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3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga | Private Sahara Camel Trek & Overnight Camp

(300 Reviews)

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3 Days Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour Overview

This 3 days desert tour from Marrakech takes you from the vibrant streets of Marrakech, over the High Atlas Mountains, and into the golden dunes of the Sahara at Merzouga.

Along the way, you’ll cross the scenic Tizi N’Tichka pass, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified kasbah village famous as a filming location for movies like Gladiator and The Mummy, and explore Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert. The route continues through the Rose Valley, the palm groves of Skoura, the Dades Valley, and the dramatic Todra Gorges before reaching Merzouga.

This isn’t a shared bus tour, it’s a fully private trip, with your own driver-guide and vehicle, flexible stops, and a pace that suits you. In Merzouga, you’ll take a camel trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes, watch the sunset from the top of a dune, and spend the night in a luxury desert camp under the stars, before waking early for one of Morocco’s most spectacular Sahara sunrises.

Whether you’re planning a short desert getaway from Marrakech or looking for a private, comfortable, and authentic Moroccan adventure, this 3-day Sahara desert tour offers the perfect balance of culture, landscape, and desert magic.

Trip Highlights

Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi N'Tichka pass.
Visit the UNESCO site Ait Ben Haddou (famous movie location).
Explore Ouarzazate and the Kasbah of Taourirt.
Scenic drive through the Rose Valley and Skoura palm grove.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Dades Valley.
Walk through the stunning Todra Gorges.
Camel trek to the heart of the Merzouga desert.
Watch the sunset and spend the night in a luxury desert camp.
Watch the sunrise over the Merzouga dunes.
Scenic drive through the Draa Valley and Anti-Atlas Mountains.
Return to Marrakech via Ouarzazate.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech - High Atlas - Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades Valley 5h 32min (330 km)

We will depart from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8:00 am, heading towards the High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi N’Tichka pass. Along the way, we’ll stop to enjoy panoramic views and take photos of the small Berber villages that blend into the landscape.

Then, we’ll continue south to the fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, where we will visit the famous Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. This stunning location has been the backdrop for famous movies like “Gladiator,” “Asterix & Obelix,” “The Mummy,” “The Jewel of the Nile,” and “Sahara” with Penélope Cruz, among others. After some free time for lunch, we’ll proceed to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert.” In Berber, Ouarzazate means “quiet” or “without noise.” Here, we’ll visit the impressive Kasbah of Taourirt.

Then, we’ll continue our Sahara tour to the Rose Valley, passing through the vast palm grove of Skoura, a beautiful area with over 700,000 palm trees and many surrounding kasbahs. In the Rose Valley, Damascus roses are grown for cosmetic products like rose water. Each year in May, the Rose Festival is a major cultural event in Morocco. Finally, we’ll arrive at Dades Valley, where we will spend the night.

Day 2: Dades Valley - Todra Gorges - Merzouga - Camel Ride and Night in a Luxury Desert Camp 4h 4min (265 km)

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Dades Valley from a strategic viewpoint in the mountains, where we can admire the many kasbahs and unique landscapes. A paved road winds through the valley, from Tinerhir to the Todra Gorges, and on to the desert.

After a few stops along the way, we will reach the stunning Todra Gorges, where locals live in traditional mud villages. These gorges are a popular spot for climbers due to their rugged rock faces. After a short walk through the Todra Gorges, we’ll have some free time for lunch in Tinejdad or Touroug. Then, we’ll continue our tour towards the desert, arriving at the breathtaking Merzouga dunes. Here, we’ll embark on a one-hour camel trek to our nomadic camp, located in the heart of the Erg Chebbi desert. Before dinner, we’ll watch the sunset from the top of a dune and then spend the night in a tent under a starry sky.

Day 3: Merzouga Dunes - Draa Valley - Anti-Atlas Mountains - Ouarzazate - Marrakech 8h 40min (558 km)

Early in the morning, we’ll witness the magical sunrise over the dunes. In the desert, waking up early is a must to enjoy one of the most beautiful sunrises from a nearby dune. Afterward, we’ll return to Merzouga by camel, where a delicious breakfast will be waiting for us. After refreshing, we’ll begin our last day of the journey by crossing the arid pre-desert region, where we’ll spot acacia trees, typical of this landscape.

