Marrakech to Merzouga: 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour & Camel Ride

Summary

Atlas Mountains crossing, Ait Ben Haddou kasbah lunch, desert camp sunset

You’ll travel from Marrakech through mountain passes and ancient kasbahs before riding camels into the Sahara at Merzouga for sunset and music by firelight. Along the way you’ll meet locals, try sweet mint tea, sleep in both hotels and Berber tents—and maybe find yourself quietly awed by sunrise over endless sand.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our driver, Youssef, waving us into the van outside our riad in Marrakech—he had this easy smile like he’d done this a hundred times but still cared if you were nervous. We left the city behind so fast it almost felt abrupt; suddenly, we were winding up into the High Atlas. The air got colder and sharper, and at one point we stopped at Tizi-n’Tichka Pass just to stare out at those blue-grey mountains. I tried some sweet mint tea from a roadside stall—maybe too much sugar, but it tasted right with the mountain air. Someone’s goat wandered across the road and Youssef just laughed, said it happens every day.

Lunch was at Ait Ben Haddou—a place that looks unreal until you’re actually standing there brushing dust off your hands. Our guide told us stories about old movie shoots and Berber families who still live inside the mud-brick walls. I messed up my French ordering lunch (tagine again), but no one minded. By evening we reached Boumalne Dades, where the hotel was simple but warm. The bedspread smelled faintly of rosewater or maybe just clean laundry—hard to tell after a long drive.

The second day was a blur of valleys and gorges—Todra Gorge especially sticks in my mind because of how cool and shadowy it felt compared to the sun outside. In Erfoud, someone tried to sell me a fossil; I didn’t buy it but kept thinking about how old everything here is. Then came Merzouga: sand everywhere, golden and soft underfoot. The camel ride into Erg Chebbi started awkward (camels are taller than they look), but after a while it got quiet except for hoof sounds and wind. Watching sunset on top of a dune with everyone silent around me—I still think about that view sometimes when things feel noisy back home.

That night in the Berber camp was…honestly better than I expected? Dinner under stars with drum music echoing in the dark, then sleeping in tents that somehow stayed warm even as desert cold crept in. I woke up early for sunrise (couldn’t sleep anyway), feeling gritty from sand but happy—like I’d actually been somewhere different.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Boumalne Dades via Atlas

• Pick up from Marrakech accommodation
• Drive through High Atlas Mountains
• Stop at Tizi N'Tichka pass
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou and have lunch
• Continue to Boumalne Dades
• Check in at local hotel

Day 2 — Boumalne Dades to Merzouga Desert

• Breakfast in Boumalne Dades
• Drive to Todra Gorges via Berber villages
• Optional stop in Erfoud
• Arrive at Merzouga dunes
• Camel ride to Berber camp
• Climb dunes to watch sunset
• Dinner and music at camp
• Overnight in Berber tents

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Rissani

• Optional sunrise over dunes
• Breakfast at camp
• Camel ride back to Merzouga
• Visit Rissani for shopping
• Stop in Agdz for coffee or lunch
• Drive through High Atlas Mountains
• Return to Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour?

The tour lasts 3 days with two overnight stays—one in Boumalne Dades and one in a Berber camp near Merzouga.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sahara desert trip?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation or an agreed meeting point in Marrakech is included.

Do you ride camels on this tour?

Yes, there’s a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes to reach the desert camp near Merzouga.

Are meals included during the Marrakech to Merzouga tour?

The itinerary mentions lunch stops and dinner at camp; check specifics with your operator for full meal details.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay one night at a local hotel in Boumalne Dades and one night in traditional Berber tents at a desert camp.

Is this private or group travel?

This is described as a private tour customizable to your interests.

Are service animals allowed on this trip?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is it suitable for kids or travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels; bring your own infant seat if needed for young children.

What’s included

Your journey covers transport from Marrakech with fuel and driver included, guidance throughout by locals who know each region well, nightly accommodations in both hotel and Berber camp settings, plus camel rides into Erg Chebbi dunes—all starting with pickup right from your accommodation or meeting point.