3 Day Desert Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga

A 3 days desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga in Morocco is a special experience offering up golden dunes, star-studded skies, and indelible cultural experiences. Whether you’re pining for camel safaris, luxury desert camps, or thrilling walks into ancient Berber villages, the Sahara Desert of Morocco has something for every traveler.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to plan a perfect 3 day desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga, including the best routes and highlights to see and expert tips for an unforgettable adventure.

Why Take a Tour in the Sahara Desert, Morocco?

The Moroccan Sahara, and more particularly the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga and the Erg Chigaga dunes near M’Hamid, is home to some of the most stunning desert scenery this planet has to offer. Here’s what makes this experience bucket list material:

•  Beautiful Scenery – Tall sand dunes, beautiful sunsets, big open skies.
•  Trekking on camels, 4×4 off-roading, or sandboarding in the desert.
•  Immerse Yourself in the Culture – Spend nights in a Berber traditional camp listening to local music and tasting Moroccan food.
•  Stargazing Paradise – With the Sahara’s clear skies, be prepared to have a magical experience gazing at the Milky Way.

Best Sahara Desert Trips From Morocco

This journey goes across the High Atlas mountains, Ait Ben Haddou (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), as well as the Draa Valley to the golden dunes of Merzouga.

The Trip Highlights Include:

• Camel ride at sunset
• Overnight in a luxury desert camp
• Visit to Todgha Gorge
• Visit the Draa Valley

3 Day Desert Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga

 Start your trip in the morning and traverse the High Atlas Mountains via the beautiful Tizi n’Tichka Pass. Discover the village of Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified city that is a UNESCO World Heritage site, steeped in the fascinating history of its kasbahs. 

Following the visit, you can enjoy lunch in a local restaurant at Ait Ben Haddou, a closeby town, before continuing through the Valley of Roses to the Dades Valley, where you will spend the night at a pleasant guesthouse situated near the impressive cliffs.  

After breakfast on day two, you continue to the Todra Gorge and on a short walk in the gorge, which is renowned by climbers. The landscape gets drier and drier as you approach the Sahara, traveling through the towns of Tinjdad, Erfoud, and Rissani. 

Once you arrive at Merzouga in the late afternoon, a camel will pick you up to traverse the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. You’ll arrive at a traditional Berber camp in time for dinner to experience regional music. 

The final day starts with a sunrise and a quick shower before the long return to Marrakech. Traveling via the southern route of Alnif, Tazzarine, and N’Kob (N17 and N9 route). Lunch and some scenic stops will be available before you return to Marrakech.

Accommodation:

Panorama Dades Hotel

Orient Desert Camp

Luxury Desert Camp Experience

For those who demand luxury, high-end desert camps provide private tents, en-suite bathrooms and gourmet meals under the stars.

Sahara Desert Tour: Top Things to Do

• Camel Trekking: On the dunes as nomads.
• Sandboarding: Surf the sand dunes for an adrenaline fix.
• Quad Riding: Tour the desert on a thrilling off-road experience.
• Berber Music & Campfire Nights: Listen to traditional tunes beneath the stars.
• Meet Nomadic Tribes: Better understand the local culture of the desert.

What is the Best time of year to visit the Sahara Desert?

The best months to visit the Sahara desert are March to May and September to November, to visit when temperatures are not extreme. Summers are very hot, and winters have freezing nights.

What to Pack for the Sahara?

• Cool and breathable clothes (long sleeves for sun protection)
• Echarpe or shesh (to guard against sand and wind)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
• Closed-toe shoes fit for walking on dunes
• Outdoor camera to catch the magical landscapes

Booking Your 3 Day Desert Trip from Marrakech to Merzouga

Many excursions are available through reputable Moroccan tour companies or your place of accommodation in a city like Marrakech or Fes. Find someone whose reviews are good, so that you can become comfortable with them.

Final Thoughts

A tour of the Sahara Desert in Morocco is more than a journey—it’s an unforgettable adventure into one of the world’s most beautiful, naturally enchanting regions. Whether it’s for a short tour or an overnight, the magic of the desert will be with you for a long time.