Marrakech: Sahara Desert 3-Day Trip

Embark on an unforgettable 3-day journey from the bustling city of Marrakech to the breathtaking Sahara Desert. This immersive adventure promises a seamless blend of cultural exploration, natural wonders, and outdoor thrills. Traverse the majestic High Atlas Mountains, discover the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, and savor authentic Moroccan cuisine. The highlight? Experiencing the thrill of camel rides through the serene dunes, followed by a night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp. With a maximum of 10 participants, this trip offers the perfect balance of comfort and flexibility, ensuring an experience that will leave you captivated by the enchanting landscapes of Morocco.

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

Contents hide

1 Trip Overview

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 Camel Ride Experience

4 Sunset and Sunrise Views

5 Accommodation and Dining

6 Additional Activities

7 Inclusions and Exclusions

8 Cancellation and Booking

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

A 3-day excursion from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert, including a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains and a camel ride in the Sahara.
Visits to UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, Ouarzazate movie studios, Dades and Todgha gorges, and a night in a traditional Berber camp.
Opportunity to witness breathtaking Saharan sunsets and sunrises, and experience the serene atmosphere of the desert.
Accommodations range from a luxury hotel in Dades Valley to a cozy Berber camp, providing a diverse and authentic experience.
Additional activities like sandboarding and hiking are available to enhance the adventure and exploration of the natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

The Marrakech: Sahara Desert Trip is a 3-day excursion that whisks travelers over the High Atlas Mountains to explore the captivating landscapes of southern Morocco, from the Berber villages to the mesmerizing Sahara Desert.

Priced from €350 per person, the trip accommodates a maximum of 10 participants and provides live tour guides and audio guides in English.

Pickup from your Marrakech accommodation is included, so you’ll be ready to depart 15 minutes prior.

Over the course of the 3 days, you’ll experience the highlights of the region, from the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah to an unforgettable camel ride and overnight stay in a Berber tent camp.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ouarzazate

Itinerary Highlights

Kicking off the journey, travelers embark on a scenic drive over the High Atlas Mountains, where they’ll witness the captivating Tizi nTichka pass and explore charming Berber villages along the way.

The first day’s highlights include visiting the iconic Ait Ben Haddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the movie studio town of Ouarzazate. Guests then settle into a luxury hotel in the Dades Valley for the night.

The second day is filled with adventure as they explore the dramatic Dades and Todgha gorges, hike along the riverbed, and cross the picturesque Roses Valley before meeting camels in Merzouga.

Travelers then enjoy a camel ride and witness the stunning sunset in the Sahara before spending the night in a Berber encampment.

Camel Ride Experience

Travelers embark on a camel ride through the Sahara Desert, seeing the timeless experience of traversing the legendary dunes. Guides expertly lead the camels, ensuring a smooth and memorable journey as guests take in the breathtaking vistas of the expansive desert landscape.

Riding atop the gentle giants, visitors are transported to a world of ancient Berber culture and traditions. The rhythmic sway of the camel’s gait and the vast, rolling sand dunes create a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.

As the sun sets, the camel caravan arrives at a traditional Berber camp, where guests enjoy a night under the stars, surrounded by the tranquility of the desert.

Sunset and Sunrise Views

As the sun dips below the horizon, visitors bask in the captivating glow of the Sahara Desert’s sunset. Warm hues of orange, red, and gold paint the vast, undulating dunes, creating a breathtaking spectacle that leaves onlookers in awe. Witnessing this natural phenomenon from the comfort of a traditional Berber camp is an unforgettable experience, one that sets the stage for a night of tranquility and star-gazing under the expansive desert sky.

Time	Sunrise	Sunset
Duration	Approximately 30 minutes	Approximately 30 minutes
Best Vantage Point	Atop a dune or from the Berber camp	Atop a dune or from the Berber camp
Highlights	Gradual transition from darkness to light, vibrant colors, peaceful silence	Vibrant colors, long shadows, peaceful silence

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Accommodation and Dining

After a day exploring the stunning Saharan landscapes, travelers settle into their accommodations for the night, finding comfort and respite.

The Berber camp offers an authentic experience, with canvas tents outfitted with cozy bedding and rugs, providing a peaceful retreat amidst the vast desert.

Hearty Moroccan cuisine, prepared by skilled camp cooks, is served for dinner, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the region as they bask in the serene desert ambiance.

For the first night, participants stay in a luxury hotel in the Dades Valley, where they can relax and recharge before continuing their desert adventure the following day.

The diverse accommodations and dining experiences provide a well-rounded and immersive Sahara Desert trip.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ouarzazate

Additional Activities

Beyond the captivating camel rides, the Sahara Desert trip offers additional thrilling activities that immerse travelers in the region’s natural wonders. Adventurous participants can try their hand at sandboarding, gliding down the towering golden dunes for an adrenaline-fueled experience. Those seeking a more leisurely pace can explore the vast desert landscapes on foot, hiking along the riverbeds of the dramatic Dades and Todgha Gorges to discover hidden oases and marvel at the region’s geological formations.

Activity	Duration	Difficulty
Sandboarding	1-2 hours	Moderate
Hiking Dades Gorge	2-3 hours	Easy to Moderate
Exploring Todgha Gorge	1-2 hours	Easy

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Sahara Desert trip package includes a driver/guide, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners, hotel accommodation for 1 night and a Berber tent camp for 1 night, a camel ride, an air-conditioned van or 4WD, fuel, and local taxes.

However, lunches and drinks aren’t included in the package. This provides travelers with the essential elements for an unforgettable adventure in the Sahara, while allowing for flexibility and personal choices when it comes to meals.

The inclusions cover transportation, accommodation, cultural experiences, and the iconic camel ride, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free trip.

Travelers can focus on creating lasting memories without worrying about the logistical details.

Cancellation and Booking

According to the details provided, travelers have the flexibility to cancel their Sahara Desert trip booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Plus, the tour operator offers a flexible booking option, allowing customers to reserve their spot now and pay later.

This policy ensures that travelers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can make adjustments as needed without incurring any penalties.

The cancellation and booking flexibility makes it easier for visitors to experience the magic of the Sahara Desert, as they can book their trip without worrying about unexpected changes in their schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Trip?

The maximum group size for this trip is 10 participants. The trip overview specifies that the group size is "Limited to 10 participants", providing a clear answer to the current question.

Can I Customize the Itinerary for This 3-Day Trip?

Yes, travelers can customize the itinerary for this 3-day trip. The tour operator offers flexibility to modify the activities and destinations based on the group’s interests and preferences, subject to availability and feasibility.

Is It Possible to Join the Group at Ait Ben Haddou Instead of Marrakech?

Yes, it’s possible to join the group at Ait Ben Haddou instead of Marrakech. The tour operator can arrange this change in pickup location, though it may incur an additional fee or require the traveler to meet the group at the specified time and place.

Can I Book This Trip as a Solo Traveler?

Yes, solo travelers can book this trip. The tour company accepts individual bookings and limits the group size to 10 participants, providing a personalized experience for solo adventurers exploring the Sahara Desert from Marrakech.

How Flexible Are the Pick-Up and Drop-Off Times for This Tour?

The tour offers flexible pickup and drop-off times from accommodations in Marrakech. Travelers should be ready 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time. The return journey to Marrakech on the third day is flexible as well.