Marrakech to Merzouga: Sahara Desert Tour with Camel Trek & Berber Camp

Summary

Through kasbahs, rose valleys and the dunes of Erg Chebbi

You’ll cross Morocco from Marrakech to Merzouga with hotel pickup and a local guide leading you through kasbahs, rose valleys and dramatic gorges. Camel trek into Erg Chebbi dunes for sunset, sleep in a Berber tent (with real showers!), share music by the fire and wake up to desert silence. If you want city chaos swapped for Sahara calm — this is it.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost missed the pickup in Marrakech because my phone alarm didn’t go off. Standing on the curb with my backpack half-zipped, I met Youssef, our driver, who just grinned and said “No rush — Moroccan time.” The van was cool inside (thank goodness for AC), and as we left the city behind, the air changed — drier, tinged with dust and something sweet I couldn’t place at first. Maybe it was those roses everyone kept mentioning?

The drive over the High Atlas took longer than I expected. We stopped at Ait Ben Haddou — it’s one of those places that looks fake until you touch the sun-warmed mud bricks. Our guide explained how families still live there; a kid waved from a rooftop, then vanished. Lunch in Ouarzazate tasted like cumin and slow-cooked lamb, and honestly I could’ve napped right there if not for Youssef herding us back into the van (“Desert waits for no one!”). The road unwound through Rose Valley (the scent stronger here — floral but earthy) before we finally crashed at a riad in Dades Gorge. My room had these heavy blankets that felt like they’d been sun-dried all day.

Next morning was all about Todra Gorge — tall stone walls echoing every footstep. I tried to take a photo but it never captured how small you feel there. By afternoon we reached Merzouga; camels were waiting (mine was named Bob Marley, which made me laugh). Riding out into Erg Chebbi at sunset felt unreal — sand everywhere, gold turning pink as the light faded. Dinner at camp was tagine under stars so bright it almost hurt my eyes. Someone played drums by the fire; I tried to clap along but got lost in the rhythm. Slept in a Berber tent with real showers (wasn’t expecting that) and woke up gritty but happy.

On our way back through Rissani and Ouarzazate, we stopped for lunch again (can’t remember what I ate — too tired), then got dropped at Jemma El Fna square just as evening crowds started gathering. Three days felt both long and way too short; sometimes now when I smell cumin or see red dust on my shoes, I remember that first night under all those stars.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Gorge via key sites

• Visit Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou
• Explore Ouarzazate city
• Stop at Valley of the Roses
• Travel through Dades Gorge
• Overnight in Riad in Dades Canyon

Day 2 — Dades Gorge to Merzouga desert adventure

• Visit Todra Gorge
• Travel through Tinejdad and Erfoud
• Camel ride to Erg Chebbie dunes
• Watch desert sunset
• Enjoy sand boarding
• Listen to Berber music by fire
• Overnight in Berber tent in Sahara

Day 3 — Return from Merzouga to Marrakech

• Pass through Rissani
• Lunch stop in Ouarzazate
• Return to Marrakech
• Drop off at Jamma El Fna square

Top questions

How long does it take to travel from Marrakech to Merzouga on this tour?

The journey is spread over three days with stops at key sites like Ait Ben Haddou, Dades Gorge, Todra Gorge, and an overnight in each location before reaching Merzouga.

Is hotel pickup included in Marrakech?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for hotels located inside Marrakech city only.

Do you sleep in tents or hotels during the Sahara tour?

The first night is spent in a riad or hotel in Dades Gorge; the second night is spent in a Berber tent camp in the Sahara desert near Merzouga.

Are there showers and toilets at the desert camp?

Yes, both standard and luxury tents have toilets and showers inside the tent or nearby facilities at camp.

Is camel trekking part of this Marrakech to Merzouga tour?

Yes, camel trekking across Erg Chebbi dunes is included as part of your experience before reaching camp.

Are meals provided during this 3-day Sahara trip?

Dinner and breakfast are included at both accommodations; lunches are not mentioned as included.

Is transportation air-conditioned?

Yes, transportation between destinations is provided by an air-conditioned vehicle.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants can join using specialized seats or strollers; service animals are also allowed.

Is this Sahara tour wheelchair accessible?

The transportation options are wheelchair accessible; travelers should have moderate physical fitness due to terrain changes.

What’s included

Your journey includes hotel pickup from Marrakech (for hotels inside city), private air-conditioned transport across Morocco’s south via High Atlas passes and valleys, overnight stays in both a riad (with breakfast) at Dades Gorge and a Berber tented desert camp (with dinner and breakfast), camel trekking across Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset, sandboarding experience if you’re up for it, plus all necessary shower/toilet facilities inside your rooms or tents before returning to Marrakech’s center.