3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Guided Desert Tour
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Travel from Marrakech to Merzouga on a 3-day desert journey through the Atlas Mountains, kasbahs, valleys, gorges and the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The tour includes Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, the Dades Valley, Tinghir and Todra Gorge, camel trekking and an overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp. For driving times, scenic rest stops, and high mountain pass conditions on this route, see our guide on what to expect traveling from Marrakech to Merzouga.
The journey combines mountain landscapes, oases, sand dunes and kasbahs with a sunset camel trek and a night in the desert under the stars. For recommended desert clothing, layers, and overnight gear, consult our guide on what to pack for a Sahara desert tour.
For travelers seeking a longer roundtrip with upgraded boutique kasbahs and glamping, explore our private 4-Day Luxury Sahara experience, or consider the 5-Day Marrakech to Fes Guided Desert Expedition if you prefer a one-way desert route ending in northern Morocco.
Why You'll Love This Tour
- Visit Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains
- Travel through the Tichka Pass
- Visit Ouarzazate
- Travel through the Skoura Oasis and Valley of the Roses
- Spend one night in the Dades Valley (private room included)
- Visit Todra Gorge
- Continue to Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara
- Trek by camel across the Erg Chebbi dunes (or included 4×4 transfer)
- Watch the sunset in the Sahara
- Spend the night at Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp in a private tent with en-suite bathroom and shower
- Enjoy dinner, breakfast, bonfire and music at the desert camp
- Take an early morning camel trek
- Return to Marrakech through southern Morocco and the Atlas Mountains
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Atlas Mountains – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Aït Ben Haddou
Ouarzazate
Skoura and the Valley of the Roses
Dades Valley
Day 2: Dades Valley – Tinghir – Todra Gorge – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi
Todra Gorge
Merzouga and Erg Chebbi
Desert Camp
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Drâa Valley – Ouarzazate – Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
Rissani
Drâa Valley
Return to Marrakech
Tour Inclusions
- ✓Free Marrakech airport arrival transfer to your hotel on the day you arrive in Marrakech
- ✓Pickup from your hotel in Marrakech (departure at 8:00 a.m.)
- ✓Modern air-conditioned vehicle with driver
- ✓Visit to Aït Ben Haddou
- ✓Dades Gorge Valley
- ✓Todra Gorge
- ✓One night in a hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Valley (private room included)
- ✓Local guide at Todra Gorge
- ✓Sunset camel trek (or included 4×4 transfer at no additional cost)
- ✓Sunrise camel trek (or included 4×4 transfer at no additional cost)
- ✓One night at Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp in a private tent with en-suite bathroom and shower
- ✓Camp amenities including en-suite bathroom and private shower with no camp supplement
- ✓Daily breakfasts and evening dinners (at Dades hotel and desert camp)
- ✓Transportation with driver from Merzouga back to Marrakech (expected arrival approx. 8:00 p.m.)
Not Included
- ✕Personal purchases
- ✕Drinks
- ✕Lunches
- ✕Tips and gratuities for driver and local guides (discretionary)
Shared or Private?
Shared tour
Travel with other travellers in shared transport. Prices start from $260 per person. Shared refers to the transport and tour group, not a shared bedroom: your Dades room is private, and your included desert tent has an en-suite bathroom and shower. Departures depend on availability and participant numbers.
Private tour
Take the tour with transport reserved for your own party, rather than sharing the vehicle with other travellers. Private-tour pricing is available on request. Contact us with your date and party size to confirm your quote and arrangements.
A private tour does not mean exclusive use of the hotel or desert camp. Ask us about any itinerary adjustments you would like before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical Tour Details
Accommodation Notes
Included accommodations are a private room at a hotel or guesthouse in the Dades Valley on Night 1, and a private tent with an en-suite bathroom and shower at Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp on Night 2. There is no additional camp supplement.
Transportation & Driver
Modern air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver from Marrakech to Merzouga and back. Departure from Marrakech is at 8:00 a.m., with expected return at approximately 8:00 p.m. on Day 3 (subject to road conditions and stops). A 4×4 transfer to camp is included at no additional cost as an alternative to camel trekking.
Pickup & Drop-off
Departure from Marrakech is at 8:00 a.m. Your pickup time and meeting point will be confirmed before departure. Airport arrival transfer details will be confirmed in your quotation.
What to Bring
Small backpack for desert essentials, Sunglasses, scarf & sun hat, Comfortable walking shoes, Warm sleeping clothes in winter (temperatures can drop to 0°C), Jeans or long trousers for camel ride, Personal toiletries
Specialist Local Guides for This Tour
Private tour pricing available on request.
Guided Tour • Private & Shared Options • Flexible Pacing
Displayed starting prices are per person for shared tours. Contact us to confirm availability and the final price for your preferred date and tour format.
Want to modify or personalize this route?
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