3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Errachidia to Marrakech
The journey
Tour overview
A classic trans-Atlas route connecting the desert gate of Errachidia to Marrakech, taking you through dramatic canyons, mountain passes, and ancient clay fortresses.
Day 1: Errachidia → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert Pickup in Errachidia, followed by a drive through the palm oases of the Ziz Valley. Arriving in Merzouga, you will board your "ship of the desert" for a memorable camel trek across the golden sands of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a luxurious dinner, listen to traditional music around the fire, and sleep in a premium glamping tent. Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (HB - Dinner & Breakfast Included)
Day 2: Merzouga Desert → Todra Gorges → Dades Gorges After a magical desert sunrise and breakfast, we drive west toward the monumental Todra Gorges. Walk along the shallow riverbed beneath sheer, towering limestone cliffs that rise 300 meters above you. In the afternoon, we drive to the spectacular Dades Gorges, famous for its bizarre rock formations known as "monkey fingers" and its winding, serpentine mountain road. Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues (HB - Dinner & Breakfast Included)
Day 3: Dades Gorges → Rose Valley → Ait Benhaddou → High Atlas → Marrakech Today we travel along the historic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and through the beautiful Rose Valley. We stop to tour the spectacular Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a legendary Hollywood film location. From there, we cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m), arriving in the bustling imperial city of Marrakech by evening. Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda (BB - Bed & Breakfast Included)
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Starts in
- Errachidia (hotel pick-up)
- Travel style
- Private or small group (max 17)
- Guides speak
- English, French, Spanish, German, Arabic
- Season
- Year-round, best Oct–Apr
- Activity level
- Easy to moderate
Day by day
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1Errachidia → Erfoud → Merzouga Desert
Pickup in Errachidia, followed by a drive through the palm oases of the Ziz Valley. Arriving in Merzouga, you will board your "ship of the desert" for a memorable camel trek across the golden sands of Erg Chebbi. Enjoy a luxurious dinner, listen to traditional music around the fire, and sleep in a premium glamping tent.
Overnight: Tiziri Camp or Sahara Eden Camp (HB - Dinner & Breakfast Included)
- 2
Day 2Merzouga Desert → Todra Gorges → Dades Gorges
After a magical desert sunrise and breakfast, we drive west toward the monumental Todra Gorges. Walk along the shallow riverbed beneath sheer, towering limestone cliffs that rise 300 meters above you. In the afternoon, we drive to the spectacular Dades Gorges, famous for its bizarre rock formations known as "monkey fingers" and its winding, serpentine mountain road.
Overnight: Dades Paradise or Dar Blues (HB - Dinner & Breakfast Included)
- 3
Day 3Dades Gorges → Rose Valley → Ait Benhaddou → High Atlas → Marrakech
Today we travel along the historic Road of a Thousand Kasbahs and through the beautiful Rose Valley. We stop to tour the spectacular Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a legendary Hollywood film location. From there, we cross the majestic High Atlas Mountains via the famous Tizi n'Tichka Pass (2,260m), arriving in the bustling imperial city of Marrakech by evening.
Overnight: Riad Nessma and Spa or Riad Touda (BB - Bed & Breakfast Included)
Want to add a night, slow the pace or end in another city? Every private itinerary can be adjusted. Ask us to customise it.
Good to know
What's included
Included
- Private, air-conditioned vehicle from Errachidia to Marrakech
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Camel trekking into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- 1-night desert camp accommodation with traditional Berber dinner and breakfast
- Daily breakfast and selected local dinners
- Passenger driving insurance
- Visits and stops in Ziz Valley, Erfoud, Rissani, Khamlia village, and Ait Ben Haddou
- Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off in Errachidia and Marrakech
- Scenic viewpoints along Atlas Mountains and Sahara routes
Not included
- Lunches and beverages
- Optional activities (sandboarding, quad biking, etc.)
- Entrance fees to monuments and archaeological sites
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
Per person, in euros
Prices
| Room type | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single1 person per room | €975 |
| Double2 people per room | €497 |
| Triple3 people per room | €382 |
| Quadruple4 people per room | €337 |
Prices include taxes. Groups, children and camp upgrades priced on request.
Before you go
Practical information
Meeting point
Your hotel or riad in Errachidia, usually between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. Exact time confirmed on booking.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure. 50% refund between 7 and 14 days. Free date changes whenever possible.
What to bring
Comfortable layers, a warm jacket for desert nights, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen and a scarf or hat.
Fitness
Suitable for most fitness levels. Light walking and an optional camel ride. Tell us about any mobility needs.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is this tour private or shared?
You can take this tour privately, with your own driver-guide and vehicle, or join a shared small-group departure (up to 17 guests) where available. Tell us which you prefer when you enquire.
Is this tour suitable for first-time desert travelers?
Absolutely. Our guides are experienced with travelers of all backgrounds and will make sure you feel comfortable and safe throughout the journey. No prior desert experience is required.
What type of accommodation is used?
We use a mix of traditional riad hotels in cities and authentic Berber desert camps with private tents, comfortable bedding, and camp lighting. Luxury glamping options are available on request.
Are meals included in the tour?
Most meals are included as listed in the "What's Included" section. Breakfast is provided at hotels; dinners and breakfasts at the desert camp are always included. Lunches in cities may be at your own expense.
How do I get to the departure city?
We pick you up from your hotel or riad in Errachidia. We can also arrange airport transfers and recommend trusted hotels if needed, just ask when booking.
Can I change the itinerary?
Yes. Every private tour can be adjusted: add a night, swap a stop, upgrade your desert camp or finish in a different city. We will send an updated itinerary and price.
What is the best time of year to visit the Sahara?
October to April offers the most comfortable temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F during the day). July and August are very hot but manageable with proper preparation. The desert is beautiful year-round.
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