Marrakech to Merzouga: Sahara Camel Ride & Luxury Camp Tour

Summary

Atlas peaks kasbahs palm oases & golden dunes on a desert loop

You’ll cross Morocco from Marrakech to Merzouga on this three-day tour: climb through Atlas passes, wander ancient kasbahs with locals, walk palm oases and canyons, then ride camels into golden dunes for a night in a luxury desert camp—star-filled skies above you and Berber music echoing nearby.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the Atlas Mountains to smell like wild thyme. Our driver cracked the window just as we wound up another switchback, and that dry, herbal scent drifted in. Somewhere below us, a shepherd waved — or maybe he was just shooing his goats. Either way, it made me grin. We stopped for mint tea with a view that honestly looked fake (but wasn’t), then kept rolling east until those mud-brick walls of Aït Ben Haddou rose up out of the dust. I’d seen it in movies but walking those narrow alleys with our guide Youssef—who knew everyone, I swear—felt different. He pointed out old handprints in the clay and told us which families still lived inside. Lunch was slow; nobody seemed rushed except maybe me, hungry from all the climbing.

The next day felt like someone turned up the color dial. Tinghir Oasis was all green palms and cool shadows, even though the sun outside was already sharp by mid-morning. Our local guide, Fatima, showed us how her family’s irrigation channels worked—she laughed when my sandal got stuck in the mud. The Todgha Gorge walls glowed orange and pink; someone’s donkey brayed so loud it echoed off the rock. It was quiet otherwise, except for our group’s chatter and the crunch of gravel underfoot.

By Merzouga, my brain was tired but my eyes wouldn’t shut—too much gold everywhere. The camel ride at sunset was quieter than I expected; even the camels seemed half-asleep in that heat. I tried sandboarding and mostly just fell over (the camp staff clapped anyway). Dinner tasted smoky-sweet under a sky so full of stars I forgot about my phone for once. I still think about that silence after everyone else went to bed—the kind you only get in places like this.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Valley via Ait Ben Haddou

• Stop for photos in Atlas Mountains
• Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou with guide
• Climb Kasbah summit for views
• Engage with Berber community
• Lunch at local cafe
• Overnight at Hotel Le Chateau de Dades
• Enjoy 3 course Moroccan dinner

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Merzouga Desert

• Walking tour of Tinghir Oasis
• Stroll through Todgha Gorges
• Arrive Merzouga village
• Sunset camel ride in Erg Chebbi dunes
• Overnight at Palais Des Dunes Luxury Desert Camp
• 3 course dinner at desert camp

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Ouarzazate

• Breakfast at Sahara desert camp
• Stop and walk in Ouarzazate city

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?

The journey takes about 9-10 hours by road, split over two days with stops along the way.

Is hotel pickup included on this Marrakech to Merzouga tour?

Yes, pickup is included from your accommodation in Marrakech.

Do we have a local guide at Ait Ben Haddou?

Yes, you’ll meet a knowledgeable local guide at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou.

Are camel rides part of this Sahara desert tour?

Yes, both sunset and sunrise camel rides are included in Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes.

Is sandboarding available during the Merzouga desert camp stay?

Yes, sandboarding is included at Erg Chebbi near Merzouga village.

What kind of accommodation is provided in the desert?

You’ll stay at Palais Des Dunes Luxury Desert Camp or similar near Merzouga.

Are meals included during this 3-day Marrakech to Sahara trip?

The itinerary includes leisure lunches and traditional Moroccan cuisine at camp; check details for specifics.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your journey includes air-conditioned transport with hotel pickup in Marrakech, guided walks through Tinghir Oasis and Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou with local experts, both sunset and sunrise camel rides across Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga village, sandboarding fun at camp, plus nights spent in comfortable hotels and a luxury desert camp under Saharan stars before returning via Ouarzazate.