3 Days Marrakech to Merzouga Sahara Desert Tour
The journey
Tour overview
Discover the magic of the Sahara Desert on this 3-day adventure from Marrakech. Experience camel trekking, luxury desert camps, and authentic Berber culture.
Day 1: Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Dades Valley Depart from Marrakech on your 3-day Sahara Desert tour and cross the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, one of Morocco's highest mountain passes in the High Atlas Mountains. Stop in traditional Berber villages and admire the stunning landscapes. Explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic Moroccan landmark featured in many films. Continue through the scenic Dades Valley, with its dramatic gorges, ancient kasbahs, and palm oases. Overnight in Dades Valley – Dar Blues Or Dades Paradise.
Day 2: Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert Drive through the magnificent Todra Gorge, known for its towering cliffs and lush palm-lined canyon floor. Stop in Rissani, a historic market town at the edge of the Sahara Desert, and explore local souks filled with spices, dates, and handmade crafts. Continue to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, and enjoy a magical sunset camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Overnight in a desert luxury camp, complete with desert cuisine, tea, and live Berber music under the star-filled desert sky. Overnight in Merzouga desert at Tiziri Camp Or Sahara Eden Camp
Day 3: Merzouga → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate → Marrakech Start the day with an optional sunrise camel ride in the dunes for breathtaking photography. Depart Merzouga and drive through the Draa Valley, the longest oasis valley in Morocco, lined with palm groves and fortified kasbahs. Stop in Ouarzazate, Morocco's film capital, and visit Kasbah Taourirt or take photos of the surrounding desert landscapes. Continue through the scenic Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech for evening arrival, completing your immersive 3-day Sahara Desert adventure from Marrakech. Drop off in your accommodation in Marrakech
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Starts in
- Marrakech (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 1Marrakech → High Atlas Mountains → Dades Valley
Depart from Marrakech on your 3-day Sahara Desert tour and cross the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, one of Morocco's highest mountain passes in the High Atlas Mountains. Stop in traditional Berber villages and admire the stunning landscapes. Explore Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and iconic Moroccan landmark featured in many films. Continue through the scenic Dades Valley, with its dramatic gorges, ancient kasbahs, and palm oases.
Overnight: Dades Valley – Dar Blues Or Dades Paradise
- 2
Day 2Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert
Drive through the magnificent Todra Gorge, known for its towering cliffs and lush palm-lined canyon floor. Stop in Rissani, a historic market town at the edge of the Sahara Desert, and explore local souks filled with spices, dates, and handmade crafts. Continue to Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara Desert, and enjoy a magical sunset camel trek across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. Overnight in a desert luxury camp, complete with desert cuisine, tea, and live Berber music under the star-filled desert sky.
Overnight: Merzouga desert at Tiziri Camp Or Sahara Eden Camp
- 3
Day 3Merzouga → Draa Valley → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
Start the day with an optional sunrise camel ride in the dunes for breathtaking photography. Depart Merzouga and drive through the Draa Valley, the longest oasis valley in Morocco, lined with palm groves and fortified kasbahs. Stop in Ouarzazate, Morocco's film capital, and visit Kasbah Taourirt or take photos of the surrounding desert landscapes. Continue through the scenic Atlas Mountains back to Marrakech for evening arrival, completing your immersive 3-day Sahara Desert adventure from Marrakech.
Overnight: Drop off in your accommodation in Marrakech
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
- Transport in an air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan for all 3 days
- Experienced, knowledgeable driver and local guide for the entire tour
- 2 nights accommodation (Riad, kasbah, and desert camp)
- Dinner and breakfast included for all overnight stays
- Camel rides in Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and sunrise
- Sandboarding in the desert dunes
Not included
- Lunches
- Beverages
- Tips
- Entrance fees
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, phone, internet, optional activities not listed)
Per person, in euros
Prices
| Room type | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single1 person per room | €890 |
| Double2 people per room | €495 |
| Triple3 people per room | €387 |
| Quadruple4 people per room | €287 |
Prices include taxes. Groups, children and camp upgrades priced on request.
Before you go
Practical information
Meeting point
Your hotel or riad in Marrakech, 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 Marrakech. 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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