Private 4 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga & Erg Chebbi Dunes

UNESCO World Heritage Sites & Historical Treasures

Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah: Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah is an ancient fortified village and is considered the “pinnacle” of Moroccan earthen architecture in the south. Built in the 11th century, it has been a filming location for over 20 Hollywood movies, including Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy, to name a few. With its unique towers, crenellated walls, and winding alleyways, it feels like you are being transported back to the medieval era. Guided tours highlight the architectural ingenuity of the structures made completely from rammed earth, straw, and wood and how these structures can keep comfortable year-round without the use of modern technologies.

Telouet Kasbah: this Kasbah is once a magnificent residence of T’hami El Glaoui, the last Pasha of Marrakech, provides an eerie look into the colonial history of Morocco. While the political downfall of the family in 1956 resulted in devastation for part of the palace, sections of the palace are still incredibly well-preserved, with some of the most beautiful painted ceilings, tilework, and carved plaster of the time that were an indication of opulence among the upper class of Morocco before independence from colonial rule.

Cinematic Landscapes & Film Locations

Ouarzazate, “Hollywood of Africa”: It is a desert city that has been a location for many international films. Visit the Atlas Film Studios where they have permanent sets for films such as Kingdom of Heaven, The Mummy and Asterix and Obelix – The Tour. While on tour through the studio, you will see how the dramatic landscape of Morocco is transformed into a representation of many different locations, including Ancient Rome, Jerusalem, Egypt and other worlds from the movie universe! All of the props, costumes and other materials come together to create the magic of cinema!

Film-Worthy Landscapes: Beyond the studios, you will see many of the same dramatic landscapes that drew directors like Ridley Scott, Martin Scorsese and David Lean to Morocco. The stunning expanse of desert, the dramatic vertical rise of mountain ranges and the ancient quality of the Kasbahs can all be made into a film set with very little modification.

Natural Wonders & Geological Marvels

Todra Gorges: With towering limestone cliffs rising 300 meters and narrowing as little as 10 meters, Todra Gorges is a stunning example of nature’s beauty in Morocco. Millions of years of erosion by the Todra River created the steep walls that make Todra Popular among rock climbers from across the globe. The cool microclimate makes the gorge a welcome break from the heat of the surrounding desert, and the acoustics create a reverberating, almost cathedral-like quality within the gorge. Walking through the base of the gorge will follow the water’s path and reveal enormous boulders that have been shaped by the river’s slow, steady force.

Dades Valley & “Monkey Fingers”: One is its rock formations locally referred to as “Monkey Fingers” for their unusual shape, spires that twist up toward the sky. Geological processes have created the unique shapes of the “Monkey Fingers”, uplift, erosion, and weathering. The Dades River has carved a path through the valley floor, resulting in a green ribbon of cultivated fields and palm groves that contrast significantly with the nearby dry cliffs.

Tizi n’Tichka Pass: This dramatic route crosses one of Africa’s highest peaks, the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at an elevation of 2260 meters, making it one of North Africa’s most scenic drives, this road winds its way through a series of hairpin turns and steep drop-offs with breathtaking views of valleys filled with traditional Berber settlements that cling to the sides of the Ait Ayach Mountains. This pass also serves as a transition area between northern Morocco, with its Mediterranean climate, and southern Morocco, which is located in the heart of the Sahara Desert.

Draa Valley Palm Grove: The Draa River creates an almost unbroken green corridor through the desert, as it runs over 150 km from the Draa River to the Atlantic Ocean. This river, along with thousands of date palms that provided shade and sustenance along the ancient caravan routes, supported people travelling across the desert. You will have an opportunity to view this agricultural paradise located in the Draa River Valley from many different viewpoints. The Draa River and khettara, or subterranean irrigation systems, are used to cultivate crops without losing water due to evaporation caused by extreme heat in the desert.

