Atlas to Sahara: Morocco Expedition

From mountain passes to the dunes of Merzouga
Seven days from 22 March to 28 March

Overview

A complete fly and drive 4x4 journey across the High Atlas Mountains and the golden Sahara.
Designed and scouted by the Dunes to Glaciers team, this expedition brings our signature style of remote routes, deep exploration and premium support to Morocco's most iconic landscapes.

The adventure begins in Marrakesh and quickly climbs into the mighty High Atlas. A world of red rock faces, valleys shaped by time and Berber villages resting between the mountains. As the paved roads fade into trails, the scenery becomes wilder with dramatic canyons and jagged cliffs guiding you toward the Dades region.

Here the true off road journey begins. Across barren plateaus and surreal landscapes you reach Gara Medouar, a circular stone fortress used in major films such as Spectre and The Mummy. From there the route descends toward Merzouga and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. A place where every horizon turns gold at sunset and the silence of the desert becomes an experience.

Four days of pure off road follow along the old Paris Dakar rally tracks. Stony plains, dry riverbeds, shifting sands and wide open horizons form the core of this crossing. Iriki Lake appears like a white mirage between earth and sky and the rock formations of Cobra Pass reveal Morocco's raw and powerful landscapes.

As the route turns north, the desert gives way to mountains and one of the country's most iconic sites awaits. Ait Ben Haddou, a terracotta ksar protected by UNESCO, stands like a gateway to history. Walking through its alleys feels like stepping into another era.

The expedition ends in Marrakesh where lights, sounds and the energy of Jemaa el Fna welcome you back. What remains is the silence of the Sahara, the echo of the mountains and the feeling of living a real journey.

Trip Highlights

• Self driving 4x4 across mountains, valleys and dunes
• High Atlas mountain passes
• Erg Chegaga the biggest Erg in Morocco
• Gara Medouar circular fortress
• Golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Sunset and sunrise dune drives
• Four days on the Paris Dakar rally tracks
• Iriki Lake dry basin
• Cobra Pass unique rock formations
• Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO visit
• Seven day curated route designed by Dunes to Glaciers

What is Included

Everything is included from the moment you arrive until the day you depart.

Vehicles and Driving

• Self driving 4x4 off road car
• Full insurance and permits
• Fuel for the entire expedition
• Off road gear and recovery tools
• Convoy management and daily communication setup

Accommodation and Comfort

• Two nights boutique guest houses
• Four nights premium desert camping
• All camping equipment provided and set up
• Private chef preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Snacks, fruits, water, tea and coffee daily

Dunes to Glaciers Team

• Full Dunes to Glaciers expedition leadership
• Route experts, support crew and training team
• Daily off road training and safety briefing
• Recovery and assistance vehicles
• Medical and safety equipment
• Complete logistics and coordination

Experiences

• Mountain crossings
• Plateau driving
• Desert dunes
• Rally tracks
• Night sky viewing
• Cultural visits
• Sunrise and sunset drives

What is Not Included

• Flights to and from Marrakesh
• Personal shopping or souvenirs
• Travel insurance
• Anything not listed in the inclusion items

Itinerary Summary

Day 1 Arrival in Marrakesh and expedition briefing
Day 2 High Atlas crossing toward Dades Valley
Day 3 Remote off road tracks to Gara Medouar
Day 4 Merzouga and Erg Chebbi dune driving
Days 5 to 6 Paris Dakar tracks, Iriki Lake and Cobra Pass
Day 7 Ait Ben Haddou and return to Marrakesh