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

Summary

From Marrakech over Atlas mountains to Merzouga’s golden dunes and starlit desert camp

You’ll cross wild Atlas passes from Marrakech to Merzouga desert on this group tour—ride camels at sunset, share music by a campfire under Saharan stars, wake early for sunrise over endless dunes. With a local guide and traditional meals included, every moment feels grounded and real.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the van rattled as we climbed out of Marrakech before sunrise—someone’s phone alarm still buzzing in their bag. The Atlas Mountains looked almost purple in the early light, and our driver, Hassan, pointed out the switchbacks ahead with this half-grin like he knew what was coming. At the Tizi n’Tichka pass, I stuck my head out for air (and nearly lost my hat). We stopped at Ait Ben Haddou, all sunbaked mud walls and cats weaving around our ankles. I tried to imagine gladiators here—Hassan said some movie stars came through but he seemed more interested in showing us where his cousin sells mint tea.

By Dades Valley, everything smelled faintly of roses and dust. Dinner at the riad was tagine so hot it steamed up my glasses; we sat on floor cushions while someone from the hotel played old love songs on a battered oud. The next morning, after a quick breakfast (flatbread, honey, coffee that tasted smoky), we wound through Todra Gorges—towering cliffs and kids waving from behind date palms. Lunch somewhere roadside—can’t remember the name but there were chickens pecking underfoot and bread that flaked apart in your hands.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get as we reached Merzouga. Our guide switched us onto camels right as the sun started dropping—mine was called Bob Marley (I laughed). The sand felt cold when I slid off to watch sunset halfway to camp. That color—I still think about it sometimes. Later at camp, after dinner under canvas lanterns, we tried sandboarding (I mostly just fell) and then everyone ended up around a fire with drums. Someone sang in Tamazight; I didn’t understand a word but it felt honest somehow.

Waking up before dawn for sunrise over Erg Chebbi was harder than I thought—I nearly missed it fumbling for my shoes in the dark tent. But standing on top of that dune with everyone quiet for once… yeah, you can’t really photograph that feeling. The drive back to Marrakech was sleepy and slow; I watched Berber villages flicker past through dusty windows and tried not to nap so I wouldn’t miss anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley via Atlas Mountains

• Depart Marrakech at 07:00
• Cross High Atlas Mountains
• Pass Tizi Ntichka mountain pass
• Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
• Visit Ouarzazate movie sites
• Have lunch
• Travel through Valley of Roses
• Arrive Boumalne Dades Valley
• Stay overnight in Moroccan hotel
• Enjoy traditional Moroccan dinner

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert Adventure

• Have breakfast
• Visit Todra Gorges
• Free time to explore gorges
• Have lunch at local restaurant
• Drive to Merzouga
• Switch to camels for dune ride
• Watch sunset over dunes
• Arrive desert camp
• Dinner at desert camp
• Join drums party by campfire

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Draa Valley

• Wake early for sunrise view
• Have breakfast
• Ride camels back to Merzouga village
• Drive through Tazarine and Draa Valley
• Free time for lunch in Agdez
• Cross Tizi N’Tichka pass
• Pass Berber villages
• End tour in Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?

The total driving time is about 9-10 hours spread over two days with stops along the way.

Is camel trekking included on this tour?

Yes, camel trekking is included from Merzouga village to the desert camp and back.

Do you sleep in tents or hotels during this trip?

The first night is in a hotel or riad in Boumalne Dades Valley; second night is in a private tent at a desert camp in Merzouga.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Traditional Moroccan meals are included each day of the tour.

Is pickup from my hotel in Marrakech included?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech is included.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other dietary needs can be accommodated if you mention them when booking.

What should I pack for sleeping in the desert?

Bring warm clothes for cool nights and comfortable shoes for walking on sand and rocky paths.

Is sandboarding available during this tour?

Yes, sandboarding is available at the desert camp near Merzouga.

What’s included

Your three days include pickup from your Marrakech hotel, all transportation across mountain passes and valleys by air-conditioned vehicle, camel trekking into Merzouga’s dunes with your own camel each way, two nights’ accommodation (one at a riad or hotel in Boumalne Dades Valley and one private tent at a Berber desert camp), all traditional Moroccan meals along the route—evenings with Berber music around a campfire—and options like sandboarding plus special diets if you let them know ahead of time.