3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: Ultimate Desert & Camel Trek
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime! Experience the giant landscapes of Morocco, from the snow-covered High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi.
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Start/End
Marrakech / Marrakech
Availability
Daily Departures
Tour Style
Shared & Private Desert Tours
Price From
95 EUR
Overview: 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Sahara
Join us for the adventure of a lifetime on what many consider the best 3 day Morocco itinerary. Our renowned 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga shows you some of the giant landscapes of Morocco, from the snow-covered summits of the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. You will get to traverse through ancient caravan routes, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou, and spend a magical night under the stars in a luxury desert camp.
Our well-planned 3-day desert tour from Marrakech blends authentic cultural experiences with modern comfort to make sure you see the magic of the Moroccan Sahara without losing value, comfort, and safety.
Why Choose Our 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
With thousands of happy travelers and consistently high ratings, our 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga stands apart from others due to our commitment to transparency, comfort, and authentic experiences. We won't just be transporting you across Morocco; we'll be sharing the stories of our homeland, introducing you to its people, and providing you with memories to last you forever.
All of our wonderful and experienced locals, including some of the best, like Hassan, Ali, and Youssef (often mentioned in travelers' reviews), provide their passions and knowledge along the journey. They are not simply drivers; they take tremendous pride in being cultural ambassadors for Morocco. This is shared with delightful experiences such as hidden viewpoints and the best road café serving Moroccan tea and fresh mint.
Your concerns have been addressed since you are wondering: Yes, there is a lot of driving on day 3, and we attempt to make it comfortable in a newer vehicle with a couple of stops and somewhat flexible timing. Yes, the desert can be extreme, so we provide factual advice based on the season and the best arrangements in accommodations. Yes, our luxury camps can provide the promised comfort in the wilderness.
Highlights of the 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Trip
- Cross the awe-inspiring Tizi n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, which reaches an altitude of 2,260 m.
- Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, known as the shooting location for the popular series One Thousand and One Nights, as well as the movies Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia.
- Take part in sunrise and sunset camel rides on the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, creating memories for a lifetime.
- Sleep overnight in a luxury desert camp equipped with a private en-suite with shower, comfy beds and authentic Berber service.
- Enjoy Berber cultural performances including traditional drumming music, storytelling and stargazing under the Milky Way.
- See natural places like the spectacular Todra Gorge and the unique rocks of Dades Valley.
- Optional desert activities like high dune sandboarding and thrilling quad biking adventures.
Daily Itinerary: 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Dunes
Inclusions: 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour Package
The 3 days desert tour from Marrakech package includes everything you need for authentic comfort:
- Modern, air-conditioned transportation in a 4x4 SUV (for groups of up to 4 guests) or Mercedes/Ford minivan (for larger groups).
- English-speaking professional driver/guide with good knowledge of the route, culture, and history.
- First night accommodation in a comfortable hotel/riad in Dades Valley with a private room for each participant.
- Second night accommodation in a luxury desert camp with a private tent with en-suite bathroom, hot shower, and comfortable bedding.
- Included meals: two dinners (Dades Valley and desert camp) and two breakfasts (hotel and camp).
- Sunset and sunrise camel treks with one camel per guest for the ultimate experience while in the Sahara.
- Sandboards are available at the desert camp for some dune surfing fun (while conditions permit availability).
- Berber entertainment, including traditional drumming, music, and cultural storytelling.
Exclusions & Budgeting for your Morocco Desert Tour
A good sense of transparency is necessary to manage your ideal holiday. The following is not included in the tour prices:
- Meals & drinks: Plan on spending approximately €5-€20 per person for lunch. Bottled water is typically not included.
- Tipping: Tip your driver/guide (approximately €10-€20 total), local guides at Ait Benhaddou (~€3), and your camp staff, who deserve it.
- Entry fees: Even though we have organized these events for you, you will be responsible for entry fees to certain monuments and museums. (If you decide to visit Atlas Film Studios, for example, you will need to pay.)
- Optional activities: Quad biking/ATV rental (~€50-€60 per hour), additional camel riding and buggy rides.
- Personal expenses: Souvenirs, extra drinks, snacks, personal purchases.
- Local currency (Moroccan dirham): Very highly recommended to have for all purchases, stopping along the way, and tipping.
Accommodation: Where You'll Stay During the 3 Days Desert Tour
| Night | Luxury Option | Standard Option |
|---|---|---|
| Night 1: Dades Valley | Hotel Xaluca Dades or Hotel Babylon | Hotel La Perle du Dades |
| Night 2: Merzouga | Luxury Desert Camp (En-suite) | Standard Desert Camp (Shared) |
Frequently Asked Questions: 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Tour Logistics and Comfort
What's the total driving time for the complete tour and then Day 3?
