Marrakech to Merzouga: Sahara Desert Tour with Local Guide

Summary

From Marrakech through kasbahs & dunes to a desert campfire

You’ll cross mountain passes from Marrakech to Merzouga, sip tea in ancient kasbahs, ride camels across Sahara dunes at sunset, and share dinner by firelight in a Berber camp. With local guides leading each step and all transport included, you’ll experience Morocco’s landscapes and warmth in ways you’ll remember long after the sand shakes out of your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the Atlas Mountains looked from the van window — kind of hazy blue at the edges, with little villages clinging to the slopes. Our driver, Youssef, played old Berber songs on the radio and pointed out where his grandmother grew up. We stopped for mint tea in Telouet, and honestly, I still think about that first sip — sweet, hot, and somehow tasting like dust and sunshine at once. The kasbah there is crumbling but beautiful; you can run your hand along the cool stone walls and imagine what it was like centuries ago.

Aït Benhaddou was busier than I expected (someone was filming a movie), but our guide steered us down quieter alleys where kids played football with a plastic bottle. Lunch was tagine at a rooftop place — nothing fancy, but the view over those mud-brick towers made it feel special. By dusk we reached Dades Valley, where our hotel had these thick blankets that smelled faintly of rosewater. I slept hard that night after so much road time.

The next day’s drive got drier and emptier until suddenly there were just dunes everywhere — Merzouga feels like another planet. I’d never ridden a camel before (awkward at first, not gonna lie), but after ten minutes it felt almost meditative swaying through Erg Chebbi’s orange sand. Our camel guy, Hassan, tied my scarf into a turban for me — he laughed when I tried to say “shukran” right. Sunset was quiet except for wind brushing over the dunes; everyone just watched as the sky went pink and gold.

That night in the desert camp was probably my favorite part of this Marrakech to Merzouga tour. Dinner around the fire tasted smoky and rich — lamb stew with bread you tear by hand — and then came drumming under more stars than I’ve ever seen in my life. Someone tried sandboarding (I chickened out). In the morning we woke early for sunrise; it was cold enough for goosebumps but worth it for that silence before anyone else stirred. The drive back felt different somehow — slower maybe, or maybe just full.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades Canyon

• Drive through Atlas Mountains
• Breakfast stop
• Visit Telouet Kasbah
• Visit Aït Benhaddou Kasbah
• Lunch at Aït Benhaddou
• Visit Atlas Film Studios
• Drive to Skoura and Dades Valley
• Overnight in Dades gorges hotel

Day 2 — Dades to Merzouga Desert Camp

• Explore Todra Gorge
• Lunch in Tinjdad village
• Drive through Arfoud and Rissani to Merzouga
• Camel ride in desert dunes
• Relax and drink Berber tea at camp
• Sandboarding in dunes
• Watch sunset over dunes
• Dinner and music around campfire
• Overnight in Berber tent

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech

• Sunrise viewing at camp
• Optional sandboarding
• Breakfast and shower at camp
• Camel ride back to Merzouga hotel
• Lunch stop on return
• Drive back to Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour?

The tour lasts 3 days and 2 nights, starting early morning from Marrakech and returning on the third evening.

Is hotel pickup included in this Sahara tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech is included.

Do you ride camels during this trip?

Yes, there’s a camel trek across Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga as part of the experience.

Are meals provided during the desert camp stay?

Dinner is served at the desert camp along with breakfast; lunch stops are arranged en route but may be extra.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can use prams or specialized seats if needed.

What kind of accommodation is included?

You’ll spend one night in a hotel in Dades Gorges and one night in a luxury desert camp near Merzouga.

Can vegetarians be accommodated on this trip?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Is transportation wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your journey includes private air-conditioned transport with an English-speaking local guide from Marrakech to Merzouga and back again; overnight stays at both a hotel in Dades Gorges and a luxury desert camp; camel trekking with turbans provided for everyone; sandboarding opportunities; hearty dinners around a campfire; plus daily breakfasts and convenient hotel pickup each morning before setting out.