Marrakech Desert Tour 3 Days , Merzouga Sahara Dunes, Camel Trek & Dades Gorges (Organized by Morocco Travel Bliss)
Discover the magic of the Moroccan Sahara in 3 days: cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka, visit Aït Benhaddou (UNESCO) and Ouarzazate, travel the “Road of a Thousand Kasbahs” to Dades Gorges, explore Todra Canyon, then ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes for a Berber desert camp night. Return to Marrakech through Rissani, Alnif, Tazzarine and the lush Draa Valley palm oases.
Top highlights
- High Atlas Mountains drive via the famous Tizi n’Tichka Pass (panoramic stops)
- Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar: iconic mud-brick architecture & film location
- Ouarzazate (“Hollywood of Africa”) • optional Atlas Studios visit
- Road of a Thousand Kasbahs: Skoura oasis + Valley of Roses landscapes
- Todra Gorges walk: towering limestone cliffs and palm groves
- Merzouga (Erg Chebbi): sunset camel trek to a Berber-style desert camp
- Traditional dinner, drumming, stargazing • optional sunrise experience
- Return via Alnif, Tazzarine and the spectacular Draa Valley palm oases
Overview
This 3-day Merzouga desert tour from Marrakech is designed for travelers who want real Sahara dunes in a short time. You’ll explore Morocco’s most famous kasbah route, sleep one night in the Dades Gorges, then reach Merzouga for a camel trek into Erg Chebbi and a magical Berber camp night. The final day returns to Marrakech through rugged desert towns and the green Draa Valley.
Itinerary (Sample)
- Pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech (morning departure)
- Cross the High Atlas via Tizi n’Tichka Pass • photo viewpoints
- Telouet Valley: short stop at the Kasbah of Pacha Glaoui (time permitting)
- Scenic drive through Ounila Valley to Aït Benhaddou UNESCO ksar
- Lunch break near Aït Benhaddou • guided walk of the ksar
- Continue to Ouarzazate • optional Atlas Film Studios visit
- Drive the Road of a Thousand Kasbahs via Skoura & Kelaat M’Gouna
- Arrive Dades Gorges • dinner and overnight in a traditional guesthouse
- Breakfast • depart Dades Gorges
- Stop at Todra Gorges for a walk between the canyon walls
- Continue via Tinghir, Tinjdad and Erfoud (optional fossil workshop)
- Rissani: short stop in the historic market town (time permitting)
- Arrive Merzouga • welcome mint tea and meet your camel guide
- Camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes (about 1–1.5 hours) • sunset views
- Dinner under the stars • Berber drumming & music • overnight in a nomadic tent
- Early wake-up for sunrise over the dunes (optional but recommended)
- Breakfast at camp • camel ride back (different route when possible)
- Drive via Alnif and Tazzarine through rugged desert scenery
- Join the Draa Valley: palm groves, kasbahs and oasis viewpoints
- Short break in Ouarzazate • continue to Marrakech via Tizi n’Tichka
- Arrive Marrakech in the evening • drop-off at your accommodation
Included & details
- Multilingual driver-guide (English by default; other languages on request)
- Comfortable air-conditioned vehicle + fuel included
- 2 nights accommodation:
- 1 night in a traditional guesthouse in Dades Gorges
- 1 night in a nomadic desert camp in Merzouga (upgrade to luxury camp available)
- Camel ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes (to/from camp)
- All meals included: 2 breakfasts • 2 dinners • 3 traditional Moroccan lunches
- Stops for sightseeing and photography along the route
- Optional activities (on request): sandboarding • 4x4 desert tour • sunrise camel experience
- Beverages and personal drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and optional site visits
- Tips and personal expenses
- Travel insurance and flights
- Luxury desert camp upgrade (private bathroom) — subject to availability
- 4x4 transfer instead of camels (both ways)
- Extra time in Aït Benhaddou / Ouarzazate studios (if timing allows)
Day 3 is a long driving day (Merzouga → Marrakech). Atlas roads are scenic but winding—bring motion-sickness medication if needed. Desert nights can be cold from Oct–Mar, so pack warm layers. Best season often includes Feb–May for mild temperatures.
FAQs
We can organize it as private or small-group depending on your preference and budget. Tell us your dates and group size.
Typically about 1–1.5 hours each way, depending on the camp location and pace (sunset timing).
Yes. A 4x4 transfer to/from the camp can be arranged on request (recommended for families with small kids or if you prefer not to ride).
One night in a traditional guesthouse in Dades Gorges and one night in a nomadic desert camp in Merzouga (luxury camp upgrade available).
Comfortable shoes, warm layer for evening, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small backpack. In winter, bring a heavier jacket.
