3 Days Tour From Marrakech to Merzouga, Visit of Ait Ben Haddou & Dades gorges

Itinerary

Day 1: From Marrakech To Dades Valley Via Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate

Pass By: High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz Region
Day 1: Night and Half board (D)
Leave Marrakech, and follow a well-maintained road to the High Atlas Mountains. After about an hour, the road starts to wind its way along one of the most scenic roads in Morocco across a landscape of terraced wheat fields, cacti, waving palm trees and endless views. As the road begins to descend, the scenery changes drastically as suddenly as you enter a desert-like area. Soon, the imposing Kasbah Aït Benhaddou will loom up like a mirage. A kasbah is a kind of citadel, composed of high-walled buildings of clay mixed with straw; historically used to shelter to entire village communities. At the gate to the Kasbah a small entrance fee (about €1) will be required. At the top of the Kasbah, there is a fantastic view across the surrounding countryside and of the citadel itself giving you the sense of entering a medieval world with a warren of narrow lanes. After lunch, set-off on again and drive through the fertile valley to Dades Gorges. Encounter bright green palm valleys and rugged mountain peaks in all shapes and colours alternated by small traditional villages and breath-taking views. From here, there is another 40 minutes drive passing wonderful colorful rock formations. When the cliffs begin to get narrower enter a kind of gorge reaching your destination – a small, scenic mountain hotel. Moments later you will be greeted by the friendly owner.


Stop At: Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou, Ait Ben Haddou, Souss-Massa-Draa Region
Soon, the imposing Kasbah Aït Benhaddou will loom up like a mirage. A kasbah is a kind of citadel, composed of high-walled buildings of clay mixed with straw; historically used to shelter to entire village communities. At the top of the Kasbah, there is a fantastic view across the surrounding countryside and of the citadel itself giving you the sense of entering a medieval world with a warren of narrow lanes. the fortified city of Ait Ben Haddou is an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 With many things to do along the way, great for people who don't mind a little hike to see some exquisite views. Beautiful villages and towns scattered all around
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Stop At: Gorges du Dades, Boumalne Dades, Souss-Massa-Draa Region
After lunch, you'll set off on your tour again and drive through the fertile valley to Dades Gorges . If you thought the road from Marrakech was beautiful, then wait till you see this. Bizarre rock formations, bright green palm valleys and rugged mountain peaks in all shapes and colours alternated by small traditional villages and breathtaking views. After 2 hour you’ll pass a restaurant (‘Panoramic’), with an outdoor terrace overlooking the valley and the colourful cliffs. It’s a nice place to stop off for a cup of coffee or mint tea. From here, it’s another 40 minutes drive past yet more weird but wonderful colourful rock formations. When the cliffs begin to get narrower and you enter a kind of gorge, you’ll know you’ve nearly reached your small mountain hotel. Moments later you’re greeted by the friendly owner night and dinner in hotel (Kasbah La Gazelle) or similar.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight at Auberge la Gazelle or similar kasbah Hotel

Day 2: From Dades gorges to Merzouga desert via 1001 Kasbah Roads, and Tinghir

Stop At: Merzouga Desert, Merzouga, Meknes-Tafilalet Region
Day 2: Night and Half board (B,D)
After breakfast, start your journey driving through the edges of the Sahara Desert and pass through scattered Berber villages along the way towards the Erg Chebbi desert at Merzouga. Perched on a trusty camel, you will softly plod into the sea of golden sand dunes as experienced camel-drivers lead the way to our camp in the desert. Once at the camp, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and will spend a night camping out and sleep under an incredible canopy of stars.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: overnight in our desert camp

Day 3: From Merzouga Desert To Marrakech via Ouarzazat & Kasbah Taourirt

Stop At: Taourirt Kasbah, Ouarzazate, Souss-Massa-Draa Region
Day 3: (B)
Witness an amazing sunrise over the dunes in the Sahara Desert – one of the most memorable moments of this trip. After breakfast go back on the camels heading to Merzouga. Then ride back to Marrakech via the city of Ouarazazate where you'll have time for lunch and a visit to the famous Taourirt Kasbah.
Duration: 3 hours

Pass By: Western High Atlas National Park
Continue to Marrakech, crossing the High Atlas Mountains and Berber villages.

Stop At: Jemaa el-Fna جامع الفنا
Arrival in the evening and then be dropped-off at a central location in Marrakech.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.