Marrakech to Merzouga: Sahara Camel Ride & Desert Camp Tour

Summary

Atlas peaks kasbahs camel rides and sleeping in the Sahara

You’ll cross Morocco’s Atlas Mountains by minibus, wander ancient kasbahs like Ait Ben Haddou, ride camels through Merzouga dunes at sunset, and share stories around a desert campfire under endless stars. With local guides leading the way and all transport included, expect real connection—both with people and place—that lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I still laugh thinking about how I nearly dropped my phone trying to snap a photo at Tizi-n'Tichka Pass — the wind up there is no joke, and my hands were already shaky from too much sweet mint tea. Our driver, Hassan, just grinned and said something about “Berber air” being good for nerves. The road from Marrakech twists so much you start to lose track of which way is east, but when we finally stopped at Ait Ben Haddou, it felt like stepping into a movie set (which, apparently, it actually is). I tried pronouncing the name right; Hassan chuckled and told me not to worry — even Moroccans get tongue-tied sometimes.

The first night in Tinghir was quieter than I expected. There’s this dry scent of earth after sundown, and I could hear someone singing softly near the hotel courtyard. By morning we were off again, passing valleys where roses grow wild (I bought rose oil that still makes my backpack smell like spring). The Todra Gorges are huge — pink stone walls that make you feel tiny. We walked along the riverbed while kids waved from above; one shouted “bonjour!” so cheerfully it made me grin for half an hour.

Then came Merzouga. That’s where everything slowed down — or maybe sped up? Hard to say. Camels waiting by the dunes looked almost bored until we climbed on; then they groaned like old men getting out of bed. The sand felt cold at first but warmed up fast under bare feet. Riding out as the sun dropped behind Erg Chebbi was… well, I’m not sure there’s a word for that color in English. Dinner at camp tasted smoky and sweet (lamb tagine with apricots), and later we sat around a fire while our guide drummed and told stories about his grandmother’s village. Someone tried sandboarding after dark — didn’t end well but gave us all a laugh.

I woke before dawn because the silence was so deep it felt heavy on my chest. Watched sunrise paint every dune gold while Berber tea steamed in my hands. It’s strange how quickly you get used to desert quiet — now back in Marrakech, city noise feels almost too loud. If you’re thinking about this Marrakech to Merzouga 3-day desert tour: go for the camels and kasbahs, sure, but honestly it’s those small moments — laughter by firelight or dusty hands on rose petals — that stick with you longest.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Tinghir via Atlas Mountains

• Depart Marrakech at 8 am
• Cross Tizi n'Tichka pass
• Stop for photos at Atlas peak
• Visit Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah
• Photo stop at Atlas studios
• Pause at Roses Valley
• Panoramic stops in Dades Valley
• Overnight in Tinghir hotel

Day 2 — Tinghir to Merzouga Desert Camp

• Breakfast in Tinghir
• Visit Todgha Gorges
• Drive through Berber villages
• Lunch stop in Tinejdad
• Continue to Erfoud
• Arrive Merzouga desert
• Camel ride to desert camp
• Dinner and overnight in camp

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Roses Valley

• Early breakfast in desert camp
• Drive to Kelaat Mgouna Roses Valley
• Pass Ouarzazate and Atlas Mountains
• Pass Tizi n'Tichka pass
• Arrive back in Marrakech

Top questions

How long does the Marrakech to Merzouga 3-day desert tour take?

The tour lasts three days with two overnight stays—one in Tinghir or Dades Valley and one in a desert camp near Merzouga.

Is camel riding included on this Sahara desert tour?

Yes, individual camel rides are included for both sunset and sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga.

What are the main stops between Marrakech & Merzouga?

Main stops include Tizi-n'Tichka Pass in the High Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, Roses Valley, Tinghir/Todra Gorges, Erfoud, and finally Merzouga.

Are meals provided during the trip?

Dinners are included at your accommodations—expect Moroccan cuisine like tagine at both hotel/riad and desert camp stays.

Is hotel pickup available for this group tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech is included at 8 am on day one.

Can children join this Marrakech to Merzouga tour?

The tour is suitable for all ages; infants can use specialized seats or prams/strollers if needed.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay one night in a comfortable hotel or riad (Tinghir/Dades) and one night in a traditional tented camp in Merzouga—with an option to upgrade to luxury tents.

Is sandboarding possible during this Sahara trip?

Yes—sandboarding on Erg Chebbi dunes is offered as part of your desert camp experience.

What’s included

Your journey includes comfortable air-conditioned minibus transport with fuel covered from Marrakech through all major stops; individual camel rides for both sunset and sunrise; sandboarding opportunities in Erg Chebbi; one night’s stay in a cozy hotel or riad near Tinghir plus another memorable night camping beneath Saharan stars in Merzouga; dinners featuring Moroccan cuisine; plus hotel pickup from your lodging in Marrakech at 8 am sharp each morning before heading out toward adventure.