Private 3 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
best 3-Days Marrakech To Merzouga Desert Tour - Erg Chebbi
3 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga details
- Duration: 3 days
- Marrakech
- Daily tour
- Private tour
Go on a private 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, to explore the best Erg Chebbi desert on a wonderfulSafari trip. Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah a UNESCO World Heritage site. It labored as a shooting location for dozens of world-famous films and TV series, See the beautiful landscapes of the Atlas Mountains and the rock formations of Todra Gorges.
During this private 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga dunes & camel trek, you will enjoy the Berber culture with our local team. Spend a night at a luxury Erg Chebbi desert camp, one of the must-visit places due to its mesmerizing dunes.
This private 3-day Marrakech Sahara desert journey is a fantastic experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
The highlights of our 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga include breathtaking views, the road of 1000 kasbahs, Ouarzazate, and of course, the cherry on the cake is the night spent in the Erg Chebbi desert camp at Merzouga.
PRIVATE 3 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
This Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour is available year-round. However, there are better times for travel:
Summer: The Merzouga desert can be very hot, making it a less popular time for visitors.
Winter: The Sahara desert is cold at night, but with proper clothing, it’s an experience worth having.
3 day Marrakech desert tour highlights
- Go on a private 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, to explore the best Erg Chebbi dunes
- Visit The of Kasbah Telouet and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
- Stopping by the Skoura Oasis to visit Kasbah Amredhil there
- A night in a beautiful riad in the Dades Valley
- Riding camels in the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and witnessing the spectacle of the sunset
- Overnight at Erg Chebbi desert Camp in Merzouga Sahara Desert
- Traveling over the Atlas Mountains and through the famous pass of Tizi-n-Tichka
TIMED DAILY SCHEDULE: 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
– 08:00 AM: Pick-up from your Riad/hotel in Marrakech.
– 10:00 AM: Cross the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass (2260m) in the High Atlas Mountains.
– 11:30 AM: Visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO world heritage site.
– 01:30 PM: Lunch break near Ait Ben Haddou.
– 02:30 PM: Optional visit to the Atlas Film Studios.
– 03:00 PM: Continue through the Skoura Oasis, visiting Kasbah Amredhil.
– 04:00 PM: Pass through the Valley of Roses and continue to Dades Valley.
– 06:00 PM: Check in at a riad/hotel in Dades Valley, enjoy dinner, and relax.
– 08:00 AM: Breakfast at the riad/hotel in Dades Valley.
– 09:00 AM: Departure toward Todra Gorges via Tinghir.
– 10:30 AM: Stop at Todra Gorges and walk along the stunning canyon walls (30-45 minutes).
– 11:30 AM: Continue the drive toward Merzouga, passing through small Berber villages.
– 01:30 PM: Lunch break at or near Tinejdad.
– 04:00 PM: Arrive in the desert of Merzouga.
– 04:30 PM: Start your camel trek into the Erg Chebbi dunes.
– 06:00 PM: Stop in the dunes to watch the sunset over Erg Chebbi.
– 07:00 PM: Arrive at the luxury desert camp, welcome tea, and check-in.
– 08:00 PM: Dinner under the stars, followed by Berber music & drumming around the bonfire.
– 06:30 AM: Early wake up to see the sunrise over the dunes.
– 08:30 AM: Breakfast at the bivouac and return by camel to Merzouga or 4WD.
– 09:00 AM: Depart from Merzouga, passing through Rissani & Tafilalet Palm Grove.
– 11:30 AM: Drive through the Draa Valley, stopping at small Berber villages.
– 01:30 PM: Lunch stop in Agdz or Ouarzazate
– 03:30 PM: Drive back through the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka Pass.
– 06:30 PM: Arrival in Marrakech in the afternoon and drop-off at your hotel or riad.
