3-Day Marrakech Desert Tour: Camel Ride, Dades & Merzouga Camp

Summary

Private Sahara Adventure: Atlas Mountains to Erg Chebbi

You’ll cross mountain passes, explore ancient kasbahs, ride camels into deep desert dunes, and sleep beneath Saharan stars—all with local guides who know every shortcut and story along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked off early from Jamaa El Fnaa—still quiet except for a few sleepy vendors setting up. The air was cool as we climbed into the van with our guide, Hassan. Heading out of Marrakech, the city faded fast and the landscape turned rocky and wild. Up in the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass, it got chilly enough to see your breath. We stopped at a viewpoint—wind whipping around us—and snapped some photos of the zigzagging road below. Hassan pointed out tiny Berber villages tucked into the hillsides; you’d miss them if you blinked.

Ait Ben Haddou came next. Crossing the shallow river (my shoes got a bit wet), we wandered through narrow alleys between mud-brick walls. It’s easy to see why film crews love this place—there’s something ancient in the air. I grabbed a mint tea from a small café just outside the kasbah gates; sweet and hot, perfect after all that dust. Later, we passed by Atlas Studios for a quick photo stop—the big movie props are hard to miss from the road. Roses Valley was our last stretch before Dades; if you’re here in May, you’ll catch the festival and smell roses everywhere. We spent the night at a riad overlooking the gorges—simple room but warm blankets and homemade tagine for dinner.

The next morning started with fresh bread and apricot jam before we drove out to Todgha Gorge. The cliffs towered above us—locals were already setting up stalls selling fossils and scarves. After winding through Berber villages like Tinejdad, we hit Erfoud (fossil capital). By late afternoon, sand started creeping into view: Merzouga’s dunes glowed gold under the sun. We ditched our bags for a camel ride—honestly, it’s bumpy but worth every minute as you watch shadows stretch across Erg Chebbi. Our camp was tucked behind one of the bigger dunes; dinner was served under stars so clear you could spot satellites drifting by.

Woke up early—sand still cool underfoot—to catch sunrise over the dunes before breakfast (omelette and strong coffee). Back on the road toward Kelaat Mgouna for lunch; if you’re lucky with timing, local women sell rosewater right by the roadside. The drive back over Tizi-n'Tichka felt different somehow—maybe because we knew Marrakech’s chaos was waiting at the end. Hassan dropped us off at our riad door just as evening call to prayer echoed through town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Gorges

• Depart Marrakech via Tizi n'Tichka pass
• Photography stop at Tizi n'Tichka Pass
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Photography stop at Atlas Studios
• Break at Roses Valley for photos
• Overnight in Dades

Day 2 — Boumalaine Dades to Merzouga

• Visit Todgha Gorges and grove
• Drive to Merzouga via Erfoud and Tinejdad
• Camel ride and overnight in nomad tents

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech

• Lunch stop at Kelaat Mgouna Roses Valley
• Pass Tizi n'Tichka Atlas mountain
• Return to Marrakech and end tour

Top questions

Is this desert tour suitable for kids?

Yes! Children are welcome when sharing with two paying adults. Specialized infant seats can be arranged if needed.

What should I pack for this 3-day trip?

Bring layers—it gets cold at night in the desert even in summer. Comfortable shoes are key for walking in kasbahs and on sand.

Are meals included during the tour?

Breakfasts and dinners are included each day; lunches are usually at local cafés or roadside stops along the way.

Can I join if I have back problems?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries due to long drives and camel riding.

What’s included

Your private driver-guide, two nights’ accommodation (one in a riad at Dades Gorges, one in nomadic tents at Merzouga), daily breakfast and dinner, hotel pickup in Marrakech, air-conditioned transport throughout, plus your camel ride into Erg Chebbi dunes—all sorted so you can focus on soaking up every moment.