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

Summary

Sand dunes sunrise camel ride kasbahs & valley of roses journey

You’ll leave Marrakech behind and cross mountains into another world: ancient kasbahs at Aït Ben Haddou, winding roads through Dades Gorge, then riding camels across Merzouga’s dunes as sunset falls. Sleep under stars in a Berber tent and wake up with sand between your toes — it’s not polished or fancy but feels real in all the best ways.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that stuck with me wasn’t the desert — it was actually the mint tea we shared with Hassan just outside Marrakech. He poured it high, like he was painting the air, and grinned when I tried to copy him. Our driver, Youssef, joked about how every village has its own “secret” recipe. We’d barely left the city but already felt like we’d landed somewhere else. The road twisted out past olive groves and suddenly there was this red fortress — Aït Ben Haddou — rising up in the haze. Kids waved from a rooftop. I didn’t expect how quiet it would feel walking those old mud walls, just our footsteps and a stray cat for company.

By dusk we reached Dades Gorge, where the rocks turn pinkish gold if you catch them at the right angle (I missed it at first; too busy watching an old man herding goats). Dinner at Atlas Dades was simple — tagine with soft bread you tear by hand — but I still think about that cumin smell mixing with cold mountain air. Next morning was all winding roads until suddenly everything flattened into sand near Merzouga. There’s something weirdly funny about meeting your camel for the first time; mine was named Shams and looked unimpressed by my backpack.

The camel ride into the dunes felt both longer and shorter than I thought it would — time gets strange out there. Sunset was quiet except for someone softly singing in Berber near our campfire (I couldn’t catch the words but it felt right). Sleeping in a Berber tent is colder than you’d guess, but waking up to see pale light over endless sand is… well, hard to explain without sounding dramatic. On our way back toward Marrakech we stopped in the Valley of Roses; even in late season you could smell something sweet drifting on the breeze. I kept thinking about how everyone along the way seemed happy to share a story or a laugh — even if we barely spoke each other’s language.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Dades and visit Kasbah

• Travel through diverse landscapes
• Visit Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou
• Visit Dades Gorge
• Dinner at 4-star hotel

Day 2 — Explore Merzouga and desert camp

• Visit Merzouga sand dunes
• Camel ride to desert camp
• Dinner at Berber tent
• Breakfast at Berber tent

Day 3 — Return to Marrakech via valley

• Breakfast
• Visit the Valley of Roses

Top questions

How long does the Marrakech to Merzouga Sahara tour take?

The tour lasts 3 days, starting and ending in Marrakech.

Is a camel ride included on this Sahara desert trip?

Yes, both sunset and sunrise camel rides are included in Merzouga.

Are meals provided during this 3-day Morocco tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included each day (half board).

Where do you sleep during the tour?

You stay one night in a 4-star hotel near Dades Gorge and one night in a Berber tent camp at Merzouga.

Is pickup from my hotel in Marrakech included?

Yes, hotel pickup is included as part of your transport.

What main places do you visit on this Sahara desert tour?

Aït Ben Haddou Kasbah, Dades Gorge, Merzouga sand dunes, Valley of Roses.

Can children join this Morocco desert trip?

Yes, infants and small children can join; infant seats are available.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your three days include pickup from your hotel in Marrakech, comfortable air-conditioned transport across southern Morocco’s shifting landscapes, half board accommodation (dinner and breakfast each day) at both a 4-star hotel near Dades Gorge and a Berber tent camp in Merzouga. You’ll get your own camel for sunset and sunrise rides among the dunes before returning to Marrakech by road.