Set out on a culinary odyssey through Morocco’s captivating Sahara Desert with the Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari. This immersive experience combines the thrill of traversing majestic landscapes with the delightful discovery of local flavors. Travelers will savor traditional Moroccan cuisine, from the iconic Ait Ben Haddou to sumptuous Bedouin camp dinners under the stars. With camel rides, rich nomadic entertainment, and the serene Erg Chebbi dunes as a backdrop, this gastronomic adventure promises to leave a lasting impression. But the true essence of this journey lies in the opportunity to take in the cultural tapestry of this enchanting region.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Food Tours In Merzouga.

Key Points

  1. The 3-day Merzouga desert safari includes crossing the High Atlas Mountains, visiting the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, and experiencing camel rides at Erg Chebbi dunes.
  2. The safari offers an overnight stay at a Bedouin-style desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes, with traditional nomad entertainment and the opportunity to witness breathtaking desert sunsets and sunrises.
  3. The tour includes 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts, and provides the flexibility to upgrade to deluxe private tents with en-suite bathrooms for a more luxurious desert experience.
  4. Pickup and drop-off are provided from Marrakech accommodations, and the tour is available in Arabic, English, and French, catering to diverse traveler preferences.
  5. The tour has a flexible cancellation policy, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and can be booked online with the option to pay later.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari With Food - Tour Overview

The Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari with Food offers an immersive adventure into the captivating landscapes of the Sahara Desert, catering to travelers seeking an authentic Moroccan experience.

Priced from $131.07 per person, this 3-day tour promises a comprehensive exploration, with highlights including crossing the High Atlas Mountains, visiting the UNESCO site of Ait Ben Haddou, and experiencing the iconic Erg Chebbi dunes by camel.

The tour is available in Arabic, English, and French, and features a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking can be done through a convenient ‘reserve now, pay later‘ option, making it an accessible choice for budget-conscious explorers.

Itinerary Highlights

Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari With Food - Itinerary Highlights

Spanning a 3-day duration, the tour commences with a journey across the High Atlas Mountains, culminating in a visit to the UNESCO-recognized site of Ait Ben Haddou, where travelers enjoy a local lunch.

Continuing on, the second day takes guests to the stunning Todgha Gorges before embarking on a camel ride through the Erg Chebbi dunes to witness a breathtaking sunset. The experience culminates with a night spent at a desert camp, where visitors are treated to local nomad entertainment and traditional Tam Tam drums.

The final day offers an optional sunrise camel trek before the return journey to Marrakech, with a lunch stop along the way.

Activities and Experiences

Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari With Food - Activities and Experiences

Travelers can look forward to an array of thrilling activities and immersive experiences throughout the 3-day desert safari. They’ll ride across the Erg Chebbi dunes on camel, spending a night under the stars at a Bedouin camp where local nomads provide traditional Tam Tam drum entertainment.

The itinerary also includes:

  • An optional sunrise camel trek for those seeking an early morning adventure

  • Visiting Todgha Gorges, a stunning natural wonder with towering limestone cliffs

  • Exploring the UNESCO-listed Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, a historic fortified city

This well-rounded experience offers a chance to deeply connect with Morocco’s captivating desert landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage.

Inclusions

For the Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari, the package includes a pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transportation in a minibus or minivan, and a driver-guide.

Travelers will enjoy 1-night hotel accommodation and 1-night desert camp accommodation, with the option to upgrade to a luxury private tent with ensuite shower and 5-star amenities.

Meals include 2 dinners and 2 breakfasts, along with the essential sunset and sunrise camel trekking experiences in the Erg Chebbi dunes.

Plus, a local guide is available for an extra €2 per person at the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou UNESCO site.

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Accommodation Options

The Merzouga Desert Safari offers two distinct accommodation options during the 3-day journey – a hotel in Dades and a desert camp in Merzouga.

The first night is spent at the Kasbah Amazigh or Hotel Chems, providing a more traditional lodging experience.

The highlight, however, is the second night spent at a Bedouin-style desert camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes. This remote encampment features:

  • Luxury private tents with en-suite showers and 5-star amenities
  • Dinners and entertainment provided by local nomads
  • The opportunity to witness a breathtaking desert sunset and sunrise from the camp

This diverse range of accommodations allows travelers to enjoy the contrasting landscapes and cultures of the Moroccan Sahara.

Pickup and Drop-off

The Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari includes convenient pickup and drop-off at your accommodations in Marrakech, ensuring a seamless start and end to your desert adventure. The tour operator provides air-conditioned transportation in either a minibus or minivan, driven by a knowledgeable guide.

Departure Arrival Duration
Marrakech Ait Ben Haddou 2.5 hours
Erg Chebbi Ouarzazate 2.5 hours
Ouarzazate Marrakech 3 hours

This door-to-door service allows you to focus on enjoying the highlights of the tour, from the UNESCO-listed Ait Ben Haddou to the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes, without the hassle of navigating the journey yourself.

Upgrade Opportunities

Travelers can upgrade their Merzouga Desert Safari experience by booking deluxe desert camp accommodations featuring luxury private tents, ensuite showers, and 5-star amenities. This premium option offers a level of comfort and exclusivity beyond the standard desert camp.

Key features of the deluxe upgrade include:

  • Luxury private tents with ensuite bathrooms and showers

  • 5-star amenities and furnishings for a more indulgent stay

  • Unparalleled views of the Sahara Desert from the privacy of one’s own tent

The deluxe desert camp upgrade allows guests to enjoy the magic of the Moroccan desert while enjoying enhanced accommodations and amenities.

This elevated experience is perfect for travelers seeking a touch of luxury on their Merzouga Desert Safari adventure.

Availability and Booking

Booking availability for the Merzouga Desert Safari can be checked on the tour provider’s website or by directly contacting them.

Travelers have the flexibility to select their preferred start time and group size when making reservations, subject to tour capacity.

Advance booking is recommended, as this popular desert excursion often sells out, especially during peak tourism seasons.

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour, providing peace of mind for travelers.

Booking can be done securely online, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

This 3-day desert adventure from Marrakech to Merzouga is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari With Food - Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Visit Other Desert Sites During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows visitors to explore other desert sites beyond just the Erg Chebbi dunes. The itinerary includes visits to landmarks like the Todgha Gorges, providing a more comprehensive desert experience.

Is It Safe to Take Photos of the Local People?

While photographing locals is generally acceptable, it’s best to ask permission first out of respect for their privacy and customs. Be mindful and avoid intrusive behavior that could make them uncomfortable. Discretion and cultural sensitivity are recommended when taking photos.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Camel Riding?

There are usually no strict age restrictions for camel riding, but young children may require adult supervision for safety. Tour operators generally accommodate riders of all ages, though they may have guidelines or recommendations based on the individual’s size and abilities.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Suit Our Preferences?

Yes, the itinerary can be customized to suit travelers’ preferences. Many tour operators offer flexibility in modifying the schedule and activities to accommodate individual needs and interests within the overall tour framework.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Desert Camp?

There are no strict dress code requirements for the desert camp. Comfortable, casual clothing that covers arms and legs is recommended to protect against the sun and sand. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal for the desert climate.

The Sum Up

The Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari offers an immersive culinary and adventure experience, traversing Morocco’s stunning landscapes.

Travelers can savor local flavors, from lunch at Ait Ben Haddou to traditional dinners under the stars.

With camel rides, Bedouin entertainment, and comfortable accommodations, this tour provides an unforgettable gastronomic journey through Morocco’s captivating desert scenery.

You can check if your dates are available here: