Description
Three days and two nights to reach the real Sahara dunes and come back to where you started: the route runs south to Merzouga and returns by a different road, so you never see the same landscape twice. At the end of day three we drop you at your accommodation in Marrakech.
The two nights are split. The first is in a hotel in the Dades Valley, after the Tizi N’Tichka pass, Aït Ben Haddou and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs through Skoura and the rose fields of Kalaat M’Gouna. The second is under canvas at the Mouhou Camp, one of the two camps we run in the Erg Chebbi, after the hour-long camel trek at sunset. In between comes the most enjoyable day: the palm groves of Tineghir and the Todra Gorges, where you walk the canyon floor between walls 300 metres high.
The pace is brisk, and better known in advance: roughly six or seven hours of driving on day one, four or five on day two and eight to ten on the last, returning along the Draa river with a lunch stop in Ouarzazate. It is the right choice if you have three days, want the Erg Chebbi rather than Zagora and fly home from Marrakech. Being private, dates and hotels are arranged around you.
| Day | Departure from | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Marrakech | Dades |
| 2nd | Dades | Merzouga (desert) |
| 3rd | Merzouga | Marrakech |
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech > Atlas > Aït Ben Haddou > Ouarzazate > Dades:
The 3-day desert tour begins with a pick-up at 8:00 from your riad or any other location in the city. Leaving the lively streets of Marrakech behind, we set off on a journey through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. Along the way, we climb winding roads up to the renowned Tizi N’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres above sea level, where panoramic views and photo stops await. We also stop to admire the traditional Berber villages nestled along the hillsides.
The next stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aït Ben Haddou, a remarkable example of southern Moroccan architecture. This ancient ksar (fortified village) has been the backdrop for many international films and series, including Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Babel (2006), Prince of Persia (2010), Game of Thrones (2012) and David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020). You will have plenty of time to explore its winding lanes and mud-brick buildings.
After a delicious local lunch, we continue south along the legendary Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing Ouarzazate, the palm groves of Skoura and the fragrant Valley of Roses at Kalaat M’Gouna. The final destination of the day is the Dades Valley, known for its dramatic rock formations and winding gorges. If time allows, we visit the famous “Monkey Fingers” rock formation; otherwise, we explore it the following morning.
Day 2
Dades > Todra Gorge > Erfoud > Merzouga > desert:
After a restful night and a delicious Moroccan breakfast, we continue our journey towards the Sahara. Along the way, we travel through the scenic Dades Valley and head for Tinghir, a region known for its lush palm groves and the charming Berber villages dotted across the landscape. We stop at a viewpoint overlooking the valley and its oases: the perfect moment for photos and for taking in the authentic beauty of southern Morocco.
A short drive then takes us to the spectacular Todra Gorge, where sheer limestone walls rise to 300 metres. You will have time to stretch your legs and walk through the gorge, listening to the sound of the river echoing off the canyon walls. In the afternoon we reach the mystical town of Merzouga, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here your adventure takes an exciting turn: a camel trek awaits. You climb onto your camel and begin the journey across the vast golden dunes. As the sun begins to set, we stop on top of a high dune to watch the sunset over the Sahara: a truly magical moment.
After sunset, we continue our camel ride to the luxury desert camp — Mouhou Camp, one of the two bivouacs we run in Erg Chebbi — where you are welcomed with traditional Berber tea and hospitality. Take some time to relax and settle into your private tent, which offers all the comforts of home. As evening falls, a delicious Moroccan dinner is served under the stars. Then everyone gathers around the fire with local Berber musicians to listen to drum rhythms and stories of desert life. The evening ends with stargazing under one of the clearest skies in the world: an unforgettable desert night. You will sleep peacefully in your desert camp, surrounded by silence, sand and stars.
Day 3
Merzouga > Alnif > Draa Valley > Atlas > Marrakech:
This morning we recommend waking up early to watch the beautiful sunrise from a nearby high dune: a truly unforgettable experience. After a hearty breakfast at the camp, you return to the village of Merzouga on camelback or in the comfort of a 4×4. Our journey back to Marrakech starts with a scenic route along a different road, following the course of the Draa river, the longest in Morocco, which stretches for more than 1,100 kilometres.
You can ask the driver — Omar, or another of our team — to stop along the way whenever you want to take photos or stretch your legs. We break for lunch in Ouarzazate, then continue through the majestic High Atlas Mountains. On arrival in Marrakech, we drop you off at your accommodation, bringing your 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to a close.
Book the 3-day tour from Marrakech to the desert
The price of the 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga varies according to the travel season, the type of accommodation chosen and the number of participants.
Book nowNote: The itinerary of the 3-day tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert can be adapted to your requirements.
Included
- Modern air-conditioned 4×4 SUV, van or minibus
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
- One night in a hotel in Dades
- Meals: 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts
- Camel ride
- Overnight stay in a desert camp
- Sandboarding on the dunes
Not included
- Flights
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance tickets, where required
- Tips (optional)
Frequently asked questions
How far is the desert from Marrakech and how many hours do we drive each day?
The Sahara desert (Merzouga) is about 560 km from Marrakech.
Driving times:
Day 1: ~6-7 hours (from Marrakech to the Dades Valley or Ouarzazate)
Day 2: ~4-5 hours (from Dades to Merzouga via the Todra Gorge)
Day 3: ~8-10 hours (from Merzouga back to Marrakech)
Along the way we stop for sightseeing, meals and rest.
What should I pack for the desert tour?
Here are the most important things to pack:
– Comfortable clothes for hot days if you travel in the warmer months, and layers for cold nights if you travel in the colder months.
– Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or a scarf.
– A small backpack for the camel ride (larger bags stay in the vehicle).
Is the camel ride comfortable and how long does it last?
Camel rides usually last about 1 hour, starting shortly before sunset. Although riding a camel is not especially comfortable for long periods, the saddles are padded and the experience is memorable. If needed, a 4×4 can be arranged for anyone with mobility issues or discomfort.
What kind of accommodation is offered during the tour?
Here are the included stays:
First night: A hotel or riad in the Dades Valley (standard or luxury depending on the package).
Second night: A desert camp in Merzouga. Options range from basic Berber tents to luxury camps with private bathrooms, hot showers and electricity.
Can the tour be customised or start on any day?
Yes. The tour is private and can start on any day of the week. The itinerary and accommodation can usually be personalised to suit your preferences (for example, luxury or budget options, a shorter camel ride, vegetarian meals and so on).
Can we travel in August, with the Sahara heat?
Yes, but in August the temperatures at Merzouga are very high and on some days the wind picks up and brings sandstorms. When that happens we do not send you out to the dunes: the second night moves to a hotel near Merzouga instead.
What our travellers say
Excellent
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