On the way to the Draa Valley, we’ll make several stops to admire the stunning views of the river, which gives the valley its name. It is the longest river in Morocco, flowing through the country and into Mauritania. We’ll continue to Ouarzazate, passing through the Anti-Atlas Mountains. After some free time for lunch in town, we’ll head back to Marrakech, with an expected arrival around 8:00 pm and a transfer straight to your hotel.

Price Includes

Transport by private modern vehicle with A/C
Car Fuel
Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
Experience English driver guide
1 night in Dades valley (with dinner and breakfast)
1 night in a luxury desert camp (with dinner and breakfast)
Camel ride (Camel per person)
Sandboard available in the camp (Optional)
4x4 transfer from and to the camp (Alternative to Camels)
Flexible stops

Price Excludes

Lunches
Drinks
Tipping (Optional)

Route Map

Trip Price

The price of this 3 Days desert trip depends on the number of travelers, the type of accommodation, and the travel season. Please contact us by filling out the contact form or sending us a message on WhatsApp. Our team will reply quickly and provide you with the best possible price for your Morocco tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Merzouga desert safari private or shared?

This is a private tour. The vehicle and guide are only for you and your group.

How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?

The distance from Marrakech to Merzouga is 562 km.

Do I need a sleeping bag for the overnight in the Desert?

No, you don’t need a sleeping bag, at our 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, you will stay at an equipped desert camp with all amenities.

Is there any other way to reach the camp instead of Camels?

Yes, for travelers who don’t like to go on camels, we use a 4×4 car to transfer them to and from the camp without any extra charge as well. You just need to inform us at the time of booking.

What is the difference between the 2-day and 3-day desert tour from Marrakech?

The 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is more relaxed and includes more stops like Dades Valley and Todra Gorges. The 2 days desert tour from Marrakech is shorter and faster, with more driving time and less exploration. If you want comfort and more experiences, the 3-day tour is the best choice.

Is the 3 days desert tour from Marrakech worth it?

Yes, the 3 day Sahara desert tour from Marrakech is one of the most popular tours in Morocco. It allows you to explore the High Atlas Mountains, visit Ait Ben Haddou, enjoy a camel trek, and spend a magical night in the Sahara Desert, all in a short time.

Can I upgrade this tour to 4 or 5 days desert tour?

Yes, if you have more time, we highly recommend upgrading to a longer experience.

The 4 days desert tour from Marrakech allows more time in the desert and less driving.
The 5 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga includes extra stops, cultural visits, and more relaxation.

Is this tour suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes, the Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour 3 days is suitable for families, couples, and older travelers. The private transport, flexible stops, and comfortable accommodations make it an easy and enjoyable experience.

What should I pack for the Sahara desert trip?

We recommend bringing:

Comfortable clothes and shoes
Sunglasses and sunscreen
A small backpack for the camel trek
Warm clothes (especially in winter nights)

Is the camel ride included in the tour price?

Yes, the camel ride in Merzouga is included in the price of the 3 days desert tour from Marrakech. Each traveler will have one camel during the trek to the desert camp.

Is the Sahara Desert cold at night?

Yes, temperatures in the Sahara Desert can become cold during winter nights, especially from November to February. We recommend bringing warm clothes for the overnight stay in the desert camp.

Are vegetarian or special meals available during the tour?

Yes, we can provide vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options during your 3 days desert trip from Marrakech. Just inform us when booking.

Can I skip the camel ride in the Sahara Desert?

Yes, if you prefer not to ride camels, we offer a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp at no extra cost. This option is popular for comfort.

How can I book this tour? Any Cancelation policy?

To confirm your 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, we require a small deposit, which can be paid via PayPal. The remaining balance is payable in cash at the time of pickup, either in euros, or the equivalent in dollars or dirhams, to your driver.

