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3 days from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert
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3 days from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert

3 days / 2 nights Marrakech → Marrakech Privado 2 destinos
5.0/5 · 10 opiniones from travellers

Tour description – Marrakech

This private tour (3 days / 2 nights) takes you from Marrakech a Marrakech, with local guides and everything organised at your own pace.

Esta es nuestra ruta estrella y la forma perfecta de conocer el desierto del Sahara desde Marrakech si dispones de pocos días. En solo tres jornadas cruzarás el Alto Atlas, descubrirás las kasbahs de adobe del sur de Marruecos y dormirás una noche inolvidable entre las dunas de Erg Chebbi, en Merzouga, antes de regresar a Marrakech.

No es un tour masificado: viajamos en privado, solo tu grupo y nuestro conductor-guía, así que marcamos el ritmo juntos y paramos donde te apetezca. Local, born and raised —Mohamed y Hassan, hermanos amazigh de Rissani— y el desierto al que te llevamos es nuestra casa. Conocemos a las familias del campamento, los mejores rincones para ver el atardecer y los caminos que no salen en las guías.

El viaje combina paisaje y cultura: el puerto de montaña de Tizi n'Tichka, la ciudadela de Ait Ben Haddou, las gargantas del Todra y los oasis del valle del Dades. Pero el momento que todos recuerdan es la noche en la jaima: la cena bajo las estrellas, los tambores bereberes junto al fuego y el silencio absoluto del Sahara. A la mañana siguiente, el amanecer sobre las dunas pone el broche a una experiencia que difícilmente olvidarás.

Cuéntanos tus fechas y cuántos sois y te preparamos un presupuesto a medida, sin compromiso. Podemos adaptar los alojamientos (campamento estándar o de lujo), añadir noches o cambiar el punto de regreso.

Tour gallery

Highlights – Marrakech

  • Night in a Berber camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes
  • Camel ride at sunset over the sea of sand
  • Crossing the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka pass
  • Visit to the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Todra Gorges and the oases of the Dades Valley
  • Sunrise in the desert, one of the most beautiful moments of the trip

Day-by-day itinerary to Marrakech

  1. Day
    1

    Marrakech – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley

    We pick you up at your hotel or riad in Marrakech in the morning and head south. We cross the High Atlas via the spectacular Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260 m), stopping at the viewpoints for photos. We visit the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, an adobe citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site that featured in films such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. We continue to Ouarzazate, the 'gateway to the desert', and follow the Valley of a Thousand Kasbahs to the Dades Valley, where we spend the night.

    Dinner Hotel in the Dades Valley
  2. Day
    2

    Dades – Todra Gorges – Merzouga (camp in the dunes)

    After breakfast we explore the impressive Todra Gorges, canyons up to 300 metres high carved out by the river. We pass Berber villages and palm groves on the way to Merzouga. On arrival, we ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes to watch the sunset from the top of the sand. We have dinner at the camp to the rhythm of Berber drums and sleep under a sky full of stars.

    Breakfast, dinner Berber camp in Erg Chebbi
  3. Day
    3

    Sunrise in the desert – return to Marrakech

    We get up early to watch the sun rise over the dunes, an unforgettable sight. We ride back to the village by camel, have breakfast and set off back to Marrakech via Rissani, Tinghir and once again the High Atlas, with the necessary stops to eat and rest. Arrival in Marrakech in the late afternoon.

    Breakfast

What's included – tour to Marrakech

Included

  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle (4x4 or minivan depending on group size)
  • Spanish-speaking driver-guide
  • 1 night in a hotel in the Dades Valley and 1 night in a Berber camp
  • Camel ride at sunset and sunrise
  • Dinners and breakfasts as indicated in the itinerary

Not included

  • Lunches and drinks
  • Entrance fees to monuments and kasbahs
  • Tips (optional)

Frequently asked questions – tour to Marrakech

How many hours of driving are there each day on this route?

On the first day we drive about 6–7 hours with stops; on the second, around 5 hours to reach the dunes; and the third is the longest day, about 9 hours back to Marrakech. We make all the stops needed to stretch your legs, eat and take photos.

What is the night at the desert camp like?

You'll sleep in a jaima (Berber tent) equipped with a bed, blankets and a bathroom. There are standard camps and luxury camps with a private bathroom; tell us what you prefer and we'll arrange it. Dinner, music around the fire and the starry sky are the heart of the experience.

Is this route suitable for children and older travellers?

Yes. As it's a private tour, we adapt the pace to you. The camel ride is optional: anyone who prefers can reach the camp by 4x4. It's one of our most requested routes for families.

What clothing and luggage should I bring to the desert?

Comfortable clothes and a jumper or jacket for the night (it gets cool in the desert, especially from November to March), sunglasses, sunscreen, a headscarf and a small bag with the essentials for the night in the tent. Your large suitcase can stay in the vehicle.

Can the route end in Fez instead of returning to Marrakech?

Yes. If you'd rather continue to Fez instead of returning, we have the Marrakech – Fez via the desert version, also 3 days. Write to us and we'll tailor it to your trip.

Why choose this tour?

100% private tour

Just your group, no strangers. The vehicle, guide and pace are exclusively yours.

Local Amazigh guide

Mohamed and Hassan are from Rissani, at the gateway to the Sahara. They show you the desert they have known all their lives.

Flexible itinerary

We stop wherever you like, adjust the schedule and personalise every detail to your preferences.

Book with 30%

Confirm your spot with a minimum deposit. You pay the rest during the trip, no surprises.

Before travelling to Marrakech

Best time

Spring (March–May) and autumn (Sept–Nov). Winter is cold at night; summer is very hot.

What to bring

Light daytime clothes, a warm layer for the night, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable footwear for the sand.

Physical level

Basic level. The camel ride is optional and can be swapped for a 4×4 if you prefer.

Health & safety

Morocco is a safe destination. We recommend travel insurance and bringing any personal medication you need.

Pick-up

We pick you up at your hotel, riad or airport. Just give us the exact address when booking.

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 7 days before. The deposit is refundable under those conditions.

Extra activities available

Camel ride

Ride to the dunes at sunset on a dromedary, guided by a local Berber.

Sandboard

Slide down the dunes of Erg Chebbi on a board. Adrenaline in the sands of the Sahara.

Desert quad biking

Explore the surroundings of Merzouga on a quad bike along sandy tracks and palm groves.

Night under the stars

Berber camp in the dunes: traditional dinner, gnawa music and a sky free of light pollution.

Village visits

Explore the ksars and nomadic villages near Merzouga with your local guide.

Traditional hammam

Authentic relaxation in a Moroccan hammam after the trip. We arrange it for you.

Extra activities are not included in the tour price. Ask us about availability and pricing.

Does this tour suit you?

Tell us your dates and number of travellers. We design your route a Marrakech to measure, no commitment. Our local team replies directly.

Questions? Write to us