We provide an easy and memorable 3 Days Tour Marrakech to Merzouga, perfect for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of the Moroccan desert. This tour lets you spend two nights in the desert, giving you the chance to explore local culture and nature.
From the start, you’ll enjoy scenic drives through the Atlas Mountains, visit historic places like Ait Benhaddou, and experience life in the desert.
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Starting Location: Marrakech
- Ending Location: Marrakech
Depart Time: | 7:00 AM |
Arrival Time: | 18:00 Pm |
Tour Type: | Private Trip |
Price: | Starts at €148 per person |
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains.
- Visit Ait Benhaddou.
- Explore Dades Valley.
- Walk in Todra Gorges.
- Ride camels in Merzouga Desert.
- Sleep in a desert camp.
- Explore Sahara desert
- See Berber villages.
- Pass through Ouarzazate.
- Return to Marrakech.
Itinerary of the Marrakech To Merzouga Desert Tour 3 days:
Day 1: Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Merzouga
We will start early from Marrakech and drive through the beautiful High Atlas Mountains, passing small Berber villages along the way. The winding roads offer stunning views of the mountains.
Our first main stop is Ait Benhaddou, a famous historical village known for its old, mud-brick buildings that have been around for centuries. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and has been featured in many movies because of its unique look. You’ll have time to explore the village and walk through its narrow paths, taking in the history and beautiful views.
After lunch, we continue towards the desert, and as we get closer to Merzouga, the scenery changes to a wide, open desert with dunes. By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Merzouga, where you’ll check into a local riad, enjoy a nice dinner, and get ready for the next day’s desert adventures.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 560 Km
- Approx. 9-10 Hours (Including Stops)
- Accommodation Details:
- Accommodation Options:
- 1. Riad Serai
- 2. Riad Madu
- 3. Riad Dar Hassan
Day 2: Full Day to Discover the Merzouga Desert
We will start the day early with a beautiful sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi. After breakfast at the riad, your adventure begins with a visit to a Nomadic family, where you’ll learn about their traditional lifestyle and how they live in the desert. It’s a unique chance to see their way of life up close.
Next, we’ll explore the desert by 4×4, visiting nearby spots like the Khamlia village, known for its lively Gnawa music. You might also visit the Lake of Merzouga (if it’s full), which attracts different birds and adds to the desert’s beauty.
After lunch, you’ll have time to relax before setting off on a camel ride into the heart of the desert. As the sun sets, the views over the dunes are unforgettable. Once you reach the desert camp, you’ll enjoy a traditional dinner and enjoy the Berber music around the campfire and spend the night in a cozy riad on the edge of Sahara desert.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Full Day in Merzouga
- Approx. Minimal Driving (Exploration)
- Accommodation Details:
- Options for Standard Camp:
- 1. Merzouga Standard Camp
- 2. Nomad Standard Camp
- 3. Erg Chebbi Standard Camp
- Options for Luxury Camp:
- 1. Africa Luxury Camp
- 2. Caravanserai Luxury Camp
- 3. Desert Luxury Camp
Day 3: Merzouga Desert → Draa Valley → Agdez → Marrakech
After an early breakfast in the desert camp, we’ll start our trip back to Marrakech. The drive will take us through the stunning Draa Valley, known for being Morocco’s longest valley, filled with beautiful palm trees and traditional villages.
We’ll stop in Agdez, a small town that offers amazing views of the valley. It’s a great spot for some photos and a quick break. After that, we’ll continue our journey, passing through the High Atlas Mountains again.
We’ll stop for lunch along the way before arriving back in Marrakech by late afternoon or evening. This marks the end of your 3-day desert adventure.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 560 Km
- Approx. 9 Hours (including Stops)
Included:
- Pick up from your accommodation in Marrakech.
- Air-conditioned 4x4 SUV, van, or minibus.
- English-speaking driver or driver with an English-speaking guide.
- 1 night at Riad in Merzouga.
- 1 Night at luxury camp in Merzouga.
- Two breakfasts and two dinners.
- Camel trekking experience.
- Fuel and all taxes
- Drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Excluded:
- Lunches
- Beverages (soft drinks, water, etc.)
- Entrance fees (when needed) and tips (optional).
Gallery:
Know Before You Go:
1. Dietary Needs: If you’re vegetarian, vegan, or have any specific dietary restrictions, make sure to tell them when booking. They will make sure your meals match your preferences throughout the trip.
2. Restaurant Choices: Your guide will suggest places to eat, but if you have a restaurant in mind or a specific type of food you want, just let them know. They’ll be happy to adjust the plan for you.
3. Long Driving Days: The first and last days of the tour will involve long drives, around 9 hours each day. This helps to get more time in the desert on the second day, but it’s good to be prepared for those longer travel hours.
4. Extend the Trip: If you want a slower pace or more time to explore, you can opt for a 5-day tour instead. This way, you can break up the driving and have more time to relax and enjoy the sights.
5. Different Tour Options: There are also 4-day or 2-day tours available. The 4-day tour gives you more time in the desert, while the 2-day option is good if you’re on a tight schedule.
6. Luxury Desert Camps: You’ll be staying in comfortable, luxury camps in the desert. Each camp has private tents with en-suite bathrooms, so you’ll have privacy and comfort during your stay.
7. Book Early: It’s a good idea to book your tour as soon as possible to ensure your spot, especially during busy seasons.
8. Alternative to Camel Ride: If you’re not comfortable with riding a camel, don’t worry. They can arrange for you to be transported to the desert camp in a 4×4 vehicle at no extra charge.
