3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

4.9 by 225 Reviews

kasbah-ait-ben-haddou-morocco
previous arrow
next arrow
kasbah-ait-ben-haddou-morocco
Koutoubia Mosque Minaret in Marrakech
Royal Palace of Fes Morocco
Merzouga Sahara Desert Camels and Sand Dunes
previous arrow
next arrow

3 Days Marrakech Desert Tour Overview

This 3 days Sahara desert tour from Marrakech offers an unforgettable journey through the heart of Morocco, combining spectacular landscapes, ancient kasbahs, dramatic valleys, and the magical dunes of the Sahara Desert.
Travel across the High Atlas Mountains, visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, explore the scenic Dades and Todra Gorges, and experience a camel trek in Merzouga followed by an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp under the stars.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Morocco’s desert in a short time while enjoying comfort, culture, and adventure.

What’s Included & Excluded

Tour Highlights

Detailed 3 Days Marrakech to Merzouga Itinerary

Your 3 days Sahara desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga begins with an early pickup from your accommodation. We drive through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains, crossing the scenic Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260m), with stops for panoramic photos and a visit to a local argan oil women’s cooperative.

Next, we visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and filming location for many movies such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You’ll have free time to explore the kasbah and enjoy lunch nearby.

In the afternoon, we continue to Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco. An optional visit to Atlas Studios is possible before continuing through the Valley of Roses to Boumalne Dades, where you will spend the night in a charming hotel or riad in the Dades Valley.

Next, visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages. This historic site has appeared in famous films such as Gladiator and Alexander, as well as the TV series Game of Thrones.

Continue to Ouarzazate, often called the Gateway to the Desert, where you will have free time for lunch. Afterward, travel through the beautiful Rose Valley, passing the palm groves of Skoura, before reaching Boumalne Dades. Dinner and overnight stay will be in the Dades Valley.

After breakfast, we drive through the scenic Dades Valley, stopping at viewpoints overlooking the impressive rock formations. We then continue to Tinghir to visit the magnificent Todra Gorges, famous for their towering canyon walls reaching up to 300 meters.

After free time to explore the gorges and lunch in the area, we continue through desert towns such as Tinjdad and Erfoud, known for fossils and date palms, before arriving in Merzouga Desert.

In the late afternoon, you will start your camel trek across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, enjoying a breathtaking sunset along the way. Upon arrival at the desert camp, you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, followed by Berber music around the campfire under a star-filled sky.

The tour continues through the palm-filled towns of Touroug and Tinjdad, with a stop for lunch along the way. In the afternoon, arrive in the Merzouga Sahara Desert, home to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes.

Here, you will begin a memorable camel trek across the golden dunes, stopping on a high dune to watch a stunning desert sunset. Afterward, arrive at your luxury desert camp, where you can enjoy Berber music, drumming around the campfire, dinner, and a night under the stars.

Wake up early to enjoy a stunning sunrise over the Sahara dunes. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll return by camel (or 4WD if preferred) to Merzouga village.

We then begin the return journey to Marrakech, passing through Alnif and Nkob, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we continue driving through the Ait Saouen mountain pass, arriving in Marrakech in the evening, where we drop you off at your accommodation.

3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga route map

AQs About the 3-Day Marrakech to Sahara Desert Tour

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Private & Flexible: Customize stops based on your interests.
  • Authentic Experiences: Camel rides, desert camps, and local markets.
  • Expert Local Guide: Comfortable transport with an English-speaking driver.

Yes, all breakfasts and dinners are provided.

Good to Know Before You Go

This tour covers a long distance across Morocco in three days. Expect scenic drives through the Atlas Mountains, valleys, and desert landscapes, with frequent stops for photos, sightseeing, and breaks.

A camel trek in the Merzouga Sahara Desert is included to reach the desert camp. If you prefer not to ride a camel, a 4×4 vehicle transfer can be arranged at no extra cost.

  • Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) offer the best weather
  • Summer can be very hot in the desert
  • Winter nights can be cold, especially in the Sahara and Atlas Mountains

    Request This Tour

    see what some of our clients say

    You don't like what you see? See more options down below

    You can not copy content of this page