Marrakesh in 3 Days for Couples - Scenic crossing of the Tizi n'Tichka pass
In Collaboration with Morocco Travel Shara. Updated on February 14, 2026.
Three-day private overland tour from Marrakech to the Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga. The itinerary follows the Atlas crossing via Tizi n'Tichka, Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades and Todra gorges and an overnight in a Merzouga desert bivouac with a sunset camel ride and sunrise over the dunes. Breakfast and dinner are included; lunches are independent.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Morocco Travel Shara, inspired by the tour 3-day Private Desert Tour From Marrakech to Merzouga. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Scenic crossing of the Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
- Walk in the Todra Gorges
- Sunset camel ride and overnight in a Merzouga desert bivouac
- Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
Itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech to Dades Gorge via Tizi n'Tichka and Ait Ben Haddou — scenic mountain pass, UNESCO ksar visit, continue through Skoura and Rose Valley to Boumalne Dades. Dinner and overnight in a local hotel in the Dades valley.
Hotel pickup in Marrakech
Driver collects you from your riad or hotel in central Marrakech and begins the drive east across the High Atlas.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm the exact hotel pickup time and the riad entrance with the driver the evening before.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket for the mountain pass; temperatures drop noticeably after sunrise.
- Keep cameras and passports in an easy-to-reach bag for quick access at stops.
Drive and photo stops: Tizi n'Tichka pass & Atlas views
Cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass with short stops for photos and brief breaks (including a morning coffee/breakfast stop in a small village en route).
Tips from local experts:
- Carry bottled water; services on the pass are limited and can be basic.
- Ask the driver to stop for photos at viewpoints — light changes quickly, so plan shots promptly.
- If you get travel-sick, sit up front where the ride is smoother and air-conditioned.
Visit Ait Ben Haddou (guided) and lunch
Guided walk through the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, followed by an independent lunch break (lunch not included). Allow time to explore the external viewpoints and the village.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sun protection and comfortable shoes — the ksar has uneven paths and modest climbs.
- Bring local currency for small purchases and a compact bag for camera gear while walking.
- If you want a guided interior visit, confirm guide availability on arrival; the main external viewpoint is accessible without a guide.
Drive through Skoura and Rose Valley toward Dades Gorge (photo stops)
Continue east via Ouarzazate region, passing the Skoura palm grove and Rose Valley with short photo stops before reaching Dades valley.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask the driver about short stops at traditional kasbahs for photos; many are visible from the road.
- Carry some cash for small roadside purchases (roses/rose products are seasonal in Rose Valley).
- Conserve phone battery for sunset photos later; power is limited at smaller hotels.
Check-in and dinner in Dades Gorge (hotel)
Arrive in Boumalne Dades, check in to your 3-star-style hotel in the Dades valley. Dinner in the hotel is included.
Tips from local experts:
- Notify the hotel in advance of any dietary restrictions for the included dinner.
- Rooms in the gorge area may be cooler at night; request extra blankets if needed.
- Plan a short evening walk to a nearby viewpoint for sunset — ask reception for the safest route.
Day 2
Dades valley to Merzouga via the Todra (Todra) Gorges. Walk the canyon, continue to Merzouga and ride camels at sunset to a desert bivouac for dinner and overnight under the stars.
Breakfast at the hotel (included)
Traditional Moroccan breakfast at the hotel in Dades before departure.
Tips from local experts:
- Breakfast often includes bread, olive oil, jam, tea and eggs — request alternatives ahead if you have dietary needs.
- Eat a light but filling breakfast; the afternoon drive to Merzouga is long and lunchtime is usually a short stop.
- Confirm luggage arrangements with reception if your main bag stays with the vehicle while you take only essentials to the bivouac.
Drive through the 'Road of 1000 Kasbahs' to Tineghir and Todra Gorges
Scenic drive through the Dades valley kasbahs to Tineghir/Tinerhir. Arrive at Todra (Todgha) Gorges where you'll have free time to walk along the canyon walls (approx 300 m high).
Tips from local experts:
- Wear flat-soled shoes for walking in the Todra Gorges; some footing can be sandy or rocky.
- Bring water and a hat — the gorges trap heat during the day, and shade is limited on canyon walks.
