- Bus, Mini Van , 4/4
- 4 Stars Hotels
- Kathmandu
- Tour
- diner and breakfast
- English, Spanish, French, Italian
- Easy to Moderate
- 1-17
3 Day Sahara Adventure to Merzouga Dunes from Marrakech
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day journey from Marrakech to the majestic Erg Chebbi dunes of Merzouga, experiencing the diverse landscapes of Morocco, from the High Atlas Mountains to the Sahara Desert. Enjoy Berber culture, camel rides, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and a night under a blanket of stars in a traditional desert camp.
Highlights
- Begin your adventure by crossing the High Atlas Mountains
- Tizi N'Tichka pass (2260 meters). Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views
- UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou
- Explore the impressive Todra Gorges
Itinerary
- Morning (07:30 - 08:30): Your driver will pick you up from your hotel or riad in Marrakech.
- Begin your adventure by crossing the High Atlas Mountains via the spectacular Tizi N'Tichka pass (2260 meters). Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and stop at Berber villages along the way to learn about their culture and lifestyle.
- Midday (11:00 - 12:30): Arrive at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou. Explore this impressive Kasbah, a fortified village that has been featured in numerous films. You can wander through its narrow alleys and learn about its history with an optional local guide.
- Lunch (12:30 - 13:30): Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Ait Benhaddou (lunch is usually not included in the tour price).
- Afternoon (13:30 - 18:00): Continue your journey towards Ouarzazate, known as the "Hollywood of Morocco," and visit the Atlas Film Studios (optional). Then, drive along the "Road of a Thousand Kasbahs" through the Skoura Oasis, famous for its numerous ancient kasbahs amidst palm groves.
- Late Afternoon (18:00 - 19:00): Arrive in the stunning Dades Valley. Check into your hotel or riad nestled in the heart of the gorges.
- Evening (19:30 onwards): Enjoy dinner at your hotel/riad and relax, taking in the beautiful surroundings of the Dades Gorges. Overnight stay in the Dades Valley.
- Morning (08:00 - 09:00): After breakfast at your hotel/riad, depart towards the Todra Gorges.
- Morning (09:00 - 11:00): Explore the impressive Todra Gorges, towering limestone cliffs that rise dramatically on either side of a narrow riverbed. Enjoy a walk through the gorges and admire the natural beauty.
- Late Morning (11:00 - 13:00): Continue your journey towards the Sahara Desert, passing through the town of Erfoud, known for its fossils and marble workshops (optional visit). You'll also pass through Rissani, the ancient capital of the Tafilalt region and an important historical trading center (optional visit to the local market).
- Lunch (13:00 - 14:00): Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way (lunch is usually not included).
- Afternoon (14:00 - 17:00): Arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. Meet your camel caravan and embark on a magical camel trek for approximately 1-1.5 hours into the heart of the Sahara Desert.
- Late Afternoon (17:00 - 18:00): Reach your traditional Berber desert camp nestled amongst the golden sand dunes. Settle into your comfortable tent and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the Sahara.
- Evening (19:30 onwards): Experience the authentic Berber culture with a traditional dinner served under the stars. Enjoy music and storytelling around a campfire. Overnight stay in the desert camp (private tent).
- Morning (Early): Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Capture the stunning views as the first light of day illuminates the vast desert landscape.
- Morning (08:00 - 09:00): Enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast at the desert camp.
- Late Morning (09:00 - 10:00): Enjoy a final camel ride back to the edge of the dunes where you'll meet your driver.
- Morning/Afternoon (10:00 - 13:00): Begin your long journey back towards Marrakech. Today's route often takes you through a different landscape, passing through the town of Rissani again, then heading towards N'Kob and the scenic Draa Valley with its countless palm trees.
- Lunch (13:00 - 14:00): Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way (lunch is usually not included).
- Afternoon (14:00 - 18:00): Continue your drive through the High Atlas Mountains, possibly taking a different route or stopping at different viewpoints than on the first day.
- Evening (18:00 - 19:00): Arrive back in Marrakech and be dropped off at your hotel or riad, concluding your unforgettable desert adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, a hat or scarf for sun protection, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and layers of clothing as temperatures can vary significantly between day and night in the desert. In the cooler months (October to April), pack warmer layers like a jacket or fleece. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning landscapes!
Our tours can generally accommodate a wide range of ages. However, the long drives and camel rides can be tiring. For young children, it’s important to consider their tolerance for long journeys. For elderly travelers or those with mobility issues, please let us know in advance so we can discuss options and ensure their comfort. Private tours can often be tailored to specific needs.
In the Zagora region (for 2-day tours), the camps typically offer basic but comfortable private Berber tents equipped with mattresses and blankets. Shared bathroom facilities with toilets and sometimes showers are usually available. In the Merzouga region (for 3-day tours), you might have the option of standard or luxury camps. Luxury camps offer more amenities, including private en-suite bathrooms.
