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Marrakech to Merzouga — 3 Days / 2 Nights

Classic Sahara desert tour: Atlas mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades & Todra gorges, camel trek and one night in a luxury Berber camp.

Duration
3D / 2N
Route
MarrakechMerzouga (Erg Chebbi)
Rating
4.9 · 342 reviews
Snapshot

Tour At A Glance

Duration
3 Days
2 Nights
Starting Point
Marrakech
Hotel pickup included
Destination
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
Ends in Marrakech
Tour Type
Desert
Moderate
Group Size
1–12
Private group only
Accommodation
2 stays
Kasbah & Desert Camp
Overview

About This Journey

The definitive three-day Sahara desert journey from Marrakech. You'll cross the dramatic High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2260m, visit UNESCO World Heritage kasbahs of Ait Ben Haddou and Taourirt in Ouarzazate, explore the surreal landscapes of Dades Valley with its famous Monkey Fingers rock formations, and hike the towering limestone walls of Todra Gorge. After a scenic drive across the Ziz valley and palm groves of Tafilalet you'll reach Merzouga, where camel caravans carry you into the Erg Chebbi sea of dunes for sunset. You'll overnight in a luxury Berber tent camp with traditional dinner, drums and stargazing before a sunrise dune walk and return to Marrakech on day three.

Destinations visited
Marrakech· Marrakech-SafiAit Ben Haddou· OuarzazateOuarzazate· Drâa-TafilaletDades Valley· Drâa-TafilaletTodra Gorge· Drâa-TafilaletMerzouga· Drâa-Tafilalet
Itinerary

Day-by-Day Journey

3 days of unforgettable Moroccan moments

  1. Early hotel pick-up in Marrakech. Drive the scenic Tizi n'Tichka pass (2260m) with photo stops over the High Atlas. Visit the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou — a famous film location — followed by Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate. Afternoon arrival in Dades Valley for sunset over Monkey Fingers formations. Overnight in a kasbah-style riad with dinner.

    Highlights
    • Tizi n'Tichka Pass
    • Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO site
    • Dades sunset
    Activities
    • Scenic drive
    • Kasbah visit
    • Sunset photography
    Stops
    • Tizi n'Tichka viewpoint
    • Ait Ben Haddou
    • Ouarzazate Kasbah
  2. Morning through the dramatic landscapes of upper Dades Valley before a 1-hour guided hike in the awe-inspiring Todra Gorge, where limestone walls rise 300m. Drive through the palm groves of Tafilalet to Rissani, then reach Merzouga. Meet your camel caravan at sunset for a magical 1-hour trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Welcome tea at the luxury Berber camp, followed by a traditional tagine dinner, Berber drum session and stargazing by the fire.

    Highlights
    • Todra Gorge hiking
    • Camel caravan sunset
    • Berber music night
    Activities
    • Todra Gorge hike
    • Camel trek sunset
    • Berber camp night
    Stops
    • Todra Gorge
    • Tinghir oasis
    • Rissani
    • Merzouga dunes
  3. Optional sunrise dune walk — early risers can walk to the tallest nearby dune for spectacular sunrise photos. Full breakfast at camp before the camel ride back to Merzouga. Begin the long but scenic return drive, with stops in Ouarzazate for lunch (own cost) and photo opportunities over the Atlas. Drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation in the late evening.

    Highlights
    • Erg Chebbi sunrise
    • Valley of Roses
    • Atlas views
    Activities
    • Dune sunrise
    • Scenic return drive
    Stops
    • Rissani
    • Ouarzazate
    • Tizi n'Tichka
The Route

Journey Stops

Tour Route

8 stops
Marrakech
Starting point
Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Ait Ben Haddou
Ouarzazate
Dades Valley
Todra Gorge
Erfoud / Rissani
Merzouga
Final destination
Experiences

Activities & Extras

Included Activities

All part of the tour package

  • Camel Trekking
    Included
  • Sunset Dunes
    Included
  • Sunrise Dunes
    Included
  • Berber Camp Overnight
    Included
  • Berber Music & Dinner
    Included
  • Todra Gorge Hike
    Included
  • Ait Ben Haddou Visit
    Included

Optional Extras

Available on request — add when booking

  • Quad Biking
    Add-on
  • Sandboarding
    Add-on
  • 4x4 Dune Bashing
    Add-on
Where You'll Stay

Handpicked Accommodation

Your Accommodation

2 nights
Riad Xaluca Dades — Kasbah in Dades Valley
Kasbah

Riad Xaluca Dades

Dades Valley

Traditional kasbah-style riad perched on the valley edge with panoramic views over Dades gorges.

Sahara Luxury Berber Camp — Desert Camp in Erg Chebbi Dunes, Merzouga
Desert Camp

Sahara Luxury Berber Camp

Erg Chebbi Dunes, Merzouga

Premium private tent camp in the heart of the dunes with Berber carpets, ensuite bathroom, candlelit dinner and drums around the fire.

Included

Everything in the price

  • Private air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking driver/guide
  • 1 night kasbah-style hotel in Dades (Dinner + Breakfast)
  • 1 night luxury Berber desert camp (Dinner + Breakfast)
  • Sunset & sunrise camel trekking (2 camels minimum)
  • Bottled mineral water throughout the trip
  • Hotel pick-up & drop-off in Marrakech

Not Included

Extras & personal items

  • International flights
  • Lunches (typically 70–120 MAD/person)
  • Dinners in Ouarzazate if not at camp
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Tips for driver, camel guides and camp staff
  • Quad biking, sandboarding, spa (available as add-ons)
Good To Know

Important Information

What to bring
  • Warm layers (nights get cold in the desert, even in summer)
  • Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF 50 cream
  • Comfortable closed walking shoes / trainers for dunes
  • Small backpack for day 2 camel ride (valuables + change of clothes)
  • Head torch / phone torch for camp at night
  • Camera & battery pack — dune sunrises are not to be missed
  • Reusable water bottle
Pickup Information

Pickup starts at 07:30 from riads/hotels within Marrakech medina and Gueliz. Please be ready at your reception 10 minutes early. Exact pickup time will be confirmed by WhatsApp the night before departure.

Travel Notes
  • This is a private tour — your group only, no other passengers.
  • Vehicles are fully air-conditioned with suspension and insurance.
  • The High Atlas pass can occasionally close in winter due to snow — alternative routes used if needed.
  • Desert camp tents have proper mattresses, blankets and ensuite washrooms.
  • Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meal options available — please advise at booking.
Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 72 hours before departure. 50% refund if cancelled between 24–72h. No refund for cancellations with less than 24h notice or no-shows. Full refund in case of tour cancellation due to weather or road conditions.

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