From Marrakech: 2 Days Desert trip back to Fes or Marrakech

2-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

This 2-day guided desert tour from Marrakech suits travelers with limited time who want to experience the Sahara dunes, camel rides, and Berber desert camp stays.

Highlights

• Overnight desert camping in comfortable Berber tents
• Camel riding at sunset on the dunes of Erg-Chebbi
• Sunset and sunrise views on the sand dunes
• Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
• Optional visits to Ait Benhaddou and quad biking available at extra cost

Description

Day 1: Marrakech – Ouarzazate – Rose Valley – Merzouga

Depart early from your Marrakech hotel and cross the High Atlas via the Tizin-Tichka pass (2,260 m). The route passes small villages, waterfalls, and changing mountain landscapes. Continue through Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses, and the Dades Valley before arriving in Merzouga.

At Merzouga, meet your guide and camels for a 50-minute ride to the desert camp on the Erg-Chebbi dunes. At the camp, camels are secured and mint tea is served. After dinner, enjoy a campfire with traditional Berber music.

Day 2: Merzouga – Rissani – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Fes or Marrakech

Wake early for a sunrise walk on the dunes near the Algerian border. After breakfast and rest, depart for your return journey.

Option 1: Travel to Fes through Ziz Valley, Berber villages, and the Middle Atlas, arriving in the evening.

Option 2: Return to Marrakech via the route of 1,000 Kasbahs and the High Atlas mountains, with brief stops, arriving around 8:00 pm.

Note: The first-day drive is long (up to 10 hours) with limited stops to reach the camp before sunset. This tour is designed for travelers with restricted time. A one-day extension is available for a more relaxed itinerary with additional stops and an overnight stay in a Kasbah hotel.

Transportation only option: You can book transport separately to get dropped off at your own chosen desert camp and picked up the following day to continue your journey to Fes or Marrakech.

Includes

• Professional driver and guide
• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
• One night in a desert camp (choice of three tent types)
• One breakfast and one dinner in the desert camp
• Sandboarding (available if requested before camel ride)
• Camel ride on the dunes

Excludes

• Quad biking (available at extra cost)
• Lunch (optional; restaurant suggestions provided)
• Drinks and bottled water
• Monument entrance fees
• Overnight and activities are not included in the transport-only option
• Stop at Ait Benhaddou (available at extra cost)

Important Information

• Pick-up time is between 5:00 and 6:00 AM; include your WhatsApp number when booking
• This 2-day option is designed for travelers with limited time; a less rushed 3-day option is available
• There are few long stops to avoid delays; travel from Marrakech to Merzouga takes roughly 10 hours including short breaks
• Ask the driver to stop for snacks or drinks, or bring your own provisions
• Summers (June–August) are very hot; winters (December–February) can be cold, especially at night
• Arrival on Day 2 is expected between 7:00 and 8:00 PM depending on traffic
• Vehicles have air conditioning, but airflow may be uneven in summer; a personal fan is recommended if sensitive to heat
• The tour operates rain or shine

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours before the departure time for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and warm clothing for desert nights. Booking early ensures availability, especially during peak travel seasons.