3-Day Private Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech with Camel Ride

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/27

Duration3d

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · FR +1

PickupAt your hotel

High Atlas crossing, Todra Gorges, a camel trek across Erg Chebbi, and a night in a traditional Berber tent

A 3-day private guided tour from Marrakech to the Sahara's Erg Chebbi dunes, with your own driver and flexible itinerary. Day one crosses the High Atlas to Kasbah Ait Benhaddou and overnight in Dades Valley. Day two passes Todra Gorges before a one-hour camel trek and overnight stay in a Berber bivouac camp. Day three returns through the Atlas to Marrakech with stops along the way. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, driver-guide, and scarf; lunches and gratuities are separate. Children from age one are welcome; a small backpack for overnight belongings is suggested, though bulk luggage stays secured at your hotel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Dades valley

Cross High Atlas mountains
Explore Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou
Overnight at Riad Gabsi or similar
Dinner included

Day 2 — Dades Valley to Erg Chebbi desert

Stop at Todra Gorges
Travel to Erg Chebbi dunes
Prepare for 1 hour camel trek
Overnight in Berber tent bivouac
Breakfast and dinner included

Day 3 — Erg Chebbi Desert to Marrakech

Return through Atlas Mountains
Stop along the way
End at original departure point in Marrakech
Breakfast included

The Experience

The journey starts in Marrakech and heads south across the High Atlas Mountains, climbing through cedar forests and Berber villages toward the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, a UNESCO-listed earthen fortress that rises from the valley floor. You overnight in Dades Valley at a riad, giving you a base before the desert proper. Your own driver navigates the route at your pace, stopping where you want to linger.

Day two takes you through Todra Gorges, a narrow canyon carved by the Todra River, before the landscape opens into the Sahara. You arrive at Erg Chebbi, the dunes that define the Merzouga Desert, and mount a camel for a one-hour trek across the sand. The evening settles at a Berber bivouac camp—a traditional tent settlement where you sleep under the stars. Bring a small backpack with overnight essentials; your larger luggage waits at the hotel bordering the desert and travels with you in the vehicle.

The return on day three is a long drive back through the Atlas—nine to ten hours with stops—ending at Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakech where the tour began. The air-conditioned vehicle and your private driver stay with you the whole way. A scarf is provided to shield against sun and sand. Vegetarian meals can be arranged if you request them at booking; note that lunches and drinks are not included, so plan stops along the route.

What’s included

Air-conditioned vehicle with your own private driver for all three days.
a scarf for sun and sand protection.
overnight accommodation in Dades Valley and at a Berber bivouac camp in the Sahara.
a one-hour camel trek at Erg Chebbi dunes.
guide services in English, Spanish or French.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Camel Safaries - Day Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want the flexibility to set your own pace and stop where you choose—a private driver and vehicle mean the itinerary bends to your interests, not a fixed schedule. The long return drive on day three (nine to ten hours) is the trade-off for reaching the deep desert and sleeping in a traditional tent; if you prefer a shorter trip, the 2-day version stays closer to Marrakech.