Experience the ultimate 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga—the journey takes you through the magical Sahara Desert in Morocco. This Marrakech to Merzouga desert itinerary showcases the most stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and the incredible experience of camping under the stars amidst the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.
When planning your tour of the Sahara Desert from Marrakech, you should feel both comfortable and assured that we will meet all of your needs. We developed this Morocco desert tour with many aspects of the journey in mind to provide you with an enjoyable experience.
We know that the return trip includes a significant amount of travel time (9-10 hrs.) on Day 3. Our professional drivers are aware of how to break this up into easy-to-manage segments with photo opportunities, rest stops, and ways to interact authentically with the local culture at each of these stops. We also provide options for clients who prefer to take a little more time travelling so that they can maximize their desert adventure through our 4-day and 5-day tour options.
Quality lodging is a key component of our tours. We exclusively provide luxurious accommodations at a private desert camp, which has its own en suite and hot water. We do not provide basic camps with communal bathrooms; therefore, you will have all the comforts available during your 3-day desert trip departing from Marrakech.
While this trip does include stops where you may visit artisan workshops for carpet weaving and pottery-making, our drivers will focus solely on making sure that you have time to relax and enjoy the cultural experience of what it means to be Moroccan. At every stop, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Moroccan heritage without being pressured to buy anything.
Your 3-day Marrakech sahara desert tour starts with your pickup from your hotel in Marrakech between 7:30 and 8 a.m. As Marrakech wakes up, you travel to the High Atlas mountains with their remaining snow-capped peaks.
Your journey will take you up through Tizi N Tichka Pass, which is the highest mountain pass in Morocco at 2260 meters. You will be able to stop off at a few different locations to have panoramic views of the terraced Berber villages that cascade down the mountainside. These stops provide you with some great photo opportunities.
In the morning you will arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kasbah Ait Benhaddou, which has been a fortified village for centuries and is indicative of the traditional Moroccan earth and clay architecture. You will be able to walk through the old passages of the kasbah, which were used to film famous scenes from Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. Your guide will also provide you with lots of facts and interesting information about the history of the kasbah, and currently, it is used to house several Berber families.
In the afternoon, you will continue to Ouarzazate, which is known as the "Gateway to the Desert." You will visit the famous Atlas Studios, which are Africa's largest film studio, and you will get to see the kasbah of Taourirt. This route continues through the Valley of Roses, the area that produces damask roses that the local people use to make cosmetics and rosewater.
Overnight: Settle into a charming riad or hotel in Boumalne Dades or the scenic Dades Valley. Dinner is included, featuring traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Driving Distance/Time: Approximately 315-353 km / 6–7 hours drive
Morning: After a traditional Moroccan breakfast, take the scenic route through the Dades Gorge with its stunning rock formations—the "Monkey Fingers" rock towers that rise out of the ground like sculptures.
Midday: Drive to Todra Gorge, one of the eight natural wonders of Morocco. The cliffs in Todra Gorge rise 300 meters high and are perfect for walking and photographing. You'll find the air inside the gorge cooler, with the river flowing gently through this ancient canyon.
Afternoon: As you continue on your trip to the Merzouga Desert, you will drive through the Palm Groves of the Ziz Valley, where millions of date palms create an oasis against a background of desert hills. The landscape will slowly change as you reach the fringe of the Sahara.
Desert Experience: At the end of your journey, you will arrive at Merzouga, where you will be greeted by the Golden Erg Chebbi Dunes. You will meet your camel caravan and take a leisurely camel ride (one to one and a half hours) into the heart of the dunes. At a high dune, you will experience the incredible sunset of the desert and see the colors transforming to orange, pink, and gold. When you arrive at your private luxury desert camp, you will enjoy a wonderful meal prepared by a local chef, music and drumming performed by Berber musicians, and relax by the campfire. Your tent comes furnished with luxurious bedding and private bathrooms!
Driving Distance/Time: Approximately 255-310 km / 4–6 hours drive
The first light of day over the Sahara Desert is one of nature's most beautiful spectacles. As the dunes begin to take on color in the light, you will see shadows that define the contours of the desert. You will have the option of returning to Merzouga either by camelback or by 4×4 transfer.
