3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour with Camel Ride

Summary

Marrakech to Sahara: Camel Trek & Berber Camp Adventure

If you want to see Morocco beyond Marrakech’s busy streets—real mountains, ancient kasbahs, endless dunes—this tour packs it all in just three days. You’ll ride camels at sunset, eat around campfires with Berber hosts, and wake up under desert skies full of stars.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing you notice leaving Marrakech is how the city noise fades as the road climbs into the High Atlas. Our driver picked us up right after breakfast—still cool out, and the air smelled faintly of mint from a nearby stall. The Tizi n’Tichka pass is no joke; it winds up to 2260 meters, and I found myself gripping my seat more than once. We stopped for sweet tea at a roadside café where locals chatted over tiny glasses. By midday, we reached Ait Benhaddou. Walking through its clay alleys, you can almost hear echoes from old movies filmed here—our guide pointed out spots from “Gladiator.” After Ouarzazate’s film studios and Kalaat Mgouna’s rose-scented breeze (even in off-season, you catch a whiff), we finally settled in Dades Valley for the night. The hotel was simple but warm, with views of red cliffs glowing at sunset.

Next morning, after a quick breakfast—flatbread and honey—we headed out toward Todra Gorge. The rocks towered above us, and you could hear climbers’ voices bouncing off the stone. Tinghir’s palm groves flashed by as we drove deeper into the south. By late afternoon, sand started showing up on the windshields: Merzouga was close. Swapping wheels for camels felt surreal; my camel grunted every few steps but kept steady as we crossed orange dunes. The sun dipped low, turning everything gold. At camp, Berber hosts welcomed us with mint tea and tagine. Later that night, drums echoed under a sky so full of stars it barely looked real—I remember sand crunching underfoot as I walked back to my tent.

Dawn came early in the desert—soft light and chilly air woke me before anyone called for breakfast. We set off again after eating, passing through quiet villages like Alnif and Nkoub where kids waved from doorways and shopkeepers swept dust from their steps. The road back to Marrakech twisted through Agdez and over Tizi n’Tichka once more; by late afternoon, city life returned all at once: horns honking, mopeds weaving past donkey carts. Three days felt both long and short—hard to believe how much ground we’d covered.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley

• Drive from Marrakech via High Atlas Mountains
• Visit Kasbah Ait Benhaddou
• Explore Ouarzazate
• Stop at Kalaat Mgouna (Pink City)
• Overnight in Dades Valley hotel

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert

• Visit Todra Gorges and hike
• Drive along Bedouin trade routes
• Arrive Merzouga dunes
• Camel ride to Berber camp
• Sunset and overnight in Berber tents

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech

• Breakfast and sunrise at camp
• Drive back via Alnif, Tazarine, Nkoub, Agdez
• Pass through Ouarzazate and High Atlas Mountains
• Arrive late afternoon in Marrakech

Top questions

Is this 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour suitable for families?

Yes! Families often join these tours—kids can ride camels (with help), and there are options for prams or strollers if needed.

What should I pack for the desert overnight?

Bring layers—it gets hot during the day but chilly at night. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe a scarf for sand.

Are meals included on this trip?

Breakfasts are included each day; dinners are provided at your accommodations in Dades Valley and at the desert camp.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Absolutely! Just let your guide know ahead of time—they’re used to catering for different diets.

What’s included

Your spot covers air-conditioned transport throughout the journey, breakfasts each morning, one night in a hotel in Dades Gorges, one night in a nomad-style tent in Merzouga’s desert camp (with dinner), plus that unforgettable camel ride across Erg Chebbi’s dunes.