Morocco · Desert Adventure

3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech with Merzouga Camel Trek

3 Days Round trip from Marrakesh Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit the beautiful village of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • 02 Enjoy a scenic drive through the Dades Valley
  • 03 Explore the dramatic Todgha Gorges deep in the rocky Atlas Mountains
  • 04 Ride a camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes and watch a stunning desert sunset
  • 05 Savor an authentic Moroccan dinner with nomadic entertainment under the stars

Embark on a three-day budget adventure from Marrakech to the edge of the Sahara Desert. Explore Ait Ben Haddou's historic kasbah, travel through the dramatic Dades Valley, and experience camel trekking across the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Spend a night under the stars at a desert camp and enjoy an authentic Moroccan dinner with nomadic entertainment. Optional luxury upgrades are available.

Begin your journey by crossing the High Atlas Mountains, passing one Berber village after another on the way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Luxury
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Tinghir, Merzouga, Todgha Gorge, Aït Benhaddou, Erg Chebbi, Boumalne Dades
Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou and Dades Valley

  • Begin your journey by crossing the High Atlas Mountains, passing one Berber village after another on the way to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This village is famous for its kasbah and fortified settlement and has been used as a set for famous Hollywood epics and magazine photo shoots.
  • After some leisure time, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and continue driving through Ouarzazate, the Gate of the Sahara.
  • Continue to Boumalne Dades, admiring the scenic drive along the Dades Valley, where you can enjoy dinner and rest for the night at Kasbah Amazigh or Hotel Chems.
2
Day 02

Dades Valley, Todgha Gorges, and Merzouga Desert Camp

  • Following breakfast, depart your hotel and drive to Tinghir and its dramatic Todgha Gorges, pausing for some free time to explore the canyons.
  • Enjoy lunch at a local cafe and continue to Merzouga to meet your camel caravan.
  • Experience the Erg Chebbi dunes on camelback and watch the sunset.
  • Reach your desert camp before nightfall and enjoy an authentic Moroccan dinner under the stars. Local nomads will provide entertainment and show you how to play the traditional Tam Tam drums.

Enjoy dinner and an overnight stop.

3
Day 03

Merzouga to Ouarzazate and Marrakech

  • Following an early wake-up to watch the sunrise before breakfast (optional), a driver will be waiting to pick you up for the transfer back to Marrakech.
  • Stop halfway for lunch at a local restaurant.
  • Get dropped off at your original departure point or Djemaa El Fna around 8 PM.
Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, Dades Valley drive, Erg Chebbi dunes, Jemaa el-Fnaa

Where this trip takes you

Ksar of Aït Benhaddou, Dades Valley drive, Erg Chebbi dunes, Jemaa el-Fnaa

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Marrakesh 8 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Pick up from your Marrakech riad/hotel on the tour day
  • Air-conditioned transportation in a minibus or minivan
  • Driver-guide
  • 1-night accommodation at the hotel
  • 1-night accommodation at the desert camp
  • 2 dinners
  • 2 breakfasts
  • Camel ride at sunset and sunrise (one camel each)
  • Entry/Admission - Merzouga Desert

What's Not Included

  • Lunches (a meal costs an average of 10€, and you can order 'á la carte' in many restaurants)
  • Drinks (if you drink a lot of water, purchasing a package of 6 bottles is recommended)
  • Local guide in Ait Benhaddou Kasbah (2 Euros per person - optional)
  • Personal expenses

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Sun hat
  • Towel
  • Camera
  • Drinks
  • Credit card
  • Jacket
  • Cash
  • GPS/map
  • Downloaded app
  • Power bank

Know before you go

  • Your luggage is welcome and will be securely stored in the van during the desert camping.
  • Prepare a small backpack or rucksack for the camel ride and overnight stay at the camp.
  • During winter, warm blankets are provided, but it is advisable to bring warm sleeping clothes, as temperatures can drop to 0°C.
  • Wet wipes are recommended.
  • For the camel ride, wearing jeans, trousers, or long shorts is recommended for a comfortable trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
  • If you are interested in sandboarding, inquire at the lodge whether sandboards can be taken to the camp.
  • Vegetarian and vegan food options are available.
  • Luxury private tent is available if selected.
  • A local guide in Kasbah Ait Ben Hddou is available if selected.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Hôtel Restaurant Café de France, Jamaa El-Fnna, Rue des Banques, Marrakesh, Morocco
Tour start
Marrakesh, Morocco
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Marrakesh.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

EUR 81 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total