You will then begin your return trip to Marrakech, driving a more scenic, less traveled route through the Draa Valley and across the Anti Atlas Mountain range, home to an incredible diversity of landscapes, from palm-covered valleys to rugged mountain passes; this trip showcases some of the many different landscapes found in Morocco.
You will stop for lunch either in Ouarzazate or at a scenic stop along the way; your driver will make adequate stops along the way for comfort and pictures.
Upon reaching Marrakech, you will be taken to your hotel or another convenient location. Arrangements will be made for you to be at the hotel between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. This is your final destination after your journey of a lifetime into the Moroccan Sahara.
Driving Distance/Time: Approximately 560-565 km / 8–10 hours drive
Shared Group Tour: Travel together with other adventurers in groups of 10-17 people maximum. This is a budget-conscious way of enjoying your trip while having enough comfort and quality. Group tour prices generally start between €95 and €150. Please keep in mind that if you decide to upgrade to a luxury camp, the cost will increase beyond the base price.
Private Tour: You will have a personal driver/guide throughout your journey and will be able to plan the trip however you would like! You can travel at your own speed and be able to stop whenever you want. Pricing will vary depending on the size of the group, the types of accommodations (standard, luxury, or a combination), and the travel season. Please get in touch with us to receive a customized quote for your specific requirements.
| Night | Location | Standard Option | Luxury Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Boumalne Dades | Hotel/Riad Dades Valley | Xaluca Dades Hotel |
| Day 2 | Merzouga Desert | Luxury Desert Camp | Sahara Majestic Luxury Camp |
Yes! The Marrakech to Merzouga 3-day itinerary includes children (aged 1+). However, please remember that these tours require long drive times (5-10 hours per day), and make sure that young children can handle long rides and activities like camel riding. Many parents report extreme benefits for their children when it comes to experiencing this type of excitement.
Camel rides are generally 1-1.5 hours long when taken at sunset and around 45 minutes to 1 hour when returning the next morning.
Absolutely! If more comfortable, you can be transported via a 4x4 vehicle with your personal luggage to and from the desert camp. Some private and luxury packages offer this option at no additional charge, while shared packages will require a slightly higher rate to have this service included.
You will only carry a small backpack with necessities such as water, a camera, and warm clothing on the camel trek. Your personal belongings will be secured in the vehicle while on shared tours. For either private or luxury tours, your personal bags will be transported separately by 4x4 to your tent once you arrive at the desert camp.
When considering what to bring for your trip through the desert, include comfortable walking shoes and clothing, sunblock (high SPF), and instruments for protection against the elements (hat, sunscreen, etc.). A scarf or shawl to shield from sun/sand and warmth in winter, as temperatures at night can go down to 0°C, would be ideal. If you get motion sickness, it's wise to bring along medication as well due to the winding roads through mountains.
Yes, all recommended camps have luxury facilities providing en-suite bathrooms with showers, toilets, hot running water, and all the amenities for comfort and privacy while in the desert.
Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for coverage of medical emergencies, cancellation of trips, and other unforeseen circumstances. Desolate desert environments present many challenges; therefore, travel insurance gives peace of mind while travelling.
Absolutely, customizing tours is one of our specialties, particularly private tours. You can add additional days 4 or 5 in length, thereby reducing the number of total hours you are required to drive daily. You may also want to drop off at a location of your choice, such as Fes, instead of returning to Marrakech, because many travelers continue on into North Africa after completing their trips.
Elevate your Sahara desert tour from Marrakech with these exciting additions:
Continue exploring Morocco's desert wonders:
The itinerary for your 3-day desert trip is beyond just a tour; rather, it is a transformative experience deep into the heart of Morocco! You will be amazed by the cultural and historical richness of Morocco, as well as its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, as you travel from rose gardens in the High Atlas through ancient kasbahs and finally into the magnificent desert dunes at Erg Chebbi.
We offer two options for this journey: a shared group experience or a private luxury excursion. Regardless of which option you choose, our expert staff will provide you with all the necessary logistics to ensure that your journey runs smoothly and that you have the opportunity to enjoy authentic experiences and create unforgettable memories.
The Sahara is waiting for you with the same magic, peace, beauty, and warmth of the Berber people that it has provided for centuries!
Email: visitmaghrebagency@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +212 721 167
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Book your spot now to join this unforgettable Marrakech to Sahara itinerary today! Let the desert's ancient call take you to one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
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