Marrakesh in 3 Days for Seniors - Scenic Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass
In Collaboration with To Discover Marrakech. Updated on February 8, 2026.
Comfort-focused 3-day guided journey from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga with gentle pacing, frequent rests, and accessible options. Highlights: Tizi n'Tichka pass, UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate studios & kasbahs, Dades Valley, Valley of Roses, Todra Gorge, and a sunset & sunrise camel experience in Erg Chebbi with an overnight desert bivouac.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with To Discover Marrakech, inspired by the tour 3 Days Tour From Marrakech to Merzouga Sahara. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Scenic Tizi n'Tichka mountain pass
- UNESCO Ksar Ait Ben Haddou
- Kasbah Taourirt & Atlas Studios (Ouarzazate)
- Dadès Gorges & Valley of Roses
- Erg Chebbi camel trek, sunset & sunrise bivouac
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech to Dadès Valley via Tizi n'Tichka, Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate. Evening at the Dadès gorges with comfortable hotel stay.
Hotel pickup — Jemaa el-Fnaa (Marrakech medina)
Meet your driver for pickup. We gather at or near Jemaa el-Fnaa to begin the private/cozy transfer. Staff confirm the pickup location and assist with luggage onto the minivan.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask your driver to load luggage and help with steps — drivers provide assistance for guests with reduced mobility.
- Use a light daypack during stops; the minivan cabin is climate-controlled in April but mornings can be cool (bring a light jacket).
- Confirm any seatbelt or preferred seating requests when the driver arrives to ensure comfort for the long drive ahead.
Scenic drive across Tizi n'Tichka (High Atlas)
Comfortable, scenic drive over the Tichka pass with a short viewpoint/rest stop. Enjoy panoramic mountain views and stretch legs at a safe lookout.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a longer stop at the Tizi n'Tichka viewpoint if you need extra time to walk or take photos — the area has short, level viewpoints.
- Roads are paved but winding — if you are susceptible to motion sickness, sit near the front and bring motion-sickness remedies.
- April mornings can be cool at altitude; layer clothing and keep walking shoes within reach for the viewpoint stop.
Visit Ksar Ait Ben Haddou & lunch (UNESCO site)
Guided and gentle walk around the ancient ksar (earth-built village), followed by a relaxed lunch nearby. The visit is cultural with short uphill sections—your guide will suggest the easiest route.
Tips from local experts:
- The path includes uneven surfaces and a short uphill section; use the lower, more level route if stairs or long walks are difficult.
- Take lunch at a nearby restaurant with shaded seating to rest — let the guide arrange seating close to entrances for easier access.
- Carry water and wear slip-resistant shoes; your guide can point to benches/level spots for comfortable photo opportunities.
Ouarzazate: Kasbah Taourirt & Atlas Film Studios (short visits)
Short, seated-friendly visits to Kasbah Taourirt and the Atlas Film Studios area. Both stops are mostly flat around the visitor entrances; guides prioritize low-impact routes.
Tips from local experts:
- Kasbah Taourirt has level courtyard areas; ask the guide for a route that avoids steep staircases.
- Atlas Film Studios provides outdoor exterior views — wheelchair users can remain near vehicle areas while the group explores nearby accessible spots.
- Plan a short coffee/tea break after these visits — Ouarzazate cafés typically have easy seating and toilets for relief.
Drive to Dadès Gorges — sunset viewpoint
Late-afternoon transfer to Boumalne Dadès with a sunset viewpoint over the gorges. Gentle short walks only; evening at a comfortable, accessible hotel in the Dadès valley.
Tips from local experts:
- Sunset viewpoints often have short uneven tracks — use a walking stick or request the vehicle to stop at the closest accessible spot.
- Evenings in April can cool quickly in the gorge; keep a warm layer handy for the sunset period.
- Choose a hotel room on the ground floor or with elevator access when checking in to minimize stairs.
Dinner & overnight — Boumalne Dades (hotel check-in)
Relaxed dinner with accessible seating at your Dadès Valley hotel. Overnight in a comfortable hotel chosen for senior-friendly amenities.
Tips from local experts:
- Request ground-floor or elevator-accessible rooms and confirm bathroom grab rails if needed.
- Ask the hotel for an early dinner option if you prefer to eat soon after arrival — kitchens can often accommodate dietary needs.
- Confirm wake-up times and breakfast arrangements with staff; many hotels will offer a simpler breakfast if you prefer an earlier start.
Day 2
From Dadès Valley to Merzouga: morning views of the Valley of Roses, Todra Gorge, then afternoon arrival at Merzouga for a gentle camel ride to a desert camp for sunset and an accessible bivouac experience.
Breakfast and relaxed departure from Dadès hotel
Unhurried breakfast in the hotel with time to pack. Staff help with luggage and any mobility assistance before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a sit-down, warm breakfast and request to-go items if you prefer to eat during the drive.
- Confirm luggage assistance and any mobility aids to be stowed securely in the vehicle.
- If you take medications, set a reminder for morning doses—drivers can pause if needed for comfort stops.
Drive through Dadès Valley — gentle viewpoints
Short stops to admire Dadès Valley rock formations and panoramic vistas. Each stop is kept brief and accessible, with minimal walking required.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the guide for the shortest, flattest viewpoints to avoid uneven terrain when stepping out of the vehicle.
- Carry sun protection (hat, sunscreen) for April afternoons; shaded seating is limited at many lookout points.
