User:Checky home/sandbox

• Comment: Wikipedia cannot be used to source a Wikipedia article per WP:CIRCULAR. Most of this is unsourced and just seems to advertise this tour; if you work for a company that offers this tour, that must be disclosed, see WP:PAID and WP:COI. 331dot (talk) 11:20, 29 June 2025 (UTC)

---

3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech

The 3-day desert tour from Marrakech is a commonly offered itinerary for visitors to Morocco, designed to explore the geographic and cultural diversity of the country within a limited timeframe. The tour route typically spans from the city of Marrakech to the edge of the Sahara Desert, particularly the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga, before returning to Marrakech. It includes passage through the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, and various rural areas of southern Morocco.

The tour is one of the most popular multi-day excursions starting from Marrakech, and it is widely provided by Moroccan travel agencies in both shared and private formats. The route is known for its natural landscapes, historic architecture, and exposure to Berber and nomadic culture.

---

Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech → Ait Benhaddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley

The tour generally begins in Marrakech and heads southeast across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), one of the highest roads in North Africa. A common stop is the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its earthen architecture and historical significance as a trading post. After passing through the city of Ouarzazate, sometimes referred to as the "Hollywood of Africa" due to its film studios, the route continues along the Valley of Roses to reach the Dades Valley, where travelers typically stay overnight.

Day 2: Dades Valley → Todgha Gorges → Merzouga

On the second day, the tour proceeds to the Todgha Gorges, a series of limestone river canyons located near the town of Tinghir. These gorges are popular for hiking and photography. The journey continues through the Tafilalt region to the village of Merzouga, which borders the Erg Chebbi dune field. Visitors often travel by camel into the desert to reach a campsite where they stay overnight, sometimes accompanied by traditional music and meals.

Day 3: Merzouga → Alnif → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

The third day typically begins with a return to Merzouga village after sunrise. The route back to Marrakech may vary but often passes through Alnif, Nkob, and the Draa Valley, known for its palm groves and kasbahs. The tour concludes in Marrakech by the evening.

---

Cultural and Economic Context

This tour has become a key component of Morocco’s tourism sector, offering travelers a condensed experience of desert and mountain life in southern Morocco. It supports local economies through demand for transportation, accommodation, food services, and handicrafts. In desert areas such as Merzouga, it also contributes to the preservation and adaptation of nomadic and Berber traditions, particularly through employment in guiding, hosting, and camel trekking.

---

Variations

While the 3-day format is among the most common, longer versions of the tour are available. These may include additional destinations such as Zagora, the Anti-Atlas Mountains, or extended stays in the Sahara Desert. Tours are typically organized by private operators and range in accommodation standards from basic desert tents to luxury camps with modern facilities.

External links

• 3 days desert tour from marrakech
• 5 of the best day trips from Marrakesh