Overview
Join us for an unforgettable 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour in the Sahara Desert, starting from the vibrant city of Marrakech. This carefully crafted tour takes you on a breathtaking journey through the High Atlas Mountains, the cinematic landscapes of Ouarzazate, and the lush Dades Valley, before reaching the golden dunes of Merzouga. Experience the thrill of camel rides across the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes at both sunrise and sunset, and spend two magical nights beneath the star-filled desert sky. Along the way, explore ancient kasbahs, scenic gorges, and traditional Berber villages, all while enjoying authentic Moroccan hospitality and cuisine. Perfect for those seeking a deep connection with Morocco’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, this tour offers the ultimate desert experience in just three days with Moroccantours.us.
Highlights
- Traverse the Atlas Mountains via Tizi n’Tichka Pass, with panoramic photo stops.
- Explore Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Game of Thrones filming location.
- Camp in Luxury at a private Sahara desert camp with ensuite tents and sunset camel rides.
- Stargaze in Merzouga, where the Milky Way shines brightest in Morocco’s dark skies.
- Savor Authentic Cuisine, including tagine dinners and breakfasts prepared by Berber hosts.
Itinerary
Ultimate 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour Itinerary begins with a scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains, stopping at the iconic Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate before spending the first night in the beautiful Dades Valley. On day two, explore the impressive Todra Gorge and ride camels into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Enjoy a magical night in a traditional Sahara desert camp under the stars. The final day includes a sunrise camel ride and return to Marrakech through the Draa Valley.
Embark on your journey by traversing the majestic High Atlas Mountains, taking in the stunning views of Berber villages along the way. Take a moment to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, renowned for its historic kasbahs and Hollywood film backdrops. After enjoying lunch, continue your travels to Ouarzazate, often referred to as the Gateway to the Sahara, where you can soak in its cinematic allure. Next, make your way to Tansikht along the Draa River, where you'll encounter lush palm groves and ancient kasbahs. This region was once part of the historic caravan route, where gold from South Africa was traded for sugar and salt, before arriving at the stunning dunes of Merzouga. Conclude your day with dinner and a restful night at a Desert Merzouga Lodge, nestled at the edge of the desert, as you prepare for the adventures that lie ahead.
On the second day of our Moroccan desert adventure, we will delve into the enchanting beauty of Merzouga. After enjoying breakfast at the lodge, you can take a refreshing dip in the pool. You'll have some leisure time to explore the desert's wonders and soak in the tranquil atmosphere before we head to the desert camp for an overnight stay. This experience includes camel rides at sunset and sunrise, followed by a delicious dinner.
There are numerous activities available, such as visiting nomadic families in a 4x4, where you’ll be warmly welcomed into their tents for tea and a taste of the famous 'Berber Pizza.' For those seeking a thrill, options like quad biking, buggy riding across the dunes, and sandboarding are also available, though these activities will incur additional costs. As the day comes to a close, we’ll return to the lodge to refresh ourselves before embarking on a romantic camel ride up the dunes to watch the sunset. After dinner, get ready for an enchanting Berber performance featuring traditional music and dance. You'll enjoy dinner and overnight accommodations in this magical setting.
Experience a dramatically different sunrise over a landscape of undulating dunes, with the option to witness it from the summit of one of Merzouga's tallest dunes. After enjoying a traditional breakfast, return to the lodge to freshen up and meet your driver. You'll then set off for Erfoud, a city renowned for its fossils. Along the way, you'll pass through the Tafilalt oasis, where you can take a brief pause to explore an intriguing and ancient irrigation system. Savor lunch and enjoy some leisure time at the stunning Todgha Gorges, one of the most breathtaking tourist destinations in southern Morocco. After your free time, you'll continue your journey to Marrakech in the afternoon, traversing the High Atlas Mountains and concluding your 3-day tour from Marrakech to Marrakech.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pickup and drop off Air-conditioned transportation in 4x4 or minivan Driver-guide 1st-night accommodation in an ensuite bedroom with A/C (private room) 2nd-night accommodation at desert camp (private tent) Luxury private tent (if option selected) 2 dinners 2 breakfasts Sunset camel trekking in Erg Chebbi Sunrise camel trekking in Erg Chebbi
- Sandboarding
The Cost Excludes
- Local guide to the Kasbah Ait Ben Hddou (for an additional €3 pp)
- Lunch and drinks
- Desert Activities (Quad, 4X4 ...) Optional with extra cost.
