3 Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech with Camel Rides

What's Included

Meeting and pickup

Itinerary

Day 1
Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Ait-Ben-Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley – Tinghir
7 stops
1
Marrakech
The tour begins with hotel pickup in Marrakech at approximately 8:00 AM. Travelers will be welcomed by their driver/guide and travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. The journey starts from the bustling city and heads toward the High Atlas Mountains, leaving the urban landscape behind and entering Morocco’s scenic countryside.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
2
Tizi n Tichka
The first stop is at the summit of Tizi n’Tichka, the highest major mountain pass in the Atlas Mountains. Travelers can take photos and enjoy panoramic views of rugged peaks, winding roads, and Berber villages scattered across the mountains. The guide will share information about the history, geography, and local communities in the area before continuing to Ait-Ben-Haddou.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
3
Ksar of Ait-Ben-Haddou
Next, travelers visit Ait-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic Berber fortified village. The Kasbah has served as a filming location for many famous movies, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven. Guests cross the river separating the Kasbah from the main road and explore the village at leisure, taking in the ancient architecture and winding alleys. This stop provides ample opportunities for photography and cultural exploration.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
4
Ouarzazate
A short stop in Ouarzazate allows travelers to see the exterior of Atlas Studios, one of the largest film studios in the world. Guests can take photos of the studio and the surrounding cityscape, capturing the connection between Morocco’s landscapes and Hollywood productions.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
5
Vallee Des Roses
The tour continues with a brief stop at the Vallée des Roses for photography and refreshments. Depending on the season, travelers may see rose fields in bloom (mainly April), and local associations offer rose-based cosmetic products. There is also an optional stop for traditional Moroccan tea or coffee while enjoying views of the valley.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
6
Boumalne Dades
The journey proceeds through Dades Valley, with a panoramic viewpoint to appreciate the dramatic landscapes, steep cliffs, and winding gorges. Travelers can stretch their legs, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty of this area.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
7
Tinghir
The day ends in Tinghir, where travelers stay in a half-board hotel with a private room. Dinner includes a traditional Moroccan meal, and dietary needs should be communicated to the driver or hotel in advance. The evening provides a relaxing opportunity to rest after a full day of sightseeing.
2 hours • Admission ticket included
Day 2
Tinghir – Todra Gorges – Tinejdad – Erfoud – Merzouga
4 stops
8
Tinghir
After enjoying a traditional Moroccan breakfast at the hotel in Tinghir, travelers depart for Todra Gorge. The journey passes through scenic valleys, palm groves, and small Berber villages, providing insight into daily rural life in Morocco. Travelers can observe local farming practices, traditional architecture, and the changing landscape as the road leads toward the dramatic gorges.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
9
Todra Gorge
Upon arrival, guests explore Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon carved into towering limestone cliffs reaching up to 300 meters high. Travelers can walk through the narrow paths of the gorge, admire the striking rock formations, and take photos of the dramatic scenery. The guide will share information about the geology of the area, local wildlife, and the Berber communities living nearby. The surrounding palm groves add to the natural beauty, offering shaded areas and a peaceful environment.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
10
Erfoud
The tour continues through Tinejdad, a region of traditional Berber villages and palm oases, showcasing Morocco’s desert landscapes. Travelers pass fields, kasbahs, and small markets, giving a sense of local life. Next, the journey reaches Erfoud, known as the “Capital of Fossils,” famous for its rich deposits of ancient fossilized plants and marine life. Guests can take photos of the desert scenery and enjoy the contrast between rugged mountains and golden dunes that lead toward Erg Chebbi, the large sand dunes near Merzouga.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
11
Merzouga
Upon arrival in Merzouga, travelers transfer from the vehicle to camels for a 45–60 minute ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes. The camel trek allows guests to experience the vastness of the Sahara and witness stunning views of the dunes, especially during sunset. Travelers arrive at the desert bivouac, where they can relax, explore the camp area, and enjoy the peaceful desert atmosphere. Dinner is served under the stars with traditional Moroccan dishes, and the night is spent in a private tent with shared bathroom facilities. For travelers seeking extra comfort, a luxury camp tent upgrade is available.
4 hours • Admission ticket free
Day 3
Merzouga Desert – Roses Valley – Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
5 stops
12
Erg Chebbi
After an early breakfast at the desert camp, travelers prepare for the journey back toward Marrakech. Guests leave the tranquility of the Erg Chebbi dunes and transfer from the desert bivouac to the vehicle. Along the route, travelers experience the changing desert landscape as the road winds through small villages and palm groves.
2 hours • Admission ticket free
13
El Kelaa M'gouna
The first major stop is Kelaa M’Gouna, also known as the Roses Valley. Travelers can enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (optional), explore the valley briefly, and take photos of the lush landscapes and blooming rose fields (mainly in April). The area is famous for producing rose-based products, and local shops may offer items such as rose water, oils, and cosmetics. The stop provides a scenic break during the long drive.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
14
Ouarzazate
The tour continues through Ouarzazate, a city known as the “Gateway to the Desert” and home to Atlas Studios. Travelers can admire the surrounding kasbahs, desert landscapes, and film studio locations from the vehicle or during a brief stop. This area highlights Morocco’s blend of cinematic history and desert scenery.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
15
High Atlas Mountains
As travelers ascend the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, they can enjoy panoramic views of rugged peaks, winding roads, and traditional Berber villages. The guide will provide insights into the geography, local culture, and natural features of the mountains. Travelers can stop for photos at scenic viewpoints along the pass.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
16
Marrakech
The day concludes with the return to Marrakech. Travelers are dropped off at their accommodations, marking the end of the 3-day tour. The route offers the chance to reflect on the journey, revisit highlights through photographs, and enjoy the final views of Morocco’s mountains and valleys.
1 hour • Admission ticket free

Additional info

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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