3 DAYS TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA ITINERARY – What to Expect
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – OUARZAZATE – DADES GORGES
On the first day, at 8 AM. We’ll start our private 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert with a pick up from your accommodation, a departure to Dades Valley, crossing the famous Tizi- N-Tichka pass (2260m) in the Mountains of the High Atlas. Along the way, you will make several stops to take in the panoramic views. You will also have the opportunity to visit an Argan oil cooperative and learn about the process of making this valuable oil.
The locals at the cooperative will explain the benefits and various uses of Argan oil. Later, you will enjoy the scenic road, and beautiful landscapes with different colors along the way to the fortified village of Ait Benhaddou. you will explore its famous kasbah, which has been used as a filming location for movies such as “Gladiator and Game of Thrones”.
After lunch in the kasbah, you will continue to Ouarzazate to visit the Atlas Studio & Kasbah Taourirt before heading to Dades Valley via the Rose Valley. Dinner and overnight in Dades Hotel/Riad.
=►Driving distance: Approximately 350 km =► Driving time: Approximately 6 hrs
DAY 2: TODRA GORGE – MERZOUGA DESERT
After breakfast, you will continue along a road lined with numerous kasbahs, each unique in its way. One of the highlights of your private 3 days desert tour Marrakech to Merzouga is admiring the fascinating architecture and landscapes along the way.
You will make stops for photos before reaching the Todra Gorges. The Todra River has carved out stunning high rock walls, making this area a paradise for climbers. Here, you will have free time to explore, take pictures, and enjoy lunch before continuing your trip towards the Sahara Desert.
Passing through Erfoud to reach the dunes of Merzouga, you’ll ride camels to the desert camp and watch the sunset over the dunes. At the camp, you will enjoy a traditional dinner and a night of drum music around the bonfire.
=►Driving distance: Approximately 310 km =► Driving time: Approximately 5 hrs
DAY 3: MERZOUGA – THE DRAA VALLEY – MARRAKECH
On the last day of our private 3 day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga; You should get up to watch the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi, then have breakfast, freshen up, and return to the village by camel or 4×4 vehicle.
Depart to the Palm Grove of Tafilalet passing through the town of Rissani. The oasis of Tazarine and Nkob. Later drive back to Ouarzazate via the Draa valley, Berber village of Agdz. Arrive at the end of the day in Marrakech. End your Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour.
=►Driving distance: Approximately 560 km =► Driving time: Approximately 9 hrs
GALLERY
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Private transfer in comfortable 4×4 air conditioned vehicle.
- English speaking driver/guide during the tour.
- Accommodation at Dades Valley
- Private tent in the desert camp
- Breakfast and dinners (Vegetarians are accommodated).
- Camel ride ( camel each )
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
- Plane tickets
- Lunches, drinks
- Tips ( Optional )
ACCOMMODATIONS
We work with different hotels and desert camps on this 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, depending on availability. All accommodations are clean and comfortable. Here are some examples:
| Options | First Night | Second Night |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable Option |
– Kasbah Didis – Hotel Babylon – Auberge Panorama Or similar |
– Jannat Luxury Camp (Standard tents) – Berber Camp Merzouga Or similar |
| Gold Option |
– Riad Paradise Dades – Dar Rihana Dades – Dar Blues – Dar Ahlam Dades – Ksar Sultan Dades – Hotel Riad Bahammou – Riad Rihana Tamlalte Dades – Grand Canyon Lodge Dades Or similar |
– Africa Luxury Camp – Jannat Luxury Camp (Luxury tents) – Ideal Luxury Camp – Madu Luxury Desert Camp (+20€ pp) – Luxury Berber Camp Or similar |
| Diamond Option | – Eden Boutique Hotel | – Desert Luxury Camp (The best camp in the desert, it is an air-conditioned and isolated camp! The camp has a swimming pool too!) |
Differences Between the Options:
- Affordable option: 3-star clean and comfortable hotels/riads. The standard camp has private tents with separate shared toilets and showers.
- Gold option: 4-star hotels/riads. The luxury camp includes private tents with en-suite bathrooms and WiFi.
