3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

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Shared Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour - 3 Days

Embark on a thrilling 3-day adventure through the Sahara Desert from Marrakech to Merzouga! First, discover the magnificence of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, the stunning beauty of Tinghir Oasis, then absorb the grandeur of Merzouga Sahara desert. Finally, experience a camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes as you bask in Saharan starlight during your stay at the nomads’ desert camp. This desert safari includes two nights of private accommodation featuring delectable dinners and breakfasts, shared transportation, thrilling Merzouga camel rides, and sandboarding, making it an experience of a lifetime!

Price per person:	Days of operation:	Number of participants:
95 €	Daily	17 Max

Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day Desert Tour Highlights:

Discover the beauty of Morocco by driving through Morocco by driving through the magnificent High Atlas Mountains.
Immerse yourself in the world heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.
Marvel at the breathtaking views from atop the Dades Canyons.
Explore the majestic Todra gorges and the lush green Tinghir oasis
Indulge in an exhilarating camel ride in Erg Chebbi to witness the awe-inspiring sunset
Spend a night at a Berber desert camp in Merzouga Sahara desert for a unique and memorable experience.

3 Days Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Marrakech - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Dades Valley

Your 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga will start early in the morning with a drive east of Marrakech past small suburban towns to the High Atlas Mountains. You will make a few stops to take photos, enjoy the scenery, stretch your legs and drink a cup of coffee.
Drive uphill on curvy roads to the famous Tizi Ntichka pass before reaching Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, the first major stop today for sightseeing. The Berber fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO-listed landmark known as a set for major Hollywood epics. To name a few movies that used the village for shooting: the Kingdom of Heaven, Lawrence of Arabia, and Gladiator. Cross the river separating the Kasbah from the main road and leisurely explore the village. Should you wish to hire a local guide, they are available onsite.
After lunch at leisure at one of the local cafes, continue to Dades valley, driving past Ouarzazate, Skoura Oasis, and Klaa Mgouna, the capital of the valley of the roses and famous for its rosewater artisanal distillation factories.
Upon arrival at Boumalne Dades, Follow Dades River on a tiny road passing by different fortified Kasbahs on the side of the road to Dades Canyons. You will arrive at your hotel late in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at your Dades hotel.

(07H00 DRIVE)

Accomodation Details:

Hotel Le Chateau

Day 2: Dades Valley - Tinghir Oasis - Merzouga Desert

After breakfast at your hotel in Dades Valley, your day will start with a drive along the road of 1001 Kasbahs to the oasis of Tinghir, where we will deviate to a minor road driving along the river to Todgha, where you will stop for a walk in the oasis under the shade of palm trees and continue to Todgha Gorges.
After some time at leisure to enjoy the immensity of the huge cliffs and lunch at a local café (At leisure), we continue early in the afternoon to Rissani, famous for its dates market and being a starting point of the ancient trading caravans crossing the Sahara desert to Tombouctou. After a quick stop, we will continue to Merzouga, driving through some rocky desert landscape.
Upon arrival at Palais Des dunes lodge, feel free to take a swim at their freshening pool before getting ready for your sunset desert trek to the camp.
Meet our camel caravan, and ride your camels through the amazing color-changing dunes with the sunset on the horizon as a backdrop. We reach our Sahara desert camp before darkness.
After some time to admire the sand dunes and the surrounding landscapes, get ready for a Moroccan dinner served under the stars next to the campfire. Late at night, your local nomad hosts will be entertaining you with their drums.

(5H00 DRIVE)

Accomodation Details:

Day 3: Merzouga - Ouarzazate - Marrakech

After an early sunrise camel trek through Erg Chebbi dunes, arrive at the desert camp operator's lodge for breakfast, shower, and maybe a quick swim at the lodge pool if time permits.
Meet your driver and vehicle and drive back to Ouarzazate. After some time at leisure for lunch, we carry on in the afternoon to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains.
Your 3-day Merzouga desert tour will end in Marrakech at about 19h00.

(8H00 DRIVE)

Tour Map

Map of 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

What is included in this group 3 Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Trip:

Pick up from your Marrakech riad / hotel on the tour day (or the closest accessible point to your riad).

A/C modern minibus driven by an English / French speaking driver / guide ( Maximum of 17 passengers ).

First night in Dades Valley hotel including dinner and breakfast.

sunrise camel ride in Erg chebbi.

Comfortable tent at a our Sahara desert camp.

Sandboarding.

Sunrise camel ride in Erg Chebbi.

Breakfast, shower and swimming pool at the camp operator's lodge in Merzouga.

Not included

Beverages.

Lunches on the way.

Optional local guide in Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - €3 per person.

Personal expenses.

