Morocco · Desert Adventure

3-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech with Erg Chebbi camel ride

3 Days Round trip from Marrakesh Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2260 m
02 Visit the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou
03 Enjoy a camel ride through the fascinating dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset
04 Spend the night under nomadic tents or marabou between the sands of Merzouga
05 Travel through the Draa valley's mysterious desert landscapes dotted with oasis

Visit the amazing Moroccan village of Merzouga on a 3-day journey from Marrakech through some of the desert's most popular heritage attractions. Cross the High Atlas Mountains, discover the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou, and travel past kasbahs, gorges, palm groves, and oasis landscapes. In Merzouga, enjoy a camel ride across the fascinating dunes of Erg Chebbi, watch a colour-changing sunset, and spend the night under the stars at a Sahara desert camp.

In Merzouga, enjoy a camel ride across the fascinating dunes of Erg Chebbi, watch a colour-changing sunset, and spend the night under the stars at a Sahara desert camp.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Erfoud, Rissani, Aït Benhaddou, Tizi n'Tichka, Erg Chebbi, Dadès Gorges

Languages Arabic, English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Marrakech to Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate and Todra Gorges

Depart early in the morning and cross the High Atlas Mountains, reaching the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2260 m.
Continue to the Kasbah of Aït Benhaddou and visit this wonderful ksar, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Proceed towards Ouarzazate for sightseeing opportunities at Kasbah Taourirt and the film studios.
Continue towards the Dades Gorges, crossing one of the most beautiful roads dotted with one thousand kasbahs.
Arrive at Todra Gorges for dinner and an overnight stay.

Distance: 380 km

Day 02

Todra Gorges to Erfoud and the Merzouga Dunes

Depart for the Merzouga dunes in the morning.
Visit the Palmeraie area, home to thousands of palm trees, then proceed towards the Todra Gorges and walk around to explore the region.
Continue the journey through Tinejdad and Erfoud.
Have lunch at Rissani and visit the tomb of the Alaouit dynasty's first king, linked to the current Royal Family.
Arrive at Merzouga and enjoy a camel ride through the fascinating dunes of Erg Chebbi, observing the sunset behind the dunes.
Spend the night under nomadic tents or marabou between the sands.

Distance: 199 km

Day 03

Merzouga through the Draa Valley to Ouarzazate and Marrakech

After breakfast, depart by a different route towards the Draa valley through Nqob.
Cross mysterious desert landscapes dotted with oasis.
Continue to Ouarzazate along the Draa valley, have lunch, and return to Marrakech.

Distance: 530 km