Marrakech Desert Tour

3 Days Tour From Marrakech To Erg Chebbi Desert

Discover Morocco on a 3-day journey from Marrakech to the Merzouga Desert, passing through the High Atlas, Ait Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and Dades Gorges. Experience the Todra Gorges, camel trekking through the Sahara, a night in a desert bivouac, and a breathtaking sunrise among the dunes.

Duration
3 Days
Starts 
Marrakech
ends

Marrakech

Transport
4×4 / minivan or minibus
Overview

3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech

Set forth on a 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert, where natural wonders and cultural discoveries await. This journey leads you through diverse landscapes, from the stunning Dades Gorges to the heart of the Sahara Desert, ensuring unforgettable experiences along the way.

Why you’ll like this route

Trip highlights

  • Explore Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Visit the historical “Taourirt Kasbah” in Ouarzazate.
  • Traverse the Tizi-N-Tichka pass, reaching 2260 meters.
  • Wander through charming Berber villages.
  • Explore the intriguing Skoura palm grove.
  • Enjoy a camel trek into the Sahara Desert in Merzouga.
  • Witness a mesmerizing desert sunset amidst the dunes.
  • Enjoy a delightful dinner under the stars at a desert bivouac.
  • Journey through Rissani, Agdez, and Ouarzazate on the way back to Marrakech.
Day by day

Itinerary

1

From Marrakech to Dades Gorges

As you kick off your 3-day excursion from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert, we’ll pick you from Marrakech. The expedition begins as we head towards the breathtaking Dades Gorges. Our path leads us over the Tizi-N-Tichka pass, ascending to 2260 meters within the High Atlas mountains. Along the way, you’ll find yourself captivated by the picturesque mountain vistas, boasting a stunning array of colors. We’ll traverse several charming Berber villages en route to Ouarzazate.

Our initial stop takes us to the iconic Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll be immersed in its rich historical tapestry. As we continue on to Ouarzazate, we’ll explore the “Taourirt Kasbah” and indulge in a delectable lunch. Our journey then proceeds southeastward to the Dades valley, where the enchanting Valley of Roses and the intriguing Skoura palm grove await. For an evening of dining and rest, we’ll find lodging in a local riad or hotel nestled within the Dades Gorges.

Overnight: Dades Gorges — Meals: Breakfast, Dinner  — Drive time: ~6 hours

2

From Dades Gorges to Merzouga Desert

Our Moroccan tour advances with a voyage through the Dades Valley, immersing you in captivating landscapes. Our route leads us to Tinghir and the celebrated Toudra Gorges, renowned for their scenic allure and popularity among mountain climbers. Subsequently, we’ll venture towards Erfoud, meandering through the luxuriant Palm grove. For those with an interest, we may explore a fossil shop and factory in Erfoud.

Following this, your journey continues to the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert in Merzouga. Prepare yourself for an extraordinary experience as we set forth on a camel trek into the heart of the desert and partake in the mesmerizing spectacle of a desert sunset. As twilight descends, we’ll nestle amidst the dunes in a desert bivouac, sheltered beneath Nomad tents, while savoring a delightful dinner by the glow of a campfire.

Overnight: Merzouga — Meals: Breakfast — Drive time: ~5 hours

3

From Merzouga Desert to Marrakech

Today, greet the new day as we welcome the early morning desert sunrise in Merzouga. Ascend the lofty dunes for a panoramic view that will take your breath away, and subsequently, return to the village on the back of dromedaries. Following a hearty breakfast, our journey embarks on the return to Marrakech.

We’ll journey through Rissani, Agdez, and finally arrive in Ouarzazate. From there, we’ll commence the drive back to Marrakech, marking the conclusion of this extraordinary 3-day desert excursion. This passage promises a harmonious blend of natural splendor, cultural revelations, and indelible experiences.

Meals: Breakfast — Drive time: ~10 hours
Inclusions

What’s included

Included
  • ✓ Private air-conditioned 4×4 or minivan
  • ✓ English-speaking local driver/guide
  • ✓ Luxury desert camp
  • ✓ Daily breakfast
  • ✓ Dinner in Dades Gorges and Merzouga
  • ✓ Vegetarian & vegan meal options
  • ✓ Camel ride & sandboarding
  • ✓ Photo and rest stops
  • ✓ Free time to explore
  • ✓ Airport, hotel & riad transfers
Not included
  • × Lunches, drinks & extra dinners
  • × Entrance fees
  • × Tips
  • × Personal expenses
  • × Anything not listed
Route

Map

Good to know

Before you book

Is 3 days enough for an Erg Chebbi Desert experience?

Yes. This 3-day tour includes a visit to Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, a camel trek into the Sahara, a desert sunset, an overnight stay in a desert bivouac, and a sunrise experience the next morning.

Is the tour suitable for families?

The itinerary does not specify any age restrictions or family-specific arrangements. However, it includes sightseeing, a camel trek, an overnight desert camp, and long driving days, so families should consider whether these activities suit their needs.

Can I customize the itinerary?

The itinerary does not mention customization options. You would need to confirm with the tour provider whether changes to the route, stops, activities, or accommodation can be arranged.
Enquire about this trip
Reply within 24 hours from our Marrakech office

01
Private, not grouped

Every departure is exclusive to your party — no joining strangers, no fixed schedule.

02
Local driver-guides

Guides who know the Atlas roads and desert routes firsthand, not a rotating subcontractor pool.

03
Flexible routing

Adjust the return leg, add nights, or change the pace — all before you book.

04
Direct support

One point of contact in Marrakech for the full trip, before and during travel.

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