3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour with Camel Trek

Summary

Morocco Sahara Adventure: Camel Ride & Berber Kasbahs Tour

You’ll cross mountain passes, wander ancient kasbahs, ride camels into golden dunes, and sleep under a sky full of stars. This tour lets you really feel Morocco’s desert life—up close and personal.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed leaving Marrakech was how the air changed—cooler and sharper as we climbed the Tichka Pass, winding through the High Atlas. Our driver, Youssef, pulled over at a roadside stall for mint tea; the view stretched forever, with snow still clinging to the peaks even in late spring. We reached Ait Ben Haddou just as the sun started to warm the mudbrick walls. Walking through its narrow lanes, I could hear kids laughing and smell fresh bread from a tiny bakery tucked behind a wooden door. Youssef pointed out movie spots—apparently, Gladiator was filmed right here. Later, in Ouarzazate, we wandered the Taourirt Kasbah, its faded pink towers hiding cool, shadowy rooms. The Roses Valley was in bloom, and the scent drifted through the open van windows. We stopped at a women’s cooperative—tried rosewater on our wrists, which lingered all day. That night, the Dades Valley felt quiet, just the sound of water trickling and a few goats somewhere nearby.

The next morning, after a simple breakfast—flatbread, honey, and strong coffee—we drove toward Todra Gorges. The cliffs rose up suddenly, almost close enough to touch from the road. Climbers dangled from ropes, and you could hear their laughter echoing off the stone. We cooled our feet in the river, then pressed on to Merzouga. By late afternoon, the dunes appeared—huge, orange, and rolling. Our camels were waiting, grumbling a bit as we climbed on. The ride was bumpy but kind of hypnotic; sand squeaked underfoot and the wind picked up as the sun dipped lower. Dinner at camp was tagine by firelight, with music from local nomads. I lay back later and counted more stars than I’d ever seen—no city lights for miles.

Waking up early, I climbed a dune barefoot to catch sunrise—cold sand at first, then warm as the sun rose. After breakfast, we visited Rissani’s market. It was busy: donkeys tied up outside, stalls piled high with dates and spices. Our guide shared stories about caravan traders who passed through here centuries ago. On the way back to Marrakech, we drove through the Draa Valley—palms everywhere, and old kasbahs peeking out between them. We stopped once more for mint tea at Tamnougalte before heading home, tired but honestly wishing it could’ve lasted another day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley

• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Explore Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate
• Visit Roses Valley and local cooperative
• Overnight in Dades Valley Gorges

Day 2 — Todra Gorges and Merzouga Desert

• Visit Todra Gorges canyon
• Camel ride and overnight in Erg Chebbi dunes

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Draa Valley

• Visit Rissani markets
• Drive through Anti-Atlas to Draa Valley and visit Kasbah Tamnougalte

Top questions

Is this desert trip suitable for kids?

Yes! Kids can join as long as they’re with an adult. We’ve got infant seats and prams available if you let us know ahead of time.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Absolutely—just mention any dietary needs when booking so we can plan meals accordingly.

How long is the camel ride in Merzouga?

The camel trek lasts about 1.5 hours each way—enough time to really soak in the desert scenery.

What should I pack for this tour?

Bring layers—it gets chilly at night even in summer. Sunglasses, sunscreen, comfy shoes, and maybe a scarf for sand are all good ideas.

What’s included

Your trip covers hotel pick-up and drop-off in Marrakech, all transport with a professional driver-guide, overnight stays (one in a guesthouse or hotel in Dades Valley and one in a desert camp), your own camel for the trek into Erg Chebbi dunes, plus dinner and breakfast at camp. If you need special seats for infants or have dietary requests (like vegetarian meals), just let us know when you book.