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

Summary

From Marrakech markets to silent Merzouga dunes by camel

You’ll cross Morocco’s High Atlas mountains from Marrakech to Merzouga on this three-day desert tour—sharing mint tea in rose valleys, exploring Ait Ben Haddou’s ancient walls, riding camels into Erg Chebbi at sunset, and sleeping under stars in a Berber tent. If you’ve ever wanted to feel both lost and found at once, it’s hard to shake those memories.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered if the desert really is that quiet? I did, right up until our second night, lying in a Berber tent somewhere outside Merzouga. But let me start at the beginning. We left Marrakech early—Jemaa el-Fna was still half-asleep, just a few food carts and that lingering smell of oranges and diesel. Our driver, Youssef, had this habit of humming along with the radio, which somehow made the climb up Tizi n’Tichka pass less intimidating. The road twisted through the High Atlas and I kept craning my neck for those first patches of snow—never thought Morocco would feel cold in June.

Ait Ben Haddou looked almost painted against the sky. We crossed the shallow river (my shoes got soaked, but whatever), and wandered through alleys where a kid tried to sell us what he called “Gladiator rocks”—I guess because of all those movies filmed there. Lunch was tagine somewhere near Ouarzazate; I still remember how the steam smelled faintly of saffron and wood smoke. By late afternoon, we’d stopped for mint tea in Dades Valley—tiny glasses, lots of sugar—and watched swallows dart over rose fields. It’s weird how you can go from city chaos to this kind of quiet so quickly.

The next day was all about changing landscapes: Todra Gorge with its orange cliffs (cool air down there, echoey), then dusty villages around Erfoud where every shop seemed to sell fossils or dates. When we finally reached Merzouga, it was almost sunset—the sand looked pinkish gold. Camel rides are bumpier than you’d think; my legs were sore but I couldn’t stop grinning like an idiot as our little caravan stretched out across Erg Chebbi dunes. Dinner at camp was simple—flatbread and stew—but everyone ate together under these wild stars I’ve never seen back home. There was laughter, some awkward drumming (I tried joining in; not my best moment), and then just silence except for wind over sand.

I don’t know if it was waking up before sunrise or just being so far from everything familiar, but something about that last morning stuck with me. The light came slow over the dunes while our guide brewed coffee over a tiny fire—tasted gritty but felt perfect somehow. On the way back toward Marrakech we stopped again in Roses Valley; people waved from roadside stalls stacked with rosewater bottles and soaps. The drive felt quieter this time—I guess everyone was thinking about their own small moments from the trip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Tinghir via Atlas Mountains

• Meet driver at Jamaa El Fnaa
• Drive over Tizi n'Tichka pass
• Stop for photos at Tizi n'Tichka
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Photo stop at Atlas studios
• Break for rose valley photos
• Coffee and traditional tea break
• Panoramic view in Dades Valley
• Overnight in Tinghir hotel

Day 2 — Tinghir to Merzouga Desert Camp

• Breakfast in Tinghir
• Visit Todra Gorges
• Drive through Tinejdad to Erfoud
• Arrive at Merzouga dunes
• Camel ride into desert dunes
• Dinner and overnight in desert camp

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Roses Valley

• Early breakfast in desert camp
• Drive to Kelaat Mgouna roses valley
• Lunch stop in roses valley
• Pass Ouarzazate and Atlas Mountains
• Pass Tizi n'Tichka pass
• Arrive back in Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?

The total drive is about 9-10 hours each way, split over two days with several stops for sightseeing and meals.

Is camel riding included on this Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour?

Yes, sunset and sunrise camel rides are included as part of your experience crossing the dunes near Merzouga.

Do you sleep in a tent during the desert tour?

Yes, one night is spent in a Berber-style tent camp in the Merzouga desert; private tents are provided.

Are meals included on this 3-day Marrakech desert trip?

Dinners and breakfasts are included at your accommodations; lunch stops are made along the route but not always included.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech is included at the start of your journey.

What places do you visit between Marrakech & Merzouga?

You’ll visit Tizi n’Tichka Pass, Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Dades Valley, Todra Gorges, Erfoud, and Roses Valley along the way.

Is there an option for luxury camping in Merzouga?

An upgrade to a luxury camp tent is available upon request when booking your tour.

Are there bathroom facilities at the desert camp?

The standard camp has shared bathrooms; luxury upgrades may offer private facilities depending on availability.

What’s included

Your three-day trip includes hotel pickup in Marrakech, air-conditioned minibus transport with an experienced local driver-guide throughout your journey across Tizi n’Tichka Pass and beyond; cozy overnight stays (one night at a hotel in Tinghir or Kelaat Mgouna with half board), sunset and sunrise camel rides plus sandboarding out on Erg Chebbi dunes; dinner and breakfast each day; private tent accommodation at a Berber camp under starry skies—with options for luxury upgrades if you want more comfort before heading back toward Marrakech.