4-Days From Marrakech To The Sahara
A 3-day trip from Marrakech to the stunning Merzouga Desert in Morocco. Starting from Marrakech, you will travel through the Atlas Mountains, where you will see stunning scenery and charming local Berber villages You will cross the spectacular Tizi en Tichka Pass and visit the historic Ait Ben Haddau , an old castle of real importance in the history of Morocco.
Once you reach Merzouga, which serves as a gateway to the vast Sahara desert, the real adventure begins. You can ride a camel and explore the beautiful golden sands of the Erg Chebbi Desert. Imagine watching the sun rise and set over the vast desert - it's a spectacular sight! And at night, you’ll experience the magic of traditional Berber camps under the stars, where you’ll learn about their culture.
Guided by Morocco Sahara Excursions, this tour is like a comprehensive look at the beauty of Morocco - its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and serenity of the desert. From the bustling markets of Marrakech to the serenity of the Sahara, this tour will offer you a collection of memories that you will always cherish.
Highlights
6 Highlights of the 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert
Atlas Mountains
Todra Gorges
Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
Merzouga Desert
Dades Valley
Berber Villages
Tour Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
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1st day: Marrakech to Dades via Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate
- 08:00 AM: We'll conveniently pick you up from your Marrakech hotel.
- Drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, making a stop at the picturesque Tizi n'Tichka pass.
- Explore the UNESCO treasure of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its clay architecture.
- Discover Ouarzazate and the renowned Atlas Studios.
- Wrap up the day at the Dades Gorges, where you'll spend the night.
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2nd day: Dades to Merzouga Desert via Todra Canyons
- Depart from the Dades Gorges.
- Explore the enchanting Todra oasis and the towering Todgha gorges.
- Arrive in Merzouga.
- Get ready for an unforgettable sunset camel ride across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Spend the night in a traditional Berber camp.
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3rd day: Merzouga to Marrakech
- Wake up to fiery sunrises over the dunes.
- Begin your return journey to Marrakech.
- Arrive back in Marrakech by evening.
Detailled Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech - Atlas Mountains - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades
Our journey through the Moroccan desert begins in Marrakech: at the airport, at your hotel or at any other point you wish. There our driver/guide will pick you up to begin the road trip in a vehicle equipped with the best comforts.
We will overcome the Atlas Mountains through the Tizi n'Tichka pass, the highest in this mountain range, at about 2,200 meters above sea level, leaving behind spectacular panoramic views and Berber villages where time seems to have stopped. A few kilometers before Ouarzazate, known as the Hollywood of Morocco for its famous studios, we will visit the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah: a walk through its adobe enclosure will make us understand why it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 (optional entry). We will also stop to take photos at the Taourirt kasbah.
It will not be the only fortress that will appear on the horizon, since from then on we will travel part of the road of the thousand kasbahs', through the Valley of the Roses and the Valley of Dades. In the first, the rose bushes occupy hectares and hectares of land. And in the second, palm trees, birches and almond trees grow at the foot of the river that gives it its name.
Precisely in the Dades Valley we will make a stop along the way to spend the night in a charming riad and regain strength for the intense day of the following day, which will take us to the very heart of the Moroccan desert.
Day 2: Dades - Todra Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Sand dunes)
The second day of this trip through the Moroccan desert begins with an energetic breakfast in the same riad and will end in Merzouga and its famous Erg Chebbi dunes. But first, the day has another major attraction: the Todra Gorges. This is the name given to the rocky walls up to 200 meters high that the Todra River has carved over the years. Here the road makes unlikely turns and offers points of view typical of science fiction, and we will descend to explore some of its most emblematic sections on foot.
Back in the vehicle, we will continue to Merzouga, probably the most admired town in the Moroccan desert. In it we will change our means of transport: we will park our vehicle and climb on the back of our dromedaries (option that can be replaced by a 4×4 specially designed for the desert) to head towards the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Our Berber tent camp is located in them, equipped with all the comforts for a pleasant stay. But the real pleasure will be around you, where the sunset takes on a unique color and the sky, a purity that makes the stars shine like you've never seen before. In this special environment, you will enjoy dinner and your night's rest.
