Our Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days is a wonderful opportunity to experience the diverse beauty of Morocco.
Starting from the lively city of Marrakech, you will trip through the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, where you’ll pass through traditional Berber villages. Along the way, you’ll visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village, and explore the beautiful Todra Gorge, known for its towering cliffs.
- Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
- Starting Location: Marrakech
- Ending Location: Marrakech
Depart Time: | 8:00 AM |
Arrival Time: | 18:00 Pm |
Tour Type: | Private Trip |
Price: | Starts at €148 per person |
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi N’tichka pass.
- Visit the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou.
- Explore the Dades Valley.
- Walk through Todra Gorges.
- Camel ride in the Sahara Desert at sunset.
- Spend the night under the stars in a desert camp.
- Visit local Berber villages along the way.
- Enjoy the scenic drive through Ouarzazate.
- Return to Marrakech via the Atlas Mountains.
Itinerary of the private 3 days Desert Tour From Marrakech:
Day 1: Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → High Atlas Mountains → Ait Benhaddou → Dades Valley
We will begin our day early, leaving the busy streets of Marrakech and heading into the stunning High Atlas Mountains. As we drive, you’ll notice how the landscape changes, with winding roads and traditional Berber villages located in the hills. The views of the mountains are beautiful and offer a brief view of rural life in Morocco.
Our first big stop is Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient village made of clay and stone. This UNESCO World Heritage site is like stepping back in time, with its tall kasbahs and narrow streets. It’s famous for being featured in many films, and you’ll have time to explore its rich history.
After Ait Ben Haddou, we will continue to Dades Valley, a place known for its unique rock formations, often called the “monkey fingers.” The scenery here is breathtaking, with deep gorges and a peaceful atmosphere.
We will stay for the night in a comfortable riad/hotel, where you can relax and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and breakfast.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 320 Km
- Approx. 7 Hours (Including Stops)
- Accommodation Details:
- Accommodation Options:
- 1. Hotel Babylon Dades
- 2. Dar Blues
- 3. Eden Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Dades Valley → Tinghir Oasis → Todra Gorge → Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, we will leave Dades Valley and make our way toward Tinghir Oasis, a rich green area filled with palm trees and small villages. As we drive through, you’ll see local farmers working in the fields.
Next, we will arrive at Todra Gorge, one of the most famous canyons in Morocco. The cliffs here are incredibly tall, rising to 300 meters, and the views are amazing. We’ll take some time to walk around the gorge, enjoy the fresh air, and maybe even spot some rock climbers making their way up the steep walls. It’s a perfect place to take photos and enjoy the natural beauty.
In the afternoon, we will head to Merzouga, where the real desert adventure begins. When we arrive, you’ll hop onto a camel for a ride across the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the sun starts to set, the sky turns beautiful shades of orange and pink.
After the camel ride, we’ll reach our desert luxury camp, where you can relax under the stars, and enjoy a traditional dinner, and Berber drums around the campfire.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 250 Km
- Approx. 6 Hours (including Stops)
- 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 → Drâa Valley → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
We will start early to watch the sunrise over the desert, a quiet and beautiful moment. After breakfast at the camp, we’ll ride camels back to Merzouga and prepare for the drive back to Marrakech.
Our journey takes us through the Draa Valley, which is full of palm trees and small villages. The scenery is amazing, and we’ll stop a few times to enjoy the views and take some pictures.
Next, we will arrive in Ouarzazate, a city known for its old kasbahs and movie studios. We’ll take a break here to explore the Taourirt Kasbah and have lunch before continuing our trip.
As we drive back through the High Atlas Mountains, you’ll get one last chance to enjoy the mountain views before we reach Marrakech in the evening, where our tour ends.
- Estimate Distance (Km): Approx. 560 Km
- Approx. 9-10 Hours (including Stops)
Included:
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech
- Private, air-conditioned 4x4 vehicle, minibus, or van
- Professional English-speaking driver and tour guide
- Camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes
- 1 night in Dades Valley (hotel/riad) with dinner and breakfast
- 1 night in a desert luxury camp with dinner and breakfast
- Free time to explore sites such as Kasbahs and Gorges
- Fuel and all taxes
- Sandboarding in the desert (subject to availability)
Excluded:
- Lunches during the trip
- Drinks (soft drinks, water, etc.)
- Entrance fees to monuments (if applicable)
Gallery:
Know Before You Go:
1. Weather & Clothing: Desert days are hot, and nights can be cold, so pack light clothes for the daytime and warm layers for the evening.
2. Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking boots for camel rides.
3. What to Bring: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, flashlight, and a power bank for charging devices.
4. Meals: Breakfast and dinner are provided; tell the tour operator about any dietary preferences.
5. Accommodation: Choose between standard or luxury desert camps with different comfort levels.
6. Long Drives: Prepare for long rides with scenic stops for photos at places like Ait Ben Haddou. Snacks and water are helpful for the journey.
7. Cash: ATMs are rare, so bring enough Moroccan dirhams for extra costs like souvenirs and tips.
8. Tipping: Tipping drivers and guides is appreciated, but not required. A small tip for good service is common.
9. Health & Safety: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Travel insurance is a good idea, especially for activities like camel rides.