- Diamond option: Here, you will stay at the best luxury Hotel/Riad + desert camp or vice versa, depending on your choice.
3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga price
| Number of Participants | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Price per person | 480€ | 340€ | 270€ | 250€ | 230€ |
Additional Activities
| Before the Tour | During the Tour | After the Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer from the Airport | Cooking classes | Transfer to the airport |
| Marrakech guided tour | Photographer | Day trip to Ourika Valley |
| Day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls | Quad & Buggy activities | Day trip to Essaouira |
| Hot Air Balloon ride | Birthday cake | Hammam |
NOTEs / ABOUT PRIVATE MARRAKECH DESERT TOUR 3 DAYS
This tour can end in Fes by choosing our 3-day Desert tour from Marrakech to Fes or start from Fes to Marrakech by selecting the 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert tour.
If you have extra time, consider the 4 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert to fully experience the beauty of the desert.
This tour can also start from Casablanca, Ouarzazate, or Agadir to accommodate your travel plans.
This private tour can be customized to suit your preferences; feel free to discuss with your driver if you’d like to spend more time in certain locations or skip others.
Camel rides typically last 45 minutes to 1 hour, but you can opt for a shorter ride if preferred.
If you prefer not to ride a camel, we can arrange a 4×4 transfer to and from the desert camp. You can also choose to ride a camel one way and return by car.
Your luggage will be transported by 4×4 to the camp while you enjoy your camel trek.
Camps with A/C and heating are available upon request for extra comfort.
All desert camps are well-equipped with proper beds, pillows, and blankets for a comfortable stay.
Restroom stops are available along the route, but some may require a small fee (bring coins for access).
Quad biking and buggy driving are not included, but your guide can assist with arrangements during the tour if you’re interested.
Sandboarding is available for free; just ask the camp staff for a board.
The desert experiences extreme temperature changes—hot during the day and cold at night, especially in winter.
The best time to do this desert tour is during spring (March- May) and autumn (September- November) when temperatures are pleasant.
A scarf is recommended to protect against the sun and desert winds. You can buy one at a local shop along the way.
Our driver will recommend restaurants with fresh, healthy food, but you are free to choose your own.
If you have dietary restrictions, such as vegan or vegetarian preferences, please inform us in advance.
- Wearing white clothes enhances desert photos.
When visiting Berber villages or traditional areas, modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) is appreciated out of respect for local customs.
The drive through the Atlas Mountains includes winding roads that may cause motion sickness for some travelers. Taking anti-nausea medication beforehand can be helpful.
Vehicles used for the tour are comfortable, with options ranging from Toyota Prado Land Cruisers and Ford 8-seater vans to Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibuses for larger groups.
Before your trip, check our Morocco packing list to ensure you bring all the essentials for your desert tour.
Traveling during Ramadan? Read our Ramadan in Morocco guide to understand how this special time of year might affect your trip.
Do you need a visa for your Morocco trip? Check out our complete Morocco visa guide.
Traveling in Morocco is generally safe, but it’s always good to stay informed. Check out our Safe Travel in Morocco guide for useful tips.
While shopping in local markets, be sure to negotiate prices. Read our guide on how to haggle in Morocco for expert tips on getting the best deals!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can book it by contacting us via email or WhatsApp, and we will send you the pricing details. Once we agree on the details, a small deposit is required to secure your booking.
Marrakech to Mezouga desert distance is 560 Km; However, it will be split then into two days on the way in, with a night in Dades Valley. On the way back, you will spend all day driving back to Marrakech. about 9 hours
It is roughly 1 hour before sunset. Time depends on the season, Daylight saving time, and sunset/sunrise time.
Please be sure to wear full and loose clothes on your camel ride in the Sahara desert. If you want to wear shorts, long shorts are recommended. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are also advised to make your camel ride more comfortable.
Yes, Sandboarding is available, just let your guide to know if you’re interested.
Lunches, beverages, tips, personal purchases
