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Marrakech to Merzouga: 3 Days

A 3-day / 2-night desert tour starting from Marrakech to Merzouga desert via the Berber villages and the hidden gems of the south.

3-Day Desert Tour From Marrakech

Experience an unforgettable 3-day trip from Marrakech to the breathtaking Merzouga Desert in Morocco.

The adventure begins in Marrakech and takes you through the stunning Atlas Mountains. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful landscapes and pass through small, traditional Berber villages. You’ll cross the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass and visit Ait Ben Haddou, a historic fortress with deep roots in Morocco’s history.

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When you reach Merzouga, the gateway to the vast Sahara Desert, the real magic starts. Ride a camel across the golden dunes of the Erg Chebbi Desert and enjoy the spectacular sunrise and sunset over the sands. At night, stay in a traditional Berber camp under a sky full of stars. You’ll also get a chance to learn about Berber culture and traditions during your stay.

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Guided by Morocco Sahara Excursions, this tour showcases the best of Morocco. From the busy streets of Marrakech to the peaceful beauty of the Sahara, you’ll explore diverse landscapes and experience the country’s rich culture. This trip promises memories you’ll treasure forever.

Highlights

The 6 best highlights of the 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert

Image by Ben Ostrower

Atlas Mountains

Image by jewad alnabi

Todra Gorges

Image by Alex Azabache

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

Image by Carlos Leret

Merzouga Desert

Image by Sergio Gómez

Dades Valley

Image by Karim MANJRA

Berber Villages

Itinerary

Day 1:

Our adventure in the Moroccan desert starts in Marrakech. We can pick you up from the airport, your hotel, or any place you choose. Our friendly driver and guide will meet you and we’ll travel in a comfortable vehicle.

First, we will cross the Atlas Mountains using the Tizi n'Tichka pass. This is the highest pass in the mountains, at about 2,200 meters above sea level. The views are amazing, and we will see traditional Berber villages where life seems to have stopped in time.

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A few kilometers before we reach Ouarzazate, we will visit the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah. This old fortress, made of mud and straw, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for being in many movies. You can walk around and take photos (entry is optional). We will also stop to take pictures at the Taourirt kasbah, another impressive fortress.

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We will travel along the road known as the "Route of a Thousand Kasbahs." This road goes through the Valley of the Roses and the Dades Valley. In the Valley of the Roses, you will see many rose bushes that cover large areas of land. In the Dades Valley, you will see palm trees, birches, and almond trees growing along the river.

We will spend the night in a charming riad in the Dades Valley. This will give us a chance to rest and get ready for the exciting day ahead, where we will head deep into the Moroccan desert.

Day 2:

The second day will start after your breakfast. Our journey today ends in Merzouga, famous for the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes.

Before reaching Merzouga, we'll visit the Todra Gorges, known for their towering rock walls that rise up to 200 meters high. These walls were carved by the Todra River over many years. The road through the gorges twists and turns, offering breathtaking views.

We'll take a break from driving to explore some of the most iconic parts of the gorges on foot.

After our hike, we'll continue our drive to Merzouga, one of the most admired towns in the Moroccan desert. Here, we'll switch our mode of transportation: we'll leave our vehicle behind and ride dromedaries (or, if you prefer, a 4x4 vehicle specially designed for desert travel) to the Erg Chebbi dunes.

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Our destination is a Berber tent camp in the dunes, equipped with all the comforts you need for a pleasant stay. The real magic, however, is in the surroundings. As the sun sets, the dunes take on a beautiful glow, and the night sky reveals countless stars shining brightly. In this special setting, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner and a peaceful night's rest.

Day 3:

As the magical sunset and the majestic starry sky of the previous day fade, a new dawn will greet you on the third day at the desert camp. You'll have to wake up early in the morning to watch the beautiful sunrise and enjoy a delicious breakfast provided by the camp. Afterward, you can freshen up with a shower, either at the camp or at a hotel in Merzouga, depending on your chosen package.

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Once ready, we'll start our journey back to Marrakech. Here, we may have a short stop at Rissani Market if it is open.

Next, we will travel through other towns in this part of the Moroccan desert, such as Alnif and Tazarine. We will cross the Draa Valley, famous for its vast palm grove, the largest in North Africa. In the town of Agdz, a traditional stop for caravan routes, you can visit interesting places like the Kasbah des Arts.

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From Agdz, we will head back to Marrakech. We'll pass through Ouarzazate and cross the Atlas Mountains again, this time through the Ait Saoun pass, which is about 1,600 meters above sea level.

We will arrive in Marrakech late in the day, marking the end of an intense and fascinating journey through the Moroccan desert. Whether you choose to be dropped off at the airport or another location in the city, our farewell will be filled with gratitude, best wishes for the future, and a heartfelt "see you soon."

What Includes?

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  • Comfortable Transportation with Air Conditioner

  • A multilingual Speaking Driver

  • Car fuel and taxes

  • 1 Night in a hotel in Dades Valley

  • Night in Merzouga Desert (Camp)

  • Camel trek through the dunes

  • Sand boarding

  • Breaks for pictures, coffee, lunch...etc.

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What doesn't?

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  • Lunches

  • Drinks

  • Accommodation in Marrakech

  • Entrance fees

Customize Your Itinerary

If the 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga isn't what you're looking for, consider the Marrakech to Fes 3-day desert tour or contact us directly. We can create a customized 3-day itinerary tailored to your preferences and needs, ensuring you have the perfect desert adventure.

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What is the price of the 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?

The 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga costs between 100 euros per person for a shared group tour and up to 300 euros for a private luxury experience.

Our prices vary based on the level of comfort and services, offering options for budget travelers and those seeking a more exclusive and personalized desert adventure.

Reviews

“Ali made our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech an incredible journey. His expertise and warmth added a personal touch to every moment. The camel trek through the mesmerizing dunes was unforgettable. We marveled at the starry desert night, and Ali's stories enriched the experience. This tour with Ali is an absolute must for anyone seeking an authentic and remarkable Moroccan adventure."

Helen P

“Our desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga dunes, guided by the hilarious Hamid, was an absolute blast! With his funny stories and warm hospitality, Hamid made the journey not only educational but also incredibly entertaining. The majestic dunes and starry desert nights were unforgettable, but Hamid's humor truly added a special touch that made the trip even more memorable.

John L

“The 3-day tour from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, guided by Mustapha, left us awestruck. With his deep local knowledge, the trip was an immersive experience. From the vibrant markets of Marrakech to the serene desert, every moment was enchanting. Camel rides, golden dunes, and starry nights made it unforgettable. Mustapha's guidance added a personal touch, making this tour an extraordinary adventure."

Mara B

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