Marrakech to Sahara: 3-Day Desert Tour with Camel Trek

Summary

From Marrakech through Atlas peaks to Merzouga dunes by camel

You’ll travel from Marrakech through Atlas mountain passes and Amazigh villages to reach Merzouga’s Sahara dunes. Walk Aït Ben Haddou’s ancient lanes with a local guide, ride camels at sunset across Erg Chebbi, sleep in a private tent under stars, and share tea with new friends — moments you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure what I’d signed up for when we left Marrakech before sunrise — my brain barely working as our driver Youssef greeted us with a grin and a thermos of mint tea. The city faded fast behind us, replaced by the kind of mountain switchbacks that make you question your breakfast choices. Somewhere after Tizi n’Tichka pass, the air got thin and cold enough that I could smell snow in it. Youssef pointed out Amazigh villages tucked into the hillsides — he knew every twist in the road, every story about the old kasbahs. We stopped for coffee where women sold flatbread from baskets; I still remember the way the bread felt warm in my hands.

Aït Ben Haddou was next — all sun-baked mud walls and narrow lanes echoing with kids’ laughter. Our guide Fatima explained how her family still keeps a room inside those ancient walls. She showed us how palm fronds cool the houses in summer (I tried to say “thank you” in Tamazight; she laughed and corrected me). The kasbah looked golden in late afternoon light, but honestly, it was the quiet moments — watching an old man mend a door with his grandson — that stuck with me more than any movie set trivia.

The drive east felt endless and hypnotic: olive groves, then date palms, then just rock and sky. We stopped at Todgha Gorge where water ran cold over my fingers and Berber women sold woven bracelets by the riverbank. By the time we reached Merzouga, sand was everywhere — in my shoes, hair, camera bag. The camel trek across Erg Chebbi started awkward (camels are taller than they look), but after a while it was just us and this orange silence as the sun dropped behind dunes. Dinner at camp was tagine under stars so bright it almost hurt to look up; later there was drumming around a fire and someone tried to teach me a Berber song (I failed spectacularly).

I woke early for sunrise on our last morning — toes numb from desert chill, eyes full of gold light on endless sand. There’s something about drinking sweet tea with strangers who feel like friends after three days together that makes you want to linger just a little longer before heading back toward Marrakech. I still think about that view sometimes when city life gets too loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate

• Drive Tizi n’Tichka Pass, photo stops
• Guided walk at Aït Ben Haddou UNESCO site
• Visit Kasbah Taourirt exterior in Ouarzazate
• Drive Road of a Thousand Kasbahs, photo stops

Day 2 — Todgha Gorges to Erg Chebbi Desert Camp

• Walk Todgha Gorges and oasis
• Stop in Erfoud, fossil and date workshop
• Meet camel team in Merzouga, briefing
• Camel ride at sunset to Erg Chebbi camp, dinner, Berber music

Day 3 — Erg Chebbi Sunrise and Return to Marrakech

• Sunrise and breakfast at desert camp, return to Merzouga
• Stop in Tinghir/Todgha for walk or photos
• Drive through Dades Valley viewpoint, break
• Break in Ouarzazate
• Cross Tizi n’Tichka Pass, photo stops
• Arrive and drop off in Marrakech

Top questions

How long is the drive from Marrakech to Merzouga?

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

Is hotel pickup included for this Marrakech desert tour?

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

Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag for the desert camp?

No, bedding is provided in your private tent at the Merzouga desert camp.

Are meals included during the 3-day Sahara tour?

Dinner and breakfast are included at the desert camp; other meals are at your own expense during stops.

Can I choose between shared or private tour options?

Yes, both shared group tours and private options are available depending on your preference.

Is this tour suitable for children or travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; transportation is wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available.

What languages do guides speak on this Marrakech to Sahara trip?

Your professional driver-guide speaks English, French, and Spanish.

Will there be WiFi during the journey?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard your vehicle throughout the trip.

What’s included

Your experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, all transport by air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi onboard, an English-, French-, or Spanish-speaking local driver-guide throughout your journey across Morocco’s Atlas Mountains to Merzouga. You’ll enjoy a guided walk through Aït Ben Haddou’s UNESCO-listed ksar, camel trek at sunset into Erg Chebbi dunes with an overnight stay in a private tent (luxury upgrade available), plus dinner and breakfast at camp before returning to Marrakech.