9. Easy Payment: You can pay a small deposit when booking through PayPal or bank transfer, and the rest of the payment can be made in cash to your guide on the first day of the tour. You can pay in euros, dollars, or dirhams.
Accommodation Options: Luxury Vs Standard
1. First Night: Riad in Merzouga
- Standard Option: You’ll stay in a traditional riad in Merzouga with private rooms and a hot shower. It’s simple but comfortable, perfect for a restful night. Dinner and breakfast are included.
- Luxury Option: Upgrade to a more comfortable riad with bigger rooms and extra features like air conditioning or a pool. It’s a relaxing stay with dinner and breakfast included.
2. Second Night: Merzouga Desert Camp
- Standard Desert Camp: Spend the night in a traditional Berber tent with shared bathrooms. It’s a simple and cozy way to enjoy the desert under the stars. Dinner and breakfast are included.
- Luxury Desert Camp: Choose a private tent with your bathroom for a more comfortable stay. You’ll have proper beds and better facilities. Dinner and breakfast are included, making your desert stay extra comfortable.
Note: If these camps and riads are fully booked, there are other excellent options in Merzouga, offering both standard and luxury riads/hotel stays for a fantastic desert experience.
Pricing Overview for the Marrakech Tour 3 Days
The 3-day desert tour starts at around €148 per person, but the final price depends on factors like group size, accommodation choice (luxury or standard camp), and travel dates. Larger groups get lower prices per person. For exact pricing, it’s best to contact the tour provider for a custom quote
Group Size | Estimate Price (Per person) |
6 People | From €148 |
5 People | From €158 |
4 People | From €168 |
3 People | From €198 |
2 People | From €210 |
1 Person | From €270 |
- The prices include transportation, basic accommodation (riad or standard & luxury camp, ), and meals (dinner and breakfast).
- If you choose luxury camps or want to add activities like quad biking, the cost will increase.
- Prices might change depending on the season and availability.
Choose Your Tour Type: Private VS Shared Trip
Pick a private trip for more flexibility or a shared trip for a budget-friendly group option. The table below shows the main differences.
Private Trip | Shared Trip |
Customized itinerary | Fixed itinerary |
Flexible departure time | Set departure time |
Exclusive vehicle and guide | Shared vehicle and guide with others |
Luxury camp or riad accommodation | Standard room in camp or riad |
Starts From 148€ per person | Starts From 99€ per person |
Extra Activities:
We provide extra activities to make your trip even more unique. Whether before or during your tour, we can arrange special experiences to your preferences. Let us know what you’d like!
Before/After The Trip | During The Trip |
Hot Air Balloon Ride in Marrakech | Professional Photographer |
Day Trip to Essaouira | Romantic Dinner in the Desert |
Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls | Quad Biking Activity |
Day Trip to Ourika Valley | Buggy Driving Activity |
Marrakech Guided Trip | Horse Riding |
Agafay Desert Trip | Picnic In Sahara Desert |
Places to Visit on Your Marrakech To Merzouga Desert Trip 3 Days:
1. High Atlas Mountains:
The Atlas Mountains offer breathtaking views as you drive through winding roads and high passes. These mountains are dotted with traditional Berber villages where life remains unchanged for centuries.
2. Ait Ben Haddou:
Ait Ben Haddou is an ancient fortified village and a UNESCO site. Its towering clay buildings have appeared in many movies and TV shows. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping into the past.
3. Ouarzazate:
Known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” Ouarzazate is famous for its film studios and the historic Taourirt Kasbah, which showcases impressive architecture and rich history.
4. Dades Valley:
The Dades Valley is known for its dramatic rock formations, often called “Monkey Fingers” due to their unique shapes. It’s filled with green fields, small villages, and traditional kasbahs.
5. Todra Gorge:
Todra Gorge is one of Morocco’s most spectacular natural wonders, with towering cliffs that rise up to 300 meters. A river runs through the gorge, making it a great spot for scenic hikes and nature walks.
6. Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes)
The towering Erg Chebbi Dunes near Merzouga are among the tallest and most stunning dunes in Morocco. These golden dunes stretch endlessly, offering a perfect setting for camel rides and desert camps under the stars.
Merzouga is about 560 kilometers (348 miles) from Marrakech, which takes approximately 9-10 hours to drive, with scenic stops along the way through the High Atlas Mountains and Berber villages.
The camel ride in Erg Chebbi typically lasts around one hour for sunset and one hour for sunrise, depending on the time of year and daylight hours.
Yes, private tents are available in the desert camp, and for those looking for extra comfort, luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms are offered at an additional cost.
Depending on group size, smaller groups will use 4×4 vehicles, while larger groups will travel in spacious vans to ensure comfort throughout the trip.
Yes, you can skip the camel ride and opt for a 4×4 transfer to the desert camp for an additional fee, making it a more comfortable alternative.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, and modifications can be made to suit the needs of children, including shorter camel rides or additional stops during the drive.
In standard desert camps, showers are not available, but guests can shower the next day at a lodge in Merzouga. Luxury camps offer private en-suite bathrooms with showers.
Important:
You can customize your trip to match what you want. If the plan we suggest doesn’t work for you, you can decide how many days to spend and which places to visit. If you want to see new places, add extra stops, or make the tour longer, we can adjust it to suit your needs.
If you want a 3-day tour with unique nights, choose the 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech. To see wild monkeys or fly back from Fes, pick the 3-day tour from Marrakech to Fes.
Let us know what you like, and we’ll help create the perfect trip for you!
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Marrkech To Merzouga Desert Tours | Marrkech To Fes Desert Tours |
