3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour with Camel Rides and Overnight Stays
by Marrakech City Life
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Marrakech is a gateway to the Sahara Desert and the High Atlas Mountains. This 3-day desert safari travels from Marrakech to Merzouga, passing the High Atlas Mountains and the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou. The tour includes a stop at Todra Gorge and a camel ride at sunset in the Erg Chebbi dunes. Transportation is by air-conditioned minibus driven by an experienced English-speaking guide. Overnight stays are at a comfortable hotel in Tinghir or Kelaat Mgouna and a desert camp where guests hear traditional Berber music in the evening. The tour lasts about 72 hours and includes dinner and breakfast. Guests can choose to reach the desert camp by 4x4 instead of riding camels. Optional quad biking is available but not included.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Marrakech to Ouarzazate
At 8 AM, after meeting the driver, departure from Marrakech Jamaa El Fnaa square to Ouarzazate, crossing the High Atlas Tizi n'Tichka pass at 2260 meters altitude.
30 min
Tizi n Tichka Pass Photo Stop
Stop for photography at the summit of the Atlas Mountains Tizi n Tichka before continuing to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah.
15 min
Ait Ben Haddou Visit
The initial significant stop is the Berber fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This village has served as a filming location for several Hollywood movies, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Kingdom of Heaven. Visitors cross the river that divides the Kasbah from the main road to explore the village at their own pace.
120 min
Atlas Studios View Stop
Stop briefly for photography of the view of Atlas Studios.
10 min
Roses Valley Photo Break
Short stop for photography and views of the Roses Valley. Rose picking starts in April, with a three-day festival in the first week of May. Cosmetic products made from rose oil are available at local associations.
10 min
Coffee and Tea Break
Short break to have coffee and traditional tea.
15 min
Dades Panoramic View
A brief stop to see a panoramic view in Dades.
10 min
Overnight in Tinghir
Overnight stay in Tinghir with half-board accommodation in a private room.
720 min
Visit Todgha Gorges and Grove
In the morning after breakfast, depart to visit the Todgha gorges and the nearby grove.
60 min
Drive to Erfoud via Tinejdad
Continue the desert route to Erfoud, known as the capital of fossils, passing through Berber villages in Tinejdad before reaching the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.
30 min
Camel Ride and Desert Camp
Leave the vehicle for a camel ride into the dunes. Spend the night in nomad tents among the large dunes, with dinner and overnight at the bivouac under the stars.
780 min
Lunch Stop at Roses Valley
Following an early breakfast, the journey continues back to the main road to meet the driver, then proceeds to Kelaat Mgouna in the Roses Valley for a lunch break.
60 min
Ouarzazate Pass
Drive past Ouarzazate while traveling toward the Atlas Mountains.
10 min
Tichka Atlas Pass
Pass through the Tichka pass in the Atlas Mountains.
10 min
Marrakech Drop-off
Arrive in Marrakech at the end of the day where the driver will drop off the passenger at their accommodation, marking the end of the service.
30 min
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Marrakech
- Marrakech to Fes 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour with Camel Trek and Luxury Camp
- Marrakesh 6-8 Hour Day Trip to Ourika Waterfalls, Atlas Mountains with Guide and Lunch
- 4-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes via Merzouga Dunes