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

Embark on an unforgettable journey from the bustling streets of Marrakech to the mesmerizing Merzouga dunes on this 3-day desert tour. Traverse the breathtaking High Atlas Mountains, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, and learn about the stunning landscapes of Dades Gorge and Todgha Valley. Experience the thrill of camel trekking at sunset and sunrise, while staying in comfortable accommodations, including a traditional desert camp. With knowledgeable guides and seamless transportation, this tour promises to immerse you in the beauty and rich culture of Morocco. Prepare to be captivated by the serene vastness of the Sahara Desert, where endless possibilities for adventure and discovery await.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best 3 Day Tours In Merzouga.

Key Points

• A 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga dunes, featuring UNESCO heritage sites, rose valleys, Dades Gorge, and camel rides in the Erg Chebbi dunes.
• The tour includes hotel and desert camp accommodations, select meals, and transportation in an air-conditioned minibus, with an English and French-speaking guide.
• Highlights include a scenic journey across the High Atlas Mountains, visiting the mud-brick architecture of Ait Ben Haddou, and exploring the Todgha Valley and fossil formations in Erfoud.
• The tour offers an immersive experience in the Sahara desert, with camel rides at sunset and sunrise, and overnight stay in a traditional desert camp.
• Customer reviews praise the tour’s landscapes, knowledgeable guide, and friendly driver, though some critiques exist regarding the comfort and meal quality of the desert camp.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This 3-day desert tour from Marrakech takes travelers on an immersive journey through the captivating landscapes of southern Morocco, culminating in a camel trek and overnight stay at a desert camp in the stunning Merzouga dunes.

Priced from 7,585 CZK per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and is conducted in English and French.

Travelers will explore UNESCO heritage sites, rose valleys, and the dramatic Dades Gorge before experiencing the thrill of a camel ride through the Saharan sand dunes.

The tour includes hotel and desert camp accommodations, select meals, and transportation in an air-conditioned minibus, making it an ideal way to discover Morocco’s desert wonders.

Itinerary Highlights

The 3-day desert tour from Marrakech commences with a pickup at 7:00 AM, embarking on a journey across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass to reach the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou.

Travelers will then enjoy lunch in Ouarzazate before exploring the Rose Valley and Dades Gorge.

On the second day, the tour ventures to the Tinghir area and the Todgha Valley, followed by a visit to Erfoud, known for its fossilized marble. The highlight of the day is an exhilarating camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes, where guests will spend the night in a traditional desert camp.

The final day begins with a sunrise camel ride before the return journey to Marrakech.

Day 1: Marrakech to Dades Gorge

Departing from Marrakech at 7:00 AM, the tour group embarks on a scenic journey across the High Atlas Mountains via the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, a renowned mountain route offering breathtaking vistas.

After crossing the majestic peaks, the group arrives at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified city famous for its impressive mud-brick architecture.

Following a lunch stop in Ouarzazate, the group explores the picturesque Rose Valley and the dramatic Dades Gorge, where they’ll spend the night in a hotel, preparing for the next leg of the desert adventure.

Day 2: Dades Gorge to Merzouga

On the second day, the group departs Dades Gorge and heads towards the captivating town of Tinghir, where they’ll explore the stunning Todgha Valley, known for its towering limestone cliffs.

The journey then takes them to Erfoud, a town renowned for its fossilized marble. Here, they’ll have the opportunity to:

1. Marvel at the intricate fossil formations on display.

2. Gain insights into the region’s geological history.

3. Prepare for the highlight of the day – an exhilarating camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga.

As the sun sets over the vast expanse of sand, the group settles into a traditional desert camp for the night, immersed in the serene beauty of the Sahara.

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Day 3: Merzouga to Marrakech

Travelers embark on an early morning camel ride to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes, a serene and memorable experience.

After a hearty breakfast in the bivouac, the group departs Merzouga, returning via Agdez and Ouarzazate.

Along the way, they’ll stop to admire the stunning views of the High Atlas Mountains.

The drive back to Marrakech offers a chance to reflect on the incredible landscapes and cultural experiences from the past two days.

Upon arrival, travelers are dropped off at their hotel or riad, concluding this three-day desert adventure filled with remarkable sights and unforgettable moments.

Inclusions

The tour package includes pickup and drop-off from travelers’ hotel or riad, providing a seamless start and end to the desert adventure.

Plus, two dinners and two breakfasts are provided, ensuring participants are well-fed throughout the journey.

Accommodation is included in a Tinghir hotel and a desert camp, allowing for a comfortable and authentic experience.

The tour also includes:

1. Camel rides at sunset and sunrise, offering an unforgettable experience in the Erg Chebbi dunes.

2. Transport via air-conditioned minibus, ensuring a comfortable journey through the stunning landscapes.

3. A local guide for the Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, providing valuable insights into this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Exclusions

Lunches and drinks aren’t included in the tour package, and travelers must cover those expenses separately.

Gratuities for the guide and driver are also not part of the package cost.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and there are additional costs for optional activities like quad biking at 45€ per person.

While the tour covers the majority of the trip, including transportation, accommodations, camel rides, and some meals, there are a few expenses that you will need to account for on their own.

It’s important for travelers to review the inclusions and exclusions carefully to ensure the tour fits their budget and needs.

Customer Reviews

According to the available customer reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 6 reviews, with positive feedback on the variety of landscapes and the quality of the guide.

However, there were some critiques on the comfort of the accommodation and the quality of meals in the desert camp.

The positive reviews highlight:

1. The diverse landscapes encountered, from the High Atlas Mountains to the Dades Gorge and the Erg Chebbi dunes.

2. The knowledgeable and attentive guide who provided a rundown of the region.

3. The helpful and friendly driver who ensured a smooth and enjoyable journey.

While some reviewers noted room for improvement in the desert camp experience, the tour overall seems to have exceeded the expectations of most customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no specific age restrictions for this tour. However, participants should be capable of moderate physical activity, including camel riding. The tour may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility constraints.

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

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour price includes 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts, so bringing additional provisions may not be necessary. Guests should check with the tour operator for any restrictions or recommendations.

Is There a Supplement for Solo Travelers?

The tour operator typically charges a solo traveler supplement, as the per-person cost is higher for solo travelers. However, the exact solo supplement fee is not specified in the tour details provided. Travelers should inquire about the solo supplement when booking.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour can typically be extended to include additional activities, such as quad biking or a visit to Todra Gorge. However, any extensions would incur additional costs and would need to be arranged directly with the tour operator.

How Much Should I Budget for Tips and Additional Expenses?

The tour operator suggests budgeting approximately 5-10% of the tour cost for tips and any additional expenses like optional activities. Travelers should expect to pay for lunches, drinks, and gratuities during the 3-day desert tour.

The Sum Up

This 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga dunes offers an unforgettable adventure.

Travelers can explore the High Atlas Mountains, visit the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou, and experience the stunning landscapes of Dades Gorge and Todgha Valley.

The tour includes camel treks, comfortable accommodations, and knowledgeable guides, ensuring a seamless and immersive journey through the beauty and culture of Morocco.

You can check if your dates are available here: