3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech: Camel Ride & Camp

Summary

Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Adventure: Erg Chebbi, Camel Trek & Local Culture

If you want to see Morocco beyond Marrakech, this 3-day Sahara tour gives you real moments: camel rides at sunset, sleeping under desert stars, exploring ancient kasbahs, and tasting local food along the way. It’s not just sightseeing—it’s feeling Morocco up close.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we left Marrakech was the air—cooler than I expected for Morocco, with a faint scent of mint and diesel from early morning traffic. Our driver took us winding up into the High Atlas Mountains, past tiny roadside stalls selling oranges and nuts. We stopped at Tizi n’Tichka Pass, where the wind whipped around us and Berber women sold handmade bracelets right by the viewpoint. The landscape changed fast—one minute green valleys, then suddenly dry red hills. By midday, we reached Ait Ben Haddou. Our local guide, Hassan, knew every shortcut through the mudbrick alleys and pointed out spots from old movies like Gladiator. Lunch was simple tagine at a café with faded Coca-Cola signs before we rolled on through Ouarzazate and Skoura’s palm groves. The last stretch into Dades Valley felt endless but worth it—the rocks glowed pink at sunset and our hotel had that faint smell of rosewater from nearby Kelaat Mgouna.

Breakfast came early—flatbread still warm, honey sticky on my fingers. We followed the “road of 1001 kasbahs” toward Todra Gorge, where you can actually hear water trickling under the palms if you listen close enough. Walking between those cliffs made me feel tiny; locals waved as they passed with donkeys loaded down with alfalfa. Lunch in Tinghir was quick (grilled brochettes), then we hit Erfoud’s date market—never seen so many types of dates in one place! By late afternoon, we reached Merzouga. There’s this moment when you step off the minibus and all you see is sand—miles of it changing color as the sun drops lower. The camel ride was bumpy but kind of peaceful; our guide Youssef sang softly while leading us over the dunes. That night at camp, dinner was served outside under a sky packed with stars—no city lights anywhere—and some guys played drums by the fire until late.

Sunrise in Erg Chebbi is something else—the sand turns gold and it’s so quiet you can hear your own footsteps crunching up the dune. After riding back on camels (my legs were sore but I didn’t care), we grabbed a quick shower at the hotel before piling back into the van for Marrakech. The drive home felt quieter; everyone was tired but happy, swapping photos and stories about who fell off their camel or tried singing along with Youssef’s music. We got back to Marrakech just as evening call to prayer echoed through the city—it felt like coming full circle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley

• Drive from Marrakech to High Atlas Mountains with stops
• Tour Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Continue to Dades Valley via Ouarzazate and Skoura
• Arrive at hotel in Boumalen Dades

Day 2 — Dades Gorges to Merzouga Desert

• Breakfast at hotel
• Walk in Todra oasis and visit gorges
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Stop at Erfoud date market
• Arrive at Merzouga hotel
• Camel ride at sunset in sand dunes
• Dinner under stars at desert camp

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Atlas Mountains

• Sunrise camel trek in Erg Chebbi dunes
• Breakfast and shower at hotel
• Drive back to Marrakech through High Atlas Mountains
• Tour ends in Marrakech around 7 PM

Top questions

Is this Sahara tour suitable for families or older travelers?

Yes! The tour is designed for all fitness levels and ages—kids can ride camels or travel in a stroller if needed, and vehicles are wheelchair accessible.

What should I pack for this desert trip?

Bring layers—it gets chilly at night even in summer! Sunglasses, sunscreen, comfy shoes for walking in sand and rocky areas are essential.

Are meals included during the tour?

Dinners and breakfasts are included at both your hotel in Dades Valley and your desert camp near Merzouga; lunches are usually at local restaurants along the route.

Do I need to book far in advance?

Daily departures mean there’s often space last-minute—but booking ahead is best during busy months (spring/fall) to guarantee your spot.

What’s included

Your pick-up from your Marrakech hotel or riad is covered (or as close as possible if it’s tucked away). You’ll get an air-conditioned minibus for comfort on long drives. First night comes with dinner and breakfast at a hotel in Dades Valley; second night includes dinner/breakfast at a desert camp near Merzouga (choose standard or upgrade to luxury). Both sunset and sunrise camel rides across Erg Chebbi dunes are part of it—all arranged by local guides who know these routes inside out.