Merzouga Desert: 3 Day Sahara Tour via Atlas Mountains & Camel Ride

Summary

Atlas peaks, Berber villages, camel rides and desert campfire rhythms

You’ll cross Morocco’s Atlas Mountains by minivan with a small group, climb ancient kasbahs near Ait Ben Haddou, ride camels into Merzouga’s Sahara dunes, and share music and tea at a Berber campfire under wild stars. Expect laughter with your guide and real moments you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the seat as we zigzagged up the Tizi-n'Tichka Pass, I caught my first whiff of mountain air—cold, sharp, with something dusty underneath. Our driver, Youssef, kept pointing out villages tucked into the hillsides. He’d slow down so we could watch kids chasing goats or women waving from rooftops. Somewhere after Ait Ben Haddou (which looked even older than I’d pictured), we stopped for lunch—lamb tagine, heavy on cumin—and I tried to ask for more bread in Darija. The waiter grinned and brought it anyway.

The second day started early; I barely finished my coffee before we were winding through Todra Gorge. Sunlight bounced off the red rock walls and made everything feel warmer than it was. Youssef told us stories about his grandmother crossing these valleys by donkey—he laughed when I said I’d probably get lost in five minutes. By afternoon, sand started showing up on the road edges. In Erfoud, someone handed me a fossilized trilobite (I still have it in my backpack). Then Merzouga: camels waiting quietly at the edge of endless dunes. Riding out felt both awkward and kind of peaceful—the only sound was sand shifting under hooves.

I’m not sure what I expected from a night in a Berber camp, but sitting around the fire with mint tea and drums echoing into the dark just felt right. Someone handed me a drum—I was terrible—and then everyone laughed when I tried to sing along in Tamazight. The sky above Erg Chebbi was ridiculous: stars everywhere, cold air pressing close but not uncomfortable somehow. Fell asleep listening to wind push against our tent walls.

The drive back toward Marrakech was quieter; people napped or stared out at the changing colors beyond the window. There’s this moment that sticks with me—passing through a village where two boys waved at our van like they knew us. Maybe they do that every day, maybe not.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marrakech to Boumalne Dades via Atlas

• Pick up from Marrakech accommodation
• Drive through High Atlas Mountains
• Stop at Tizi N'Tichka pass viewpoints
• Visit traditional High Atlas Berber villages
• Lunch and optional tour at Ait Ben Haddou
• Continue to Tinghir for overnight stay

Day 2 — Boumalne Dades to Merzouga Desert

• Breakfast in Boumalne Dades
• Travel through Berber villages to Todra Gorges
• Optional stop in Erfoud for fossils
• Arrive at Merzouga and meet camels
• Camels 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 towards High Atlas Mountains
• Lunch break in Agdz if not eaten earlier
• Return to Marrakech

Top questions

How long does it take to travel from Marrakech to Merzouga?

The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga takes about two days with stops at sites like Ait Ben Haddou and Boumalne Dades along the way.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sahara tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation or an agreed meeting point in Marrakech is included.

Are meals included during the 3 day desert adventure?

Lunch is included at Ait Ben Haddou on day one; other meals are provided at accommodations and camps as described in the itinerary.

What kind of accommodations are provided?

You’ll stay one night at a local hotel near Boumalne Dades or Tinghir and one night in a traditional Berber camp near Merzouga.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator’s information.

Are camel rides part of this Merzouga desert tour?

Yes, camel rides across Erg Chebbi dunes are included on day two as you approach the Berber camp.

Can service animals join this trip?

Service animals are allowed on this tour per additional info provided.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

A local driver-guide accompanies you throughout; guides are present at key stops like Ait Ben Haddou and during your time in Merzouga.

What’s included

Your 3 day trip includes pickup from your Marrakech hotel or meeting point, all transportation with fuel covered by your driver-guide, nightly stays at both a local hotel near Boumalne Dades or Tinghir and in a Berber-style desert camp near Merzouga—with dinner and traditional music by firelight—plus camel rides across Erg Chebbi’s dunes before heading back toward Marrakech.