3 Day Merzouga Tour from Errachidia: Dunes, Nomads & Desert Camp
Why Choose This 3 Day Merzouga Tour from Errachidia
This 3 day Merzouga tour from Errachidia is the easiest way to reach the Sahara if you fly into the south-east of Morocco. In fact, Errachidia is only about 130 km from the Erg Chebbi dunes. So you spend more time in the desert and less time on the road.
To begin with, you sleep in a hotel in Merzouga. Then you meet nomad families, hear Gnawa music in Khamlia and ride a camel to a desert camp. Finally, you visit the market town of Rissani and the fossil workshops of Erfoud.
Throughout the trip, you also travel privately with your own driver. If you start in Marrakech instead, see our 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Errachidia airport or your hotel in Errachidia |
| Route | Errachidia – Erfoud – Merzouga – Khamlia – Erg Chebbi – Rissani – Erfoud – Ziz Valley – Errachidia |
| Distance | About 130 km each way |
| Nights | 1 in a hotel in Merzouga, 1 in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi |
| Meals | Breakfast and dinner included |
| Price | From 265 € to 400 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 3 Day Merzouga Tour from Errachidia
- To begin with, visit an old mine in the rocky desert near Merzouga.
- Then share tea with a nomad family in their tent.
- Afterwards, hear Gnawa music and dance in the village of Khamlia.
- After that, look for birds at the seasonal lake of Merzouga.
- Later, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
- Then watch the sunrise over the Sahara from a dune.
- Finally, browse the souk of Rissani and the fossil workshops of Erfoud.
3 Day Merzouga Tour from Errachidia: Itinerary
Day 1: Errachidia – Erfoud – Merzouga
To begin with, your driver meets you at Errachidia airport or at your hotel. Then you drive south along the road to Erfoud and Merzouga. Little by little, the mountains give way to wide desert plains.
In Merzouga, you check in at your hotel near the dunes. If you have time, walk to the edge of the sand for the sunset. Finally, you enjoy dinner and a quiet night.
Day 2: Nomads, Khamlia, Merzouga Lake and Erg Chebbi
Then, after breakfast, you set off by 4×4 around the dunes. Soon you visit an old mine in the rocky desert. After that, you meet a nomad family and share a glass of mint tea in their tent.
Then you visit Khamlia, a village whose people have roots in sub-Saharan Africa. Here musicians also play Gnawa music with drums and iron castanets. After a break for lunch, you visit the seasonal lake of Merzouga, where flamingos sometimes stop after a rainy winter.
In the late afternoon, you ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Meanwhile, at your desert camp, dinner and Berber drums are waiting. Finally, you sleep in a tent under the stars.
Day 3: Sunrise – Rissani – Erfoud – Errachidia
If you wake early, climb a dune to watch the sunrise over Merzouga. After breakfast, you ride back by camel to meet your driver. Then you drive to Rissani.
Later, in Rissani, you browse one of the oldest markets of the region, full of spices, dates and crafts. After that, you visit a fossil workshop in Erfoud. There artisans also cut and polish stone full of ancient sea creatures.
Finally, you follow the Ziz Valley back to Errachidia, and your driver drops you at the airport or your hotel.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Rissani is busiest on its market days, so ask us to plan Day 3 on a souk day if your dates allow. In addition, pack a scarf, because the wind can lift the sand in spring. Finally, bring a warm layer, because desert nights are cold from November to February.
Starting from another city? See our 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, the 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes or all our private tours from Marrakech.
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What Is Included
- Included
- Pickup and drop-off at Errachidia airport or your hotel
- Private air-conditioned 4x4 or minibus
- Fuel and English or Spanish-speaking driver
- One night in a hotel in Merzouga
- One night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi
- Camel ride in the Sahara, one camel per person
- Dinners and breakfasts
- Not included
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Travel insurance
- Optional activities, such as quad biking
- Tips
- Personal expenses, such as souvenirs
Good to Know Before You Book
- Pickup: we also collect you at Errachidia airport or your hotel in Errachidia.
- Short drives: the longest drive takes only about 2 to 3 hours.
- Camel ride: about 1 to 2 hours each way, depending on the camp.
- Lunches: lunches are not included, so bring some cash in dirhams.
- Luggage: take a small bag to the camp, while large suitcases stay in the vehicle.
- Best time: October to April is the most pleasant, because summer days can pass 40°C.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 3 Day Merzouga Tour from Errachidia
| Group size | Price per person | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 travellers | 400 € | 800 € |
| 3 travellers | 330 € | 990 € |
| 4 travellers | 310 € | 1,240 € |
| 5 travellers | 290 € | 1,450 € |
| 6 travellers | 265 € | 1,590 € |
Prices are per person in euros, because every tour is private. For 7 or more travellers, also ask us for a group quote.
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Errachidia → Erfoud → Merzouga → Khamlia → Erg Chebbi → Rissani → Errachidia
FAQ About the 3 Day Merzouga Tour from Errachidia
What is included in the 3 day Merzouga tour from Errachidia?
In short, the tour includes your private vehicle and driver, a night in a hotel and a night in a desert camp. In addition, the camel ride, dinners and breakfasts are included. Lunches and drinks, however, are extra.
Can I change the 3 day Merzouga tour from Errachidia?
Yes. Since the tour is private, you can spend more time in Rissani or Erfoud. You can also add a night in the desert. Just tell us before you book.
What should I pack for Merzouga?
Above all, pack light, long clothes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Also bring a scarf against the wind and a warm coat from November to February. See our guide on what to wear in the Sahara.
Is the camel ride suitable for beginners?
Yes. In fact, a camel guide leads your camel on foot, and the camels walk slowly. So you do not need any experience.
How long is the camel ride on the 3 day Merzouga tour?
The ride takes about 1 to 2 hours each way, depending on where the camp stands. In the evening, you ride to the camp. Then the next morning, you ride back after sunrise.
What else do we visit around Merzouga?
To begin with, on Day 2, you visit Khamlia, the seasonal lake, a nomad family and an old mine. Then on Day 3, you see the souk of Rissani and a fossil workshop in Erfoud.
Where do we sleep?
On the first night, you sleep in a hotel in Merzouga. Then on the second night, you sleep in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Compare camp styles in our guide to luxury and standard Merzouga camps.
What is the best time for a Merzouga tour from Errachidia?
In general, the best time is October to April, when days are warm and evenings are cool. From June to August, however, the desert can pass 40°C.
TripAdvisor Reviews
★★★★★
Amazing tour guide
I would like to share our experience and give feedback on the trip taken by us. We really enjoyed the trip with Mr. Mohammad, he really took very good care of us during the entire trip. He was very cordial, warm, and respectful during the entire journey…
— Tehseen A
★★★★★
Fantastic trip
Fantastic trip, Mohammed is an excellent guide, great person as well. He looked after our group of 5 people. He tailored the trip to our interests. We had lots of interesting stops and stayed in great places. He also made sure we were always safe and comfortable….
— Peter H
★★★★★
Private tour around Morocco
Absolutely fantastic! Great vista and wonderful people! Ate authentic Moroccan meals with local families. Experienced next level hospitality with some fantastic locals. Hit the highlights from the tree climbing and jumping goats, to shopping in the Marrakech ..
— Spring rabiea
★★★★★
Morrocos stays in the heart
Morocco leaves an indelible mark on our souls and hearts! With its captivating scents, flavors, and natural wonders, it enchants us effortlessly! And who better than Mohammed to lead and guide us through these paradisiacal destinations! Choukran..
— Quest60915749423
Read more reviews on Tripadvisor.