The total Sahara Desert trip is around 550-560 kilometers. Day 1 is typically around 6 hours of driving. Day 2 is quite a bit shorter, usually about 4-5 hours of driving. On day 3 you return, and that is the longest driving day at around 9-11 hours. The longer driving is just the nature of the large distance from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, but all of the amazing scenery and cultural stops will definitely make the drive an experience in itself.
What vehicles do you use to transport us?
We use modern air-conditioned vehicles appropriate for the size of your group. Smaller groups (up to 4 passengers) will be transported in a 4x4 SUV to be comfortable, while larger groups will travel in spacious modern minivans. Either way, all vehicles are maintained well, have safety features, and are all driven by experienced drivers.
Can I skip the camel ride and drive out in a 4x4 instead?
Absolutely. While recommended and iconic, we fully understand that a camel trek may not be for everyone. There is a 4x4 transfer to and from the desert camp at no charge for easy, comfortable access to the camp. If you want a more adventurous way to access the camp, we can arrange for ATVs and quad bikes at an additional cost.
Is the luxury tent really luxurious? Does it have its own bathroom?
Yes, our luxury desert camp has comfortable tents. Every private tent has proper bedding with good linens, Moroccan décor, and most importantly, an en-suite bathroom. The en-suite bathroom has a real shower with hot running water. This is what makes our luxury camp different from standard camps, which usually offer shared camping facilities. The camp also has a dining tent, lounge areas, and limited access to charge devices during part of the day.
Weather and Packing Advice
When is the best time to visit Merzouga?
The best time for your 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is during the shoulder months, March to June and September to December (October and November are ideal). It is quite comfortable during the day (20-30°C) and cool at night, but not cold. Avoid mid-summer (June through August) when daytime temperatures can reach above 40°C (104°F), making it uncomfortable for daytime activities. Winter months (December-February) have clear days but very cold nights, dropping to the freezing mark (0°C) or close to it.
What should I pack for the desert camp overnight?
Even in the good months, the desert temperature is drastically lower after the sun goes down. Be sure to pack warm layers: fleece or a jacket, long trousers, warm socks, and a beanie/hat. In the winter months, pack as if you were camping in the cold. For the day, make sure to pack sun protection: sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a scarf/shemagh to protect from sand and sun. You must have good walking shoes for the daytime, while sandals are good to wear at camp. Don’t forget a headlamp or flashlight in order to look around at night.
What happens to my main luggage during the camel trek?
Your main luggage is securely transported directly to the camp via our support 4x4 vehicle and will be waiting in your luxury tent when you arrive. You only need to carry a small daypack with essentials during the camel trek: water, a camera, sunscreen, sunglasses, and any personal items you'll need for the journey. This ensures your camel trek remains comfortable and enjoyable without being burdened by heavy bags.
Alternative and Extended Tours
If the standard itinerary for 3 days does not suit your schedule or preferences, we offer the following alternatives:
- 4 Days from Marrakech to Merzouga: If you like the idea of this itinerary but at a slower pace and with shorter driving each day, we have a 4-day itinerary that includes one more night in the desert and more cultural stops. This version allows time to enjoy each location.
- 3 Days Marrakech to Fes Desert Tour: This option is great for those wanting to continue onward to the north of Morocco after the tour. You will still get to experience the same amazing desert, but you will go on to the ancient city of Fes instead of returning to Marrakech. This saves time and allows for a fuller itinerary, as you will continue north instead of heading back south.
- Private tour options: If flexibility is important to you and you would like to set your own schedule and also have the personal attention of your guide the whole time, scheduling a private tour is an option for your tour. Private tours allow you the flexibility to travel on your own time and especially spend more time at any site you would like to, without coordinating with other travelers.
- Day tours from Marrakech: Three days may seem a little long for you, so there is always the option of taking one of many day excursions from Marrakech as well. You can take a day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls, the coastal town of Essaouira, or the Atlas Mountains; these are other options for day touring from Marrakech.
Book Your Sahara Adventure Today
The 3-day trip visiting Merzouga from Marrakech is Morocco at its pinnacle—where ancient
culture meets nature’s splendor, and modern comfort allows you to cross the ancient
Sahara desert in style. From the moment you leap off into the Atlas Mountains to your
final sunset on the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, every moment is delicately pieced
together with memories in mind.
Don’t let another season pass without experiencing the magic of the Sahara Desert in
Morocco. From adventure to cultural immersion and the artistry of its extraordinary
beauty, this journey won’t disappoint. Don’t hesitate; book today and see why thousands
of others who visited this trip continue to come back and call it the biggest highlight
of Morocco and a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t forget.
Book Your Adventure
Shared from €95 / person
Why Book With Us?
- Pay on Arrival: No risk.
- Luxury Camps: En-suite bathrooms.
- Expert Guides: Rated 4.9/5.