Can I pay the full amount via PayPal?

While we typically request the balance to be paid in cash due to PayPal’s transaction fees and potential delays, we can accept full payment via PayPal in certain cases. However, please note that a 5% fee will apply to cover the extra transaction charges. If you prefer to pay the entire amount through PayPal, it’s best to arrange the payment before the tour.

Cancellation Policy:

For a full refund, cancellations must be made at least 30 days before the tour’s start date.

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5535

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 119 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   JoAnne 
 
 
 
 Verified We loved our Moroccan experience Mohammad in the office was very responsive to our emails and Mohammed our driver was very friendly and attentive to our needs. Our trip was as per itinerary supplied and the local guides that were arranged were very interesting and informative. Highly recommend Advisor Morocco Tours
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   uepianogirl 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Affordable Private Tour of the Sahara Desert We had a great experience with this company on our recent trip to Morocco. Mohammed (the owner of the company) was very responsive during the booking process and worked very hard to let all the appropriate people know about my husband's food allergies. Mohammed (our tour guide) was also wonderful. We did a 3 night/4 day tour from Morocco to Fes via the Sahara desert that involved a lot of driving. I am usually a nervous passenger, but I felt very safe and not concerned when driving around Morocco. When there was free time, he made suggestions for things we could do, but we were able to make decisions about what we wanted to do, etc. He made arrangements for us to ride ATVs the second night we were in the desert and that ended up being one of our favorite experiences of the trip. The food on this tour was fabulous and Mohammed made sure to find good options for us for lunch. We also made frequent stops for bathroom breaks and to stretch our legs while driving. The hotels we stayed at were amazing, especially the hotel in Dades and the luxury desert camp. We were originally planning to do two nights at the desert camp, so we were disappointed to hear that we were going back to a hotel for the third night, but the company explained why they were suggesting that we go to a hotel (heat-related reasons) and gave us the option to stay at the camp or do the hotel. We ended up going to the hotel once we understood the reasoning behind this. When coming to Morocco, it is totally worth the time to make it all the way to the Sahara. Riding a camel to the desert camp and being in the dunes was amazing and there is nothing like it in the world. Advisor Morocco Tours is an affordable option that made this possible for our family of 4.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Whitney 
 
 
 
 Verified A Trip That Stole Our Heart My sister and I had an incredible 10-day trip around Morocco, and it was amazing from start to finish. ⭐️ A special thank you to our driver, Mohammed, who made the journey so enjoyable. He is an excellent driver, always made us feel safe, recommended some fantastic local restaurants, and even let me play my favorite songs during our long drives, which made the road trips even more fun. ⭐️ The highlight of the trip was definitely the Sahara Desert. Riding the camels, spending the night at the camp, and sitting outside under the moon was simply magical. ✨ It is a memory I will cherish forever. ❤️ Every destination had its own unique beauty. Casablanca was my favorite city, with the Sahara being my favorite overall experience. I also really enjoyed Fes, especially the local guided tour with Hassan. He shared so much about Morocco’s history and culture, and I learned a lot. ⭐️ This was one of the best trips I’ve ever taken! Morocco is beautiful, it has truly captured my heart, and I will definitely be back. And if I return, I would choose to travel with Mohammed again without a second thought. He was kind, respectful, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared that we had a great time. We always felt safe, well looked after, and welcomed. Thank you for the wonderful memories. I highly recommend this company!⭐️
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Odyssey05480966179 
 
 
 
 Verified 10 day private tour Thanks to the great and perfect organization, our 10-day trip to Morocco was an absolutely unforgettable experience. We left everything to Mohammed Yaakoubi, with whom we communicated before our arrival. The accommodation, professional guides in Fes, Marrakech and Akchour waterfalls, the schedule, the stay in the desert, our driver and guide, everything was perfect.I Highly recommend this company.They are reliable.And Morocco is beautiful !
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Jmk72551 
 
 
 
