Marrakech to Merzouga 3 Days Tour

Experience the ultimate 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, one of the most popular desert adventures in Morocco. Whether you choose a private or shared group tour, this journey offers an unforgettable opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes between Marrakech and Merzouga. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking moments along the way.

On this tour, you’ll encounter Morocco’s diverse beauty—from the towering High Atlas Mountains to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. Continue your adventure through Ouarzazate, known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” with its scenic green valleys, lush palm groves, and the striking Todra Gorge. You’ll also have the chance to ride camels and spend an unforgettable night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp.

On the final day of the tour, wake up early to witness the majestic sunrise over the Sahara Desert, then journey back to Marrakech, passing through the stunning Draa Valley and the Anti-Atlas Mountains. You’ll have plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy some free time before being dropped off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the evening.

Merzouga, a small town located on the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, is just 20 km from the Algerian border. It marks the point where the paved road ends and the true Sahara Desert begins. Known as one of Morocco’s most sought-after destinations for desert tours, Merzouga offers incredible camel treks and desert camps, making it a must-visit location for anyone seeking an authentic desert experience.

To fully immerse yourself in the dunes, embark on a camel ride that takes you through the striking red-orange sand dunes at sunset, leading you to a traditional or luxury desert camp where you’ll enjoy a delicious, hearty dinner. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the magic of the Sahara Desert.

3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech: Explore the High Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, and Merzouga Dunes

DAY 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Start your unforgettable 3-day Sahara Desert adventure with a morning pick-up from your Marrakech accommodation, after enjoying a hearty breakfast. We’ll drive through the stunning Tizi n’Tichka pass (2260 m above sea level), where you can take in panoramic views of the High Atlas Mountains and charming Berber villages. Along the way, we will make a photo stop for a scenic experience.

Our first major stop is the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. This fortified village, renowned for its beauty, has appeared in numerous films, including Gladiator, Babylon, Obelix, Queen of the Desert, The Mummies, and Sahara with Penelope Cruz, among others.

After a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant, we continue our 3-day shared desert tour to Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara Desert. Here, we’ll visit the Oscar Atlas Film Studios, the largest film studios in Morocco, and the iconic Taourirt Kasbah. We will also pass through the lush Skoura Palm Grove and the Rose Valley, famous for its annual rose and cosmetics festival in May. As we journey further through the valleys lined with ancient adobe kasbahs, we arrive in Dades Valley in the afternoon, where we will enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner and spend the night in a historic kasbah.

DAY 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Rissani – Merzouga Camel Trekking
After a delicious breakfast at the kasbah, our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour takes us to the stunning Todra Gorge, passing several Berber villages along the way, including Tinghir. We’ll stop at Todra Valley to admire the lush palm trees and vibrant vegetation, then proceed to Todra Gorge, one of Morocco’s top hiking destinations. Here, you can enjoy a short walk through a narrow, towering canyon that reaches a height of 300 meters.

We continue our journey to Tinjad for lunch, then head to Erfoud, a city renowned for its oasis and nearby Sahara desert beauty. Known for its fossilized minerals, Erfoud is also famous for its annual dates festival. From Erfoud, we make our way to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you’ll embark on a 1.5-hour camel ride through the desert to reach your luxury desert camp. After enjoying a mesmerizing sunset over the dunes, you can engage in activities like sandboarding, photography, and marvel at the landscape.

As night falls, we return to the camp, where you’ll be greeted with refreshing mint tea and a delicious dinner. Experience traditional Berber music around the campfire under the starlit sky. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in a Merzouga desert camp.

DAY 3: Erg Chebbi Dunes – Draa Valley – Agdez – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
On the final day of your 3-day Sahara desert tour, we’ll wake up early to witness a spectacular desert sunrise. After capturing this unforgettable moment, you’ll enjoy breakfast at the camp, followed by the option to either ride a camel or take a 4×4 vehicle back to the starting point where you’ll meet your driver.

We will begin our return journey to Marrakech, passing through the arid pre-desert region with typical acacia trees. Along the way, we will stop at the Draa Valley, named after the longest river in Morocco, which flows through a stunning landscape formed by the confluence of the Dades and Imini rivers. Our journey continues through the Anti-Atlas Mountains, one of the least explored regions of Morocco.

After a lunch break in Ouarzazate, we proceed through the mountainous terrain, arriving back in Marrakech in the afternoon or evening. You’ll be transferred to your hotel, marking the end of our private 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.