- If climbing is of interest, ask local guides at the base of the gorge about short, safe routes.
Lunch break (independent)
Short lunch stop in the Tinerhir/Todra area. Lunch is not included in the tour price.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a restaurant with shaded seating to avoid peak sun exposure during midday.
- If you have food allergies, request ingredients in French or show a translated note to staff.
- Consider light local dishes (tagine or couscous) for sustained energy before the desert drive.
Drive to Merzouga and arrive at Erg Chebbi dunes
Continue the overland drive east to the Merzouga area and the Erg Chebbi dunes. Time to rest briefly and prepare for the sunset camel ride.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a small daypack with sunscreen, sunglasses, and a scarf for wind/sand during the camel ride.
- Charge phones/cameras before reaching Merzouga; power is limited at some desert bivouacs.
- If you prefer, bring lightweight clothing for the afternoon and a warmer layer for the cooler desert night.
Sunset camel ride to the bivouac (1h 30m) and camp check-in
Transfer from the vehicle to camels and ride approximately 1 hour 30 minutes at sunset to the desert bivouac. Arrive at the camp, meet the team, enjoy dinner and traditional music; overnight in the bivouac (nomadic tent or camp tent).
Tips from local experts:
- Mount and dismount camels carefully — drivers will assist; wear long trousers to avoid friction.
- Keep valuables in a small daypack; prefer soft bags as luggage for the camel transfer is handled separately.
- Bring a warm layer for after sunset — desert nights cool quickly even after hot days.
Day 3
Sunrise over Erg Chebbi, return camel ride to meet the vehicle and drive back to Marrakech via Rissani, Nkob, Draa Valley and Ouarzazate with a short visit to Kasbah Taourirt. Drop-off at your Marrakech hotel around early evening.
Sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
Early-morning wake-up to watch sunrise from the dunes — a highlight for photographers and couples. Return to the bivouac for breakfast.
Tips from local experts:
- Set an alarm and ask camp staff the night before about the exact meeting point for sunrise photos.
- Bring a small tripod and a charged camera/phone for low-light sunrise shots.
- Wear layered clothing; mornings on the dunes can be chilly before the sun rises fully.
Breakfast at the bivouac (included) and camel ride back to meet the vehicle
Traditional breakfast at the bivouac, then a camel ride back across the dunes to the pickup point where the driver will be waiting to continue the journey to Marrakech.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a light breakfast if you are prone to motion sensitivity on camels; request alternatives if you have food restrictions.
- Confirm the time and exact meeting location with camp staff to ensure a smooth handover to the driver.
- Keep small items (sunglasses, hat) handy as you'll remount camels for the return journey.
Overland return via Rissani, Tazarin, Nkob and Draa Valley
Long overland drive passing Rissani, Tazarin, Nkob and the Draa Valley with short stops for stretching and photos en route toward Ouarzazate. Expect sustained driving with regular short breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry motion-sickness remedies if you are sensitive to long drives on winding roads.
- Use short stops to stretch legs and refill water; facilities can be basic between towns.
- Keep passports and contact details accessible in case of any administrative stops in regional towns.
Lunch and short visit in Ouarzazate; Kasbah Taourirt
Lunch break in Ouarzazate (independent), then a short exterior visit to Kasbah Taourirt — the historic residence associated with the Glaoui pasha lineage.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to enter Kasbah Taourirt, wear shoes that are easy to remove and carry a small bag for valuables.
- Lunch options in Ouarzazate include cafes with shaded terraces — avoid peak sun hours and drink water.
- Ask the driver for a 15–20 minute viewpoint stop if you prefer photos of the kasbah exterior rather than a full interior visit.
Final drive via Tizi n'Tichka back to Marrakech and hotel drop-off
Cross the High Atlas once more via Tizi n'Tichka and return to Marrakech. Drop-off at your hotel or riad in central Marrakech; end of the private 3-day tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your approximate arrival window with the driver so the riad can be ready for check-in.
- If you wish to rest on arrival, request an earlier room check with your riad when possible.
- Keep small snacks and water for the return drive; shops are limited on the mountain sections.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 3 |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Outdoor, Culture, Hotel, Meal, Experience, Break |
