Camel Ride Trips3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
The classic first trip to the Sahara. Cross the High Atlas to Ait Ben Haddou, sleep in the Dades Valley, walk into the Todra Gorge, then ride a camel into the tall golden dunes of Erg Chebbi for a night in a desert camp. Watch the sunrise over the dunes and drive back to Marrakech by a different road through Agdez. Planned by our local team from Rissani, near Merzouga.
Is 3 days enough for a desert tour from Marrakech?
Yes. This is our most popular desert tour and the best choice for most first-time visitors. Merzouga is about 550 km from Marrakech, so the driving days are long, but you see the highlights of southern Morocco: the Tizi n'Tichka pass, the UNESCO-listed Ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, the Dades Valley, the Todra Gorge and a night in the Erg Chebbi dunes. If you prefer a slower pace, choose the 4-day tour or the 5-day tour. Zagora is closer, but it has only small dunes; for the real Sahara, Merzouga is the place to go.
- 1 night Dades Valley (hotel or riad)
- 1 night Sahara desert camp in Erg Chebbi
How much driving is there on the 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour?
The whole route covers about 1,200 km by road. Times below are approximate and include short stops for photos, lunch and visits.
| Day | Route | Distance | Driving time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley | about 340 km | 5–6 hours with stops |
| Day 2 | Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Rissani → Merzouga | about 260 km | 4–5 hours with stops |
| Day 3 | Merzouga → Rissani → Agdez → Ouarzazate → Marrakech | about 560 km | 9–10 hours with stops |
Local desert team
We are based in Rissani, next to Merzouga, so the camels and camp are run by our own people.
Private vehicle
Air-conditioned 4x4 or minivan with your own English-speaking driver-guide.
Your pace
Stop for photos, tea and short walks whenever you like.
Three comfort levels
Basic, Mid-Range or Luxury hotels and desert tents.
3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Itinerary
- Day 1
Marrakech → Tizi n'Tichka → Ait Ben Haddou → Ouarzazate → Dades Valley
Your driver picks you up at your riad or hotel in Marrakech. Cross the High Atlas by the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with views of the peaks and Berber villages, and explore Ait Ben Haddou, an earthen ksar listed by UNESCO.
Stop for lunch in Ouarzazate near the Taourirt Kasbah, then drive through the Valley of Roses and the palm groves of Skoura to the Dades Valley.
Overnight: Hotel or riad in the Dades Valley, dinner included
- Day 2
Dades Valley → Todra Gorge → Rissani → Merzouga
After breakfast, follow the Dades Valley to Tinghir and walk into the Todra Gorge between its high rock walls. Continue past the palm groves of Erfoud and Rissani to Merzouga.
Ride a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset. Dinner, Berber drums by the fire and a night in a desert camp under the stars.
Overnight: Desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, dinner included
- Day 3
Merzouga → Rissani → Agdez → Ouarzazate → Marrakech
Wake up early for sunrise over the dunes, ride back by camel and have breakfast. Return west through Rissani, the Draa Valley region, Agdez and Ouarzazate, then cross the High Atlas to Marrakech.
Tour ends at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Choose Your Comfort Level
Choose the level that suits you. The route and guides stay the same; only the hotels, riads and desert camp change.
Basic
- Clean 2–3 star hotels and guesthouses
- Simple traditional riads
- Standard tent in a desert camp
- Private rooms, breakfast included
Mid-Range
- Selected 3–4 star hotels
- Traditional riads with character
- Comfort desert tent with private bathroom
- Private rooms, breakfast included
Luxury
- Premium 4–5 star hotels and boutique riads
- Suites available on request
- Luxury desert tent with en-suite bathroom
- Breakfast included, selected dinners
Included & Not Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking driver-guide
- Hotel or riad in the Dades Valley
- Night in a desert camp (Basic, Mid-Range or Luxury tent)
- Camel ride in Merzouga
- 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or riad in Marrakech
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees to monuments and museums
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and travel insurance
- Activities not listed in the itinerary
Questions About the 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Tour
Is 3 days enough for the Sahara from Marrakech?
Yes. It is our most popular desert tour. The driving days are long because Merzouga is about 550 km from Marrakech; for a slower pace choose the 4 or 5-day tour.
Merzouga or Zagora?
Merzouga. It has the tall golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Zagora is closer to Marrakech but has only small dunes.
Where do we sleep?
The first night is in a hotel or riad in the Dades Valley, and the second in a desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
Which meals are included?
Breakfast and dinner on both nights. Lunches and drinks are not included.
How do I book?
Send your date, group size and Marrakech hotel on WhatsApp or through the contact form. We confirm availability and your private price, usually within a day.
Can I choose a different hotel level?
Yes. This tour is available in Basic, Mid-Range and Luxury. The route, driver-guide and local guides stay the same; only the hotels, riads and desert camp change, along with the price.
How much driving is there on the 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour?
The whole route covers about 1,200 km by road. The longest day is Day 3, Merzouga → Rissani → Agdez → Ouarzazate → Marrakech: about 560 km, 9–10 hours with stops. All times are approximate and include short stops.
How much does the 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga tour cost?
The 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga tour starts from €445 per person at Mid-Range level, based on 2 travelers sharing. The price depends on your group size and comfort level (Basic, Mid-Range or Luxury). Message us on WhatsApp at +212 669 576 091 for an exact quote.
How do I pay for this tour?
Send a 20% deposit by PayPal, Payoneer or international bank transfer (SWIFT) and your tour is confirmed automatically. Pay the remaining 80% on the first day of the tour, in cash (EUR, USD or MAD) or online. Cancel 11 days or more before the tour for a full refund of your deposit. See our booking terms.
Other tours from Marrakech: 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga, 5-day round trip and 5-day Marrakech to Fes.
Your Journey, Your Pace, Your Morocco
Tell us your dates and we'll prepare this private tour around you, with clear pricing and no obligation.