From Marrakech: 3 Day Round Trip to Merzouga Desert

Medina of Fes, Marrakech



The Merzouga desert tour departs from Marrakech, allowing 3 days to explore the southern Sahara, visit Kasbahs, and experience Berber life, including visiting Ait ben Haddou and Toudra gorge.

3-Day Marrakech to Sahara Desert and Atlas Mountains Tour

This three-day guided tour from Marrakech suits travelers seeking culture, nature, and desert adventure across Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.

Highlights

  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi Ntichka pass
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
  • Explore Todra Gorge and Tinghir oasis
  • Ride a camel in Erg Chebbi to watch sunset and sunrise
  • Spend a night at a Berber desert camp

Description

Start with a scenic drive through the Tizi Ntichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains, admiring Berber villages and stopping at the UNESCO-listed ksar of Aït Benhaddou, a historic fortified town featured in many films and TV shows.

Continue to Tinghir, passing Ouarzazate—known as the 'Hollywood of Africa'—and the Valley of Roses. Tinghir is surrounded by palm groves and the cliffs of Todra Gorge, offering a mix of natural beauty and Berber culture. Spend the night in a local hotel and enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine.

The second day takes you deeper into the desert. Visit the Todra Gorge with its steep cliffs, then pass through Erfoud, famous for fossils. Approach the Sahara with the massive Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga. Experience a camel ride at sunset across the dunes, followed by an overnight stay in a desert camp. Enjoy Berber drum music and a Moroccan dinner under the stars.

On the final day, watch the sunrise over the dunes before returning by camel or 4x4 to meet your driver. Travel back to Marrakech through the scenic Draa Valley, stopping in Ouarzazate before crossing the Atlas Mountains again. Arrival in Marrakech is scheduled for the evening, completing a memorable mix of landscapes, culture, and desert life.

This itinerary is ideal for travelers wanting an efficient, immersive experience of Morocco’s diverse landscapes and cultures.

Includes

  • Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • English, French, or Spanish-speaking driver/guide (according to your choice)
  • Pick up and drop off in Marrakech, subject to hotel accessibility
  • Visits to key sites along the route
  • Camel rides at both sunset and sunrise (one camel each)
  • Sandboarding experience
  • One night accommodation in a hotel in Tinghir
  • One night accommodation at a desert camp in Merzouga
  • Two dinners and two breakfasts included
  • High-quality service throughout the trip

Excludes

  • Lunch
  • Drinks
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses
  • Monument entrance fees

Important Information

  • Wear comfortable clothing and check weather updates before the trip

Easy Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring sun protection, sturdy shoes, and layers for temperature changes. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

The tour includes transportation from Marrakech, guided visits to High Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Todra Gorge, a camel ride in Erg Chebbi, and an overnight stay at a Berber desert camp.
The tour departs Marrakech by vehicle, crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi Ntichka pass to reach Merzouga Desert.
Yes, a camel ride in Erg Chebbi to watch the sunset and sunrise is part of the itinerary.
Yes, the tour includes an overnight stay at a Berber desert camp in the Sahara.
The tour visits Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explores local Berber culture in the Atlas Mountains and desert areas.
The tour involves moderate walking during visits and camel riding but is suitable for most fitness levels.
The tour can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn offer milder temperatures for desert and mountain experiences.
The tour starts and ends in Marrakech, allowing convenient round-trip travel.
It's recommended to bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing, and a water bottle for the desert and mountain environments.

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Add to your trip

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again