3 Day Desert Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga Desert
Overview
Join our top-rated 3 Day Desert Trip from Marrakech and explore the beauty of Morocco’s Sahara Desert. Travel through the High Atlas Mountains, visit the famous Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and ride camels across the Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga. This unforgettable Sahara desert tour includes a night in a traditional Berber desert camp, stargazing in the dunes, and scenic drives through the Dades Valley and Todra Gorge. It’s the perfect short tour for travelers looking to experience the real Morocco in just three days.
Tour Highlights:
Cross the Tizi n’Tichka pass in the High Atlas Mountains
Explore the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
Visit the cinematic town of Ouarzazate and Atlas Studios
Drive through the spectacular Dades Valley and Todra Gorges
Ride camels into the Merzouga Sahara Desert (Erg Chebbi)
Enjoy a night in a luxury or standard desert camp under the stars
Discover the Ziz Valley, cedar forests, and the town of Ifrane
Detailed Itinerary of 3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas Mountains – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Valley
Your driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakech at 8:00 AM, marking the start of your 3-day desert adventure. As you leave the bustling city behind, the landscape begins to change dramatically. You’ll ascend the High Atlas Mountains, winding through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 meters), the highest road pass in Morocco. Along the way, stop at several panoramic viewpoints to take in breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks (in winter) and Berber villages nestled along the hillsides.
Your journey continues to the iconic Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The kasbah is a marvel of earthen clay architecture and has served as the filming location for Hollywood hits like Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and Game of Thrones. Take your time to walk through its narrow alleys, cross the riverbed, and soak in the atmosphere of centuries past.
After lunch at a local restaurant with a terrace overlooking the kasbah, the road takes you to Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Africa.” If time allows, you can visit the Atlas Film Studios or the Taourirt Kasbah, a historic stronghold that once belonged to the powerful Glaoui family.
From there, you’ll continue through the scenic Valley of Roses, especially vibrant in spring when the rose harvest begins. You’ll then arrive in the Dades Valley, famous for its dramatic red rock formations and kasbahs lining the river. Stop for photos at the stunning Monkey Fingers rock formations before heading to your accommodation for the evening.
Overnight: Hotel or Riad in the Dades Gorges
Meals: Dinner included
Day 2: Dades Valley – Todra Gorge – Erfoud – Merzouga – Erg Chebbi Camel Trek & Desert Camp
After breakfast, your second day begins with a scenic drive deeper into the Dades Valley, following the winding road along the river through Berber villages. After a photo stop at the famous zigzag road viewpoint, continue toward Tinghir, a charming oasis town surrounded by palm trees and ancient irrigation canals.
Your next highlight is the Todra Gorge, a spectacular canyon with towering limestone cliffs that rise up to 300 meters high. This natural wonder is a favorite among climbers and photographers. You’ll have time to walk through the gorge, relax by the river, or sip mint tea in one of the local cafés.
In the afternoon, the scenery shifts as you cross into the pre-Saharan landscapes toward Erfoud, a town known for fossil products and date palm farming. Then it’s on to Merzouga, gateway to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes, where your desert adventure begins.
Here, you’ll meet your camel caravan, led by experienced camel handlers. Mount your camel and trek through the golden dunes, enjoying the ever-changing patterns of the sand and the peaceful silence of the Sahara. After about an hour, you’ll arrive at your Sahara desert camp, where you’ll be welcomed with mint tea and Berber hospitality.
As the sun sets, capture breathtaking photos of the glowing dunes before enjoying a delicious traditional dinner. The night continues with Berber drumming around the campfire, storytelling, stargazing, and a peaceful sleep under the stars or in your cozy tent.
Overnight: Standard or luxury desert camp in Merzouga
Meals: Dinner & Breakfast included
Day 3: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Midelt – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fes
Your final day starts early with a wake-up call to witness the Sahara sunrise, a magical moment as the first light of day colors the dunes in soft pink and gold. After breakfast at the camp, you’ll ride camels or take a 4×4 back to Merzouga village to meet your driver.
Begin your journey north through the dramatic landscapes of the Ziz Valley, home to one of Morocco’s largest palm groves. The views here are stunning, with endless date palms and ksar (fortified villages) dotting the riverbanks.
Continue to Midelt, a mountain town located between the Middle and High Atlas ranges, where you’ll stop for lunch. As you drive through the Middle Atlas Mountains, you’ll pass through scenic cedar forests and may even spot Barbary macaque monkeys swinging through the trees.
Later, stop in Ifrane, often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco” due to its alpine-style architecture, clean streets, and cooler climate. This unique town is a surprising contrast to the desert you just left behind.
In the late afternoon or early evening, you’ll arrive in Fes, Morocco’s spiritual and cultural capital. Your driver will drop you off at your hotel or riad, concluding your memorable 3-day journey from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert and beyond.
Tour Ends: Drop-off at your accommodation in Fes
Meals: Breakfast included
This 3 Day Desert Trip from Marrakech is the perfect way to experience Morocco’s breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and authentic Berber traditions. From the majestic Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of the Sahara, every moment of this journey offers a deeper connection to the beauty and spirit of Morocco.
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Ready for a once-in-a-lifetime journey? Contact us or Book Your Tour now and let Morocco Tours Gates guide you through the enchanting Sahara
Included/Exclude
- Private A/C 4x4 or minibus with driver-guide
- Pick-up in Marrakech & drop-off in Fes
- 1 night hotel/riad in Dades (half board)
- 1 night in Sahara desert camp (half board)
- Camel ride in Merzouga (round trip)
- Sandboarding (optional)
- Sunset & sunrise over the dunes
- Fuel, taxes, and road tolls
- Lunches
- Drinks
- Entrance fees (if any)
Tour Plan
Your adventure begins with an early pick-up from your Marrakech accommodation. Travel through the scenic High Atlas Mountains, crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass (2,260 m) with stops for panoramic views. Visit the ancient Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO-listed village famed for its role in Hollywood films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. After lunch, continue through Ouarzazate—the "Hollywood of Africa"—then journey through the Valley of Roses before reaching the spectacular Dades Valley. Dinner and overnight in a local hotel or riad.
After breakfast, drive through the dramatic Dades Gorge before heading toward Todra Gorge, Morocco’s highest and narrowest canyon, popular among rock climbers. After exploring the gorge and enjoying lunch, continue towards the vast Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Upon arrival, your camel caravan will be waiting to carry you across the golden dunes to your desert camp. As the sun sets, enjoy traditional Berber music, local cuisine, and a magical night under the Sahara stars.
Wake early to catch the mesmerizing sunrise over the dunes, then return by camel or 4x4 to the village for breakfast. Begin the journey to Fes, passing through the lush Ziz Valley, the town of Midelt, and the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas Mountains—home to wild Barbary macaques. Stop in Ifrane, often called the “Switzerland of Morocco,” before arriving in Fes in the late afternoon, where your tour ends with drop-off at your accommodation.
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