Marrakech to Merzouga: Sahara Camel Trek, Atlas Mountains & Berber Camp

Summary

Atlas peaks, kasbahs & camel rides into Morocco’s deep desert

You’ll cross from Marrakech into the wild beauty of southern Morocco: winding through Atlas peaks, exploring ancient kasbahs, sharing meals with locals in Tinghir, then camel trekking into Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes for a night under desert stars. The pace slows down out here — you’ll feel it in every sunset ride and quiet campfire moment.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember leaving Marrakech — that moment the city noise faded and the Atlas Mountains started to rise up outside the minivan window. Our guide Youssef cracked a joke about his favorite roadside mint tea (he was right, it was strong enough to wake anyone). The air got cooler as we climbed, and I kept catching glimpses of snow on the peaks, which honestly surprised me. You think “Sahara” and expect endless heat, but Morocco keeps you guessing.

We stopped at Ait Ben Haddou — those mud-brick walls glowing in the late sun. I’d seen photos before but standing there with dust on my shoes and hearing a local woman call her kids home for lunch made it feel real. In Tinghir, dinner was tagine heavy with cumin and sweet prunes (I tried not to eat too fast), then we slept in a simple hotel that felt oddly cozy after so much road time.

The next morning, walking through Tinghir Oasis with our local guide, I could smell wet earth and orange blossoms. He explained how families have farmed here for generations — he even pointed out his uncle’s plot. Later at Todra Gorge, the cliffs felt impossibly tall and close together; someone’s laughter echoed off the stone while we watched climbers inching their way up.

By Merzouga, everything changed again. The minivan gave way to camels — mine was named Bob Marley, which made me laugh every time Youssef called him over. Riding into Erg Chebbi at sunset was quieter than I expected; just wind and soft hoof sounds in the sand. Dinner around the fire tasted smoky-sweet (maybe from all the singing?), and sleeping in a Berber tent with stars leaking through the fabric is something I still think about when city life gets loud again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Tinghir City

• Take pictures at Atlas Mountains
• Visit Kasbah of Ait ben hadou
• Visit optional Kasbah and cinema studios
• Overnight at Tinghir city

Day 2 — Tinghir City to Merzouga

• Visit Tinghir Oasis with guide
• Visit Todra gorges with guide
• Camel ride at sunset
• Dinner and music at camp
• Overnight in Merzouga

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech

• Camel ride at sunrise
• Breakfast in auberge
• Stop in Ouarzazate

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?

The drive takes about 9-10 hours each way with stops along scenic sites like Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sahara tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your Marrakech hotel or riad are included.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included each day; vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Do you sleep in tents or hotels during this trip?

The first night is at a hotel in Tinghir; the second night is in a shared Berber desert camp near Merzouga.

Is there a camel ride at both sunset and sunrise?

Yes, you’ll ride camels into camp at sunset and back out at sunrise in Merzouga’s Erg Chebbi dunes.

What should I pack for this Sahara trip?

Bring warm clothes for winter nights, good walking shoes, sun protection, and your sense of humor (trust me).

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your three days include pickup from your Marrakech hotel or riad, all transport by air-conditioned minibus with fuel covered, guided visits through oases and gorges near Tinghir, one night’s stay at Hotel Bougafer (or similar), another night camping in Merzouga’s Berber tents (La Source Camp or similar), camel rides at both sunset and sunrise across Erg Chebbi dunes, plus breakfast and dinner each day—just let them know if you need vegetarian meals when booking.