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

Summary

Atlas passes kasbahs camel rides and Berber campfire nights

You’ll cross Atlas passes from Marrakech to Merzouga on this three-day desert tour — pausing for tea in mountain villages, exploring kasbahs at Ait Ben Haddou, riding camels into Erg Chebbi’s dunes at sunset, and sharing music around a Berber campfire under Sahara stars. The mix of landscapes and small moments with locals will stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the light — pinkish morning haze slipping through the taxi window as we left Marrakech. Our driver, Youssef, played some old chaabi songs and pointed out the snow still clinging to the Atlas peaks. I’d never seen mountains like that before. Somewhere after Tizi n’Tichka pass (which is way twistier than it looks on Google Maps), we stopped for mint tea in a village where kids waved at our van. My hands were sticky from the sugar cubes, and someone’s laughter echoed off those red hills. Lunch was at Ait Ben Haddou — the kasbah walls really do glow gold in the sun, just like in movies. I tried to order tagine in my best French; the waiter grinned and switched to English. Ouarzazate’s supermarket felt weirdly familiar after all that ancient stone.

Next day started early — breakfast was simple bread and strong coffee at Tinghir before heading out toward Todra Gorges. The cliffs there rise up so suddenly you almost miss them if you’re not looking out the right window. We walked along the riverbed for a bit; it smelled faintly of wild herbs and dust. By afternoon we reached Merzouga, where you swap most of your stuff for a small bag (I overpacked anyway). Camel trekking across Erg Chebbi dunes is bumpier than I expected — my camel was called Bob Marley, which made me laugh every time our guide Hassan yelled his name. Sunset turned everything orange and quiet except for the soft thump of hooves in sand.

The Berber camp felt like another planet: low tents, carpets everywhere, drums starting up as soon as we arrived. Dinner was couscous eaten cross-legged with strangers who didn’t stay strangers long — one guy from Fez taught us how to clap along to their rhythms (I was hopeless). Later, lying back on a blanket outside, I counted more stars than I thought possible. It got cold fast; someone handed me extra tea without asking. That silence sticks with you longer than any photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Tinghir via Ait Ben Haddou

• Pick up from accommodation at 7:00 am
• Drive across Tizi N'tichka Atlas pass
• Visit traditional High Atlas Berber villages
• Visit UNESCO site Ait Ben Haddou
• Have lunch at Ait Ben Haddou
• Stop at supermarket in Ouarzazate
• Continue to Tinghir
• Overnight at hotel with dinner

Day 2 — Tinghir to Merzouga Desert Adventure

• Breakfast at hotel
• Depart to Erg Chebbi Sahara desert
• Pass through Todra Gorges, oasis, Tinjdad, Jorf, Erfoud
• Arrive at hotel in Merzouga
• Pack small bag for desert night
• Leave other luggage at hotel
• Camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes
• Walk to highest dunes for sandboarding
• Watch sunset over dunes
• Overnight in Berber nomad desert camp with drum music

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech Return Journey

• Wake up to sunrise in dunes
• Camel ride back to Merzouga
• Breakfast and shower at camp
• Start journey back to Marrakech
• Pass Berber villages and Ouarzazate
• Arrive in Marrakech around 7:30-8:00 pm
• Drop off at hotel or nearest accessible point

Top questions

How long does it take to travel from Marrakech to Merzouga?

It takes about 10-11 hours by road from Marrakech to Merzouga with stops along the way.

Is camel riding included in this Marrakech desert tour?

Yes, camel rides are included for both sunset and sunrise across the Erg Chebbi dunes.

What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

You’ll spend one night in a 3-star hotel in Tinghir and one night in a standard desert camp near Merzouga.

Are meals included during the 3-day desert trip?

Dinners and breakfasts are included; lunch is usually at local restaurants along the route.

Is pickup from my riad or hotel included?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation or nearest accessible point in Marrakech is included.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; they can ride in a pram or stroller if needed.

Do I need to bring all my luggage into the desert camp?

No, you only take what you need for one night; main luggage stays safely at the hotel in Merzouga.

Is sandboarding available on this tour?

Yes, sandboarding on the dunes is included at the desert camp near Merzouga.

What’s included

Your three days include pickup from your riad or hotel in Marrakech, comfortable transport with a professional driver (fuel covered), two nights’ accommodation—one at a local hotel near Tinghir with dinner and breakfast, one night under canvas at a Berber camp—plus camel rides for both sunset and sunrise across Erg Chebbi’s dunes. Sandboarding gear is available at camp too before heading back to Marrakech in comfort.