Day 3: Merzouga - Marrakech
The magical sunset and the majestic starry sky of the previous day have their continuation at dawn on the third day, which you will be able to contemplate from the camp. With the light of the new day, it will be time to taste the breakfast included in the accommodation and, later, take a comforting shower, which will be done in the camp or in a hotel in Merzouga according to the contracted package. After that, it will be time to leave by road to Rissani, where we will visit its medina, one of the most beautiful in the south of the country.
After that, we will continue through other towns in this sector of the Moroccan desert, such as Alnif and Tazarine. We will also cross the Draa Valley and its extensive palm grove, considered the largest in North Africa. This is how you can see it in one of the towns on the route, Agdz, a traditional stop on caravan routes that currently houses places of interest such as the Kasbah des Arts.
From here, the journey back to Marrakech will take us back to Ouarzazate and the Atlas Mountains, which we will now cross through the port of Ait Saoun, at about 1,600 meters above sea level. The arrival in Marrakech late in the day will mark the end of an intense and fascinating journey through the Moroccan desert. And our farewell, at the airport or in the place you choose, will be full of thanks, best wishes for the future and a sincere 'see you soon'.
What Includes:
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Private Transportation with A/C
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Experienced driver
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Car fuel
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1 Night in a hotel
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1 Night in a desert camp
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Camel trekking in Merzouga dunes
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Sand boarding
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What doesn't:
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Lunches
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Drinks
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Accommodation in Marrakech
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Entrance fees
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What are the hotels included?Please
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How to book this tour?Please
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What is the price of this 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga?Please
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What to pack for this tour?Please
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It is possible to customize the tour?Please
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What I have to know before booking this trip?Please
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Ending in Fes or Marrakech?Please
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Shared or private tour?Please
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What is the best time to visit?Please
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How big is the group?Please
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How long do Sahara Desert tours usually last?The duration of our Morocco Sahara Desert tours can be as short as 2–3 days or extend up to a week or more, depending on the itinerary and the areas you wish to explore.
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Which cities are the starting points for Morocco desert tours?Common starting cities for Morocco desert tours include Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca, Ouarzazate, Agadir and Merzouga. These cities serve as gateways to the Moroccan Shara desert, but we can customize a Moroccan desert tour depending on your preferences.
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What activities are included?At Morocco Sahara Excursions, we have included different activities on our desert tours such as camel riding, exploring ancient kasbahs, camping in desert camps, stargazing, and experiencing traditional Berber culture.
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How to book and pay?To book your desert tour, you have to do the following steps: Choose your preferred desert tour from our website. Let our team know about your travel date Pay a small deposit in advance Pay the rest of the trip in Morocco
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What to pack for a Moroccan desert excursion?Clothing: Lightweight, loose-fitting shirts and pants to keep cool. Long-sleeved shirts and pants to protect from the sun. A light jacket, sweater, or shawl for chilly desert evenings. Footwear: Sturdy closed-toe walking shoes or hiking boots for comfort and support. Accessories: Wide-brimmed hat to shield from the sun. UV-protective sunglasses. Lightweight scarf or shemagh for added sun and sand protection. Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen for regular application. Lip balm with SPF. Moisturizer to combat dry desert air. Hydration: Refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Personal Essentials: Prescription medications and a basic first aid kit. Personal hygiene items. Travel-sized hand sanitizer. Valuables and Documents: Waterproof pouch for passports, money, and important documents. Local currency (Moroccan Dirhams) for purchases in remote areas.
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How much a Sahara desert tour costs?Our Moroccan Sahara desert tour prices start from 135 euros for large groups and prices of the private tours change depending on the number of the travelers, the accommodation's category as well as the season.
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What I have to do before booking a desert trip?Research and Itinerary: Research reputable tour operators or agencies offering desert trips in Morocco. Choose an itinerary that aligns with your interests, whether it's camel trekking, cultural immersion, or stargazing. Health Considerations: Consult your doctor before the trip, especially if you have any health conditions or concerns. Pack necessary medications and a basic first aid kit. Cultural Etiquette: Familiarize yourself with Moroccan customs and traditions to show respect to local communities. Learn a few basic Arabic phrases for polite communication. Climate Awareness: Understand the desert's climate: hot during the day and cooler at night. Pack appropriate clothing to manage temperature fluctuations.
Gallery
Reviews
Amazing 3-day desert tour
“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
Great Experience
“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
Recommended
“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