2-Day Desert & Atlas Mountains Express
2 Days / 1 Night · Easy
Experience Morocco's most iconic landscapes in just two days. Depart Marrakech and cross the stunning Tizi n'Tichka, the highest mountain pass in Morocco, winding through Berber villages with breathtaking views of peaks, valleys, and dramatic roads. Visit the magnificent Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for Lawrence of Arabia, Jesus of Nazareth, Babel, and Prince of Persia. Continue through Ouarzazate, the 'Gate to Sahara,' and the lush Draa Valley with its date palms and earth-clay ksars. Explore Tamegroute, famous for its green pottery, Koran library, and religious school. Arrive at the Erg Lihoudi dunes for an unforgettable evening with the local 'blue men': enjoy dinner, an optional camel ride, and sandboarding. Sleep in nomad tents or under the stars. Wake to a stunning desert sunrise before returning to Marrakech via the scenic Draa Valley.
Highlights
- Marrakech departure and return
- Cross the Tizi n'Tichka, Morocco's highest mountain pass
- Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou: UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous film location
- Ouarzazate: the 'Gate to Sahara'
- Draa Valley: lush palm groves and traditional earth-clay ksars
- Tamegroute: green pottery, Koran library, and religious school
- Erg Lihoudi dunes: desert camp overnight
- Optional camel ride and sandboarding
- Sleep under the stars or in nomad tents
- Stunning Sahara sunrise
What's Included
- Private transportation in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Pick-up and drop-off at your riad or hotel in Marrakech (8:00 AM departure)
- Dinner at desert camp and breakfast
- Lunch on Day 1 at Ait Ben Haddou
- Desert camp overnight in nomad tents
- Experienced English-speaking driver
- Refreshments and water during travels
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech to Erg Lihoudi Desert Camp
Pick-up at your hotel or riad in Marrakech at 8:00 AM, then cross the stunning Tizi n'Tichka, Morocco's highest mountain pass, winding through picturesque Berber villages. In the afternoon, visit the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy lunch before driving through Ouarzazate and the lush Draa Valley with its palm groves and traditional ksars. Visit Tamegroute in the evening, famous for its green pottery, Koran library, and religious school, then arrive at the Erg Lihoudi dunes for dinner, an optional camel ride and sandboarding, and sleep in nomad tents or under the stars.
Day 2: Desert Sunrise & Return to Marrakech
Wake early for an optional sunrise over the dunes, then enjoy breakfast at camp before beginning the return journey via the Draa Valley. Take a scenic drive through the Atlas Mountains throughout the afternoon with refreshment and lunch stops, enjoying the stunning mountain landscapes one more time. Arrive back in Marrakech around 18:00 for drop-off at your hotel or riad.