Marrakech to Merzouga: 3-Day Desert Tour with Camel Rides & Luxury Camp

Summary

Cross Atlas passes, wander Ait Ben Haddou, ride camels at dusk in Merzouga

You’ll cross Atlas mountain passes with a small group, wander ancient kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou with local guides, ride camels at sunset and sunrise in Merzouga’s dunes, and sleep under desert stars in a luxury camp. Expect laughter around shared meals and moments of quiet awe you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

It started with Hassan waving from the minibus outside our Marrakech riad — he’d already learned my name (I’m still not sure how). The city was barely awake but the smell of mint tea from a nearby stall drifted over as we loaded our bags. By the time we wound up the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass, I’d lost track of how many times we stopped for photos — honestly, the colors out there don’t look real. Our guide kept pointing out Berber villages tucked into the hills. At one point I tried asking about the mudbrick houses in French and just got a warm laugh and a long story in return. I liked that.

Ait Ben Haddou was busier than I expected — school kids running past us on their way home, locals selling dates from faded crates. We wandered those old kasbah walls and someone (not naming names) got lost for a minute. The air was dry and warm, but you could smell river mud under the sun-baked stones. That night in Boumalne Dades, dinner tasted like cumin and slow-cooked lamb, and I slept like a stone.

The next morning was all about Todgha Gorges — tall red walls that made our voices echo when we tried singing (badly). Our local guide in Tinghir knew everyone; every few steps he’d stop to shake hands or chat in Arabic. Walking through the oasis felt surreal: palms everywhere, water channels trickling underfoot. Then came Merzouga — endless sand and this weird hush that made me whisper without thinking. Riding camels at sunset wasn’t as graceful as Instagram makes it look (my legs were jelly), but watching the sky turn pink over the dunes is something I still think about.

I woke up before sunrise because someone’s laughter drifted through camp — turns out it was just our group trying to wrap themselves in scarves against the morning chill. We rode back across soft sand while everything glowed gold. Breakfast was simple but perfect: bread still warm, honey sticky on my fingers. On the drive back to Marrakech, we stopped for roses in Kasbat M’Gouna (the scent clung to my shirt all day). It’s strange how quickly you get used to desert silence — now I miss it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Boumalne Dades

• Watch view and take pictures
• Visit kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
• Optional visit kasbah of Taourirt and supermarket stop
• Spend night in hotel

Day 2 — Tinghir to Merzouga Desert

• Visit Tinghir oasis with guide
• Visit Todgha gorges with guide
• Camel ride at sunset
• Dinner and overnight in Merzouga camp

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech Return

• Camel ride at sunrise and breakfast
• Stop at Kasbat M'gouna

Top questions

How long is the Marrakech to Merzouga tour?

The tour lasts three days and two nights, starting and ending in Marrakech.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your residence location in Marrakech are included.

Are camel rides part of this 3-day itinerary?

Yes, camel rides are included at both sunset and sunrise in Merzouga.

Do we visit Ait Ben Haddou on this trip?

Yes, there is a stop to explore the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou on day one.

Where do we sleep during the tour?

You spend one night in a hotel in Boumalne Dades and one night in a shared luxury camp in Merzouga.

Are meals provided during the desert camp stay?

Dinner is provided at the camp; breakfast is served after sunrise camel ride.

Is there a local guide during visits?

Yes, local guides accompany you through Tinghir oasis and Todgha Gorges.

What kind of transport is used for this tour?

A comfortable minibus with either 8 or 17 seats is used for transportation.

What’s included

Your three days include hotel pickup and drop-off from Marrakech by minibus, accommodation for one night in Boumalne Dades and another night at a shared luxury camp in Merzouga’s dunes, guided walks through Tinghir oasis and Todgha Gorges with local experts, camel rides at both sunset and sunrise (trust me: both feel totally different), plus dinner under desert stars and breakfast after dawn before heading back west again.