in a Merzouga desert camp
- 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Camel ride (one camel per person)
✖ Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Quad, buggy or 4×4 rides (optional)
- Entrance fees to monuments
- Local guides (optional)
- Tips (optional)
- Travel insurance
Photos of the 4 day tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech
Route map: Ouarzazate – Merzouga – Marrakech
Travel with a local agency specialising in the Sahara
FAQ about the 4 day tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech
How much does the 4 day tour from Ouarzazate to Marrakech cost?
The price depends on group size, season and the type of hotel and camp. As a private tour, the more travellers, the lower the price per person. Message us for a free quote.
Why 2 nights in Merzouga?
Because it gives you a full day in the desert without long drives: Khamlia, Rissani, the nomads and optional quad or 4×4 rides, plus a second sunset and sunrise in the dunes.
Is the last day very long?
Yes, Merzouga to Marrakech is about 560 km, around 9 to 10 hours with stops. We leave early and break the journey in the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate.
Is it a private tour?
Yes: only your group, in an air-conditioned vehicle with your own English or Spanish speaking driver, and we can adapt stops and timings.
Can I end the tour in Fes instead?
Yes. See the 3 day tour from Ouarzazate to Fes via Merzouga.