3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
The classic Sahara run, out and back from Marrakech. Aït Ben Haddou with a local guide on day one, the Todra gorge and a Berber house on day two, then Erg Chebbi — the real dunes, 150 m high — by camel or quad, sunset from the top, and a night in a camp under the stars. Home over the Atlas on day three. Two nights, one of them in the desert. From €148 per person shared, or €236 private.
- Duration
- 3 Days · 2 Nights
- Route
- Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Aït Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dadès → Todra → Merzouga → Erg Chebbi → Rissani → Erfoud → Ziz Valley → Midelt → Marrakech
- Region
- Sahara
- Price
- €148 / guest
- Format
- Multi-day small-group tour
Itinerary
- Day 1, 07:00 — pickup in Marrakech, the High Atlas and the Tizi n'Tichka pass
- Day 1 — Aït Ben Haddou: guided visit, then lunch in the village after it
- Day 1 — Ouarzazate, Skoura, the Valley of Roses, into the Dadès valley for the night
- Day 2, 08:00 — the Todra valley, with stops where the gorge narrows
- Day 2 — a Berber house: meet the family, tea included; then a scarf cooperative and the Saharan headscarf
- Day 2 — Merzouga: camel ride or optional quad, across Erg Chebbi for sunset and sandboarding
- Day 2, night — Sahara camp: dinner, Berber music, campfire, stars
- Day 3 — sunrise over the dunes, then Rissani, Erfoud, the Ziz Valley, Midelt and the Atlas back to Marrakech
What is included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver
- Hotel or riad pickup and drop-off
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Guided visit of Aït Ben Haddou
- Camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Two nights: hotel in Dadès or Tinghir, and a Sahara desert camp
- Dinners, breakfasts and Moroccan tea
When to go
Best time: October to April. The dunes are at their best in autumn and spring, when days are warm and the light is long. Midsummer regularly passes 45 °C in Merzouga, which makes a camel trek genuinely unpleasant. Between December and February the days stay comfortable but desert nights fall close to freezing — the camps have thick blankets, and you will want them.
Time on the road
- Day 1 — Marrakech over the Tizi n'Tichka to the Dadès valley: about 7 hours with stops
- Day 2 — Dadès and Todra to Merzouga: about 4 to 5 hours, then the camel trek
- Day 3 — Merzouga back to Marrakech: about 9 to 10 hours, the longest day of the three
Common questions
Where do you pick me up?
Wherever suits you. We collect from your own hotel or riad, from a hotel we have booked for you, or from Marrakech Menara airport if you would rather start the moment you land. The exact point and time are agreed with you after booking.
How large are the groups?
Small by design. Most departures run 6 to 12 travellers and we never exceed 16, so the vehicle stays comfortable and the guide has time for everyone.
What is not included in the price?
It varies by tour, and each tour page lists what its price covers. As a rule, prices do not include international flights, travel insurance, tips for your guide and driver, drinks with meals, entrance fees to monuments unless stated, or meals that are not listed in the itinerary.
Can I cancel?
Yes. If you have not paid yet — which is most bookings, since we take payment on arrival — just tell us and there is nothing to settle; we release your seat and that is the end of it. If you have already paid, the refund depends on how much notice you give us: 90% with 30 or more days before departure, 50% between 15 and 29 days, 25% between 7 and 14 days, and nothing inside 7 days, when the guide, vehicle and camp are already committed. Tell us as early as you can.
What should I bring?
Your smile and a bit of curiosity, honestly — the rest we can usually solve. Practically: layers, because a desert day is hot and a desert night is not; a scarf for sun and sand; sunscreen and sunglasses; shoes you can walk a medina in; a refillable bottle; a power bank; and some small cash for tips and the souks. Something with sleeves and long trousers or a skirt for visits to religious sites.
Is there an age limit?
No upper limit and no minimum — children are welcome on every tour, though the longer drives suit older children better. Under 3s travel free; ages 3 to 11 pay 70% of the adult price. Camel trekking is sensible from about age 6, and younger children can stay at the camp with a parent instead.
I am travelling alone — is that a problem?
Not at all — small groups make it easy to fall in with people, and solo travellers are a good part of who comes with us. Sharing a room with another solo traveller of the same sex costs nothing extra. If you would rather have a room to yourself, the single supplement is 25% of the tour price.
Do I have to pay online?
No. You can book now and pay on arrival — the seat is held either way. Nothing is charged to a card on this site.
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