Morocco - The Road Trip to Merzouga
Through the High Atlas and Ancient Kasbahs
We usually love renting a car and hitting the road ourselves, but this time we wanted someone with experience to guide us through Morocco’s landscapes.
That’s how we found Desert Day Tours and booked their 3-day Sahara package and honestly, it was the best call.
From the moment we were picked up in Marrakech, it felt like traveling with friends. Mohammed, the founder, and Youssef, our driver, made the journey seamless, fun, and full of stories. Along the way, they shared fascinating historical facts, local legends, and stopped at breathtaking spots we probably would have missed on our own. Their professionalism blended perfectly with their warmth, it didn’t feel like a tour, it felt like an adventure with friends.
THE FIRST DAY
Aït Benhaddou
We left Marrakech in the morning and immediately headed into the majestic High Atlas Mountains. The winding roads offered breathtaking views at every turn, and the journey already felt like an adventure before our first real stop.
Our first major stop was Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that instantly transports you back in time. Wandering its ancient alleys and towering earthen walls, it’s impossible not to feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set, which, of course, you actually have. This kasbah has been a backdrop for countless films and series, from Gladiator and The Mummy to Game of Thrones. Knowing the stories that played out on these streets added an extra layer of magic to exploring it ourselves. While exploring, we were lucky to witness a traditional Berber fire painting as well.
Ouarzazate - Atlas Studio
Ouarzazate is often called the Hollywood of Morocco, and a quick stop at Atlas Studios makes it obvious why. Even without going inside, it was fascinating to see a film studio set against such a vast, remote landscape.
Pattes Des Singes (or Monkey Fingers)
That first day, we drove around 365 km, and before stopping for the night, we made a quick stop at Monkey Fingers mountain. The jagged rock formations were wild and unforgettable, the perfect pause before a cozy evening and dinner at Riad Gabsi Dades in Ait Ben Ali.
THE SECOND DAY
Todra Gorge
The Todra Gorge was one of those places that makes you stop for a second and just look up. The cliffs rise dramatically on both sides, creating this narrow canyon with light constantly shifting as the sun moves. We took some time to walk around.
Dades Gorge & Skoura Oasis
After Todra Gorge, the road opened up into the Dades Gorge. Tall cliffs rose on both sides, rough and jagged, with small villages quietly tucked at the bottom. We kept stopping along the way, just to take it all in and enjoy the views.
Soon after, we entered the Skoura Oasis. Palm trees stretched across the valley, dotted with old kasbahs and winding paths. The change from the rocky cliffs of Dades to the calm, green oasis was really striking. We paused, took some photos, and just enjoyed the quiet beauty of the place.
Merzouga
By the end of the second day, after driving around 300 km and multiple stops, the desert finally appeared on the horizon, and you could feel the landscape starting to change.
Before reaching the camp, we had time to ride camels and watch the sunset over the golden dunes. At first, I wasn’t sure about riding, but our guides made sure we knew the camels were well cared for, didn’t carry heavy loads, and only did this occasionally. They really took the time to explain everything and made us feel comfortable. Once I got on, the ride was easy and surprisingly smooth, and watching the sun sink behind the dunes from the camel’s back was simply magical.
Dihya Desert Luxury Camp
We arrived at Dihya Desert Luxury Camp just after sunset, and the moment we stepped out, it felt like stepping into another world. The camp is beautifully set up, comfortable, and the team is incredibly kind, making everything effortless. That night, we gathered around the fire with other guests, enjoying local drum music, delicious food, and the kind of quiet that only the desert can offer.
When we looked up, the stars took our breath away. We’ve never seen a sky so bright and full of stars, it felt endless. We stayed out until 2 a.m., despite knowing we wanted to wake early for the sunrise. Exhausted but completely captivated, every minute of lost sleep was worth it. The camp even offers sandboarding for a little extra adventure, and we couldn’t help wishing we had more time to stay a few nights longer. It was truly magical, the kind of experience that lingers in your memory long after you leave.
THE THIRD DAY
We managed to wake up just in time for the sunrise, and every second of that view was worth it—the light creeping over the dunes, the sand glowing gold, it was breathtaking. After a hearty breakfast at the camp, we packed up and got ready for the long drive back to Marrakech. On the way, we even made one more stop to take in another sight, soaking up a final piece of Morocco’s incredible landscapes before returning to the city.
Agdz - Draa Valley
On our way back to Marrakech, we stopped in Agdz and the Draa Valley, a lush stretch of palm groves fed by Morocco’s longest river, the Draa. The green oases stand out against the surrounding arid land, and walking through them, you can feel the centuries of history woven into the valley. Old kasbahs peek out among the palms, and the area has long supported local Berber communities and agriculture, offering a glimpse into traditional life along what were once ancient caravan routes. It was a quiet, peaceful moment—one last taste of Morocco’s beauty—before continuing the long drive back to the city.
Desert Day Tours
A huge thank you to Mohammed, the founder of Desert Day Tours, and Youssef, our amazing driver. From start to finish, they made the trip effortless, fun, and full of memorable moments. They knew all the best stops, shared stories about the history and culture along the way, and treated us like friends rather than just guests. We couldn’t have asked for better guides, and this journey wouldn’t have been the same without them.
If you’re ever in Morocco and looking for a tour guide you can truly trust, I wholeheartedly recommend them. They organize simple day trips but also 2 weeks long ones as well. You can find all the info and tours on their website here.