Sahara Desert Adventure & Activities

Camel Trekking Across Erg Chebbi Dunes: Experience desert travel as it has been for thousands of years with an intimate Camel Trek. Depart during the twilight hours and venture into the vastness of the Erg Chebbi Dunes on a camel. The experience will be enhanced by the enchanting light of a sunset as you make your way deeper into the dunes. You will be able to take a moment to reflect on the beauty of nature and the meditative cadence of riding camels. Your guide will choose the best scenic routes to traverse and will stop at certain dunes for photography when the light has transformed into its most fantastic hue. If desired, you can take a return trek early morning (optional) to experience the dunes’ otherworldly beauty and different perspectives, including cooler temperatures, gentler light, and textures that were obscured previously.

Luxury Desert Camp Experience: Staying in a Luxury Desert Camp takes camping beyond traditional expectations. These types of accommodations include Berber-style tents equipped with beds, bedding, electric lights, and toilet facilities that feature flushing toilets and hot showers powered by either solar panels or gas. Communal areas typically have traditional Berber-style lounges, with rugs and floor cushions, dining tent areas serving multi-course Moroccan-style meals, and outdoor areas for relaxing under the stars. Electricity is available through either solar power or generator power to charge your devices. However, we encourage you to take a break from using your devices to truly immerse yourself in the desert.

Sandboarding Adventures: Boards are supplied for free to allow sliding down the high slopes of dunes. You can slide down dunes seated, kneeling, or standing, creating thrilling experiences and allowing for great photo opportunities. Soft sand provides a good landing surface for new/different boarders. Individuals with experience will find steep slopes suited to them. A guide will assist you with the best locations/techniques for each skill level.

Cultural Immersion & Authentic Experiences

Khamliya’s Gnawa Musical Traditions: Descendants of former sub-Saharan African slaves and slave traders convey their heritage through the musical form known as Gnawa Music. It has rich spiritual roots composed of the Guembri (a three-stringed bass lute) and Qraqeb (metal castanets), along with rhythmic patterns that are hypnotic in nature and create a trance-like effect. The Gnawa Music performance you will witness will not be tailored or adjusted to meet a tourist’s expectations. It is presented in an authentic manner originating from a long-standing tradition for many generations and has been recognised by UNESCO as part of their Cultural Heritage.

Traditional Rissani Souk: The former capital of the Alaouite Dynasty of Morocco, the Rissani market is one of the most unique and genuine souks in the country. On certain days during market season (Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday), a vibrant and busy atmosphere can be appreciated with the sounds of livestock trading, merchants selling spices and textiles, potters selling ceramic products, and many produce stalls. The local atmosphere provides visitors with an insight into the real rural economy of Morocco rather than the tourist market. Visitors will observe traditional haggling techniques used by local people, how locals do their shopping, and purchase goods at the truly local price. The architecture of the souk has not changed significantly over hundreds of years, with covered walkways allowing shafts of light to shine onto the earthen walls and wooden beams of the souk.

Visiting Local Berber Villages: As part of your trip, you’ll visit several Berber Villages and have opportunities to meet a local nomadic family and drink tea with them (while your guide will assist you in arranging such visits). These unscheduled “meet and greets” allow you to see traditional architectural styles as well as hospitality practices, but also offer a glimpse into the many difficulties associated with living in rural areas. Many families will open their homes to visitors, providing a glass of mint tea (the symbol of Moroccan hospitality), bread baked over wood fires and conversation about various topics (i.e., farming, education and marriage traditions).

Fossil Workshops in Erfoud: This area of the world was once covered by an ocean some 300 to 400 million years ago. As a result, this area has an abundance of fossil deposits, including trilobites, ammonites, orthoceras and many other marine creatures that were preserved in limestone or marble. You will also have the opportunity to visit workshops where these fossils are excavated from their respective quarries, cut with diamond saws and polished to create beautiful decorative items. While many tourist shops sell inexpensive replicas of fossils, the workshops you visit will have authentic paleontological specimens and will provide you with details about their geological history and significance. Additionally, you will witness craftsmen converting rough stones into plates, basins, tables, and ornaments that you will have the chance to purchase; each of these items has thousands of years’ worth of history behind it.