MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA DESERT TOUR 3 DAYS

3 Days Marrakech Desert Tour to Merzouga

Summary

This tour is easily one of the most popular of them all. It is a desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga that takes in many new discoveries. There are oases, sand dunes, Kasbahs, camel trekking and an overnight stay in a Sahara desert camp where you and your private party can gaze up into the night sky and witness the endless array of stars. The is no light pollution to spoil your starlight gaze at your camp in the middle of the desert, and the sunset you witness when camel trekking is equally lavish. This tour is likely to sell out, so be sure to book in advance to secure your spot.

FREE cancellation before 4 days!

FREE Marrakech airport pick up and transfer to your Marrakech hotel any day you arrive!

3 DAYS MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA DESERT TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Visit Kasbah Ait ben Haddou UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Drive through the high Atlas Mountains.
  • Visit Ouarzazate Hollywood of Morocco with Morocco’s biggest studios.
  • Sunset camel trek to Merzouga desert camp
  • Early morning camel trek
  • Spend night in Dades Valley
  • Visit Todra Gorges
  • Spend night in Merzouga desert camp with bonfire and music entertainment
  • Enjoy private tours for a more personalized experience, including exclusive interactions with local Berbers and Nomads, tailored visits to cultural sites, and enhanced comfort during the journey

Itinerary of 3 DAYS MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA DESERT TOUR with camel rides

  • DAY 1 : MARRAKECH – ATLAS MOUNTAINS- KASBAH AIT BEN HADDOU- BOUMALNE DADES VALLEY

    6 HOURS DRIVE

    In this exciting and thrilling tour around the eastern half of Morocco you will travel in style in a modern air-conditioned minibus. Our guide will pick you up from your Marrakech hotel at 7.15 a.m. and escort you to the departure point. We will travel over the Atlas Mountain range and descend into the Kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou. Along the way, we will visit traditional Berber villages, offering an immersive experience into local culture and scenic views.

    The Kasbah (there are actually six of them within a walled city) is a place of wonder. Here you will feel almost like you have stepped back in time to the days of gladiators, desert nomads and ancient trading markets. Lunch on the first day will be taken in the Kasbah at Ait Ben Haddou after the guided tour has finished.

    Our next stop on our first day will be at Ouarzazate. We will admire the scenery of a city where several blockbuster movies have been filmed. Classics like The Mummy and Lawrence of Arabia are among the many films which have taken in a city often called “The Gateway to the Desert”.

    In the desert’s gateway city we can take stop at a café before venturing on to the Dades Valley. Once here you can relax and unwind at a private guesthouse in Dades with en-suite bathroom and enjoy the culinary delights of a Moroccan evening dinner.

    Accommodation Details:

  • DAY 2: BOUMALNE DADES VALLEY –TINGHIR- TODRA GORGE – MERZOUGA

    4 HOURS DRIVE

    The following morning we will have a hearty breakfast at our guesthouse and leave for the Todra Gorge. The Todra Gorge is simply jaw-dropping and has a stunning scenery that makes you question why this has not been listed as a wonder of the world. After lunch on the second day we will travel on to Merzouga.

    The Overnight Stay in a Desert Camp

    Merzouga really is a place in the heart of the desert. Here we will get onto our camels and traverse the Dunes of Erg Chebbi and finish off at the Berber desert camp to rest up for the night. At the desert camp you’ll enjoy an evening meal and breakfast in the morning before completing our final day’s journey back to Marrakesh.

    Accomodation Details:

  • DAY 3: MERZOUGA – OUARZAZATE- ATLAS MOUNTAINS- MARRAKECH

    9 HOURS DRIVE

    Our camels will transport back to Merzouga and from there it is another trip back through the Draa Valley, where we will see the sights at Rissani. Here the Moroccan architecture in the palaces, gateways and temples is worthy of many photographic opportunities.

    Our final leg of this tour sees us moving through Nqob then Tamnougalt before the familiar city of Ouarzazate once more. Lunch can be taken at any café before we head back through the Atlas Mountains and back into Marrakech for our journey’s end. Arrival in Marrakech is expected around 8.00 p.m.

What is included

  • Free Marrakech Airport arrival transfer to your hotel on the day that you arrive in Marrakech
  • Pick up from your hotel in Marrakech
  • Modern air conditioned Minibus ( Maximum 17 passengers)
  • Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou visit, Dades Gorge Valley, Todra Gorge
  • 1 night in a hotel in Dades Valley
  • Local guide who meet you at Todra Gorge
  • Camel treks at sunset and on sunrise
  • 1 night in a comfortable tent in desert camp
  • Breakfast and shower at Merzouga hotel
  • Breakfasts and evening meals
  • Transportation with driver from Merzouga to Marrakech

What is not included

  • Personal purchases, drinks, lunch, tips (Ait Ben Haddou guide usually 3 eur)

Best Time to Visit Merzouga

The best time to visit Merzouga is from September to June, when the temperatures are more bearable and the risk of sandstorms is lower. During this period, the days are warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the Sahara Desert, while the nights can be cool, especially in the winter months. This makes it an ideal time for activities like camel rides and desert treks. It’s essential to pack accordingly, bringing warm clothing for the evenings and comfortable shoes for navigating the desert dunes. By planning your trip during these months, you can fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Merzouga desert without the extreme heat of the summer.

Desert Activities and Experiences

Merzouga offers a range of activities and experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the Sahara Desert’s unique landscape and culture. One of the most iconic experiences is a camel ride, where you can traverse the golden sand dunes and witness breathtaking sunsets or sunrises. For those seeking adventure, sandboarding down the dunes provides an exhilarating thrill.

