Description
Four days with three nights, two of them consecutive in the same camp among the dunes: that is what sets this tour apart from the shorter ones, which spend a single night at Merzouga and leave again at dawn. Here the third day stays entirely in the desert, and the journey closes in Marrakech, where it began.
The approach takes the first two days: the High Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs and a hotel night in the Dades; then the Todra Oasis and its canyons, Erfoud, and the camel caravan that carries you onto the Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset. Day three is a four-wheel-drive safari: the seasonal lake with its flamingos when there is water, the village of Khamlia and its gnawa music, the viewpoint over the Algerian border, the black desert of volcanic rock and mint tea under the tent of a nomad family.
Day four is a long drive back, around nine hours via Rissani, Agdz and Ouarzazate, arriving at about 19:00; if that feels heavy, the third night can be moved to a hotel in Ouarzazate to break the road. The tour suits families and older travellers alike, bearing in mind that the camel ride is not advised for anyone with back trouble.
| Day | Departure from | Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Marrakech | Dades Valley |
| 2nd | Dades | Merzouga desert |
| 3rd | Merzouga | Erg Chebbi dunes |
| 4th | Merzouga | Marrakech |
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Marrakech > Tizi N’Tichka > Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah > Skoura > The Dades Valley:
On the first day of the tour, we leave Marrakech and cross the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains along steep, winding roads. Along the way, we go over the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which climbs to 2,260 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views over the surrounding mountain landscape. We always take this stretch slowly: Ahmed, like the rest of our drivers, pulls in wherever the road allows and gives you time to get out and look.
After descending from the mountains, we reach one of the highlights of the tour: Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic fortified village was once a stop along the ancient caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech. Thanks to its well-preserved historic architecture, Aït Ben Haddou has featured in numerous world-famous films.
The journey continues through the picturesque Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs before we settle in for the night at a hotel in the scenic Dades Valley.
Day 2
The Dades Valley > Todra Gorge > Erfoud > Merzouga > Erg Chebbi desert:
The second day of our adventure begins with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, followed by a scenic four-hour drive to Merzouga. On the way, we stop in the small town of Tinghir, where you can take a peaceful walk through the lush Todra Oasis and explore the dramatic Todra Canyon.
Our journey continues with a short visit to the town of Erfoud before reaching Merzouga. On arrival, a camel caravan awaits us for an unforgettable one-hour ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, perfectly timed to watch the breathtaking sunset over the Sahara.
We spend the night in a traditional Bedouin-style desert camp, Mouhou Camp, which we run ourselves among the dunes, enjoying the magical desert atmosphere under a starry sky.
Day 3
Merzouga > Khamlia > the nomads > Black Desert > Erg Chebbi dunes:
On the third day, we set off on an exciting off-road safari across the desert of Merzouga. The first stop is the seasonal lake of Merzouga: if there is water at the time of your visit, you can enjoy a stunning view of the glittering lake with the golden dunes in the background. You may also spot various birds, including flamingos, which add to the magic of the landscape.
We then head to the village of Khamlia, home to communities originally from Sudan and Mali. Here you are welcomed with a refreshing glass of mint tea and enjoy a live performance of traditional Gnawa music, spiritual African rhythms passed down from generation to generation.
After leaving Khamlia, we reach a viewpoint with a breathtaking panorama of the golden dunes on one side and the Algerian border on the other.
The adventure continues across the Black Desert, known for its volcanic rock landscapes, until we reach the nomadic Berber families who live in traditional tents. You will be invited to sit with them, learn about their way of life and sip a cup of tea while they tell you about their daily routine caring for goats and camels.
We then return to watch another spectacular sunset and try sandboarding (optional). After dinner, gather around the campfire for an unforgettable night of traditional music under the starry desert sky.
Day 4
Merzouga > Rissani > Agdz > Ouarzazate > High Atlas > Marrakech:
Today a long drive of about 9 hours back to Marrakech awaits us. The day begins with breakfast, and along the way we stop in the town of Ouarzazate for lunch. We expect to arrive in Marrakech at around 19:00.
Book the 4-day trip from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert
The price of the 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga starts at 200 euros, but varies according to the type of accommodation chosen, the number of participants and the travel season.
Book nowNote: The itinerary of the 4-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga can be modified and personalised to suit your needs.
Included
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech
- Private air-conditioned transport
- Visits to the Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, the Dades Valley and gorges, and the Todra Gorge
- 1 night in a hotel in the Dades Valley
- Camel ride in the desert
- 2 nights in a standard tent at the Merzouga desert camp
- 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners
- Sandboarding on the dunes
Not included
- Drinks
- Tips and personal expenses
- Lunches
- Entrance tickets, where required
Frequently asked questions
Can I customise the tour and spend only one night in the desert?
Yes. On our 4-day desert tour from Marrakech you can easily adapt the itinerary to your preferences. If you would rather not spend two nights in the desert, you can stay only one night at the desert camp and spend the other night in a hotel in Merzouga or Ouarzazate.
This option is ideal if you want to break the long drive between Merzouga and Marrakech on the last day. Spending the third night in Ouarzazate makes the return journey to Marrakech more comfortable and relaxed.
How long does the camel ride last?
The camel ride lasts about an hour across the dunes. Depending on your arrival time in Merzouga, you can watch the sunset during the ride to the camp or once you arrive.
Can I hire a quad or a buggy in the Merzouga desert?
Yes. During your stay in Merzouga, we can arrange a quad or buggy ride for you, usually lasting one or two hours, across the beautiful desert dunes.
How can I help the desert nomads?
This is an important and thoughtful question. There are a few simple and meaningful ways to help:
Buy essential food supplies: you can buy the staples they need (such as sugar, oil, tea, rice or flour) in local shops in Merzouga before visiting the nomadic areas.
Bring useful donations: if you have space in your luggage, bring clothes, shoes, blankets and school supplies such as pens, notebooks and books, especially for the children.
Support local crafts or services: whenever possible, buy handmade crafts or hire local guides, which directly supports their communities.
Your help, however small, can make a big difference to their daily lives. Thank you for your generosity!
Is the tour suitable for older travellers and children?
Yes, the 4-day desert tour from Marrakech is generally suitable for both older travellers and children. Please bear in mind that:
The camel ride is not recommended for people with back problems or limited mobility.
The last day involves a long drive of about 9-10 hours, which some travellers may find tiring.
We recommend discussing any health issues or specific needs with us in advance so that we can guarantee the best experience for everyone.
Would you advise against August for the two nights in the desert?
In August the thermometer at Merzouga climbs very high and some days end in a sandstorm. In those conditions we move the night planned at the camp into a hotel, and as soon as the wind drops we head back out to the dunes.
What our travellers say
Excellent
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