Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour & Camel Ride 3 Days

Summary

Atlas Mountains & Sahara Dunes with Berber Campfire Nights

Step from Marrakech’s busy streets into mountain air and desert silence on this 3-day tour to Merzouga. Ride camels across Erg Chebbi dunes, sleep under Saharan stars in a Berber camp with dinner by firelight, and wander ancient kasbahs with your local guide — moments you’ll carry long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

We started winding out of Marrakech just after sunrise, the city still yawning awake behind us. Our driver, Youssef, had this habit of humming softly to old Chaabi songs on the radio — it sort of set the mood as we climbed up into the Atlas Mountains. The air changed fast; one moment it was city dust, then suddenly sharp pine and something almost sweet from roadside mint tea stalls. We stopped at Ait Ben Haddou and I tried (badly) to pronounce it — Youssef grinned and told me I’d get it by dinner. Walking through those ancient mud walls felt like stepping into a story someone else started centuries ago.

The road twisted through valleys dotted with kasbahs and little villages where kids waved at our van. Lunch somewhere near the Valley of Roses — I can’t remember the name but I do remember the bread was warm and the olives tasted like sunshine. By late afternoon we reached Dades Gorges; you could hear water trickling below even though everything looked bone dry from above. That night in the riad, I lay awake listening to distant laughter echoing off stone walls. It’s funny what sticks with you.

The next day was all about motion: hiking under cool cliffs in Todra Gorge, then hours of desert road until suddenly there were dunes — real ones, gold as promised. In Merzouga, our guide Fatima handed out blue scarves for the camel ride (mine kept slipping off). Riding into Erg Chebbi at sunset felt unreal; sand everywhere, sky turning that impossible pink-orange mix. Dinner at camp was tagine by a bonfire, stars so bright they made my phone camera useless. Someone played drums and for a second everyone went quiet just listening to nothing but wind and music.

Waking up before dawn in the Sahara is cold — no one tells you that part — but watching the sun edge over dunes while sipping gritty coffee is something I still think about when mornings feel too ordinary back home. The ride back to Marrakech was quieter; maybe everyone was tired or just full of new memories. Either way, when we finally rolled back into town around 7:30 PM, it felt like we’d been gone much longer than three days.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Gorges

• Drive over Tichka Pass and visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
• Lunch and visit Valley of the Roses and Dades Valley
• Overnight in Dades Gorges

Day 2 — Dades to Merzouga and Camel Ride

• Drive to Todra Gorge and short hike
• Drive to Merzouga and check in hotel
• Climb Erg Chebbi dunes and relax at hotel pool
• Evening camel ride to Berber camp with dinner and bonfire

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech

• Sunrise in dunes and ride back to Merzouga
• Breakfast and shower at camp
• Drive back to Marrakech via Ouarzazate and Berber villages
• Drop off at hotel or nearest riad point

Top questions

How long does the Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour take?

The tour lasts 3 days and includes 2 nights’ accommodation.

Is hotel pickup included in this desert tour?

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

Do I need to bring my own food?

No, dinners and breakfasts are included during your stay; lunch stops are arranged along the way.

Will there be a guide during the camel ride?

Yes, a local guide accompanies you for activities including the camel ride and kasbah visits.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay one night in a riad at Dades Gorges and one night in a luxury Berber camp near Merzouga dunes.

Are there any activities besides camel riding?

Yes, guided visits to Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and Todra Gorges are also included.

Is this trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What time does the tour return to Marrakech?

You’ll arrive back in Marrakech around 7:30 PM on the third day.

What’s included

Your journey includes private transportation with an English or French-speaking driver for three days, guided visits at Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah and Todra Gorges, overnight stays at both a riad in Dades Gorges and a luxury Berber camp near Merzouga dunes (with dinner and breakfast), plus a camel ride across Erg Chebbi at sunset before returning to Marrakech with hotel drop-off.