Overview
This 3-day tour takes you from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert at Merzouga. You’ll cross the High Atlas Mountains, visit historic sites, and experience a night camping in the desert.
Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Valley
Your tour starts in Marrakech with a drive through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass. The route offers views of Berber villages and mountain landscapes.
Ait Benhaddou: Stop at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fortified village built from clay and stone. It’s been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows. You’ll have time to walk through and explore.
After visiting Ouarzazate, continue to Dades Valley where you’ll stay overnight at a local hotel or guesthouse. Dinner and breakfast are included.
Day 2: Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, drive through Todra Gorge, a narrow canyon with high rock walls. You can walk along the river and take photos.
Continue on the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing through small towns and palm groves. In the afternoon, arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Take a camel ride into the desert to watch the sunset. Spend the night at a desert camp with traditional Berber tents. Dinner is served at the camp, and you can enjoy music around the fire before sleeping under the stars.
Day 3: Merzouga to Marrakech
Wake up early to see the sunrise over the dunes, then ride back to Merzouga by camel. After breakfast and some time to freshen up, start the return journey to Marrakech.
The route goes through Alnif, Tazarine, and the Draa Valley. You’ll see different landscapes including desert plains, oases, and mountain passes. Arrive back in Marrakech in the evening.
What’s Included
- Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle (4×4 or minibus);
- Private English-speaking driver throughout the tour;
- Flexible stops at major sites along the route;
- Pickup and drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation
What’s Not Included
- Accommodation in Marrakech, Dades Valley and Merzouga
- Meals and drinks
- Camel rides and desert camp activities
- Personal expenses and tips
Good to Know
Accommodation: You will need to book your own accommodations in Dades Valley (Night 1) and Merzouga (Night 2) in advance.
Best time to go: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) have comfortable temperatures for desert travel. Summer can be very hot, and winter nights can be cold.
What to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers for evening (desert gets cold at night), and a camera.
Physical level: Moderate. Most time is spent in the vehicle, with short walks at sites and camel riding (about 1-1.5 hours each way).
Book Your Marrakech Merzouga Marrakech Tour
This tour departs daily from Marrakech. Private and small group options are available. Contact us for rates and availability.