10. Language: Your guide will speak English and French, but learning basic Arabic or Berber greetings can be fun.
11. Desert Camp Activities: Enjoy things like sandboarding, stargazing, and Berber music around the campfire.
12. Flexible Itinerary: The tour can often be adjusted to your interests, so feel free to ask your guide about making extra stops or taking more photos.
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, offering both standard and luxury riads/hotel stays for a fantastic desert experience.
Pricing Overview for the Marrakech Tour 3 Days
The 3-Day Marrakech Desert Tour starts at approximately €148 per person. The final cost depends on factors such as group size, your choice of accommodation (luxury or standard camp), and the travel dates.
The larger your group, the lower the price per person. For an exact price, you can contact the tour provider directly for a customized trip
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 |
- Prices include transportation, standard accommodation (guesthouse/standard camp), and basic meals (dinner and breakfast).
- Upgrades to luxury camps or additional activities like quad biking will increase the price.
- Prices can vary depending on the season and availability.
Choose Your Tour Type: Private VS Shared Trip
Choose between a private trip for more flexibility and personalized options, or a shared trip for a budget-friendly group experience. The table below shows the key 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 offer extra activities to make your trip even more special. Whether before or during the tour, we can arrange unique experiences based on your preferences. Just 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 Desert Tour 3 Days:
1. High Atlas Mountains:
The journey starts by crossing the High Atlas Mountains, which offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Morocco. As you drive through, you’ll see traditional Berber villages built into the hillsides, with locals going about their daily lives. The winding roads take you through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, one of the highest in North Africa
2. Ait Ben Haddou:
Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous kasbahs in Morocco. This ancient village, made entirely of clay and straw, has been a backdrop for many famous movies. Walking through the narrow streets of this historic town feels like stepping back in time.
3. Ouarzazate:
Often called the “Hollywood of Morocco,” Ouarzazate is known for its film studios where many international movies have been filmed. It’s also home to the impressive Taourirt Kasbah, an ancient fortress that showcases traditional Moroccan design. Ouarzazate serves as a gateway to the desert and is a perfect place to learn about the history and culture of the region.
4. Dades Valley:
Known for its amazing rock formations and lush green oases, Dades Valley is often called the “Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs.” As you explore the valley, you’ll see old fortresses standing against a backdrop of vibrant green fields.
5. Todra Gorge:
Todra Gorge is a natural wonder with steep, towering cliffs that rise on both sides of a narrow canyon. Walking through the gorge, you’ll feel dwarfed by the sheer rock walls, some of which are over 300 meters high.
6. Draa Valley:
The Draa Valley is known for its endless palm groves and ancient kasbahs that dot the landscape. Stretching for hundreds of kilometers, it is one of the longest valleys in Morocco. The valley is not only beautiful but also rich in history, with many traditional villages that have remained unchanged for centuries.
The best time to go on a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These months have nice weather that’s not too hot or too cold, making it a comfortable time to visit the desert and the mountains.
The 3-day desert tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families and older adults. However, there are some physical activities involved, such as walking through valleys, short hikes in places like Todra Gorge, and a camel trek through the desert. The camel ride can feel bumpy and uncomfortable for some people, particularly those with back or knee issues. If needed, you can opt for a 4×4 vehicle ride to the desert camp instead of the camel trek.
Yes, most 3-day desert tours include meals. Typically, dinner and breakfast are provided at the guesthouse on the first night and at the desert camp on the second night. These meals are usually traditional Moroccan cuisine, including dishes like tagine, couscous, and fresh salads. Lunch is not included, so you’ll need to bring extra money to buy lunch at local restaurants along the way. If you have any dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, etc.), you should inform the tour provider in advance so that they can accommodate your needs.
It’s important to bring enough cash with you for the tour, as ATMs are rare once you leave Marrakech. You’ll need cash for things like lunches, drinks, tips, and any additional activities or souvenirs you might want to buy along the way. Morocco’s local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), and it’s a good idea to have some smaller bills for convenience. While some places in larger towns like Ouarzazate might accept credit cards, it’s best not to rely on them in the desert areas.
The vehicles used for the 3-day desert tour are usually air-conditioned 4x4s, minibosses, or vans, depending on the size of the group. For smaller groups, a 4×4 vehicle is common, offering more comfort and flexibility, especially when traveling through the desert and mountainous areas.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. If you feel the driver, guide, or camp staff did a good job, you can tip them at the end of the tour. For example, tipping the driver or camel handler around 10-20 Dirhams (around €1-2) per person is common. It’s always good to have small bills ready for tipping.
In standard desert camps, shared bathroom facilities are common, and showers may not always be available or have limited water. The bathroom facilities are basic but clean, and you should be prepared for a more rustic experience. In luxury desert camps, the tents usually have private bathrooms with showers, providing more comfort and privacy.
Important:
You can customize your trip based on your preferences. If the suggested itinerary doesn’t match your plans, you have the flexibility to decide how many days to spend and which places to visit.
For those interested in exploring the Cedar Forest and seeing wild monkeys, the 3 Days Tour from Marrakech to Fes offers an exciting experience.
Let us know your preferences, and we’ll work with you to create the ideal trip!
Related Tours From Marrakech
Marrkech To Merzouga Desert Tours | Marrkech To Fes Desert Tours |