 Verified Advisor Morocco Tours - great trip planning We had a 10 day experience with Advisor Morocco Tours: Marrakesh, Boumaine Dades, Merzouga Sahara Camp, Fes and Tangier. Safe and dependable private driver (Mubarek)-very conscientious, friendly and patient. AMT arranged private tour guides in the major cities. Flexible with planning while providing great advice. Recommend them for a wonderful Morocco experience!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   JFP 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic experience!! We were a family of 4, 2 adults and 2 children aged 13 and 9. The experience was awesome. Planning with Mohammed via email was super easy.. So easy that upon paying the deposit I was scared we were being scammed as the whole process was extremely easy, the deposit low and they were very accommodating with our wishes. But it was anything but a scam! Our holiday was perfectly planned, the hotels and riads were comfortable and clean and close to main attractions. The guide Hamid and drivers Mohammed ansd Ibrahim were very helpful with great tips on what to see and do and we also got to eat in local places getting the true Moroccan exerience. All the trip was very well planned and we strongly recommend this agency for a relaxing, hassle free holiday in Morocco.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   YING L 
 
 
 
 Verified A wonderful adventure through Morocco 9 fun days from Tangier to Marrakech with Mohammed. He took us from the blue city of Chefchaouen to the fascinating medina of Fes, to the amazing Sahara desert, across the Atlas mountains to Marrakech. Mohammed is a great ambassador of his country, he is chill and reliable. Mohammed designed the itinerary for our trip and we loved it. Will absolutely recommend Mohammed to anyone who wants a fun and care free trip. Mohammed was also very gracious to be our guide during Ramadan.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tazeen M 
 
 
 
 Verified Highly recommend! I went on a 5 day tour and I can only say that it was really good. As a solo female Im very careful but Muhammad made me feel really safe. I had given the itinerary that I wanted and had completely left everything on them to do. They planned out everything. I loved the riads. The tour guide,Ahmed, in Fes was amazing. My favorite part was camping in the desert. It was absolutely amazing. Muhammad was very accommodating. He tried to answer all the questions that I had. Let me play my music as much as I wanted on the radio. Took my pictures. I would highly recommend them over and over again.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Vasiliki A 
 
 
 
 Verified An unforgettable experience in Morocco We had an amazing experience in Morocco thanks to our personal driver. He was extremely professional, friendly, and reliable throughout the entire tour. His knowledge of Moroccan history, culture, and local traditions was impressive and really enriched our journey. He always made us feel safe and comfortable, was very flexible with our schedule, and gave us excellent local recommendations. Thanks to him, we were able to experience Morocco in a truly authentic way. We highly recommend him to anyone visiting Morocco and looking for a high-quality, personalized tour.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   M b 
 
 
 
 Verified Exceptional Guide & Driver – Mohammed Yakoubi Our journey through Morocco was truly unforgettable, thanks entirely to the outstanding service provided by our guide and driver, Mohammed Yakoubi. From the very first day, Mohammed was professional, punctual, and incredibly welcoming, making us feel comfortable and well cared for throughout the entire trip. Mohammed’s knowledge of Morocco, it's history, culture, landscapes, and local customs - is remarkable. He shared fascinating insights and stories that brought every destination to life, while always being happy to answer questions and adapt the itinerary to suit our interests and pace. His recommendations for stops, coffee, and experiences were spot-on and greatly enhanced our trip. As a driver, Mohammed was excellent - safe, calm, and highly skilled, even on long journeys and challenging roads. We drove almost 2000 kms with him. The vehicle was always clean, spacious, and comfortable, which made traveling across Morocco both relaxing and enjoyable with young kids. What truly sets Mohammed apart is his genuine kindness and dedication. He goes above and beyond to ensure his guests feel not just like tourists, but truly welcomed. Thanks to him, we experienced Morocco in a meaningful, authentic, and stress-free way. We wholeheartedly recommend Mohammed Yakoubi to anyone visiting Morocco. If you are looking for a reliable, knowledgeable, and truly exceptional guide and driver, Mohammed is the perfect choice.Exceptional Guide & Driver – Mohammed Yakoubi