Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour
(149 Reviews)
Overview
Set out on an unforgettable 5-Day Desert Tour From Marrakech to Merzouga, a journey designed for travelers seeking both discovery and comfort. This immersive desert expedition combines Morocco’s iconic landmarks, vibrant culture, and spectacular natural landscapes, from ancient kasbahs and lush valleys to the golden dunes of the Sahara.
Perfect for families and explorers alike, this route lets you connect with nomadic life, explore Berber villages, and experience both the serenity and thrill of the Moroccan desert. Ride camels across Erg Chebbi, dine under a starlit sky, and rest in your private desert tent equipped with modern comforts.
Please note: This itinerary is just a suggested program. If it doesn’t fully match what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us. We’ll be happy to design a customized itinerary tailored to your preferences, travel dates, and duration of stay. We specialize in creating personalized tours and experiences across Morocco.
Pricing: The cost of the tour varies depending on the number of travelers, the more people joining, the lower the price per person. Since transportation is a fixed cost, it will be divided among participants. Prices also depend on the category and quality of accommodation selected.
Please contact us for an exact quote based on your group size and travel preferences.
Trip Highlights
- Explore the legendary Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Discover the historic Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate and the Amridil Kasbah in Skoura.
- Journey through the scenic Valley of Roses, meeting nomad families along the way.
- Enjoy a thrilling camel trek across the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset and sunrise.
- Spend a night in a luxury nomad camp with a private ensuite tent.
- Cross the High Atlas Mountains and the picturesque Tizi n’Tichka Pass.
Itinerary
Day 1: Marrakech – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Skoura Palm
Your adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your Marrakech hotel. Drive through the High Atlas Mountains and cross the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, pausing for panoramic views and Berber village visits.
Visit the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah, a UNESCO-listed ksar and one of Morocco’s cinematic treasures. After lunch, explore the Atlas Film Studios and the Taourirt Kasbah in Ouarzazate before continuing to Skoura Palm Grove, where dinner and your first night await.
Day 2: Skoura – Valley of Roses – Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges
After breakfast, travel through the Valley of Roses, famous for its rosewater cooperatives and spring festival. Stop to meet nomad families living in caves before heading to Dades Gorges, known for its dramatic red rock formations.
Continue to Tinghir and walk through the spectacular Todra Gorges, a favorite spot for climbers and photographers. Dinner and overnight stay in a kasbah hotel nestled near the gorge.
Day 3: Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Erg Chebbi (Merzouga)
After breakfast, take a morning stroll through Todra’s palm groves before heading toward Erfoud, passing Touroug and El-Jarf villages. Stop at a fossil workshop to learn about local crafts before reaching Merzouga, gateway to the Sahara Desert.
Here, camels await for a magical sunset trek across the dunes of Erg Chebbi. Arrive at your luxury desert camp, enjoy a traditional dinner, and join in Berber drumming around a campfire beneath the starlit desert sky.
Day 4: Merzouga – Rissani – Alnif – N’kob – Agdz – Ouarzazate
Wake up early to watch the sunrise over the dunes, then return by camel for breakfast and a shower at the hotel. Continue through Rissani, where you can visit its colorful market, then travel across the Draa Valley via Alnif, N’kob, and Agdz, stopping for lunch and photos.
Visit the Kasbah of Tamnougalt before arriving in Ouarzazate for dinner and your overnight stay.
Day 5: Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
After breakfast, explore Taourirt Kasbah once more and visit the Kasbah of Telouet, the former seat of Morocco’s powerful Glaoui family.
Enjoy lunch at a mountain restaurant before crossing back over the Tizi n’Tichka Pass, descending toward Marrakech, where your desert adventure concludes with drop-off at your accommodation.
What's included
- Free airport transfer to your Marrakech hotel or riad.
- Private transfer in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide throughout the tour.
- Pick-up & drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation.
- Guided visit to Ait Benhaddou Kasbah & entry to Cinema Studios in Ouarzazate.
- 3 nights in traditional riads or kasbah hotels (Skoura, Todra, Ouarzazate).
- 1 night in a luxury desert camp at Erg Chebbi with a private ensuite tent.
- Breakfasts and dinners throughout the tour (vegetarian options available).
- Camel trekking with sunset & sunrise.
- Private bathroom in your tent with hot shower & toilet.
- Free time to explore kasbahs, oases, and film sets.
What’s Not Included
- Lunches and beverages.
- Personal expenses and optional activities.
- Entrance fees (if any) not listed as included.
Know Before You Go
- Day 1 drive time: approx. 8–9 hours with scenic breaks.
- Desert nights can be cold in winter — bring warm layers.
- Camel rides last about 1.5 hours each way (4x4 option available).
- Tour is suitable for families, couples, or small private groups.
- Tour is suitable for families, couples, or small private groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this tour be customized?
Yes, you can modify the itinerary, adding or reducing days, upgrading hotels, or starting/ending in Fes instead of Marrakech.
2. What’s the difference between Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga?
Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) is more accessible with taller dunes, while Erg Chigaga is wilder and more remote, both offer unforgettable desert experiences.
3. Are camel rides safe for children?
Yes, camel rides are family-friendly. Kids under 10 can share a camel with an adult for comfort and safety.
4. What is the accommodation quality like?
All selected riads, kasbahs, and desert camps are handpicked 4★ options, blending comfort with authentic Moroccan style.
5. What’s the best time to book this tour?
The ideal months are March–June and September–November, when the desert weather is pleasant and skies are clear.
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