Spending a night in a desert camp is a must-do. These camps, often set up in traditional Berber style, provide a cozy retreat where you can enjoy delicious meals and sip on refreshing mint tea under a canopy of stars. For an added rush of adrenaline, quad biking across the dunes is an unforgettable experience, allowing you to explore the vast desert landscape at speed.

Desert Camp Accommodation

Merzouga’s desert camps offer a range of accommodation options, catering to different preferences and budgets. For a traditional experience, the Erg Chebbi Desert Camp provides an authentic stay in the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, you can sleep in traditional Berber tents and enjoy the simplicity of desert life.

For those seeking more comfort, the Merzouga Luxury Camp offers modern amenities while still providing an immersive desert experience. These luxury camps come equipped with comfortable bedding, private bathrooms, and even a restaurant and bar, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Budget travelers can opt for the Sahara Desert Camp, which offers basic amenities in traditional Berber tents. Despite its simplicity, this camp provides a genuine desert experience, complete with the warmth and hospitality of the local Berber people.

Tour Operator and Local Expertise

Choosing a reputable tour operator is key to having a memorable and safe experience in Merzouga. I Go Morocco Tours is a local operator known for its extensive range of desert tours and activities, offering everything from camel treks to quad biking adventures. Sahara Desert Tours is another reputable company, specializing in multi-day tours and desert treks that provide a deep dive into the Sahara’s beauty and culture.

For those starting their journey in Marrakech, I Go Morocco offer convenient day trips and multi-day tours to Merzouga, ensuring a seamless travel experience. These operators bring local expertise and knowledge, enhancing your journey with insights and stories about the region.

By selecting a trusted tour operator and taking necessary precautions, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the Merzouga desert, making memories that will last a lifetime.

FAQ – MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA DESERT TOUR

How far is Merzouga from Marrakech?

Marrakech to Merzouga is 564 km, first night you will sleep in Dades valley and reach Merzouga on second day. Day 3 you will spend driving back to Marrakech

Does the first night hotel in Dades Valley provide private rooms?

A shared triple or quadruple room is included in the tour price. For a private room, please choose an upgrade (costs EUR 10 per person). Private rooms are AC and shared rooms are without AC

Is there a private bathroom in Dades Valley hotel first night?

Both shared and private rooms at the hotel have private bathrooms.

Safety and Essentials

When visiting Merzouga, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and comfort. The desert environment can be harsh, so sun protection is crucial. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to shield yourself from the intense sun. Staying hydrated is equally important, so carry plenty of water and drink regularly.

Comfortable shoes are a must for walking in the desert, and warm clothing is essential for the cool evenings, especially during the winter months. A basic first aid kit, including essentials such as bandages and antiseptic wipes, can be very handy in case of minor injuries.

By being well-prepared, you can enjoy your desert adventure to the fullest while staying safe and comfortable.

Can we bring our luggage on this tour?

Yes, you can bring your luggage with you, it can stay safe in the minivan.

What do we need to pack for Merzouga desert camp?

Please prepare a small backpack with essentials for the camping and your personal belongings. Do not forget sunglasses, a scarf, a hat, comfortable walking shoes and in winter also warm sleeping clothes. For the camel ride we recommend to wear jeans or long trousers.

How cold is it during the night in the desert?

In winter it gets quite cold at night in the desert (temperatures can drop to around 0). You will be provided with warm blankets, but we would advise to bring warm clothes for sleeping.

Can we upgrade our accommodation (hotel and tents)?

You can upgrade your accommodation when booking the tour or latest 24 hours before the tour departure. Once you are on the tour, it is no longer possible to make any upgrades.

What time will we be back to Marrakech on the last day?

The estimated arrival time back to Marrakech is around 8.00 p.m., however it depends on the traffic and weather conditions.

Is the tent in Merzouga camp private?

Yes, the tent in the Merzouga camp is private, offering you a comfortable and secluded space to enjoy your desert experience. You’ll have the tent exclusively for you (or your group), ensuring added privacy and relaxation. Additionally, the tent comes with comfortable bedding.

How long is camel ride in Merzouga dunes?

The camel trek lasts for about 1 hour, depending on the season, daylight, etc.

Can we skip a camel ride in Merzouga?

It is also possible to walk along the camel caravan or to pay extra EUR 30 for a return transfer with 4×4.

Are there any showers in the desert camp?

No, there are no showers available in the desert camp. But you can take a shower in the morning of the following day when returning back to Merzouga hotel.

Are there towels available?

You need to bring your own towel.

Do you have a fixed price or it depends the number of people joining the tour?

The price is fixed per person and does not depend on the number of participants.

Is there a required minimum number to run the tour?

Guaranteed daily departure for any number of travellers.

Can we hire a quad bike in Merzouga desert?

Yes of course. Quadbike is an optional ADD-ON activity you can add to this trip at checkout. A one-hour quad bike trip can take you to see the sunrise for a short hour-long adventure in the dunes.

Is there an opportunity to try sand boarding?

There are few sand boards at the desert camp, however availability is not guaranteed. You can ask the local guide about sand boarding options before the camel trek.

Is it possible to continue to Fes instead of returning to Marrakech?

We have a special desert tour that goes to Fes, please check the shared 3 days Marrakech to Fes desert tour.

Is this tour likely to sell out?

Yes, this tour is very popular and likely to sell out quickly. We recommend booking in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Are private tours available?

Yes, private tours are available. They offer a more personalized experience, including exclusive interactions with local Berbers and Nomads, tailored visits to cultural sites, and enhanced comfort during the journey.

Duration
3 Days
Price
95 €
Availability
17
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marrakech desert tours
marrakech desert tours
marrakech desert tours
marrakech desert tours
marrakech desert tours