3 Day Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: Camels & Erg Chebbi Desert Camp
Why Choose This 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
This 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga takes you to the high dunes of Erg Chebbi in the Moroccan Sahara. On the way, you also cross the High Atlas, visit Ait Ben Haddou and sleep in the Dades Valley. Then you ride a camel at sunset and spend the night in a desert camp.
Throughout the trip, you also travel privately with your own English-speaking driver-guide. As a result, you choose when to stop for photos, tea or a short walk. In addition, all meals are included, so you only think about the views.
However, Merzouga is far from Marrakech, about 560 km by road. For a shorter trip, compare our 2 day Zagora desert tour. For quieter dunes, see the 3 day Erg Chigaga tour.
| Duration | 3 days / 2 nights |
|---|---|
| Start and end | Your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| Route | Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura – Dades – Todra – Merzouga – N’Kob – Marrakech |
| Distance | About 560 km each way |
| Nights | 1 in a hotel in the Dades Valley, 1 in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner included |
| Price | From 315 € to 444 € per person, depending on group size |
Highlights of the 3 Day Desert Tour to Merzouga
- To begin with, cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, at 2,260 metres.
- Then visit the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou with a local guide.
- Afterwards, see Kasbah Amridil in the Skoura oasis and the Valley of Roses.
- After that, walk in the Dades Valley and between the high walls of the Todra Gorge.
- Later, ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset.
- Then enjoy dinner, Berber drums and a night in a private tent.
- Finally, drive back through Alnif, N’Kob and the Draa region to Marrakech.
3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Skoura – Dades Valley
To begin with, your driver picks you up at your riad in Marrakech in the morning. Soon you climb into the High Atlas and cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass, one of the highest road passes in Morocco. Along the way, you also stop for photos of Berber villages on the slopes.
After that, you take a side road to Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, after lunch, a local guide shows you its earthen lanes. Later, films such as Gladiator made this village famous.
Later in the afternoon, you pass Ouarzazate and stop at Kasbah Amridil in the Skoura oasis. Then you follow the Valley of Roses through Kalaat M’Gouna. Finally, you reach your hotel in the Dades Valley for dinner.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Merzouga Desert Camp
After breakfast, you enjoy a short walk with your guide in the Dades Valley. Then you drive to Tinghir and walk into the Todra Gorge, where the cliffs rise on both sides. After that, you stop for lunch near the gorge.
Later in the afternoon, you cross the plains of the Tafilalet towards Merzouga. There, a camel guide meets you at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Then you ride into the sand as the sun sets.
Meanwhile, at your desert camp, mint tea and dinner are waiting. Later, you listen to Berber drums by the fire. Finally, you sleep in a private tent under a sky full of stars.
Day 3: Merzouga – Alnif – N’Kob – Marrakech
If you wake early, climb a dune to watch the sunrise over Merzouga. Then you ride back on your camel and have breakfast. After that, the long drive back to Marrakech begins.
Soon you cross the Saghro region through Alnif, a village known for its fossils. After that, you pass Tazzarine and N’Kob, a village of earthen kasbahs. Then you stop for lunch on the way to Ouarzazate.
Later in the afternoon, you cross the High Atlas once more. Finally, you reach Marrakech in the evening, and your driver drops you at your riad.
Expert tip from our driver-guides
Day 3 is the longest day, so ask your driver for an early start after sunrise. In addition, pack a warm layer, because Erg Chebbi nights can be close to freezing from December to February. Finally, take only a small bag to the camp, while your suitcase stays in the vehicle.
Photo Gallery
What Is Included
- Included
- Private air-conditioned van or 4x4, so you travel in comfort
- English-speaking driver-guide for the three days
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
- One night in a hotel in the Dades Valley, with a private bathroom
- One night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, in a private tent with bathroom and shower
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner, with vegetarian and vegan options
- Camel ride with a guide, about two hours in total
- Free sandboarding if you wish
- Berber drumming and music at the camp
- Local guides and entrance fees
- Tea and coffee at the camp
- Not included
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal extras, such as souvenirs
Good to Know Before You Book
- Pickup: we also collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the morning.
- Long drives: Day 1 and Day 3 are long, although your driver plans regular stops.
- Camel ride: about one hour to the camp at sunset and about one hour back at sunrise.
- Luggage: take a small bag to the camp, while large suitcases stay in the vehicle.
- Camp: you sleep in a private tent, which also has its own bathroom and shower.
- Best time: October to April is the most pleasant, because summer days are very hot.
- Booking terms: please read our terms and conditions before you confirm.
Price of the 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
| Group size | Price per person | Total price |
|---|---|---|
| 2 travellers | 444 € | 888 € |
| 3 travellers | 375 € | 1,125 € |
| 4 travellers | 345 € | 1,380 € |
| 5 travellers | 325 € | 1,625 € |
| 6 travellers | 315 € | 1,890 € |
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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Marrakech → Ait Ben Haddou → Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Merzouga → N’Kob → Marrakech
FAQ About the 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?
In fact, Merzouga is about 560 km from Marrakech by road. So the 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga breaks the drive with a night in the Dades Valley. On the way back, you drive the whole distance in one long day.
How long is the camel ride on the 3 day desert tour to Merzouga?
The camel ride lasts about one hour each way, so about two hours in total. In the evening, you ride to the camp at sunset. Then you ride back at sunrise the next morning.
Do I need camel riding experience?
No, you do not need any experience. Instead, your camel guide leads the camel on foot and shows you how to sit. Besides, the camels walk slowly, so the ride is calm.
What will I see at the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge?
In the Dades Valley, you see red cliffs, kasbahs and green fields along the river. Then the Todra Gorge narrows between rock walls about 300 metres high. In both places, you have time for a short walk.
Are vegetarian meals available?
Yes. In fact, all meals have vegetarian and vegan options. However, please tell us about allergies or special diets when you book, so we can prepare.
Can I bring my luggage to the desert camp?
Yes, but a small backpack is easier for the night. Meanwhile, large suitcases stay safely in the vehicle. So pack warm clothes, a torch and your charger in your small bag.
Is this tour physically demanding?
No, it suits most fitness levels. Indeed, you only walk a little in the gorges and on the dunes. Also bring good shoes and read our guide on what to wear in the Sahara.
Is the 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga private?
Yes. In fact, only your group travels in the vehicle with your driver-guide. Therefore, you can change the pace or add a night. To book, fill in the form or message us on WhatsApp.
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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.