Private 3-Day Marrakech Desert Tour

(1264 Reviews)

3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech

Discover the magic of Morocco with our Private 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. This tailor-made adventure takes you from the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the tranquil deserts of Merzouga, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion and scenic beauty. Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll enjoy a safe and insightful experience, perfect for couples, families, or small groups. This tour isn’t just a trip; it’s a journey of discovery and adventure, promising unforgettable memories. Book your 3-Day Marrakech Desert Tour for an exclusive and personalized exploration of Morocco’s stunning Sahara landscapes.

Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari Highlights:

  • Traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N'tichka pass.
  • Discover the historic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and the Berber village life.
  • Stroll along the Todra oasis and explore the towering Todgha gorges.
  • Experience a memorable camel ride amidst the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
  • Spend the night under the starlit sky in a Merzouga Sahara desert camp.

Itinerary of 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga:

  • Day 1 : Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley

    6 HOURS DRIVE

    Your 3-Day Marrakech desert tour begins with a morning departure from the vibrant city of Marrakech. As you leave the city behind, the landscape transforms before your eyes, taking you through the High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n’Tichka pass. Along the way, you’ll witness small Berber villages and breathtaking mountain views, making for perfect photo opportunities.

    A highlight of the day is a visit to the renowned Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic fortified village is a stunning example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture and has been the backdrop for many famous films. Explore its ancient pathways, discovering the rich history and culture that permeates this iconic location.

    After exploring the historic charm of Ait Ben Haddou, the tour heads to Kasbah Amridil in Skoura Oasis, showcasing exquisite Moroccan architecture. Then, you’ll be immersed in the tranquility of Skoura’s lush palm groves, further enriching your experience. The journey continues to Kalaa Megouna, celebrated for its rosewater distillation factories, offering a unique insight into the region’s traditional practices and enhancing the overall charm of the area.

    The day’s journey culminates in Dades Valley, known for its stunning rock formations and fortresses. Spend your first night in a traditional riad or guesthouse, soaking up the local culture and hospitality.

    Accommodation Details:
    Hotel Panorama
    Hotel Babylon

  • Day 2 : Boumalne Dades → Tinghir → Merzouga → Sahara Desert

    4 HOURS DRIVE

    On the second day, your 3 day desert tour from Marrakech takes you deeper into the Sahara desert. First, travel from Dades Valley to the Tinghir Oasis, where you’ll enjoy a guided walk in the oasis and visit the majestic Todra Gorges, offering spectacular natural scenery.

    Next, head to Rissani, famous for its palm dates market. It is also a sacred town housing the Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif, the founder of the Alaouite dynasty. This visit offers a deep dive into the spiritual and historical roots of Morocco. End your day in Merzouga, a desert town that serves as the gateway to the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes.

    Upon arrival, you’ll embark on an unforgettable sunset camel trek, a quintessential Saharan experience. The trek leads to your desert camp where you’ll spend the night under the stars. This evening in the Sahara, complete with a traditional Moroccan dinner and music around a camp fire, is the heart of your Marrakech to Merzouga tour.

    Accommodation Details:
    Comfortable camp
    Luxury camp
  • Day 3 : Merzouga → Ouarzazate → Atlas Mountains → Marrakech

    9 HOURS DRIVE

    Greet the final day with an optional sunrise climb to the dunes, a serene experience that showcases the desert’s beauty. After breakfast in the camp, you’ll leave Merzouga, carrying memories of the golden sands as you journey back to Marrakech. The drive back is a time for reflection, passing through varied landscapes including the Draa Valley’s palm groves and the rugged Anti-Atlas Mountains.

    Prior to traversing the majestic High Atlas Mountains en route to Marrakech, take a moment to explore Ouarzazate, celebrated for housing the Atlas Film Studios. Known as one of the world’s largest movie studios, it has been the backdrop for numerous renowned films. This stop offers an intriguing peek into the world of filmmaking, highlighting its relationship with the area’s distinctive terrain.

    After this captivating experience, you will continue your journey towards Marrakech, carrying with you a collection of vivid memories from the varied landscapes and cultural experiences encountered along the way in your Marrakech to Merzouga tour.

Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day Tour Price

Number of Participants: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7-9 10-13 14-17
Price per person: 575€ 325€ 245€ 215€ 185€ 165€ 155€ 145€ 125€
Number of Participants: Price per person:
1 575€
2 325€
3 245€
4 215€
5 185€
6 165€
7-9 155€
10-13 145€
14-17 125€

What's Included:

  • Transportation in a modern, air-conditioned 4x4 or van, with an English-speaking driver/guide.
  • Pick-up service from your hotel or Riad in Marrakech.
  • First night accommodation at Auberge Panorama or Hotel Babylon, in a private room with air-conditioning, including dinner and breakfast.
  • Sunset and sunrise camel rides in the stunning Erg Chebbi.
  • An overnight stay at a private tent in a Sahara desert camp in Erg Chebbi, inclusive of dinner and breakfast.
  • Drop-off service at your Marrakech hotel or the nearest accessible location if your Riad is not reachable by car.

Not included:

  • Beverages
  • Entrance fees, if applicable.
  • Fees for local guides, if used.
  • Lunches during the tour.

Tour Map

Map outlining the route for a private 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, passing through Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, Dades, Tinghir, and Tazarine.

Know Before You Go

  • The cost of the tour is dependent on the size of your group.
  • We offer the flexibility to extend this tour to a 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, should you prefer.
  • Please note that the driving times mentioned exclude stops for sightseeing, photo opportunities, or meals.
  • Be prepared for a lengthy drive on Day 3 as we journey back from Merzouga to Marrakech.
  • Our 4x4 vehicles comfortably accommodate up to four adults. For groups of five or more, a van will be provided.
  • We recommend starting your desert adventure between 07:30 and 08:00 AM on the first day.
  • Sandboards are readily available for you to use at your leisure
  • Solo travelers are welcome to join our shared 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Far is Merzouga from Marrakech for Desert Tours?

Travelers planning a desert tour often ask, ‘How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?’ The journey covers 560 kilometers (348 miles). This scenic trip is typically divided into two days with a delightful stopover in Dades Valley, allowing you to soak in the serene beauty. The return trip includes a full day’s drive back to Marrakech, ensuring you experience the diverse Moroccan landscape.

What is the Duration of the Camel Trek from Merzouga to Erg Chebbi Desert Camp?

The length of the camel ride from Merzouga to the Erg Chebbi desert camp typically varies depending on the season and the timings of sunrise and sunset, which are influenced by daylight saving time changes. On average, the journey to the camp for the sunset ride takes about an hour, and similarly, the return ride during sunrise the following day also lasts approximately an hour. This schedule allows for the most scenic experience of the desert’s natural beauty at these tranquil times of the day.

 

 

 

What Kind of Vehicle is Utilized for the private Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day Tour?

In the Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day tour, the type of vehicle employed is tailored to the size of the group for optimal comfort and convenience. For smaller groups, comprising up to four individuals, we provide modern, air-conditioned Toyota Land Cruisers. These vehicles are known for their reliability and comfort, ensuring a pleasant journey. For larger groups, we recommend spacious 7 or 16-seater vans. These vans offer ample legroom and sufficient space for luggage, making them ideal for bigger parties. It’s important to note that the entire route from Marrakech to Merzouga is paved, ensuring a smooth and comfortable drive throughout your adventure.

Do Merzouga Desert Camps Offer Private Bathrooms?

In the Merzouga desert camps, the availability of private bathrooms depends on the type of accommodation you choose. If you opt for an upgrade to the luxury camp, you’ll have the convenience of a private bathroom inside your tent. This offers an added level of comfort and privacy. However, for the standard camping option, bathrooms are shared and are located outside your tent. This setup ensures that all guests have access to necessary facilities while experiencing the authentic desert camping atmosphere.

Is it Possible to Forego the Camel Ride to the Erg Chebbi Desert Camp?

Yes, you have the option to skip the traditional camel ride to the Erg Chebbi desert camp. Instead, you can opt for a more modern and comfortable journey in a 4×4 vehicle. This alternative is available for an additional fee of 30 Euros for the round-trip transfer. However, if you choose to upgrade to the luxury desert camp, this 4×4 return transfer is included at no extra cost, providing a seamless and convenient experience without the additional expense.

 

 

 

Is Quad Bike Rental Available in Merzouga?

Absolutely, you have the opportunity to rent quad bikes in Merzouga for an adventurous exploration of the Erg Chebbi dunes. There are numerous providers offering high-quality quad bikes and dune buggies, perfect for an exhilarating ride across the desert landscape. Your guide can assist you in arranging this experience. Payment for the quad bike rental is made directly to the supplier in Merzouga. Typically, the cost is around 50 Euros per quad bike per hour, providing an exciting way to experience the beauty of the dunes.

