Morocco · Desert Adventure

3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech with Merzouga Camp Stay

3 Days Round trip from Marrakesh Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou and the historic kasbahs of Ouarzazate
02 Experience scenic drives through the High Atlas Mountains and the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs
03 Enjoy camel trekking across the Erg Chebbi dunes with a magical Sahara sunset
04 Experience authentic Berber culture with an overnight stay in a traditional desert camp

Embark on a 3-day journey from Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains into the heart of the Sahara Desert. Travel through Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and the dramatic Todra Gorge before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. Enjoy a camel trek across Erg Chebbi at sunset and spend a night in a traditional desert camp under starry skies. Discover palm groves, ancient kasbahs, and the scenic Draa Valley before returning to Marrakech with unforgettable desert memories.

Embark on a 3-day journey from Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains into the heart of the Sahara Desert.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Erfoud, Rissani, Aït Benhaddou, Tizi n'Tichka, Atlas Mountains, Erg Chebbi, Boumalne Dades

Languages Arabic, English, French

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate and Boumalne Dades

Depart early from Marrakech and travel across the High Atlas Mountains.
Cross the Tizi N'Tichka Pass at an altitude of 2260 metres.
Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and explore the historic ksar.
Proceed to Ouarzazate and visit Kasbah Taourirt along with the film studios.
Drive through the scenic Dades Valley, also known as the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.
Arrive in Boumalne Dades for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 02

Boumalne Dades to Tinghir, Todra Gorge and Merzouga Dunes

Depart in the morning towards the Merzouga dunes after passing Tinghir.
Visit the palm groves and oasis landscapes near Tinghir.
Explore the spectacular Todra Gorge and its dramatic canyon scenery.
Enjoy lunch at a local stop along the route.
Continue through the palm groves of Tinjedad, Touroug, and Erfoud.
Arrive in Merzouga and begin a camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Witness the sunset over the Sahara Desert from the sand dunes.
Spend the night in a traditional desert camp under nomadic tents or in a Marabou-style camp.

Day 03

Merzouga through the Draa Valley to Marrakech

Depart after breakfast towards the Draa Valley.
Travel via Rissani and Nkob, crossing vast and mysterious desert landscapes dotted with oases.
Continue along the scenic Draa Valley route towards Ouarzazate.
Stop for lunch en route.
Drive back towards Marrakech, marking the end of the journey.

Where this trip takes you

High Atlas Mountains, Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, Erg Chebbi dunes, Todra Gorge

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Marrakesh 12 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off
Transportation with a driver-guide
Air-conditioned, very comfortable vehicle
Half-board accommodation
1st night: Overnight stay at a hotel or guest house
2nd night: Overnight stay in a bivouac or camp
2 breakfasts (dietary options available)
2 dinners (dietary options available)
Sunset and sunrise camel rides
Live Berber drumming and music at the camp

What's Not Included

Optional local guide at Ait Benhaddou (€2 per person)
Lunches and drinks
Tips and gratuities

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Comfortable clothes
Passport (copy accepted)

Know before you go

Pickup: Your pickup details will be shared via WhatsApp the day before, before 6 PM. Pickup is available from your Marrakech accommodation. For riads in the historical Medina, a nearby accessible meeting point will be arranged and shared with Google Maps directions.
Schedule: Departure at 7 AM on Day 1; return around 8 PM on Day 3.
Accommodation: 1st night in Dades or Tinghir (private room with bathroom). 2nd night in Desert Camp: Private Standard Tent (shared bathroom) or Luxury Tent (private en-suite), depending on the selected option.
Luggage: Please bring a small overnight bag for the desert. Main luggage stays securely in the vehicle.
Weather: Desert temperatures vary - hot in summer (Jun-Aug), with cold nights in winter (Nov-Feb). Please pack layers accordingly. Standard tents do not have AC. Luxury tents are equipped with AC/heating.
Cash: Please bring some cash (EUR or dirhams) for lunches and drinks, as cards may not be accepted at some points. Budget approximately €10-13 per lunch per person.

Logistics