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

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.

Options for this experience

2 options

Basic (Standard Experience)Guide in English, Spanish or French · 08:00Private accommodation in standard hotels or riads and a standard desert camp. Activities include camel trekking and watching the sunset and sunrise in the Sahara. Duration is 3 days. Route runs from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains and Ait Ben Haddou to Merzouga, then back to Marrakech. Travel is by private air-conditioned minivan or 4x4. Pickup is included.

Option 2: Mid-Range (Luxury)Guide in English, Spanish or French · 08:00Mid-range accommodation in a luxury camp, with camel riding and sandboarding. Duration is 3 days. Meals include dinners and breakfast. Route runs from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains and Ait Ben Haddou to Merzouga, then back to Marrakech. Travel is by 4x4 or minivan, and pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 3d, runs every day at 08:00, from US$ 455 per person, with a live guide in English, Spanish and French, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00Another time? ›

GroupPrivate9 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and FrenchOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 5 years)

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

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.

Traveler reviews

4.89★★★★★★★★★★

292 verified traveler reviews

5 ★268

4 ★17

3 ★6

2 ★1

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (6 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 5 years).

What is the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou and why do we stop there?

Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO-listed earthen fortress built into a hillside in the Atlas foothills. The tour includes it on day one as you travel from Marrakech toward Dades Valley, letting you see the architecture and landscape before reaching the desert.

How long is the camel trek in the Sahara?

The camel trek lasts one hour and happens on day two at Erg Chebbi dunes. You ride across the sand before settling at the Berber bivouac camp for the night.

What should I pack for the overnight stay in the desert?

Bring a small backpack with essentials for one night: toiletries, a change of clothes, any medications. Your main luggage stays secured at the hotel bordering the desert and travels with you in the vehicle, so you do not need to carry it on the camel.

Is the driver the same person for all three days?

Yes, your private driver stays with you throughout the entire 3-day tour, navigating the route and adjusting stops to match your pace.

What is included in the price and what costs extra?

The tour includes the air-conditioned vehicle, your driver-guide, and a scarf. Lunches, beverages, and gratuities are not included, so budget for meals at stops along the way.