Per Person
Embark on an enchanting 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert, departing from the vibrant city of Marrakech. Immerse yourself in a captivating journey that traverses the diverse landscapes of Morocco. This unforgettable odyssey unfolds against the backdrop of ancient kasbahs, dramatic gorges, and the iconic dunes of Merzouga. Witness the sun’s first rays from a desert dune, ride camels through golden sands, and sleep beneath a star-studded sky in a nomadic camp.
Traverse the Draa Valley with its meandering river, cross the Anti Atlas, and relish the authentic experiences and breathtaking vistas that punctuate this adventure. From the bustling city to the heart of the desert, this 3-day expedition weaves culture, nature, and exploration into an indelible tapestry of memories.
The 3-day tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert begins with an early pickup from your Marrakech lodging or the airport. After that, take a drive across the Tizi-N-Tichka pass and the magnificent High Atlas highlands. There will be pauses to take in the expansive vistas of the magnificent scenery.
We then continue to the famous Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified settlement that UNESCO has designated as a World Heritage Site. The Kasbah has been featured in films like Gladiator, Alexander, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones. Next, we travel to Ouarzazate, known as “The Gate of the Desert.” After lunch, we continue through the Rose Valley, passing a large Skoura palm grove. Finally, we travel to Boumalne Dades for the overnight stay.
On the second day, we drive through the Dades Valley and stop to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Dades Gorges. We then head to the Todra Gorges, where the Todra River has carved out a massive canyon with steep red cliffs. You’ll have time to explore and take in the stunning views.
Afterward, we drive through the palm groves of Touroug and Tinjdad, with a lunch break along the way. In the afternoon, we arrive at Merzouga, the Sahara Desert, where we embark on a camel trek across the dunes. We’ll pause to enjoy the mesmerizing sunset from a high dune before continuing to our luxurious desert camp. In the evening, you’ll enjoy Berber drumming and a delicious dinner under the starry sky.
Start your day early to witness the beautiful sunrise in the desert. Afterward, enjoy a hearty Moroccan breakfast before riding camels or taking a 4x4 back to Merzouga. Your driver will be waiting to continue the journey through Rissani, known for its bustling souk, and then on to Alnif before heading towards Ouarzazate through the Draa Valley.
We then cross the Tizi-n-Tichka pass to return to Marrakech, where the 3-day desert tour concludes with a drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
It takes about 9–10 hours by car to reach the real Sahara Desert (Merzouga) from Marrakech. The journey includes stops for sightseeing, meals, and rest.
A day trip to the real Sahara is not possible because it’s too far. However, you can visit the Agafay Desert, which is only 45 minutes from Marrakech.
The Agafay Desert is the closest, just 45 minutes away. But it’s a rocky desert, not sand dunes like the Sahara. The closest real sand dunes are in Zagora, about 6 hours away.
It’s a 3-day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga, stopping at places like Aït Benhaddou, Dades Valley, and Todra Gorge. You stay a night in a desert camp and ride camels in the dunes.
Yes! The Sahara offers stunning landscapes, camel rides, starry skies, and an unforgettable experience. If you have time, it’s one of the best things to do in Morocco.
The Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga are the most famous and beautiful, with high golden sand dunes. Another scenic desert is Erg Chigaga, which is wilder and more remote.
If you want real sand dunes and a true desert experience, the Sahara is better. If you have little time and want a quick desert-like experience, Agafay is a good choice.
The Draa Valley and Fint Oasis are two of the most beautiful. They have lush palm trees, rivers, and traditional Berber villages.
Errachidia and Rissani are the closest cities, but Merzouga is the main desert town where most Sahara tours start.
"Our 3-day desert trip from Marrakech was unforgettable! The drive through the High Atlas Mountains was stunning, and Ait Ben Haddou was breathtaking. The highlight was our camel ride in the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, followed by a night in the Merzouga desert camp under the stars. Highly recommend!"
"This 3 day Marrakech desert tour was the best experience! The scenery from Marrakech to Merzouga was breathtaking. We loved exploring Ait Ben Haddou and riding camels into the dunes. The desert camp was comfortable, and watching the sunrise in Erg Chebbi was magical!"
"The 3 day trip from Marrakech to Merzouga was fantastic! We passed through the High Atlas Mountains, visited Ait Ben Haddou, and enjoyed a camel trek at sunset. The night in the desert camp was magical, with local music and delicious food. A perfect Marrakech desert tour 3 days!"
"We booked a 3 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, and it was a dream! The High Atlas landscapes were beautiful, Ait Ben Haddou was a historic wonder, and the desert was incredible. Riding camels in Erg Chebbi and sleeping under the stars was the best part!"
"This 3-day desert trip from Marrakech was amazing! Our guide was fantastic, and the journey through the High Atlas and the desert was breathtaking. We loved the camel ride in the dunes and the cozy desert camp in Merzouga!"
