Marrakech to Merzouga 3-Day Desert Tour: Camel Trek & Camp

Cross the Atlas, ride camels into Erg Chebbi, sleep under stars in a Berber camp.

A 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga combines mountain passes, a UNESCO kasbah, and two nights in the Sahara—one in a Berber camp after a camel trek through Erg Chebbi dunes. The route crosses the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass through High Atlas Berber villages, stops at Ait Ben Haddou, and follows the Todra Gorges before reaching the sand. Your guide speaks English, Spanish or French, and pickup from your Marrakech accommodation is included. You choose between standard camp tents or deluxe accommodations for both nights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Boumalne Dades via Atlas

• Pick up from accommodation in Marrakech
• Drive through High Atlas Mountains
• Stop at Tizi N'Tichka pass for views
• Visit traditional High Atlas Berber villages
• Visit UNESCO site Ait Ben Haddou and have lunch
• Continue to Tinghir for overnight stay

Day 2 — Boumalne Dades to Merzouga Desert

• Breakfast in Boumalne Dades
• Travel to Todra Gorges through Berber villages
• Optional stop in Erfoud fossil city
• Arrive in Merzouga and meet camels
• Camel ride through Erg Chebbi dunes
• Climb dunes to watch sunset
• Dinner and tea at Berber camp with music
• Overnight in traditional Berber tents

Day 3 — Merzouga to Marrakech via Ouarzazate

• Breakfast at camp
• Drive from Merzouga to Agdz
• Lunch break in Agdz if not had earlier
• Return journey to Marrakech through High Atlas Mountains

The Experience

The tour starts with pickup from your Marrakech hotel and heads straight into the High Atlas Mountains. You cross the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass, where the road opens onto vast mountain views before dropping into traditional Berber villages. The first major stop is Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage kasbah where you can walk the clay fortress if you want, then break for lunch. The day ends in Boumalne Dades or Tinghir with an overnight in a local hotel.

Day two is the desert push. After breakfast you travel through more Berber settlements and the Todra Gorges—a narrow canyon carved by the river—before reaching Merzouga at the edge of Erg Chebbi. Here the camels are waiting. You ride them into the dunes, climb to watch the sunset over the sand sea, then settle into the Berber camp for the night. Dinner and Moroccan tea happen around a fire with traditional drums and music; you sleep in canvas tents under the open sky.

The return on day three retraces through the mountains. If you haven't eaten yet, you'll stop for lunch before the final drive back to Marrakech. The whole route is handled by your driver and guide—no navigating, no arranging stops or camp logistics yourself. The guide is local to the desert and the region, so the history and culture come with real context instead of a script.

What’s included

• Professional guide in your choice of English, Spanish or French.
• transportation with driver and all fuel.
• hotel accommodation on night one in Boumalne Dades or Tinghir and Berber camp accommodation on night two.
• camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes.
• dinner and Moroccan tea with traditional music at the camp.
• pickup from your Marrakech accommodation.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Discover sahara tours

Is this one for you?Book the standard camp if you want the authentic desert experience without extra cost; choose deluxe accommodations if you prefer more comfort after two long days of travel and riding. Either way, the fixed itinerary and included guide mean you're not building the route yourself—the three days hold together without decisions along the way.

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Top questions

How do I get picked up in Marrakech, and what time does the tour start?

Pickup from your accommodation or an agreed meeting point in Marrakech is included. The exact time depends on your hotel location and the operator's schedule; confirm the pickup window when you book.

What are the Berber camp tents actually like, and is there running water?

The camp uses traditional canvas tents with mattresses and blankets for sleeping. Facilities are basic—the camp is authentic desert, not a resort—but the operator offers both standard and deluxe accommodation options so you can choose the level of comfort that suits you.

Do I ride the camel myself, or is it a guided ride?

You ride the camels yourself into the Erg Chebbi dunes. The camel trek is part of the experience, and the guide and camp staff are there to help you mount and navigate the sand.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay for separately?

The tour includes your guide, all transportation, driver and fuel, both nights of accommodation, and the camel ride. Lunch, beverages and tips are not included, so budget for those separately.

Is this tour suitable if I've never ridden a camel or hiked much before?

The operator notes the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. The camel ride is a slow walk through the dunes, not strenuous, and most of the day is spent traveling by vehicle. If you have concerns about the camel ride or the desert heat, mention them when booking so the guide can adjust the pace.

Can I choose a different language guide, or do they all speak English?

Your guide speaks English, Spanish or French. Let the operator know which language you prefer when you book, and they'll assign a guide accordingly.