Marrakech to Merzouga: Private Desert Tour & Erg Chebbi Camp

Summary

Private journey through Atlas peaks, kasbahs and Sahara dunes

You’ll cross the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech to Merzouga with a private guide, stopping for tea in Berber villages and lunch overlooking ancient kasbahs. Smell roses in Skoura Valley, ride camels at sunset across Erg Chebbi dunes, and spend a night under Sahara stars with local music before returning through palm oases and mountain passes.

What’s the experience like?

Hands on the window glass, I watched the colors shift as we left Marrakech behind—reds and golds flickering past Berber villages tucked into the High Atlas. Our driver, Youssef, hummed something softly while steering up the Tizi n’Tichka pass. We stopped for mint tea somewhere above 2000 meters—wind sharp on my cheeks—and he pointed out snow on distant peaks even though it was warm down below. Lunch came with a view of Ait Benhaddou’s mud-brick towers, where I tried to imagine movie crews running around but mostly just heard goats and laughter from kitchen staff downstairs.

Somewhere after Skoura Oasis, the air smelled like roses—literally. We pulled over so Fatima could show us how they make rosewater; she dabbed some on my wrist and it lingered all day. The Dades Valley was wider than I expected, green stripes curling between rust-colored cliffs. By late afternoon we reached Todra Gorges—cool shade, echoing voices bouncing off stone—and then miles of flat desert until Merzouga. The camel ride at sunset felt both awkward (I nearly slid off at first) and weirdly peaceful. Orange dunes stretched forever; our guide Ali told stories about his childhood here while we watched the light fade. Dinner in the nomad tent tasted smoky and sweet—tagine cooked slow over coals—and someone played drums under a sky so full of stars it made me forget about everything else for a bit.

The last morning, sand still in my shoes, we rode back through Rissani’s busy market streets and rocky stretches near Alnif. There were long silences in the car—everyone tired or just thinking—but Youssef broke them sometimes with jokes or by pointing out old caravan routes twisting through the Draa Valley. One last stop high in the Atlas again; cool wind this time felt almost familiar. Back in Marrakech by evening, still brushing sand from my backpack days later—I keep thinking about that quiet after sunset in Erg Chebbi, when everyone just listened to the wind for a minute.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Ouarzazate via Atlas Mountains

• Depart Marrakech at 8:30 am
• Cross High Atlas Mountains via Tizin-Tichka
• Stop for photos and tea break
• Visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah
• Lunch with Kasbah view
• Drive to Ouarzazate
• Photo stop at Taourirt Kasbah
• Visit Kasbah Amridil
• Drive to Skoura Oasis guest house

Day 2 — Skoura to Merzouga Desert Experience

• Breakfast at guest house
• Drive along Valley of Roses
• Stop to see local rose cosmetics
• Visit Valley of the Thousand Kasbahs
• Visit Tinghir palm grove
• Visit Todra Gorges
• Drive through Rissani, Erfoud, Tafilalte Oasis
• Arrive Merzouga
• 1.5 hour camel ride to desert camp
• Watch sunset over Erg Chebbi dunes
• Dinner and Berber music in nomad tent

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Draa Valley

• Breakfast at desert camp
• Drive from Merzouga to Alnif
• Stop for break
• Stop for photos at largest valley in Morocco
• Stop for lunch
• Drive from Agdez through Ait Saouen Mountains
• Break at High Atlas Mountains
• Drive 1.5 hours to Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?

The journey is split over two days with stops; total driving time each way is around 8-9 hours including breaks.

Is this desert tour private or shared?

This is a private tour with your own vehicle and driver throughout.

Are meals included during the trip?

Breakfasts and dinners are included at your guesthouse and desert camp; lunch is available at local restaurants along the route.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay one night in a Moroccan guesthouse near Skoura Oasis and one night in a standard desert camp in Erg Chebbi.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech are included.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

How long is the camel ride in Merzouga?

The camel ride lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes each way (to reach camp for sunset/sunrise).

Will we visit Ait Benhaddou Kasbah?

Yes, there’s a stop for lunch overlooking Ait Benhaddou Kasbah on day one.

What’s included

Your trip includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, all transportation by private vehicle with an experienced driver-guide, two nights’ accommodation (one at a Moroccan guesthouse near Skoura Oasis and one in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi), breakfasts and dinners at your accommodations, plus a camel ride across the dunes at sunset and sunrise—all arranged so you can focus on soaking up every moment instead of logistics.