Merzouga: 3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech

Explore Morocco’s desert routes, cross historic valleys and kasbahs, and experience the Sahara with local guides who ensure an authentic and memorable journey.

Itinerary Day 1

Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Boumalne Dadès (approx. 300 km)

Departure: from Marrakech in a private vehicle. We cross the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m), enjoying panoramic mountain views along the way.
Our first stop is the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive ksar listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we enjoy a guided visit. We then continue to Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Desert”, with time for a panoramic visit (Kasbah Taourirt and film studio area).
In the afternoon, we follow the famous Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, passing arid landscapes dotted with oases and traditional villages, before arriving in the Dadès Valley.
Arrival in Boumalne Dadès, dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel in Boumalne Dadès.
Meals included: Dinner.

Itinerary Day 2

Day 2: Boumalne Dadès – Tinghir – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga Dunes (approx. 250 km)

After breakfast, we depart towards Tinghir, visiting the oasis before continuing to the spectacular Todra Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering rock walls. Free time to explore the area and lunch (not included).
We then continue through the palm groves of Tinjedad, Touroug and Erfoud, arriving in Merzouga, at the edge of the Sahara Desert.
In the afternoon, the desert experience begins with a camel ride through the dunes of Erg Chebbi, enjoying the sunset over the sand dunes.
Dinner and overnight in a luxury desert camp (bivouac) among the dunes.
Accommodation: Luxury desert camp.
Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.

Itinerary Day 3

Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Nqob – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech (approx. 530 km)

After breakfast, we begin the journey back to Marrakech, travelling through some of the most remote and authentic landscapes in southern Morocco. We pass through Rissani and Nqob, crossing desert areas dotted with oases.
We continue along the Draa Valley, one of Morocco’s longest palm valleys, before reaching Ouarzazate for lunch (not included).
In the afternoon, we continue the drive back to Marrakech.
Meals included: Breakfast

What to bring

Comfortable clothing suitable for warm days and cooler evenings.
Light jacket or fleece (especially for the desert night).
Comfortable walking shoes or trainers.
Cash for lunches, drinks, tips and optional activities.

Important information to consider

The tour involves long driving distances across different regions of Morocco; road conditions are generally good, but travel times can vary.
Desert temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, especially depending on the season.
Lunches and drinks are not included, allowing flexibility to choose where and what you eat.

Price and booking

€300 - €450 per person

The tours are private and the price per person depends of the size of your group.

After you contact us and we tailor the tour to your group’s needs, we’ll create a provisional booking with the proposed dates, total cost, and all the key details.
To confirm your reservation, we require a 30% deposit. The remaining balance is paid in Morocco, in cash, at the beginning of the tour.
Both payments can be made in Euros, GBP, USD, or MAD.

Frequently Asked Questions

What languages does the guide speak?
English, French, and Arabic.

Can hiking equipment be rented?
Yes, it’s available on-site. Please request in advance.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is suitable for families, though long driving days should be taken into consideration.

Are the rooms private?
Yes, Yes. All accommodations included in this tour offer private rooms or private tents.