FAQs
Pickup is available at flexible times: 7 AM, 8 AM, 9 AM, or 10 AM. You can choose the time that best fits your schedule.
Merzouga is approximately 560 kilometers (348 miles) from Marrakech, which translates into an 8 to 9-hour drive. Most private 3-day desert tours from Marrakech to Merzouga break this journey into two segments, with a stop in scenic locations like the Dades Valley or Ouarzazate. This gives travelers ample time to soak in the views of the Moroccan countryside. The return trip typically takes one full day, ensuring a comfortable yet immersive journey through diverse landscapes.
Yes, quad bikes and dune buggies are available for rent in Merzouga, offering a thrilling way to explore the expansive Erg Chebbi dunes. The cost generally starts at 50 Euros per hour, per quad. Your guide can help you arrange this adventure with reputable local providers. Quad biking is a fantastic way to add excitement to your desert experience and offers a unique perspective on the stunning desert terrain.
Yes, if you prefer not to ride camels, a 4×4 transfer to the Erg Chebbi desert camp is available. This alternative mode of transportation typically costs around 30 Euros for a round-trip. If you upgrade to a luxury desert camp, the 4×4 transfer is usually included in the package, ensuring a comfortable and convenient journey without any additional fees.
Yes, a private 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is highly suitable for families. These tours are customizable, allowing for flexibility with activities and accommodations to suit the needs of children and adults alike. Families can enjoy exciting activities such as camel rides, exploring Berber villages, or engaging in adventure sports like quad biking. The desert camp experience offers a unique cultural immersion that is both educational and entertaining for all ages.
Yes, a 3-day tour is an ideal amount of time to experience the Sahara Desert. While the first day is primarily spent traveling from Marrakech to Merzouga, the second day allows for desert exploration, including a camel trek to the Erg Chebbi dunes and an overnight stay at a desert camp. Although brief, the tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the Sahara’s breathtaking landscapes, mesmerizing sunsets, and unforgettable starlit nights. For those wishing to expand their tour, a 4 Days Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is available.
Map
Know Before You Go
When booking your tour, kindly let us know about any dietary preferences or specific requirements you may have, such as vegetarian or vegan options. This helps us tailor meals to suit your needs throughout the journey.
- Our experienced guides carefully choose restaurants that are renowned for serving fresh, high-quality meals to ensure your comfort and well-being during the trip. If you have a preferred restaurant in mind, feel free to let your guide know—they will be happy to accommodate your request. Your satisfaction, especially when it comes to dining, is a top priority for us.
- Although this is primarily a private experience, you also have the option to join others by selecting our shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech.
- You also have the flexibility to drive directly to the Merzouga desert on the first day. This option allows you to dedicate the second day entirely to exploring Merzouga, following the full itinerary outlined in the 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
- Please keep in mind that the third day includes a long drive. If you’d prefer a more relaxed pace, consider choosing the 4 days Marrakech desert tour, which offers more time and less travel per day.
- For a richer experience, we highly recommend spending a full day in Merzouga. This is especially ideal if you choose the 4 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga or the 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
- This 3 days Marrakech desert tour can also conclude in Fes by selecting our Marrakech to Fes desert tour. Alternatively, you can begin in Fes and finish in Marrakech with the Fes to Marrakech desert tour.
- While it’s possible to experience the desert in just two days by choosing our Marrakech desert tours 2 days, please note that we do not recommend this option due to the extensive driving involved.
