Marrakech to Sahara: 3-Day Private Desert Tour & Camel Trek

Summary

Atlas peaks kasbahs camel trek & desert camp from Marrakech

You’ll cross Morocco’s Atlas mountains from Marrakech with a local guide, wander ancient kasbahs, trek by camel into Erg Chebbi’s dunes, and sleep under Saharan stars at a luxury camp. Expect Berber hospitality, fresh tagine dinners by firelight, and moments that stay with you long after you shake out your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the air changed as we left Marrakech — dusty, then cool, then sharp with mountain wind as we climbed into the High Atlas. Our driver Youssef didn’t say much at first but pointed out little villages clinging to the hillsides, and I kept trying to pronounce “Ait Benhaddou” right (he grinned every time I got close). The kasbah itself looked like a movie set, but it’s real — kids running past ancient walls, mint tea on a rooftop with that red dust everywhere. My shoes are probably still stained.

We stopped in Dades Valley for the night. The riad was all tiled floors and soft lantern light; I slept like a stone after lamb tagine and too much bread. Next morning was Todra Gorge — cold stone walls echoing with birds and someone’s laughter bouncing off the rocks. By afternoon we reached Merzouga, where camels waited with their big sleepy eyes. Riding out into Erg Chebbi felt surreal — orange dunes swallowing everything behind us. Sand gets everywhere (just accept it), but watching sunset from a camel’s back is something I still think about.

That night at Mohayut Bivouac camp, dinner was slow-cooked and smoky under a sky so full of stars it almost looked fake. Our Berber hosts played music around the fire; I tried drumming along but mostly just made everyone laugh. Slept in a tent that felt more solid than it looked. The next day was mostly driving back through the Atlas — long hours but somehow peaceful, windows down, Youssef humming old songs on the radio. We ended up back where we started in Marrakech, a little sunburned and sandy but kind of wishing there’d been one more night out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel to Dades Valley via Atlas Mountains

• Cross the High Atlas mountains
• Explore Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
• Arrive at Dades Valley accommodation
• Enjoy included dinner

Day 2 — Todra Gorges and Erg Chebbi Desert

• Stop at Todra Gorges
• Travel to Erg Chebbi dunes
• Prepare for camel trek
• Take 1 hour camel trek
• Overnight in Berber tent bivouac
• Enjoy included dinner
• Have included breakfast

Day 3 — Return to Marrakech via Atlas Mountains

• Depart Erg Chebbi desert
• Return through Atlas Mountains
• Stop along the way
• Arrive back in Marrakech
• Have included breakfast

Top questions

How long does the drive from Marrakech to Erg Chebbi take?

The journey is split over two days: first to Dades Valley (about 6-7 hours), then on to Erg Chebbi via Todra Gorge on day two.

Is this Moroccan desert tour private or group-based?

This is a private tour with your own driver/guide throughout.

Are meals included during the Sahara desert tour?

Dinners are included at your accommodations; vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

Can children join this 3-day Sahara tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

How much luggage can I bring on the camel trek?

A small bag or backpack for overnight in the bivouac is suggested; main luggage stays secured at the hotel near the desert.

What kind of accommodation is provided in the desert?

You’ll stay one night in a riad in Dades Valley and one night at Mohayut Bivouac camp (or similar) in traditional Berber tents.

Is pickup from my hotel in Marrakech included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off in Marrakech are included as part of this private tour package.

Is there public transportation nearby for this tour?

Yes, public transportation options are available near departure points in Marrakech.

What’s included

Your trip includes private pickup and drop-off in Marrakech, all transport by air-conditioned vehicle across Morocco’s Atlas mountains and desert roads, an experienced driver-guide (multi-lingual if needed), two nights’ accommodation (one riad in Dades Valley and one Berber tent at Mohayut Bivouac or similar), dinners each night with vegetarian options on request, scarf for desert travel, plus secure storage for main luggage while you’re out riding camels into Erg Chebbi’s dunes.