From Marrakech: 3-Day Marzouga Desert Tour with Camel Ride
Sahara Desert, Morocco, Marrakech
Explore the Desert on a 3-Day Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga. Visit the UNESCO Site of Ait Ben Haddou, drive through the Atlas Mountains, and Ride a Camel across the Dunes of the Erg Chebbi Desert.
Overview
This 3-day desert tour from Marrakech suits travelers seeking a camel ride, desert landscapes, and cultural sites in Morocco’s Sahara region.
Highlights
- Ride a camel across golden sandy dunes
- Visit Todra Gorges, watch climbers, and explore Todra Oasis
- Enjoy refreshing mint tea in Merzouga Desert and have a Berber meal around a fire
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou with a local guide
- Experience a Sahara Desert sunrise from the top of the Great Dune
Description
Day 1: Pick up from your Marrakech hotel and drive through green valleys and arid deserts to Tizi n’Tichka, the highest pass in North Africa, offering views of the Atlas Mountains. On route, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ait Benhaddou with a local guide, followed by lunch at a nearby restaurant (not included). Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the gateway to the desert. You may optionally visit the cinema studios before exploring Kasbah Taourirte, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day at Dades Gorges, stopping at Rose Valley to visit a rose water cooperative. Overnight in a local hotel or riad.
Day 2: After breakfast, travel to Todra Gorges, popular for rock climbing. Visit the gorges and the surrounding palm oasis, then follow ancient caravan trade routes to the Sahara Desert, passing fortified villages with pre-Saharan architecture. Arrive in Erfoud, known for its rich black marble fossils, before reaching the dunes of the Merzouga Desert. At the Berber camp, enjoy traditional mint tea, then ride a camel across the golden Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset. Return to the camp for dinner and spend the night under the stars.
Day 3: Wake early to watch the sunrise from the top of the Great Dune. After breakfast at the camp, ride dromedaries or take a 4WD vehicle to meet your driver for the return trip to Marrakech. Along the way, stop for optional lunch and toilet breaks (lunch not included).
Includes
- Pickup and drop-off from Marrakech
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver
- 2 nights accommodation
- Camel ride
Excludes
- Lunches and drinks
- Local guides
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Booking Tips
Bring comfortable clothing for desert temperatures, sun protection, and a camera for sunrise and sunset views. The best time to visit is between March and November to avoid extreme cold nights.
