The 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is one of the most popular desert adventures in Morocco. Perfect for travelers who want to experience the beauty of the Sahara in a short time. This journey takes you from the vibrant city of Marrakech across the High Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Along the way, you will discover ancient kasbahs, dramatic valleys, lush palm groves, and traditional Berber villages. The tour combines breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters. And unforgettable desert experiences, including a camel trek and an overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp under the stars.
Highlights: 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
- Scenic drive through the High Atlas Mountains and Tizi n’Tichka Pass
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
- Explore Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Sahara
- Discover the stunning Dades Valley and Todgha Gorge
- Panoramic views of the Ziz Valley palm groves
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
- Overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp with Berber music
- Witness a magical sunrise over the Merzouga desert
Itinerary 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga begins early in the morning with a scenic drive south through the spectacular High Atlas Mountains. You will cross the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m). Enjoying breathtaking panoramic views of mountain villages, winding roads, and dramatic landscapes. Along the way, several stops are made for photos and short breaks to admire the scenery. The journey continues to the legendary Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most iconic fortified villages. You will have time to explore its narrow alleys, ancient adobe buildings. And learn about its history as a former caravan stop, as well as its role as a filming location for famous movies and series.
After lunch near the kasbah, the tour proceeds to Ouarzazate. Known as the “Gateway to the Desert,” where you may visit the Taourirt Kasbah or film studios if time allows. In the afternoon, the drive continues through the Valley of Roses and the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs. Passing palm groves and traditional Berber villages until you reach the Dades Valley. Where you will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a charming hotel or riad surrounded by dramatic rock formations.
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todgha Gorge – Ziz Valley – Erfoud – Merzouga Desert
After breakfast, the journey continues through the heart of southern Morocco. You will first visit the impressive Todgha Gorge, a dramatic canyon with towering limestone cliffs reaching up to 300 meters high, carved by the Todgha River. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through the gorge and admire its natural beauty, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers. The tour then continues through desert towns such as Touroug and Tinjdad, offering a glimpse into local life. As you travel east, the landscape gradually becomes more arid, signaling your approach to the Sahara.
You will pass through the lush Ziz Valley, famous for its vast palm groves stretching along the river, with panoramic viewpoints perfect for photos. After passing Erfoud, known for its fossil workshops and date products, you will arrive in Merzouga, at the edge of the magnificent Erg Chebbi dunes. In the late afternoon, you will switch to camels for an unforgettable camel trek across the golden sand dunes, timed to witness a magical desert sunset. Upon reaching the desert camp, you will enjoy traditional Berber hospitality, dinner under the stars, and an evening of music around the campfire, followed by an overnight stay in a comfortable desert tent.
Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Draa Valley – Ouarzazate – Marrakech
Wake up early to experience a stunning sunrise over the Sahara Desert, as the colors of the dunes change with the morning light. After breakfast at the camp, you will ride camels back to Merzouga or return by 4×4, then begin the journey back to Marrakech. The route takes you through Rissani, an important historical trading center and the birthplace of Morocco’s ruling Alaouite dynasty, where you may visit the traditional market if time permits. The drive continues through the vast Draa Valley, Morocco’s longest river valley, lined with palm groves, kasbahs, and ancient villages that reflect the region’s rich history. After lunch along the way, you will pass again through Ouarzazate and cross the High Atlas Mountains, enjoying final scenic stops before arriving back in Marrakech in the evening, marking the end of an unforgettable 3-day adventure from Marrakech to Merzouga.
Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- 1 night in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley (dinner & breakfast)
- 1 night in a desert camp in Merzouga (dinner & breakfast)
- Camel trek in the Erg Chebbi dunes (one camel per person)
- Sunset and sunrise experience in the Sahara Desert
- Fuel, parking fees, and all transportation costs
Excluded
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and attractions (if applicable)
- Local guides at sites such as Ait Ben Haddou (optional)
- Personal expenses and tips
