Overview
Embark on an enchanting 4-day desert adventure from Marrakech to the stunning Merzouga Erg Chebbi dunes in the Sahara.
Explore ancient Berber villages and experience the thrill of camel trekking across the golden sands. Spend an unforgettable night in a desert camp, where you’ll connect with welcoming locals and gain insight into their rich Berber culture. Immerse yourself in their traditions and feel a sense of belonging.
These 4-day Marrakech desert tours come highly recommended, offering a wealth of cultural experiences in this remarkable region of Morocco.
Previous travelers have rated this journey as one of the best desert tours from Marrakech, praising the unforgettable experiences it offers. Don’t miss this incredible chance to create lasting memories in the Sahara desert.
Highlights
- Enjoying the panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains
- Discovering the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
- Admiring the amazing Dades and Todra Gorges
- Traversing the sand dunes in Merzouga on an unforgettable camel ride
- Marveling at the majestic sunset and sunrise unfolding over the Erg Chebbi Dunes
- Spending an exceptional night in a luxury camp in the desert
- Delighting in the breathtaking views of Draa Valley
- Learning a lot about the rich culture of Morocco from the locals
Itinerary
Your 4-day desert adventure from Marrakech kicks off with a hassle-free pick-up from your hotel. As we leave Marrakech, we’ll traverse the breathtaking High Atlas mountains via the Tizi-N-Tichka Pass. Along the way, your friendly guide and driver will pause at the most scenic viewpoints, and you’re welcome to request stops whenever you like.
After enjoying a delicious lunch in either Ait Ben Haddou or Ouarzazate, we’ll continue our journey towards Dades Gorges, passing through the charming Skoura and the beautiful Rose Valley. In the lush oasis of Skoura, you can choose to explore the impressive Amridil Kasbah, one of Morocco’s most stunning fortified villages. If you’re traveling in the spring, we can also make a special stop to admire the valley in full bloom, showcasing a breathtaking array of roses during this season.
As we arrive at Dades Gorges, get ready to be amazed by the impressive rock formations often referred to as “monkey fingers”, while also relishing a panoramic view of the stunning Gorge. Finally, we will head to your hotel for relaxation, dinner, and a well-deserved overnight stay.
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a picturesque drive along the Dades and Todra Rivers, flanked by lush palm groves and charming Berber villages. Your journey will lead you to the stunning Todra Gorge in Tinghir, renowned as one of the most breathtaking canyons in the world! After exploring the gorge, continue your adventure to the Merzouga desert.
Before you reach the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, your driver/guide will recommend a stop at a traditional Berber shop. Here, you can take complimentary photos while dressed in a Berber outfit! If you wish, you can purchase items such as scarves that are perfect for the desert or other souvenirs. However, there’s no obligation to buy anything; the shop is primarily focused on sharing Berber culture. Just inform your driver/guide if you prefer to skip the shop.
Upon arriving in Merzouga, prepare for a camel ride into the desert to witness the sunset over the dunes and try your hand at sandboarding. Later, enjoy a night in a luxurious desert camp, where you’ll savor a delicious dinner and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the desert.
If you rise early today, you'll be rewarded with a stunning sunrise that can be admired from the nearest dune near your camp. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the camp, you can choose between two options for your return journey to Merzouga: a camel trek or a comfortable ride in a 4x4 vehicle.
Not far from the town is the village of Khamliya, famous for its enchanting Gnawa music. Here, we'll take a moment to soak in the mesmerizing sounds of this unique Moroccan musical style. Our next stop will be Rissani, an ancient city of great historical importance, known as the birthplace of the current ruling family of Morocco and a key point along historic caravan routes. If today is Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, we’ll also have the chance to explore the traditional Moroccan souk in the city.
From Rissani, our journey continues through the picturesque Draa Valley in Agdez, a truly charming sight. The road leads us to Ouarzazate, where we will arrive in the afternoon and settle into our accommodation.
If you rise early today, you'll be rewarded with a stunning sunrise visible from the nearest dune near your camp. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the camp, you can choose between two options for your return journey to Merzouga: a camel trek or a comfortable ride in a 4x4 vehicle.
Not far from the town is the village of Khamliya, famous for its enchanting Gnawa music. Here, we’ll take a moment to soak in the captivating sounds of this unique Moroccan musical tradition. Our next stop will be Rissani, an ancient city of great historical significance, known as the birthplace of Morocco's current royal family and an important waypoint along historic caravan routes. If today is Tuesday, Thursday, or Sunday, we’ll also have the chance to visit the traditional Moroccan souk in the city.
As we conclude our exploration of the mesmerizing Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, our journey leads us onwards to the vibrant city of Marrakech, taking us through the majestic Atlas Mountains. The drive presents us with a tapestry of breathtaking vistas, showcasing the charm and allure of the quaint Berber villages dotting the mountainside. Along the way, we will have the pleasure of pausing to admire the captivating Kasbah of Telouet.
As we bid farewell to this unforgettable 4-day desert tour from Marrakech, we will ensure your safe return by dropping you off at your accommodation in Marrakech. The memories woven into these four days will forever hold the essence of desert wonders and cultural treasures we have had the privilege to experience together.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop off at your accommodation in Marrakech
- A/C modern 4×4 SUV, a van, or a minibus
- English-speaking driver or a driver and an English-speaking tour guide (If you prefer another language, kindly inform us in advance)
- First, second, and third-night accommodations
- Meals: 3 dinners & 3 breakfasts
- Camel trekking experience
- Sandboarding
The Cost Excludes
- Lunches
- Beverages
- Entrance fees, when needed
- Tips (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The road trip from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, specifically to Merzouga, is an approximately 9-hour journey. To make this travel more comfortable and enjoyable, we include an overnight stay at Dades Valley and in Ouarzazte to break up the drive. On the third day, you will continue your journey from Merzouga back to Marrakech.
On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.
Of course! If you are not keen on riding camels, we have covered you with an alternative. You can relax in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost, and we will transport you to the camp hassle-free. Your satisfaction is our priority!
Great question! Our vehicle type depends on how many people are in your group. Different vehicles are available, like the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, Ford 8-seater van, and Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus (suitable for groups ranging from eight to seventeen passengers), in addition to other comfortable car options.
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.