- Plan restroom breaks at towns along the route — drivers will aim to stop at clean facilities when possible.
Kalaa M'Gouna (Valley of Roses) — short visit
A gentle stop at the Valley of Roses market area — ideal for photos, easy strolls, and trying small local rose products. Benches and shaded cafés are available.
Tips from local experts:
- Market stalls are close to the roadside — avoid narrow alleys and request the guide to point out accessible vendors.
- If you have limited mobility, remain near the main square where benches and toilets are more accessible.
- Try a small rosewater taste sample and buy light souvenirs that staff can store in the vehicle for you.
Lunch stop near Todra Gorge / Tinghir
Restful lunch in Tinghir close to Todra Gorge with options for seated indoor dining and wheelchair access upon request.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a table near the entrance to minimize walking; ask staff about accessible restrooms.
- Request low-salt or soft-food options if chewing or digestion is a concern — many restaurants are accommodating.
- Allow extra time after lunch to rest before the next leg; drivers can also arrange a shaded rest stop if needed.
Drive to Merzouga — arrival at Erg Chebbi
Comfortable transfer across the desert approach to Merzouga. Frequent small stops available for stretching and restroom breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a sweater handy for the mid-afternoon change in desert breezes; April evenings cool down significantly.
- Ask the driver for extra breaks if you prefer shorter, more frequent stops to stretch legs.
- If you require mobility assistance on arrival, request the guide to park as close to the camel area/meeting point as possible.
Gentle camel trek to the dunes + sunset view (Erg Chebbi)
A 90-minute (approx.) camel ride over the dunes with frequent rests, leading to an accessible sunset spot and transfer to a nearby desert bivouac for dinner and traditional music.
Tips from local experts:
- Mounting/dismounting camels can be assisted — ask handlers to provide step-by-step help and to move slowly.
- Sit toward the middle of the camel path and ask for shorter ride options if long camel rides are uncomfortable.
- Bring a small cushion or request one — sessions can be bumpy; also protect knees/hips by choosing gentler camels if available.
Dinner & overnight — Desert bivouac (Merzouga)
Accessible desert camp or nearby comfortable bivouac. Traditional dinner around the fire, quiet music, and a restful tent or camp room with basic facilities — staff assist with any mobility needs.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm ahead whether the camp can provide a ground-floor tent option or a nearby simple room to avoid sleeping on a raised platform.
- Ask the camp staff about accessible toilet/shower arrangements and request assistance when using shared facilities.
- Take advantage of the early-evening calm for shorter, seated stargazing rather than extended walking around the camp.
Day 3
Sunrise in the dunes, camel return, and the long but scenic return drive to Marrakech via Ouarzazate with a lunch stop. Drop-off in Marrakech in the evening.
Sunrise over Erg Chebbi + breakfast at camp
Early gentle walk (optional) or short camel ride to a nearby dune crest for sunrise. Return to camp for a relaxed breakfast. Staff will assist with any transfers.
Tips from local experts:
- If sunrise outings are difficult, remain at the camp’s comfortable viewpoint where staff can reserve an accessible seat for you.
- Bring binoculars or request one from staff to enjoy distant desert views without long walking.
- Have any required morning medications and a warm layer ready — desert temperatures can be chilly at sunrise even in April.
Camel transfer back to Merzouga town & vehicle pickup
Short camel ride or vehicle transfer back to Merzouga village where the minivan meets you for the return journey. Drivers assist with luggage loading and any mobility needs.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask guides to position the vehicle as close as possible to the camel dismount area to reduce walking distance.
- Confirm seating priority for the drive back and request extra rest stops if you prefer more frequent breaks.
- Use this quieter morning period to double-check any belongings and ensure comfortable seating for the long drive ahead.
Long transfer toward Ouarzazate with comfort stops
Scenic return journey with planned rest stops, arriving in Ouarzazate for lunch. The driver and guide will prioritize accessible stops and minimize walking at each location.
Tips from local experts:
- Request extra rest/comfort stops for leg stretching and restroom use—drivers are instructed to accommodate seniors.
- Carry a small travel cushion and water; vehicle interiors are climate-controlled but the route is long.
- If you prefer shorter overall travel time, ask to skip non-essential photo stops and head straight to the lunch stop.
Lunch & short visit in Ouarzazate (stretch your legs)
Seated lunch in Ouarzazate with the option of a brief, low-impact visit to Kasbah Taourirt or a nearby café. Time is kept flexible to preserve comfort.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose indoor seating close to restrooms and the entrance for minimal walking.
- Ask for a lighter menu option if you prefer smaller portions for the afternoon drive.
- If mobility is limited, skip the walking visit and request a drive-by photo stop instead.
Final transfer to Marrakech — drop-off at Jemaa el-Fnaa
Comfortable final leg back to Marrakech with arrival and drop-off in the medina area (Jemaa el-Fnaa). Driver assists with luggage and coordinates hotel transfers within the medina where vehicle access allows.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver to drop you at a medina gate or hotel entrance with the shortest walking distance — many hotels in Marrakech can arrange porters.
- Traffic in Marrakech can be busy; allow flexibility in timing and arrange help for luggage on arrival.
- If you have an evening flight or further plans, request the driver to deliver you directly to your hotel reception instead of the square for easier access.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 12 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Culture, Hotel, Meal, Outdoor, Experience |
