3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Start/End Location: Marrakech
Total Distance: Approximately 1,000 km round trip
Tour Type: Cultural, Adventure, Desert Experience
Group Size: Private or small group tours available
Suitable for: Couples, Families, Adventure Seekers
Marrakech to Merzouga (Desert Experience)
- Departure: 8:00 AM from your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
- Distance: Approximately 320 km (6 hours drive).
Highlights & Activities:
- Tizi n'Tichka Pass: Cross the scenic High Atlas Mountains via Morocco's highest road pass (2,260 m). Enjoy panoramic views and photo stops.
- Ait Ben Haddou: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient fortified village famous for its kasbahs and filming locations (e.g., Gladiator, Game of Thrones).
- Ouarzazate: Stop briefly in the "Hollywood of Africa" to visit the Taourirt Kasbah or the film studios (optional).
- Dades Valley: Arrive in the Dades Valley in the evening. Check in to your hotel and enjoy dinner.
- Accommodation: Traditional hotel or guesthouse in Dades Valley (with dinner included).
- Meals: Dinner included.
- Distance: Approximately 270 km (5 hours drive).
Highlights & Activities:
- Todgha Gorges: Stop at the breathtaking Todgha Gorges, known for their towering rock walls. Enjoy a short walk or take photos in this stunning canyon.
- Berber Villages: Pass through picturesque Berber villages like Tinjdad and Erfoud, known for their fossil workshops and date palms.
- Merzouga Desert: Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon. Prepare for a camel trek into the desert dunes of Erg Chebbi.
- Camel Trekking: Experience a traditional camel ride, taking you to a desert camp amidst the golden dunes. Enjoy the sunset along the way.
- Desert Camp: Arrive at your luxury desert camp. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars, followed by local Berber music and dancing around the campfire.
- Accommodation: Luxury or standard desert camp (with private or shared tents available).
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.
- Distance: Approximately 550 km (9-10 hours drive).
Highlights & Activities:
- Sunrise in the Dunes: Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the sand dunes. Capture unforgettable photos before riding the camels back to Merzouga.
- Breakfast & Freshen Up: Return to the hotel for breakfast and a quick shower before starting the journey back.
- Return Journey: Head back towards Marrakech, with stops along the way for lunch and rest.
- Ouarzazate: Optional lunch stop in Ouarzazate (at client’s expense).
- High Atlas Mountains: Enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the High Atlas once again before arriving in Marrakech.
- Arrival in Marrakech: Approximately 7:00 PM. Drop-off at your hotel or riad.
What’s Included:
- Private transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minivan).
- English/French-speaking driver/guide.
- Accommodation for 2 nights (hotel in Dades Valley, desert camp in Merzouga).
- Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners.
- Camel trek in Merzouga (1 hour each way).
- Sandboarding in the dunes (optional).
What's Not Included:
- Lunches and drinks.
- Entrance fees to optional sites (e.g., film studios in Ouarzazate).
- Personal expenses and tips.
Here are the top frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour:
Yes, this tour is designed for all age groups. Families, couples, solo travelers, and even children can enjoy this experience. However, the camel ride might be challenging for young children, elderly travelers, or those with back problems. Alternatives, such as transport via 4×4, can be arranged.
- First Night: You’ll stay in a hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Valley, typically a charming riad or kasbah with traditional Moroccan decor. Rooms are equipped with private bathrooms.
- Second Night: Accommodation is in a desert camp in Merzouga.
- Standard Camp: Shared facilities with basic amenities.
- Luxury Camp (Optional): Private tents with en-suite bathrooms and additional comfort.
Let us know your preference at the time of booking for customization.
Here’s a list of essential items:
- Clothing:
- Warm layers for the evenings and early mornings (especially in winter).
- Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes for walking and camel rides.
- A scarf or shawl for protection against desert wind and sand.
- Sun Protection:
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Other Essentials:
- Camera or smartphone for photos.
- Personal toiletries and medications.
- Small backpack for day essentials (water, snacks, etc.).
Yes, the tour price includes:
- Day 1: Dinner at the hotel in Dades Valley.
- Day 2: Dinner at the desert camp in Merzouga and breakfast in the morning.
- Day 3: Breakfast before departing Merzouga. Lunches, snacks, and drinks are not included but can be purchased during stops.
The camel trek lasts approximately 1 hour each way (to and from the desert camp). It is a safe and memorable experience guided by local experts. If you prefer, we can arrange a 4×4 transfer instead.
Yes, we can customize the tour to fit your needs. Options include:
- Starting or ending in a different city (e.g., Fes).
- Adding extra nights in Merzouga or other stops.
- Choosing luxury accommodations or additional activities (e.g., quad biking, sandboarding)
No problem! We can arrange a comfortable 4×4 transfer to and from the desert camp as an alternative to the camel ride.
We offer both options:
- Private Tour: Exclusive vehicle and guide for your group.
- Group Tour: Shared vehicle with other travelers (maximum 6-8 people for a more personal experience).
The roads are mostly paved and in good condition. The driving times are as follows:
- Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley (approx. 6 hours with stops).
- Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga (approx. 5 hours with stops).
- Day 3: Merzouga to Marrakech (approx. 9-10 hours with stops). We ensure regular breaks for rest, sightseeing, and meals.
Summer (June-August): Hot during the day (up to 40°C/104°F) but cooler at night.Winter (November-February): Mild during the day (20°C/68°F) but very cold at night (can drop to 0°C/32°F). Comfortable layers are recommended for all seasons.