4 Day Tour From Marrakech To Merzouga & Skoura

We begin our adventure early in the morning, departing from your hotel or riad in Marrakech. As we head towards the Skoura Valley, we cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains, reaching heights of 2,260 meters. The scenic route offers breathtaking landscapes, from lush valleys to rugged peaks, providing a striking introduction to Morocco’s natural beauty.

Our first stop is the iconic Kasbah of Aït-Ben-Haddou, one of the oldest kasbahs in Morocco and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical marvel consists of several small fortresses, or kasbahs, some reaching ten meters high. Although most of the original inhabitants have relocated to a modern village across the river, eight families still reside in the ancient kasbah. Visiting this site feels like stepping into a film set, as Aït-Ben-Haddou has served as the backdrop for many famous movies, including Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator, Alexander, and Prince of Persia.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, we’ll explore the kasbah’s fascinating architecture and rich history. After the tour, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, surrounded by the charm of this ancient town.

After lunch, we continue our journey towards the Skoura Valley, driving through the verdant oasis, a sea of palm groves stretching as far as the eye can see. Our next stop is the 17th-century Amridil Kasbah, where another local guide will lead us through its storied halls. The kasbah has remained largely unchanged since its construction over 300 years ago, still owned and maintained by the same family.

Inside, you’ll see centuries-old tools that have been used for generations, some of which are still in use in southern Morocco today. The kasbah offers a rare glimpse into traditional Moroccan life, and climbing to the top of its fortifications reveals a spectacular view of the surrounding Skoura palm groves.

As the day comes to a close, we’ll arrive at a tranquil riad nestled in the valley. Relax and enjoy your welcome mint tea on a beautiful balcony, watching the sun set over the palm groves—a perfect ending to a day filled with history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey to Merzouga, traversing breathtaking landscapes that showcase Morocco’s diversity. Our morning highlight is a visit to Todra Gorge, known as the “Grand Canyon of Morocco.” Here, you’ll enjoy a leisurely 30-minute walk through the stunning gorge, marveling at the towering limestone cliffs. Following this, we’ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant, surrounded by the gorge’s beauty.

In the afternoon, we continue toward Merzouga, stopping to explore ancient 14th-century underground tunnels that captured water from underground rivers, highlighting the ingenuity of past desert inhabitants. Our next stop is Erfoud, the “Gateway to the Sahara,” famous for its fossil quarries and dates, marking our approach to the vast dunes.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, where camels await for a captivating 1-hour ride through the golden sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the sun sets, the desert transforms into a mesmerizing display of colors, setting the stage for your camel trek.

Upon reaching the desert camp, you’ll settle into a traditional Berber tent. Dinner will be served under the stars, creating a magical dining experience. Afterward, gather around a bonfire for lively local music and storytelling before retreating to your tent for a night beneath the stars.

Wake up early and enjoy the most beautiful sunrise on top of a dune, after breakfast get ready for another hour of camel ride back to the meeting point in Merzouga.

Our driver will be waiting for you to travel through the Draa Valley crossing beautiful mountain landscapes from the anti-atlas to the Fint oasis.

The Fint Oasis, located 10 kilometers south of Ouarzazate its called desert’s garden.

It is nearly impossible to imagine traversing the dry, desolate terrain of the Anti-Atlas Mountains that any place so green, lush and full of life can be on the horizon. But suddenly you spot it, a massive, verdant palm grove, teeming with plant, animal and village life.

Composed of four traditional villages which blend Sub-Saharan, Moroccan and Berber culture, the Fint Oasis is a laid-back place where donkeys and other beasts of burden still roam the streets and women still wash clothes in the river. Though largely unknown outside of Morocco, the Fint Oasis has served as the setting for a number of Hollywood films.

It’s in this piece of verdant paradise that we will dine and sleep on our third night.

After breakfast, we return on the road towards the city of Ouarzazate, this city known as “the gate of the desert”, Ouarzazate and the surrounding region is one of the most used places in Morocco as a setting by filmmakers from around the world. In addition to the landscapes, another of the area’s great attractions is the quality of light, with a bright sun for at least 300 days a year.

Films like Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Man Who Would Be King (1975), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Asterix and Obelix – (2004), Kundun (1997), Legionnaire (1998), Hanna (2011), The Hills Have Eyes (2006), and war of Thrones.

After visiting the film studios (optional) we continued our journey through the high Atlas mountains to Marrakech by taking a break for lunch in a pleasant restaurant in the mountains then back to Marrakech through the tizin tichka valley, this stretch of road is considered one of the most picturesque of Morocco, by the breathtaking views of the highest mountains of the High Atlas.

Along the road or near it there are several traditional villages with houses of stone or of beaten earth, surrounded by terraces and walnut trees, in which the inhabitants dedicate themselves to the agriculture.

We will arrive at Marrakech at the end of the day.