Marrakech to Merzouga: 3-Day Desert Tour with Camel Trek & Berber Camp

Summary

Atlas peaks kasbahs palm valleys and a camel trek at sunset

You’ll cross Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains from Marrakech to Merzouga, walk ancient kasbahs at Ait Ben Haddou, ride camels at sunset across Erg Chebbi dunes, and sleep under desert stars in a Berber camp. With local guides sharing stories along the way and all transport included, you’ll feel both far from home and strangely at ease.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we left Marrakech that morning — just this restless feeling and a bit of caffeine in my veins. Our driver, Youssef, had this way of pointing out the tiniest things as we climbed the winding roads into the High Atlas, like how the air smelled sharper up there or how Berber villages almost blend into the rock if you don’t look twice. The Tizi n’Tichka pass was wild — hairpin turns and then suddenly everything opens up, and I remember thinking, okay, this is already worth it. We stopped for mint tea somewhere with faded plastic chairs and a view that made me forget about checking my phone for once.

Ait Ben Haddou felt like something out of a storybook — or maybe just a movie set (which it actually is, apparently). Walking through those old mudbrick walls with our guide telling us about caravan routes and Hollywood crews felt surreal. The sun was hot but not unbearable, and there was this faint smell of dust and cumin in the breeze. Lunch was simple — tagine and bread at some roadside café where a kid tried to sell us rose water he swore his grandmother made herself (I bought one; it still sits unopened in my backpack). By late afternoon we reached Dades Valley — pink cliffs glowing in that weird golden light you only get before sunset.

The next day was all about movement: palm groves near Tinghir, Todra Gorge echoing with laughter from some local boys splashing in the river. It’s funny how quickly you get used to seeing kasbahs everywhere. After lunch in Rissani (dates so sweet they almost tasted fake), we finally hit Merzouga. I didn’t expect to feel nervous about riding a camel but I did — they’re taller than you think! The sand underfoot was cool at first but warmed fast as we rode into Erg Chebbi dunes just before sunset. Our camel guide, Hassan, sang softly while leading us; I couldn’t make out the words but it felt right. Watching the sky turn orange from atop that dune is something I still think about when city life gets too loud.

Sleeping in the Berber camp was quieter than I thought possible — except for drums after dinner, which somehow made it easier to fall asleep under all those stars. Morning came early with another camel ride back through rippling sand. There was time for breakfast and a quick shower before piling back into the van toward Marrakech, everyone quieter now but smiling more easily. And yeah, it’s a long drive — but honestly? I’d do it again just for that moment on the dunes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley via Atlas Mountains

• Drive east from Marrakech
• Stop for photos and coffee
• Drive to Tizi Ntichka pass
• Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
• Explore Ouarzazate sights
• Lunch at local café
• Drive to Dades Valley and Skoura Oasis
• Arrive at Dades hotel
• Dinner and overnight stay

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Merzouga Sahara Desert

• Drive along 1001 Kasbahs route
• Walk in Todgha oasis
• Visit Todgha Gorges
• Lunch and free time
• Drive to Rissani dates market
• Travel to Merzouga desert
• Swim in pool at Merzouga
• Camel ride at sunset
• Arrive at Sahara desert camp
• Dinner and overnight in desert tent

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Ouarzazate

• Early morning camel ride on dunes
• Breakfast and shower at camp lodge
• Optional swim in lodge pool
• Drive towards Agdz and Ouarzazate
• Visit Erfoud fossils (optional)
• Lunch and free time
• Drive back to Marrakech via Atlas Mountains
• Tour ends at 19:00 in Marrakech

Top questions

How long does the Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour take?

The tour lasts three days and two nights, returning to Marrakech by around 7pm on day three.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sahara desert trip?

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

Do you sleep in tents or hotels during this trip?

The first night is spent in a hotel in Dades Valley; the second night is in a Berber tented camp near Merzouga.

Are meals included on this 3-day desert tour?

Dinners are included each night; lunches are at local cafés along the route (not always included).

Is camel trekking part of this Morocco desert tour?

Yes, there’s a sunset camel trek on arrival at Erg Chebbi dunes plus an early morning return ride.

Can you swim during this tour?

There’s usually time for a quick dip in the pool at Merzouga before your camel trek.

What places do you visit between Marrakech & Merzouga?

You’ll see Ait Ben Haddou kasbah, Ouarzazate, Dades Gorge, Tinghir oasis, Todra Gorges, Rissani market area.

Is there luggage service during this shared group tour?

Luggage service is provided throughout; your bags travel securely with you between stops.

What’s included

Your three-day journey includes pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech, air-conditioned minibus or minivan transport with driver-guide throughout Morocco’s changing landscapes, luggage service so you don’t have to worry about your bag on camelback (thank goodness), two nights’ accommodation—one at a Dades Valley hotel and one under canvas in a Berber camp—plus sunset and sunrise camel treks across Erg Chebbi dunes. Breakfasts and dinners are provided along with plenty of chances for mint tea breaks or spontaneous stops whenever someone spots something worth seeing (which happens often).