Adventure

Marrakech to Merzouga: Three Days in the Desert

Marrakech New 3 days / 2 nights From €115

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Duration

3 days / 2 nights

Tour type

Shared group or private

Languages

French, Arabic, English, Spanish, Italian

Payment

Cash on site (MAD or €)

Overview

Three days is the honest minimum for the real Sahara, and this route from Marrakech earns every hour of it. The first day crosses the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, then follows the Valley of Roses to Kelaat M'Gouna and the canyon walls of Boumalne Dades, where the first night is spent in an air-conditioned room with a private bathroom.

The second day threads the Todra Gorge, where the rock closes in to a few dozen metres, before the land flattens, reddens and finally breaks into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Camels — or a 4x4, if you prefer — carry you into the sand for sunset. Dinner, Berber drums and a night under more stars than you have ever seen follow at the camp of your choosing.

The third day starts with sunrise over the dunes and ends back in Marrakech, dropped at your hotel or riad. Three formats share the same route: a standard shared departure, a shared departure upgraded to a luxury tent, and a fully private version with a boutique riad on the first night and the Royal Desert Camp on the second.

Highlights

A camel trek into the Sahara and sunset over the dunes
The kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou and its caravan-town history
The High Atlas crossing and its mountain panoramas
A night under the open sky at a traditional Berber camp
Sunrise over the vast dunes of Erg Chebbi

Itinerary

Main stopSecondary stop

Pickup location:
Day 1 — Marrakech, the Atlas, Kelaat M'Gouna and Boumalne Dades
Day 2 — Todra Gorge, the Sahara and Erg Chebbi
Stop (Day 2)
The morning follows the Todra Gorge and its sheer walls, then the road east through Tinghir and Erfoud until the dunes appear. At Merzouga the vehicle is left behind: camels, or a 4x4 if you prefer, carry you into Erg Chebbi for sunset. Dinner, Berber drums and a night at the camp booked with your option.
Arrive back at:
Day 3 — Sunrise over the dunes and return to Marrakech

For logistical and operational reasons, the itinerary may be subject to change.

Included

Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or riad
Air-conditioned vehicle
Driver-guide
Wi-Fi on board
One night in an air-conditioned room or suite with private bathroom
One night at the Erg Chebbi camp of your choice, according to the option booked
Breakfasts (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available)
Dinners (vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available)
Camel ride or 4x4 transfer into the dunes
Sandboarding
Luggage storage
Berber drumming and music session

Not included

Regional guide at the Ait Ben Haddou kasbah (about €2 per person, paid on site)
Lunches and drinks
Tips

Know before you go

What to bring

• Comfortable, closed shoes
• Sunglasses and a cap
• Sunscreen
• A jacket for the evenings
• Breathable clothing
• A camera
• Cash
• Passport or ID card — a photocopy is accepted

Know before you go

• Pick-up confirmation: the exact time and place are sent the day before your departure, between 5pm and 6pm.
• Luggage: large suitcases stay safely in the vehicle. Pack a small backpack for the desert night, as the camels cannot carry big bags.
• Dietary requirements: vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available. No email needed — tell your driver on the first morning.
• Winter heating (November to February): desert nights fall to between 0 and 5°C. Standard tents are not heated but thick blankets are provided; luxury tents have heating.
• Communication: a working mobile number with WhatsApp is required for coordination.
• Cash: bring euros or dirhams for lunches (roughly €10–13 per meal), drinks and tips. There are no cash machines in the desert.

Languages

French, Arabic, English, Spanish, Italian

Frequently asked questions

When do I learn the pick-up time?

The exact time and place are sent the evening before departure, between 5pm and 6pm, so check your messages before contacting support.

What is the difference between the three options?

All three follow the same route. The standard option sleeps in a standard desert camp, the luxury option in a luxury tent, and the Premium private option adds a boutique riad on the first night and the Royal Desert Camp on the second.

How cold does the desert get at night?

From November to February nights fall to between 0 and 5°C. Standard tents are not heated but thick blankets are provided; luxury tents have heating.

Are special diets catered for?

Yes — vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals are available at no extra cost. Simply tell your driver on the first morning; there is no need to write in advance.

Do I need to bring cash?

Yes. Lunches, drinks and tips are not included and there are no cash machines in the desert, so bring euros or dirhams — roughly €10 to €13 per meal.

Customer reviews

Customer reviews →

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Marrakech to Merzouga: Three Days in the Desert

Overview

Highlights

Itinerary

Included

Not included

Choose one of these 3 options

Standard shared tour

Luxury shared tour

Premium private tour

Your details

Know before you go

What to bring

Know before you go

Languages

Frequently asked questions

Customer reviews

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