3 Days Desert Tour From Marrakech to Merzouga Dunes & Camel

Exploring the Saharan dunes of Merzouga is a dream for many travelers to Morocco. The 3-day desert tour from Marrakech promises an unforgettable adventure, taking adventurers through the stunning landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains, the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, and the dramatic Todra Gorges. The highlight, however, is the camel trek at sunset and sunrise, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Erg Chebbi dunes. While the experience promises to be a truly memorable one, there’s more to uncover about this unique journey into the heart of the Moroccan desert.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best 3 Day Tours In Marrakech.

Contents hide

1 Tour Overview and Pricing

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 High Atlas Mountains

4 Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

5 Todra Gorges and Tinghir Oasis

6 Erg Chebbi Camel Trek

7 Berber Desert Camp

8 Activities and Experiences

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

Immersive 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Dunes, featuring camel trekking, Berber desert camp, and exploration of the High Atlas Mountains and UNESCO heritage sites.
Scenic drive across the High Atlas Mountains, offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs, terraced farmlands, and Berber villages.
Visit to the iconic UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a former trading post with rich history and traditional earthen clay architecture.
Explore the dramatic Todra Gorges and the serene Tinghir Oasis, experiencing the contrast between the towering cliffs and the lush palm groves.
Set out on a camel trek through the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes, witnessing stunning sunset and sunrise over the sand sea.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

This 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga Dunes & Camel provides an immersive experience, with pricing starting from $158.98 per person.

Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The tour includes pickup service from central Marrakech hotels and riads.

Highlights include crossing the High Atlas Mountains, visiting the UNESCO site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, exploring the Todra Gorges and Tinghir Oasis, and experiencing a camel trek to witness stunning desert sunsets and sunrises.

Accommodations are provided at a Rose Valley hotel and a traditional Berber desert camp.

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Itinerary Highlights

Crossing the High Atlas Mountains, travelers will admire the rugged beauty as they drive across the Tizi Ntichka pass. Visitors then explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, showcasing Morocco’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The tour continues through the dramatic landscapes of the Todra Gorges and the serene oasis of Tinghir, offering a chance to immerse in the diverse natural wonders of the region.

Itinerary Highlights	Description
High Atlas Mountains	Admire the rugged beauty while crossing the Tizi Ntichka pass.
Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou	Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a showcase of Moroccan history.
Todra Gorges and Tinghir Oasis	Discover dramatic cliffs and serene oasis landscapes.

The tour culminates with an unforgettable camel trek to witness the stunning sunset and sunrise colors at the Erg Chebbi Dunes, followed by a night in a traditional Berber desert camp under the stars.

High Atlas Mountains

As travelers embark on the desert tour, they’ll be treated to a breathtaking journey across the High Atlas Mountains, where the rugged beauty of the landscape unfolds before them.

The tour takes guests over the Tizi Ntichka pass, a winding road that traverses the dramatic peaks and valleys of this impressive mountain range.

Along the way, travelers can admire the vast, towering cliffs, the terraced farmlands clinging to the slopes, and the occasional Berber village nestled between the rocky outcrops.

This scenic drive not only sets the stage for the desert adventure to come, but also offers a glimpse into the diverse geography and culture that make Morocco such a captivating destination.

Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou

One of the highlights of the desert tour is a visit to the iconic Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases Morocco’s rich history and architectural heritage.

This centuries-old fortified city is a prime example of traditional Moroccan earthen clay architecture. Visitors can explore the winding alleys, admire the intricate patterns and details of the clay structures, and learn about the site’s significance as a former important trading post along the trans-Saharan caravan route.

The kasbah has also served as a backdrop for numerous films, further cementing its status as a cultural treasure. With a local guide to provide context, the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou offers a captivating glimpse into Morocco’s past.

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Todra Gorges and Tinghir Oasis

The desert tour then takes visitors to the breathtaking Todra Gorges, where towering, rust-colored cliffs rise up to 300 meters on both sides of the narrow river valley.

Nearby lies the serene Tinghir Oasis, an oasis of lush palm groves and flowing streams that offers a peaceful respite from the surrounding desert landscapes.

Guests can explore the gorge’s dramatic rock formations and hike along the winding river, taking in the stunning natural scenery.

The oasis provides an opportunity to wander through the verdant greenery, observe local life, and even enjoy a traditional Berber meal.

Both the Todra Gorges and Tinghir Oasis offer a captivating contrast to the vast, arid desert landscapes experienced earlier in the tour.

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Erg Chebbi Camel Trek

After traversing the stunning Todra Gorges and serene Tinghir Oasis, the desert tour culminates with an exhilarating camel trek through the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga.

Participants relish the opportunity to ride a camel and witness the breathtaking sunset and sunrise colors that paint the vast, undulating sand sea. The camel ride provides an authentic Saharan experience, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the desert landscape.

Set out on a camel trek through the impressive Erg Chebbi dunes
Marvel at the stunning sunset and sunrise over the vast sand sea
Enjoy the serene and peaceful ambiance of the Saharan desert

Berber Desert Camp

Guests on the desert tour spend a night in a traditional Berber tent at a desert camp in Merzouga, seeing the unique culture and hospitality of the Moroccan Sahara. The camp offers a serene and authentic experience, with attendants who provide exceptional service. Visitors can enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, including tagine, couscous, and mint tea, while gazing at the stunning night sky. The camp also features additional amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

Amenity	Description
Sleeping Quarters	Comfortable Berber-style tents with plush bedding
Dining Area	Communal space for enjoying meals and socializing
Bathroom Facilities	Clean and well-maintained bathroom trailers
Entertainment	Storytelling, music, and cultural performances

Activities and Experiences

Typically, guests can partake in thrilling sandboarding adventures on the Merzouga dunes, soaring down the golden slopes for an adrenaline-fueled experience.

The camel trek, allowing one camel per participant, offers visitors the chance to witness the region’s stunning sunsets and sunrises from atop the gentle beasts.

Throughout the tour, travelers are immersed in the vibrant Berber culture, experiencing their renowned hospitality.

The key activities and experiences include:

Sandboarding on the Merzouga dunes
Camel rides during sunset and sunrise
Immersion in Berber culture and traditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?

Yes, participants can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. However, the tour package includes 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners, so bringing additional food may not be necessary. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Camel Ride?

The tour generally doesn’t have age restrictions for the camel ride, but participants should be able to comfortably mount and ride the camels. Those under 12 may require adult supervision during the camel trek.

Can I Charge My Electronic Devices During the Desert Camp Stay?

Yes, the desert camp in Merzouga provides limited electricity for charging electronic devices during your overnight stay. Guests can charge phones, cameras, and other essentials using the camp’s limited power supply to keep their devices powered up.

What Should I Pack for the Desert Camping Experience?

For the desert camping experience, pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sturdy footwear, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget a warm jacket for cooler nights, a portable charger, and a camera to capture the stunning desert scenery.

Is There Any Medical Assistance Available During the Tour?

The tour includes basic first-aid supplies, but there’s no dedicated medical personnel. Travelers with medical conditions should inform the tour operator in advance. For serious issues, the guide can arrange transportation to the nearest healthcare facility.