Luxury 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

Summary

Marrakech to Erg Chebbi: Luxury Desert Camp & Kasbah Adventure

You’ll cross mountain passes, wander ancient kasbahs, ride camels at sunset, and sleep beneath Saharan stars—all in comfort and good company. This trip is for anyone who wants Morocco’s wild beauty without giving up real beds or great food.

What’s the experience like?

The city faded behind us as we wound up the Tizi n’Tichka pass—those hairpin turns always get my heart racing. Our driver slowed near roadside stalls where women sold argan oil and the air smelled faintly sweet, almost nutty. By midday, we reached Ait Ben Haddou. I’d seen it in movies, but walking those red mudbrick alleys with our local guide, Youssef, felt different—he pointed out old Berber symbols scratched into the walls and told us about his grandfather’s stories from the kasbah days. Later, in Skoura’s palm grove, I stretched my legs under the shade of date palms while a donkey brayed somewhere nearby. The road through Dades Valley was long and twisty; we stopped for photos at a viewpoint where the wind whipped up dust and the gorge looked endless. That night at Chez Pierre, dinner was slow-cooked lamb tagine and oranges with cinnamon—simple but perfect after a long day.

Next morning, sunlight crept through our window before six. After breakfast (the fresh bread still warm), we headed for Todra Gorge. The cliffs towered above us and you could hear water trickling below even with all the chatter from hikers. We passed tiny villages—kids waved as we drove by—and then suddenly the landscape changed: flat desert, then those first golden dunes of Erg Chebbi rising up like waves. Camel saddles aren’t exactly soft but riding out as the sun dipped low was worth every bump; the sand felt cool underfoot when I finally slid off at camp. Dinner was set up under lanterns near our tent—couscous and mint tea—and later we sat around a fire with the Berber team drumming and singing. I tried clapping along (badly), but nobody seemed to mind. Walking barefoot in that quiet night, stars everywhere overhead, is something I won’t forget.

On our last morning, I woke early and just listened—the silence out there is different, almost heavy until birds start up. Breakfast was simple but honestly one of the best: eggs cooked over coals and strong coffee that cut through the chill. The drive back to Marrakech took most of the day but we stopped whenever someone wanted a photo or just needed to stretch. By late afternoon we were back in the city’s noise and color, feeling like we’d been gone much longer than three days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley

• Drive Tizi n’Tichka pass and visit Kasbahs
• Stretch legs in Skoura palm grove
• Drive through longest street in Morocco
• Photo stop at Dades Gorge
• Dinner and overnight at Dades Gorge hotel

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert

• Morning drive to Todra Gorge
• Stops at villages en route
• Off-road in Erg Chebbi dunes
• Sunset camel ride on dunes
• Dinner near camp and evening Berber music
• Overnight in luxury desert tent

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech

• Early breakfast
• Drive back to Marrakech via Agdz
• Photo and break stops as desired
• End tour at Marrakech riad

Top questions

Is this luxury desert tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes! Kids can join camel rides or travel by 4x4 if preferred. Infant seats are available and meals can be adapted for children.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available during the trip?

Absolutely—just let us know your preference when booking and we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of at both hotel and camp.

What should I pack for this Sahara desert tour?

Bring layers: mornings and nights can be chilly while afternoons are warm. Sunglasses, sunscreen, comfy shoes, and a camera are musts.

How long is the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

The camel ride usually lasts about an hour each way—enough time to catch sunset views without feeling rushed.

What’s included

Your journey covers hotel pick-up/drop-off, private transport with AC, bottled water, all taxes and fees, two dinners (with vegan/vegetarian options), two breakfasts, one night in a boutique hotel (like Chez Pierre), one night in a luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi (Merzouga), guided visits to Ait Ben Haddou and Kasbah Amridil, plus an unforgettable camel ride through the dunes.