Review the detailed schedule for the 3-day tour from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert. Discover the unique activities awaiting you on this excursion. Furthermore, you have the option to modify the plan to suit your personal preferences.
Your 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga will begin with a morning pick-up service from your hotel or riad. Leaving Marrakech, we will drive straight toward the Merzouga desert, crossing the imposing High Atlas Mountains. We will pause along the drive to absorb the beautiful scenery of this vast region. We will also stop at Ait Benhaddou to admire the renowned Kasbah and its panoramic vistas. This historic clay village has been featured in many popular films and television series, including Prince of Persia, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones. This ancient settlement has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. After enjoying a mid-day meal at a restaurant en route, we will continue our drive to our destination. Upon arriving at Merzouga late in the afternoon, you will check into a lovely riad. You will be served dinner and spend your first night here.
Driving distance: Approximately 560 km Driving time: Approximately 9 hr
Today, you might choose to wake up early to see the incredible sunrise over the massive Erg Chebbi dunes directly from your riad. After enjoying a satisfying breakfast, your exploration of the Merzouga desert begins. Our 4×4 SUV will be ready to take you to visit the Berber Nomads who live beyond the dunes. Our guide will gladly share details of their lifestyle and offer insights into their unique cultural practices. Along the way, you will get the chance to visit the discreet village of Mefis, enjoy the rhythms of Gnawa spiritual music in Khamlia village, and potentially see the vibrant Lake of Birds if water levels permit.
After lunch, you will return to your riad for some relaxation or a refreshing swim before setting off on an afternoon camel ride to the camp. Prepare for a memorable camel journey deep into the remote desert. As the sun descends behind the dunes, take pleasure in the exquisite scenery and try out the exhilarating sandboarding activity. As night falls, you will retire to a deluxe desert camp where a delicious dinner will be served. Experience the magic of the desert at night, feeling a profound connection to its timeless wonder that has lasted for countless generations.
Driving distance: Approximately 57 km
Driving time: Approximately 1 hr 15 min
Following a delicious breakfast at your riad, we will commence our drive back to the vibrant city of Marrakech, following the scenic path of the Draa Valley, which is Morocco’s longest valley. During our drive, a planned stop in Agdez will allow you to enjoy a panoramic view of this valley, which is adorned with countless palm trees. On our travel from Merzouga to Marrakech, we will also have the opportunity to stop in Ouarzazate for a satisfying lunch. Following that, our route will lead us once again through the majestic High Atlas mountains, bringing us back to Marrakech. This unique 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga concludes as we drop you off at your accommodation.
Driving distance: Approximately 560 km Driving time: Approximately 9 hr
Please feel entirely free to request that your driver stop whenever you desire. We will stop for a mid-day meal in Ouarzazate and continue the drive to Marrakech through the High Atlas mountains. Finally, we will drop you off at your accommodation, which concludes this 3-day Marrakech desert tour.
Driving distance: Approximately 560 km
Driving time: Approximately 9 hr
Casablanca
Ourzazate
Merzouga
Marrakech
When securing your reservation, please ensure you clearly state any dietary needs you may have, such as being vegetarian or vegan. Rest assured that we will make every effort to properly accommodate your meal requirements. Throughout the expedition, your guide will recommend lunch stops at restaurants known for providing fresh food. Nevertheless, if you have a specific eating establishment in mind, please don’t hesitate to mention it to your guide—they will be happy to take you there. If you are looking to inject more excitement into your trip, we have several optional fun activities available. Consider trying quad biking or buggy driving on the spectacular Erg Chebbi Dunes. If you are interested in these add-on activities, simply inform your guide. They will assist with all arrangements so you can have a superb and enjoyable time. While this initial plan includes substantial travel time on the first and final days, you can enhance your desert experience by choosing the 5-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. This itinerary adds an extra night in the Dades Gorges at the start and another night in Ouarzazate near the end. This structure intelligently breaks up the long drive from Marrakech to Merzouga, giving you more time for local sightseeing. If you have a four-day window for a desert tour, you should consider either the 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga or the 4-day desert tour from Marrakech. Should you have a very limited three-day schedule for the desert tour but prefer to avoid the extended drive on the first day, the alternative option is the 3-day desert tour from Marrakech. However, it is crucial to note that this alternative involves spending only a single night in the desert. If the 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga does not fit your tight schedule, the 2-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is an available substitute.
The most popular Saharan desert gateway for this route is Merzouga/Erg Chebbi. The driving distance from Marrakech to Merzouga is approximately 560 kilometers (350 miles). The trip typically takes 9 to 10 hours of driving time without stops. This is a very long journey, which is why the tour is heavily focused on driving time on Day 1.
The driving distance from Fes to Merzouga/Erg Chebbi is slightly shorter than from Marrakech, covering approximately 460 to 470 kilometers (286–292 miles). The journey takes about 7 to 7.5 hours of driving time without stops, which is why the second day of the tour also involves significant driving.
We prioritize your comfort and utilize modern, air-conditioned transportation, including 4×4 SUVs, vans, and minibuses (depending on the size of your group).
It is highly recommended to book the tour as soon as possible to ensure availability for your preferred dates.
To confirm your reservation, a small initial payment (deposit) must be submitted via PayPal, Wise, or bank transfer. The remaining balance is to be paid in cash to your driver/guide on the first day of your tour, accepted in euros, US dollars, or the equivalent amount in Moroccan dirhams.
