Marrakech to Merzouga: Sahara Desert Tour & Camel Ride

Summary

From Marrakech to the dunes—ancient kasbahs, camel rides, desert silence

You’ll leave Marrakech’s bustle behind for mountain passes and ancient kasbahs before reaching Merzouga’s Sahara dunes by camel at sunset. Taste local tagine, sip mint tea with your hosts, and sleep under endless stars at a desert camp—with pickup and a friendly guide making it easy every step of the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how fast the city noise faded as we left Marrakech behind. One minute it was horns and mint tea stands, then suddenly just open land and the Atlas Mountains showing up in the haze. Our driver, Youssef, played old rai music quietly—sometimes he’d hum along. I didn’t expect the road to wind so high or for the air to get that crisp. We stopped at Ait Ben Haddou, which looked like a movie set (actually, it is one). The mud walls felt cool when I leaned against them. Our guide pointed out where Gladiator was filmed; I tried picturing Russell Crowe riding through but mostly just noticed how kids chased each other around the alleys.

The valleys after Ouarzazate smelled faintly of roses—real roses, not perfume—and we visited this little cooperative where women were sorting petals by hand. I bought a tiny bottle of rose oil because why not? Lunch was tagine in a roadside place with plastic chairs and strong coffee. Somewhere near Dades Gorges, we got out and stretched our legs; the rocks glowed pink at sunset. That night in the guesthouse I heard laughter from down the hall—some travelers swapping stories in French and Spanish. The walls were thin but honestly, it made me feel less alone out there.

The next day was all about Todra Gorge (so much taller than photos suggest), then finally Merzouga. Mint tea appeared before I even sat down—Moroccan hospitality is real. The camel ride into Erg Chebbi started awkward (camels are… not graceful), but after a while you just sway with it. Sand everywhere, light changing every minute; my shoes filled up instantly but I stopped caring pretty fast. Watching the sun go down from the dunes—I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on the subway back home.

Night in the camp was quieter than anywhere else I’ve slept—except for drums after dinner and someone singing softly in Berber by the fire. Stars everywhere overhead. In the morning we rode back as everything turned gold again. My hair still smelled like sand for days after coming back to Marrakech, which somehow felt smaller than before.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Gorges via Ait Ben Haddou

• Visit Ait Ben Haddou kasbah
• Walk sightseeing tour in Ait Ben Haddou
• Lunch in local restaurant (not included)
• Explore Ouarzazate cinema studios
• See kasbah Taourirte in Ouarzazate
• Stop at Roses Valley cooperative
• Drive through valley of thousand kasbahs
• Arrive and check in hotel in Dades Gorges

Day 2 — Dades and Todra Gorges to Merzouga Desert

• Breakfast and relax at hotel
• Drive to Todra Gorges
• Guided walking tour in Todra Canyon
• Arrive in Merzouga and drink mint tea
• Camel trek to desert camp at Erg Chebbi
• Dinner and overnight in desert camp

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Anti-Atlas

• Sunrise over dunes in Merzouga
• Camel ride back to hotel
• Breakfast at hotel
• Drive through Tafilalet palm grove and Rissani
• Continue journey to Marrakech

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Marrakech to Merzouga?

The drive takes most of two days with stops for sightseeing along the way; you’ll reach Merzouga on day two of this 3-day tour.

Is camel riding included on this Morocco desert tour?

Yes, a guided camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes is included as part of your experience in Merzouga.

Are meals included during this 3-day Sahara tour?

Dinner is included at the desert camp; lunch is available at local restaurants but not always included in the price.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You’ll stay one night in a guesthouse or hotel in Dades Valley and one night in a shared tent or private luxury tent at a desert camp near Merzouga.

Is hotel pickup available from Marrakech?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech is included at the start of your trip.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants can join—the tour offers prams or strollers and specialized infant seats if needed.

Do you visit Ait Ben Haddou on this tour?

Yes, there’s a guided walking tour of Ait Ben Haddou kasbah on day one.

What should I bring for sleeping in the desert camp?

Packing layers is recommended since nights can be cold; bedding is provided at both standard and luxury camps.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from your hotel in Marrakech, all transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver, guided walks through Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge with local guides, an hour-and-a-half camel ride across Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, dinner under desert stars at camp (with options for shared or private tents), plus plenty of mint tea along the way before returning to Marrakech on day three.