Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour: Camel Rides & Berber Camp

Camel rides at sunset and sunrise, a night under the stars in a Berber camp, and the towering cliffs of Todra Gorge

A three-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport, featuring two camel rides (one at sunset, one before sunrise), an overnight stay in a traditional Berber camp with dinner and breakfast, stops at Tizi-n'Tichka Pass and Todra Gorge, and a Berber show at the camp. Lunch is not included in the price and varies by restaurant. A local guide is optional and tips are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tizi-n'Tichka Passpassing by
2. Todra Gorge3h
3. Merzouga3h · entry included

Day 1: Travel from Marrakech to Dades Valley

• Pick up travelers from accommodations
• Drive over the Atlas Mountains
• Stop at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and explore
• Lunch at local restaurant
• Head to Boumalne Dades
• Overnight in guesthouse with dinner

Day 2: Explore Todra Gorge and Merzouga Desert

• Visit Todra Gorge and see rock formations
• Lunch at local restaurant near Todra Gorge
• Arrive in Merzouga
• Camel ride to desert camp
• Enjoy Berber traditional show
• Overnight at desert camp

Day 3: Sunrise camel ride and return to Marrakech

• Breakfast at desert camp
• Camel ride to dunes for sunrise
• Return to Marrakech
• Drop off at hotel in evening

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your Marrakech hotel between 7:00 and 7:55 am, then heads south over the Atlas Mountains through Tizi-n'Tichka Pass. You'll stop at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou to walk through the historic mud-brick buildings and take in the views before lunch at a local restaurant (meals typically run 15–20 euros for tagine or couscous). The first night is in Boumalne Dades, where you stay in a guesthouse with private or shared rooms, dinner and breakfast included.

On day two, you reach Todra Gorge to see the tall cliffs and rock formations, with time to explore and have lunch at a local spot overlooking the gorge. By late afternoon you arrive in Merzouga and mount a camel for the ride to the Berber camp across the dunes. After settling in, you watch a traditional Berber show before the evening meal. The next morning, wake early for a second camel ride to the big dunes to catch the sunrise: the quietest part of the desert before the heat builds. Breakfast follows at the camp, then the drive back to Marrakech, arriving in the evening and dropped at your hotel.

Transport is air-conditioned and the driver is professional throughout. Children from age 1 are welcome, and the pace suits all fitness levels. You'll choose between three options at checkout (Normal, Moyenne, or Luxury), which differ in accommodation and amenities, though the core itinerary stays the same.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Marrakech accommodation.
• air-conditioned transport with a professional driver.
• one night in a traditional Berber camp with dinner and breakfast.
• two camel rides (sunset on day two, sunrise on day three).
• a Berber show at the camp.
• visits to Tizi-n'Tichka Pass, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, and Todra Gorge.
• and one night in a guesthouse in Boumalne Dades with private or shared rooms and meals.

Options for this experience

3 options

Normal option07:00 and 07:30Pickup is included

Moyenne Option07:00 and 07:30Pickup is included

Luxury desert Options07:00 and 07:30Pickup is included

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30

Book up to13h before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Infant (1 to 4 years)

GroupUp to 20

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Marrakech City Travel

Is this one for you?Choose the Normal option if you want the core desert experience at the best price. Pick Moyenne or Luxury if you prefer more comfort and amenities at the camp and guesthouse. The fixed three-day schedule means transport, accommodation and both camel rides are arranged, so you don't have to piece together a desert trip on your own.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 4 years).

What's included in the price for this three-day desert tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, air-conditioned transport, one night in a Berber camp with dinner and breakfast, two camel rides (sunset and sunrise), and a Berber show are included. Lunch on days one and two is not included and you pay at local restaurants. Tips for a local guide are also separate.

Do I ride a camel twice on this tour?

Yes. You ride at sunset on day two as you head to the Berber camp across the dunes, and again early on day three before sunrise to watch the sun come up over the big dunes.

What is Todra Gorge like and how much time do you spend there?

Todra Gorge is a dramatic canyon with tall cliffs and rock formations carved by the river. You stop there on day two to explore the area, see the views, and have lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the gorge before continuing to Merzouga.

Which option should I choose? Normal, Moyenne, or Luxury?

All three options follow the same route and include the same core experiences: camel rides, the Berber camp, and the main stops. The options differ in the level of accommodation and amenities at the camp and guesthouse. You'll see the specific details for each when you book.

What happens if I arrive late in Marrakech or need to leave early?

Pickup runs between 7:00 and 7:55 am on day one, so you'll need to be ready by then. The tour returns to Marrakech in the evening on day three. If your flight or schedule doesn't align, contact the operator before booking to discuss options.