3-Day Desert Tour From Marrakech
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
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08:00 AM: We'll conveniently pick you up from your Marrakech hotel.
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Drive through the stunning High Atlas Mountains, making a stop at the picturesque Tizi n'Tichka pass.
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Explore the UNESCO treasure of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, famous for its clay architecture.
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Discover Ouarzazate and the renowned Atlas Studios.
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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
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Depart from the Dades Gorges.
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Explore the enchanting Todra oasis and the towering Todgha gorges.
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Arrive in Merzouga.
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Get ready for an unforgettable sunset camel ride across the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes.
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Spend the night in a traditional Berber camp.
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3rd day: Merzouga to Marrakech
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Wake up to fiery sunrises over the dunes.
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Begin your return journey to Marrakech.
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Arrive back in Marrakech by evening.
Detailled Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech - Atlas Mountains - Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou - Ouarzazate - Dades
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: Dades - Todra Gorges - Erfoud - Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Sand dunes)
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: Merzouga - Marrakech
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
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A multilingual Speaking Driver
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Car fuel and taxes
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1 Night in a hotel in Dades Valley
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Night in Merzouga Desert (Camp)
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Camel trek through the dunes
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Sand boarding
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Breaks for pictures, coffee, lunch...etc.
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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