3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour with Camel Trek

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
7 stops
1
Marrakech
Your journey begins with pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech, or from the designated meeting point if your accommodation is not accessible by vehicle. Once all travelers are on board, meet your driver, settle into the vehicle, and depart Marrakech toward the High Atlas Mountains to begin your 3-day journey to the Sahara Desert.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Take a short break in the High Atlas foothills at Aït Barka or Toufliht, depending on the day’s route. Stretch your legs, use the facilities, and enjoy a tea or coffee while taking in the surrounding mountain scenery before continuing deeper into the High Atlas.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Tizi n Tichka
Stop at the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in Morocco, at 2,260 meters above sea level. Take in panoramic views across the High Atlas Mountains, capture photos of the dramatic landscapes, and enjoy a short break before continuing toward Aït Ben Haddou.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
4
Ait Ben Haddou
Enjoy an extended stop at the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou, one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages. Take time to explore the historic ksar, wander through its traditional earthen passageways, admire panoramic views, and discover the setting of many famous film productions. After the visit, enjoy a relaxed lunch break at one of the local restaurants before continuing toward Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley. Lunch and an optional local guide are available at your own expense.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
5
Ouarzazate
Stop in Ouarzazate to discover two of the city’s cultural highlights. Visit the historic Taourirt Kasbah, known for its traditional earthen architecture, decorated rooms, and maze-like passageways, then explore the Cinema Museum to discover sets, props, and displays connected to Morocco’s long history as an international filming destination. Enjoy some free time for photos before continuing toward the Dades Valley. Admission tickets are not included and can be purchased on site.
40 minutes • Admission ticket free
6
Kalaat M'Gouna
Pause in the beautiful Valley of Roses, known for its fragrant Damask roses, traditional villages, and landscapes along the route to the Dades Valley. Enjoy a short break for photos and discover locally made rose products such as rose water, oils, and cosmetics before continuing the journey.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
7
Boumalne Dades
End the day surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Dades Gorge. Stop to admire the remarkable Monkey Fingers rock formations and enjoy views across the valley, with time to stretch your legs and take photos after the day’s journey. Continue to your accommodation in the Dades Valley, where you can settle in, enjoy dinner, and relax for the night. Dinner and overnight stay in the Dades Valley.
15 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 2
Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga
4 stops
8
Dades Gorges
Start the morning with breakfast at your accommodation in the Dades Valley. Take in the peaceful valley scenery before checking out and continuing the journey through southern Morocco toward Tinghir and the spectacular Todra Gorge.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
9
Tinerhir
Discover the oasis landscapes of Tinghir on a guided walk through its traditional farms and lush palm groves. Learn about local agriculture, irrigation systems, and everyday life in the oasis before continuing to the spectacular Todra Gorge. Enjoy free time to walk between the towering canyon walls, take photos, and explore at your own pace. Afterwards, return to Tinghir for a relaxed lunch at a local restaurant before continuing the journey toward Erfoud and Merzouga. Local guide included. Lunch at your own expense.
3 hours • Admission ticket free
10
Erfoud
Continue south through a changing landscape of palm oases, arid plains, and traditional Saharan villages on the way to Erfoud, the gateway to the desert. Along the route, observe the scenery gradually transform as you travel deeper into Morocco’s Saharan region. Pause in Erfoud to discover this oasis town, known for its dates and fascinating fossil heritage. Take a little time to refresh, browse local products, or simply enjoy the atmosphere before continuing toward Merzouga and the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
11
Merzouga
Arrive in Merzouga at the edge of the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes, where the Sahara experience begins. Meet your camel caravan and ride across the golden dunes toward your desert camp, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the changing colors of the landscape. Depending on the season and arrival time, pause among the dunes to admire the sunset before continuing to camp. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy dinner followed by a relaxed evening in the desert, with traditional music and the unique atmosphere of the Sahara beneath the night sky. Spend the night at the desert camp surrounded by the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Dinner and overnight stay included. Camp category depends on the tour option selected at booking.
12 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Merzouga – Alnif – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
7 stops
12
Erg Chebbi
Begin the final day in the peaceful surroundings of Erg Chebbi. Wake early if you wish to admire the sunrise over the dunes, then enjoy breakfast at the desert camp before leaving Merzouga and beginning the journey back toward Marrakech.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
Alnif (Pass by)
Travel through the vast landscapes of southern Morocco toward Alnif, surrounded by rocky mountains, desert plains, and small Saharan communities. Pause in this quiet southern town for a short refreshment break before continuing toward Tazarine.
Tazarine (Pass by)
Continue through the southern desert route to Tazarine, a peaceful oasis surrounded by palm groves and rugged landscapes. Enjoy a relaxed stop for lunch and take in the atmosphere of this lesser-visited part of Morocco before continuing toward the Draa Valley.
13
Agdz
Approach Agdz through the spectacular Draa Valley, where long stretches of palm groves contrast with the surrounding mountains and arid landscapes. Enjoy panoramic views of traditional villages and fertile oases along one of southern Morocco’s most scenic routes before continuing toward Ouarzazate.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free
14
Ouarzazate
Arrive back in Ouarzazate for a comfortable pause before the final mountain crossing. Enjoy some free time to refresh and take in the atmosphere of this famous gateway between the Sahara and the High Atlas before continuing toward Marrakech.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
15
High Atlas Mountains
Continue across the High Atlas Mountains, following the winding road through dramatic peaks, valleys, and traditional mountain villages. Enjoy the changing scenery and panoramic views as the journey gradually descends from the mountains toward Marrakech.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
16
Marrakech
Arrive in Marrakech in the evening after three days of changing landscapes, historic villages, mountain scenery, and Sahara experiences. Your driver will take you to your accommodation or the agreed drop-off point, marking the end of your 3-day desert journey.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• Basic Accommodation is Comfortable, clean non-classified accommodation in a welcoming local guesthouse in Dades and a traditional desert camp in Merzouga. Simple facilities, warm hospitality, dinner and breakfast included.

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