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3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech

A private journey over the High Atlas to the Erg Chebbi dunes and back, with a night in a desert camp.

Overview

Experience the best of southern Morocco on our 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech, a private journey from Marrakech to the spectacular Sahara Desert and back. The tour takes you across the High Atlas Mountains, through the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass, and onward to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou.

Continue through Ouarzazate, the Valley of Roses and the dramatic Dades Valley before reaching Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes, the heart of Morocco’s Sahara Desert. Along the way, discover spectacular landscapes, traditional kasbahs and the impressive Todra Gorge.

The highlight is your Sahara experience. Ride camels through the golden Erg Chebbi dunes, watch the sunset over the desert, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner with Berber music around the campfire, try sandboarding and spend the night at a Sahara desert camp beneath the stars.

On the final day, wake up early for the desert sunrise before beginning your journey back to Marrakech through the Draa Valley, Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains.

It is a great choice for travelers with limited time who want to experience the Sahara from Marrakech, with a private and personalized journey and a local driver/guide.

Tour facts

AvailabilityEvery day
Duration3 days / 2 nights
Starts and endsMarrakech
Tour typePrivate or small group
AccommodationHotels, riads and a desert camp
Minimum age1+

Tour highlights

  • Cross the High Atlas Mountains and the Tizi n’Tichka Pass
  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou
  • Discover Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses
  • Explore the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge
  • Experience the golden Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Enjoy a camel trek in the Sahara Desert
  • Watch the Sahara sunset
  • Spend a night in a desert camp under the stars
  • Try sandboarding in the dunes
  • Watch the desert sunrise
  • Travel through the Draa Valley
  • Return to Marrakech through the High Atlas Mountains

Map of the tour

Open this route in Google Maps

  1. 1MarrakechPick-up
  2. 2Ait Ben HaddouUNESCO ksar
  3. 3OuarzazateKasbahs, Valley of Roses
  4. 4Dades ValleyNight 1
  5. 5Todra GorgeRock walls
  6. 6MerzougaErg Chebbi, camp, Night 2

Why a private tour

Private transportationTravel in your own private vehicle from Marrakech to Merzouga and back. You do not share it with other travelers.
Experienced local driverA driver who knows the roads, the sights and the desert region, and who shares information about Moroccan culture and local life.
Flexible journeyTake reasonable breaks for meals, photographs and sightseeing.
Stops for photosAsk your driver to stop at viewpoints, from the High Atlas to the Sahara dunes.
The Sahara experienceErg Chebbi, a camel trek, the sunset, sandboarding and a night under the stars.
Authentic camel trekRide across the golden dunes as the sun begins to set.
Perfect for couplesA private journey with a Sahara sunset, a camel ride and a night at a desert camp.
Great for familiesTravel together at your own pace, without the schedule of a large group.
Local and personalA local team that shares the landscapes, traditions and communities along the route.

Why a shared tour

A shared tour is a good option if you want to see the Sahara and keep the cost lower. You travel with other travelers in a comfortable shared vehicle and enjoy the same landscapes and desert experiences.

More affordableSharing transport and tour costs makes it a more budget-friendly option than a private tour.
Meet other travelersMeet people from different countries and share the experience.
Experience the SaharaThe Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Valley, Todra Gorge and the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Camel trek includedA camel ride through the dunes and the desert sunset.
Sunset and sunriseWatch the sun set over Erg Chebbi and wake early for the sunrise.
Overnight desert campA traditional Moroccan dinner and Berber music around the campfire.

Included and not included

Included

  • Private transportation
  • Fuel and road tolls
  • Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel
  • 1 night in the Dades Valley
  • 1 night in a luxury desert camp with private bathrooms
  • Camel trek (a camel for each person)
  • Sandboarding experience
  • Dinners and breakfasts
  • Flexible stops

Not included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses (e.g. tips)
  • Monument tickets

Know before you go

Fast-paced adventureThe tour covers a lot of ground, which suits travelers with limited time.
Long return journeyThe drive from Merzouga to Marrakech on day 3 is long, with changing landscapes and beautiful scenery.
Private or sharedChoose the travel style that suits your budget and preferences.
ClothingComfortable clothes and walking shoes for the kasbahs, gorges and desert.
Desert essentialsSunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and a light jacket.
Temperature changesThe Sahara is warm by day and cool at night, especially outside summer.
Small overnight bagPack what you need for the camp night; your main luggage stays in the vehicle.
Camel experienceThe camel trek is part of the Sahara experience, with an alternative 4x4 transfer if needed.
MealsBreakfast and the specified dinners are included. Lunches and drinks are at your own expense.
Dietary requestsTell us in advance about vegetarian or other dietary requirements.
Flexible stopsThere are chances for photo and rest breaks during the journey.
Best seasonsSpring and autumn are generally the most comfortable for the desert.
Family friendlyFamilies and children are welcome, but consider the long driving hours.
Bring your cameraFrom the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara dunes, there is plenty to photograph.

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3 daysMarrakech to MerzougaRequest

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