3 days · Marrakech
3-Day Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech
Overview
This is the shortest way to reach the tall golden dunes of Erg Chebbi and come back to Marrakech. You go out by the Dades and Todra gorges and return by a different road, through the Draa Valley and N'kob, the village at the foot of the Saghro mountains where our founder grew up. One night in a valley hotel, one night in a private tent among the dunes.
Best for: The classic Sahara trip in the least time.
Highlights
- Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate, Morocco's film country
- Skoura oasis and the Roses Valley
- A walk between the towering walls of the Todra Gorge
- Camel trek into Erg Chebbi, sunset and sunrise on the dunes
- Rissani souk and N'kob, a village of some 45 kasbahs
- A different road home, so you see twice as much
Day by day
Marrakech – Aït Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
We pick you up in Marrakech and climb over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, past kasbahs and old fortified granaries of the Glaoua region. At Aït Benhaddou you walk through the ksar's lanes and stop for lunch. The road continues through Ouarzazate, the Skoura palm oasis and the Roses Valley to the Dades Valley. Night in a hotel or riad among the red rock formations.
Dades – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga desert camp
After breakfast you follow the Todra Valley, through olive, pomegranate and orange groves, to the gorge itself. Walk between the cliffs, then drive across stony plains and palm oases via Erfoud to Merzouga. Leave your big luggage at a hotel and ride a camel into the dunes. Sunset, dinner, Berber music by the fire, and a night in your private tent.
Merzouga – Rissani – N'kob – Draa Valley – Marrakech
Wake early for sunrise over the dunes, ride back and freshen up. In Rissani you walk through a busy local souk. Coffee in N'kob with the Saghro mountains behind, then the long Draa Valley of date palms and villages to Agdz, an old caravan town. The road crosses the Atlas once more and drops you at your riad in Marrakech in the evening.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned car with your own English-speaking driver-guide, pickup and drop-off at your riad
- 1 night in a hotel or riad, 1 night in a desert camp (private tent)
- Breakfast and dinner every day
- Camel ride, one camel per person
- Sandboarding and live Berber music at the desert camp
- Passenger insurance in the vehicle
Not included
Flights, lunches, drinks, entrance fees, tips and personal expenses.
Questions about this tour
Is three days enough for Merzouga?
Yes, but the first two days are long drives. If you can, the 4-day version gives you a slower return via Ouarzazate.
Can we bring big suitcases?
Yes. They stay in the car or at a hotel in Merzouga, and you take a small bag to the camp.
Do we ride the camel back in the morning?
Yes, or by 4x4 if you prefer.
Where would your road take you?
Tell us your dates and group size. Abdou or one of the team will reply with a route and a price within 24 hours.