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3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Overview
Your 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is a carefully planned adventure that takes you from the busy streets of Marrakech to the peaceful Sahara Desert. This tour covers approximately 1,200 kilometers of Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes.
You’ll travel through the High Atlas Mountains, visit ancient kasbahs, explore dramatic gorges, and experience the magic of sleeping under desert stars. The tour is designed to give you the perfect balance of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation.
Each day brings new adventures and stunning scenery. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take photos, meet local people, and learn about Moroccan culture. The tour ends back in Marrakech, completing your desert circle.
Why Choose a 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?
Your adventure begins in the bustling city of Marrakech. From there, you’ll travel to the amazing Sahara Desert in Merzouga. This tour gives you enough time to see everything without feeling rushed.
The 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is perfect for travelers who want to experience Morocco’s desert magic. You’ll see beautiful mountains, ancient villages, and endless sand dunes. Plus, you’ll sleep under the stars in a traditional desert camp.
3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Ait Ben Haddou kasbah and Hollywood filming locations
- Camel trekking through golden Sahara dunes with magical sunset views
- Sleeping under desert stars with traditional Berber music around the campfire
- Dramatic Dades and Todra Gorge canyon walls with stunning rock formations
- Breathtaking Atlas Mountains crossing through winding mountain passes
- Authentic Moroccan culture with local Berber families and desert villages
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Departure: Daily
- Departure location: Marrakech
- Drop-off location: Marrakech
Itinerary of the 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Dades Valley
We start early in the morning from Marrakech and drive toward the High Atlas Mountains. The road goes through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest mountain pass in Morocco. Along the way, we stop for photos to enjoy the mountain views, small Berber villages, and green valleys.
After crossing the Atlas Mountains, we reach Ait Ben Haddou, a famous UNESCO World Heritage site. This old kasbah is made of clay and has been used in many movies and TV shows. You will have time to walk inside, explore the narrow streets, and enjoy the views from the top.
We then continue the journey through Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” and drive through the Valley of Roses and Skoura oasis. In the afternoon, we arrive in the Dades Valley, famous for its rock formations and green river valley. Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional hotel or riad.
Driving time: around 7–8 hours
Distance: approx. 330 km
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we leave Dades Valley and head to the impressive Todra Gorges. These are tall canyon walls with a small river flowing between them. You will have time to walk inside the gorge and take photos. It is a fresh and relaxing stop.
We continue driving through desert towns and palm tree oases toward Erfoud, known for fossils and dates. From here, the landscape slowly changes into real desert scenery.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the golden Erg Chebbi dunes. You will ride a camel into the desert while enjoying the sunset over the dunes. The colors of the sand at sunset are unforgettable.
At night, we stay in a luxury desert camp. You will enjoy dinner, Berber music around the fire, and a peaceful night under the stars.
Driving time: around 5–6 hours
Distance: approx. 270 km
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – High Atlas – Marrakech
We wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, one of the best moments of the trip. After breakfast, we leave the desert by camel or 4×4 and start the return journey to Marrakech.
We pass through Rissani, an old trading town and former capital of the region. Then we drive along parts of the Draa Valley, the longest palm valley in Morocco, with thousands of palm trees and small villages.
After a stop in Ouarzazate for lunch or photos, we cross the High Atlas Mountains again via Tizi n’Tichka Pass. In the evening, we arrive back in Marrakech and drop you off at your accommodation.
Driving time: around 9–10 hours
Distance: approx. 560 km
Book Your 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Today
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Tour Map
Included & Excluded in Your 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Included
- Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for the entire journey
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Pick-up and drop-off at your Marrakech hotel or riad
- 1 night in traditional desert camp in Merzouga
- Camel trekking experience (1-2 hours each way)
- Traditional Moroccan cuisine
Not Included
- Flights to and from Morocco
- Shopping, tips, and souvenirs
- Optional activities
- Drinks
Know Before You Go
Morocco is a safe and welcoming country, but it is good to be prepared before your trip. Always carry some cash in small amounts, as many places outside the cities do not accept cards.
The desert can be very hot during the day and cold at night. Bring light clothes for the daytime and a warm jacket for the evening, especially in winter.
Long drives are part of desert tours. The roads are beautiful, with many stops for photos, rest, and food, but you should expect several hours of driving each day.
Comfortable shoes are important for walking in villages, kasbahs, and the desert. Sandals are fine, but sneakers are better for walking.
Camel rides are slow and calm. If you have back problems, please tell us in advance so we can arrange a 4×4 instead.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and desert camps, but the signal in the desert can be weak or limited.
Respect local culture by wearing modest clothes in villages and rural areas. A friendly attitude and a smile are always appreciated.
Accommodation
During the tour, we carefully choose clean, comfortable, and well-located accommodations to give you a relaxing experience after long days of travel.
In cities and valleys, you will stay in traditional riads or comfortable hotels. These places are usually family-run and offer a warm Moroccan atmosphere. Rooms have private bathrooms, hot showers, clean beds, and Wi-Fi. Dinner and breakfast are often served on site.
In the desert, you will stay in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga. The tents are private and well equipped, with real beds, clean bedding, and private or shared bathrooms depending on the camp option. At night, enjoy a traditional dinner, Berber music around the fire, and a peaceful sleep under the stars.
All accommodations are selected for their cleanliness, comfort, good service, and location. Upgrades are available if you want higher-category hotels or a more exclusive desert camp.
What to Pack for Your Morocco Adventure
For a desert tour, it is best to pack light and only bring what you really need. A small suitcase or backpack is easier to carry during the trip and fits well in the vehicle.
During the day, the weather is usually warm, but nights in the desert can be cold. Bring light clothes for the daytime and a warm jacket or sweater for the evening. In winter, warm clothes are very important for the desert night.
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are important, as you will walk in villages, kasbahs, and natural sites. Sandals are useful for relaxing at the hotel or desert camp.
The sun can be strong, especially in the desert. Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself during the day.
A small backpack is helpful for daily use. You can keep water, your phone, camera, and other small items with you while traveling.
Bring your personal toiletries, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer. These items are useful during long drives and in remote areas.
If you plan to ride a camel, long pants are more comfortable than shorts and help protect your legs while riding.
Carry some cash in small amounts for lunches, drinks, tips, and souvenirs, as card payment is not always possible.
In winter, it is also a good idea to bring warm socks and a scarf to stay comfortable during the night in the desert.
Cancellation Policy – 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
For a full refund, please cancel your 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga at least 7 days before the scheduled departure date. In case of cancellation within 7 days before departure, the deposit becomes non-refundable. However, it remains valid for a future trip if you decide to reschedule.
For any cancellation, please contact us by email.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?
The tour lasts exactly 3 days and 2 nights. You’ll leave Marrakech on Day 1 morning and return on Day 3 evening. The total distance covered is approximately 1,200 kilometers through Morocco’s most beautiful landscapes.
Is the tour suitable for children and elderly people?
Yes, our 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is suitable for all ages. We can adjust activities for children and provide extra comfort for elderly travelers. However, the tour involves some walking and camel riding.
What happens if weather conditions are bad?
Morocco’s desert climate is generally stable, but we monitor weather conditions carefully. In rare cases of sandstorms or extreme weather, we may adjust the itinerary for your safety while ensuring you still experience the desert magic.
Are there additional costs during the tour?
The main tour costs are included in your package price. Additional expenses might include lunches on travel days, optional activities like quad biking, souvenirs, and tips for service providers.
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