3-Day Desert Tour Overview
Complete Sahara Adventure to Merzouga's Erg Chebbi DunesTravel through ever-changing landscapes, spend a night in the Dades Valley, and enjoy sunset and sunrise camel treks for a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and natural wonder.
The journey from Marrakech to the Sahara desert at Merzouga is a visual feast, covering approximately 560 kilometers of stunning Moroccan terrain. The route is part of the adventure, featuring the winding Tizi n'Tichka Pass over the High Atlas, the lush Valley of the Roses, and the impressive Todra Gorge with its 300-meter-high cliffs.
The undisputed highlight is your night in the Erg Chebbi desert. After a camel ride into the dunes at sunset, you'll arrive at a traditional camp for a night of Berber hospitality, delicious food, music, and incredible stargazing, far from any light pollution. For more information about the region, visit the Wikipedia page on Erg Chebbi.
3-Day Desert Tour Itinerary: Marrakech to Merzouga
Detailed day-by-day itinerary of your Sahara desert adventureDay 1: Marrakech - High Atlas Mountains - Ait Ben Haddou - Dades Valley
Departure & Atlas Mountains Crossing
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your Marrakech accommodation (around 7:15 AM). Journey east and ascend the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi n'Tichka Pass, the highest major mountain pass in Morocco. Enjoy panoramic views and photo stops of traditional Berber villages nestled in the valleys below.
Ait Ben Haddou & Lunch
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, an impressive fortified village (ksar) made of earth and clay. This famous backdrop for films like "Gladiator" and "Game of Thrones" offers a fascinating walk through history. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the area.
Ouarzazate & Dades Valley
Continue to Ouarzazate, known as the "Gateway to the Desert," and pass through the Road of One Thousand Kasbahs and the Valley of the Roses. Your day concludes in the dramatic Dades Valley, where you'll check into a hotel or guesthouse, enjoy dinner, and spend the first night.
Day 2: Dades Valley - Todra Gorge - Merzouga Desert Camp
Todra Gorge Exploration
After breakfast, depart for Todra Gorge (Tinghir). Walk between its towering canyon walls, which rise up to 300 meters high and are only 20 meters apart at their narrowest point. It's a spectacular natural site popular with climbers and photographers.
Journey to Merzouga
Travel towards the desert, watching the landscape transform. You'll arrive at the frontier village of Merzouga in the afternoon, the gateway to the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you'll prepare for your desert immersion.
Camel Trek & Desert Camp Arrival
The highlight of your tour begins. Mount your camel for a ~1-hour trek into the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi as the sun begins to set. Arrive at your traditional Berber desert camp nestled among the dunes. Enjoy mint tea, a delicious traditional dinner, and an evening of Berber music and stargazing around a campfire.
Day 3: Merzouga - Return to Marrakech
Sunrise Camel Ride
Wake up early to witness a breathtaking Sahara sunrise over the dunes—a truly magical experience. Enjoy a peaceful morning camel ride back to the edge of the desert where your vehicle awaits.
Breakfast & Return Journey
After breakfast and a chance to freshen up at a hotel in Merzouga, begin the long but scenic journey back to Marrakech. You'll retrace part of your route, often stopping in Rissani or other interesting points along the way.
Final Atlas Crossing & Arrival
Cross the Atlas Mountains once more, enjoying different perspectives on the magnificent scenery. Stop for lunch en route. You will be dropped off at your Marrakech accommodation in the early evening (around 8:00 PM), concluding your unforgettable 3-day Sahara adventure.
Tour Highlights
Experience the best of Morocco's 3-day desert adventureAtlas Mountains Crossing
Scenic drive via Tizi n'Tichka Pass
Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
UNESCO World Heritage site & film location
Todra Gorge Visit
Walk between 300m high canyon walls
Erg Chebbi Camel Trek
Sunset & sunrise rides on iconic dunes
Overnight Desert Camping
Berber camp under the stars in Merzouga
Valley of the Roses & Kasbahs
Travel the famous "Road of 1000 Kasbahs"
What's Included / Not Included
Complete details for your 3-day desert tour package- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicle
- English/French speaking driver-guide
- 1 night in hotel in Dades Valley
- 1 night in private tent at Merzouga desert camp
- Camel ride at sunset and sunrise in Erg Chebbi
- Dinners & breakfasts as per itinerary (2 dinners, 2 breakfasts)
- Lunches and drinks during the journey
- Entrance fees to monuments (e.g., Ait Ben Haddou guide)
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, and optional activities
- Gratuities for driver, guide, and camp staff
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Practical Details
Important information for your 3-day tourFrequently Asked Questions
About our Marrakech 3-day desert tour to MerzougaA 3-day tour is necessary to reach the true Sahara Desert at Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes, which are the largest and most iconic in Morocco. Shorter 2-day tours typically only go as far as Zagora, which features a different, stony desert landscape with smaller dunes. The extra day allows for a more comfortable journey and a complete, immersive desert experience.
Standard camps offer private tents with basic comfortable bedding but typically have shared bathroom facilities located outside the tents. Luxury camps provide upgraded amenities such as private en-suite bathrooms inside the tent, higher-quality furnishings, and sometimes better dining options. Both options include the same core experience of dinner, music, and stargazing.
There is significant but manageable driving, as the distance from Marrakech to Merzouga is about 560km. The journey is broken up over two days with many interesting stops (Day 1: ~6 hours, Day 2: ~4 hours to Merzouga, Day 3: ~9 hours return). The scenery is spectacular and part of the adventure. Your driver will make regular stops for photos, bathrooms, and breaks.
Pack a small overnight bag for the desert camp (your main luggage stays in the vehicle). Essentials include: warm layers for cold nights (even in summer), a headscarf for sun/sand, sunscreen, sunglasses, sturdy shoes, a flashlight/headlamp, a portable charger, and any personal toiletries. In winter, a warm hat and jacket are crucial.
Sandboarding is often available as a free activity at the desert camp, though availability of boards isn't always guaranteed. Quad biking (ATV) is typically an optional add-on activity for an extra fee (e.g., around €50 for one hour) and can be arranged in Merzouga. These activities depend on the specific tour provider and camp.