Know Before You Go:

Please note the above driving times do not include time for sightseeing, lunches, drinks, and photos.
This 3-Day Merzouga Tour from Marrakech is perfect for easy-going travelers with limited expectations. Otherwise, a private 3-day desert tour from Marrakech would suit you better.
Your luggage is welcome on this Marrakech to Merzouga trip. It will be safely stored in the van while camping in the desert.
Please prepare a small backpack or rucksack for the camel ride and overnight in the camp.
Please bring your bathroom condiments and towel for the Merzouga Sahara desert camp.
Warm blankets are supplied during the winter. However, warm sleeping clothes are necessary as temperatures can reach 0°C.
Hat, sunglasses, good walking shoes, and wet napping are of good use during this tour.
Please wear jeans, trousers, or long shorts for the camel ride to have a comfortable trek in Erg Chebbi dunes.
If you wish to experience sandboarding in the dunes of Erg Chebbi, there are a few sandboards in the lodge to take with you to the camp. Just ask for it; if available, you will be given one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?

Embarking on a journey from Marrakech to Merzouga means covering a considerable distance of more than 560 kilometers. This scenic route offers awe-inspiring vistas of the High Atlas mountains and steep gorges, leading up to an unforgettable adventure in the Sahara Desert.
Is your shared Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour price fixed or it depends on how many join the tour?

Our Marrakech to Merzouga tour price is always fixed, so you don't have to worry about the price increasing if fewer people join the tour.
Is the first night hotel in Dades Valley private on your shared 3 days desert tour?

The first night hotel in Dades Valley is private. If you wish to upgrade to an air-conditioned room, there is an upgrade fee of 10 Euros per person.
Is the desert camp tent in Erg Chebbi private for your shared 3 days tour to Merzouga?

Yes, the desert camp tent in Erg Chebbi is private for your shared 3 days tour. You will have a private tent with proper bedding, so you can enjoy your stay in the desert.
How long is the camel ride in Erg Chebbi last on your group 3-day tour to Merzouga?

The camel ride in Erg Chebbi is an amazing experience that will last approximately 1 hour for sunset and another hour for sunrise the following day. So the total time depends on the season, Daylight saving time, and sunset/sunrise time. This is an experience you won't want to miss!
What if we don't want to take the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

If you're not interested in camel riding in Erg Chebbi, that's fine. You can arrange to be transferred from the lodge in Merzouga to the desert camp in a 4×4 for an additional fee of 30 Euros.
Are there showers in Merzouga Sahara desert camp?

No, but you can shower at the camp operator’s lodge in Merzouga the following day.
Is Merzouga worth visiting?

Absolutely! Merzouga is a magical place that should be on everyone's travel list. The desert landscape is otherworldly and the experience of staying in a Moroccan Sahara desert camp in Erg Chebbi is unforgettable.
Is there a minimum number of participants required for your 3 days shared Marrakech to Merzouga tour? ?

Our shared Marrakech desert tours run daily, so you don't have to worry about whether there will be enough people signed up.
Can we rent quad bikes in Merzouga during our shared 3 days desert tour?

Yes, you can experience an hour of quad biking experience in Erg Chebbi dunes. However, it will be in the morning after your night's stay in the camp. You will ride your quad bikes from your desert camp to the camp operator's lodge for 50 Euros an hour through Erg Chebbi dunes instead of riding camels.
Is sandboarding included in your shared Marrakech desert tours?

Our shared Marrakech desert tours definitely include sandboarding! A few sandboards will be available at your desert camp in Erg Chebbi to try upon arrival after sunset or early in the morning. They are free of charge, so don't hesitate to give it a go!

Reviews

Amazing 3 Days tour from Mrrakesh to Merzouga

Carla F – Nov 2021:

The activities they provide during this group 3-day desert tour are enjoyable, and I wouldn't consider my vacation to Marrakesh complete without taking this trip. The only thing to remember is that it is a lengthy journey (it took us 10 hours to return from Merzouga to Marrakesh), so I would not suggest it to anybody. However, when weighing the cost vs. the reward, it is well worth it.

Outstanding 3-day trip to Merzouga from Marrakech

Hans H – Sep 2021:

I can't believe such a terrific trip is available at such a low price. We visited many towns, were shown about by fantastic local guides in Kasbah Ait Ben Hadou and Tinghir oasis, rode camels, and spent the night dancing around a fire in a desert camp. Throughout the trip, we felt safe and well cared for. This is a must-do tour!

Best value for money Mezouga tour from Marrakech

Natasha L – July 2021:

Wow, just WOW. This journey is a must-do if you want to learn more about Morocco, particularly the Sahara. For what you receive, the pricing is unbeatable. It wasn't simply the performance that wowed me. Also, the individuals you've met. My heartfelt gratitude goes to Mohamed, our driver. A wonderful individual who was there for you from beginning to end. The group felt comfortable and secure with him. Thanks also to our on-site guides, Ali and Hassan. The gentlemen from the camp who accommodated our group should not go unmentioned—they were extraordinary individuals who were always willing to be excellent hosts.