3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
Marrakech · Aït-Ben-Haddou · Dades · Merzouga
This is the trip most students pick. In three days you cross the High Atlas, see the old kasbahs of the south, and spend a night in a camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes. It starts and ends in Marrakech.
Day by day
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Day 1
Marrakech to the Dades Valley
We pick you up at your riad or hotel. The road climbs over the High Atlas through the Tizi n'Tichka pass. After lunch you walk through the Ksar of Aït-Ben-Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the afternoon we pass the Skoura palm grove and the Valley of Roses. Dinner and the night are in a hotel in the Dades Valley.
About 7 hours on the road, with stops -
Day 2
Todra Gorge and the Merzouga dunes
In the morning you walk between the red cliffs of the Todra Gorge. Then we drive to Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. You ride a camel into the dunes and reach the camp in time for sunset. Dinner is served in the camp, often with Amazigh drums by the fire.
About 5 hours on the road, plus about 1.5 hours on a camel -
Day 3
Sunrise and the road back
Wake up early to watch the sun come up over the dunes. You ride back, have breakfast and a shower, then we start the long drive back to Marrakech through the Draa Valley and Ouarzazate.
About 10 hours on the road, with stops
What's included
Included
- Air-conditioned vehicle and fuel
- English-speaking driver
- Pickup and drop-off in Marrakech
- 1 night in a hotel with dinner and breakfast
- 1 night in a desert camp with dinner and breakfast
- Camel ride to and from the camp
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Local guides at the sites (optional)
- Tips
- Travel insurance
Questions about this trip
Is the drive long?
Yes, the desert is far from Marrakech. Day 3 is the longest, about 10 hours with stops. Want a shorter trip? Try the 2-day Zagora tour.
Can I finish in Fes instead of Marrakech?
Yes. Ask for the reverse of our Fes to Marrakech tour. The price is close.