Availability of Electrical Outlets in the Comfortable Merzouga Camp

In the comfortable Merzouga Sahara desert camp, guests will find electrical outlets available for their use. These outlets are conveniently located in the public areas, including the restaurants and the camp’s courtyard. This allows for charging electronic devices and using small electrical appliances. However, it’s important to note that the camp operates on electric generators, which are typically turned off around midnight. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your charging needs accordingly to ensure your devices are powered up before the generators are turned down for the night.

 

 

 

Electricity Outlet Availability in Merzouga Luxury Camp?

Yes, in the Merzouga luxury camp, guests have access to electric outlets both in the restaurant area and inside their tents. This ensures convenience for charging electronic devices or using small electrical appliances during your stay. It’s important to be aware that the camp relies on electric generators for power, which are typically turned off around midnight. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your electricity usage accordingly, ensuring all necessary devices are charged before the generators are switched off for the night.

Does the Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp Offer Air Conditioning?

Yes, our luxury camp in Merzouga is equipped with air-conditioned tents, ensuring your comfort throughout the year. During the winter months, the tents are heated for a cozy environment, while in the summer, they are cooled to provide a refreshing retreat from the heat. This added luxury of climate-controlled tents is available for an additional fee of 20 Euros per person, enhancing your desert experience with the utmost comfort.

 

 

 

Is Camel Riding Comfortable?

Camel riding might initially appear to be uncomfortable, but it’s often a matter of getting used to the experience. With a bit of practice and acclimatization, many find that they can ride camels quite comfortably. The key is to relax and adapt to the camel’s unique gait, which can be an enjoyable part of the adventure once you get the hang of it.

What Should You Wear for a Camel Ride in Merzouga?

For a camel ride in Merzouga, it’s advisable to wear full and loose-fitting clothing, which is particularly important in the hot desert climate. If you opt for shorts, ensure they are long enough to provide adequate coverage. To enhance your comfort and protect yourself from the sun, remember to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Additionally, comfortable shoes are essential for the ride. These clothing choices and accessories will help make your camel ride experience more enjoyable and safe from the desert elements.

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1264 Reviews
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Natalie Brooks

Group Traveller

We opted for a private tour for our group of 4, and we had a great time. The long hours in the car were made much more comfortable by having the minivan exclusively for us. Our driver, Abdel, was not only cautious on the road but also exceptionally kind to us (thank you, Adbel!). The tour itself was quite enjoyable, with the desert arrival being a highlight. The camp accommodation was also excellent. Despite a misunderstanding, Marrakech Desert Trips handled it remarkably well. Their assistance is top-notch, so you can trust them without any concerns.

August 28, 2023

Oliver Reed

Couple Traveller

We had an incredible three-day adventure exploring the southeastern region of Morocco. This tour goes beyond just the Sahara and the desert camp – we encountered numerous breathtaking places and experiences that will leave lasting memories. Choosing a favorite among them is impossible. Our skilled driver and guide, Hassan, remained composed, friendly, and helpful throughout. He not only ensured our safety while taking us to these impressive locations but also generously shared insights and patiently answered our questions. We highly recommend this tour (we opted for a private one) and Hassan as a driver and guide without any hesitation. In short, it was a flawless experience – we only wish we could’ve extended our stay at the desert camp in the erg-chebbi dunes for another day and night.

August 25, 2023

Chloe Sullivan

Couple Traveller

The experience was truly incredible. We made several stops at various places during the journey – villages, gorges, oases – and spent the night in a lovely auberge. Everything was flawless.

August 24, 2023

Caleb Foster

Family Traveller

This tour is an absolute must! The stunning landscapes of the Atlas valleys are beautifully interspersed with historic Kasbahs and Ksars. Our gratitude towards our exceptional driver, Hakim, knows no bounds – he was attentive to our every need and incredibly kind. We’re also grateful to our guide, who introduced us to the Toudgha valley. All of this culminated in the desert experience, a truly fantastic adventure that we highly recommend upgrading to a luxury camp for. This is an experience we’d eagerly repeat!

August 23, 2023

Emily Hayes

Couple Traveller

A great road trip through breathtaking landscapes. Our driver, Abdelilah, provided us with plentiful explanations and introduced us to his country’s wonders. It’s advisable to embark on this journey via a private car due to the numerous roads to explore.

August 20, 2023
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