Marrakech to Merzouga Desert – 3 Days Tour & Back Adventure

SHARED 3 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH

OVERVIEW

Join Our 3-Day Marrakech to Merzouga Desert Tour

Experience the magic of Morocco’s Sahara with our shared 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga. Perfect for travelers with limited time or those exploring Morocco on a budget, this short getaway packs adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes into three unforgettable days.

Small Group, Big Experience

Traveling in a group of ten or fewer, you’ll enjoy a more intimate and personalized journey. With such a small group, your tour feels like traveling with family, making every moment even more memorable. Learn more about our small group desert tours here.

Unforgettable Desert Adventures

This Marrakech to Merzouga Desert tour takes you across the High Atlas Mountains, past traditional kasbahs, and through Morocco’s dramatic landscapes before reaching the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi. Ride camels across the desert, watch an enchanting sunset, and wake up to a stunning sunrise. Spend the night in a comfortable desert camp under a sky full of stars — an experience you’ll never forget. Check out our camel trekking experience for more details.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

Designed for comfort, adventure, and affordability, this shared group tour highlights the best of the Sahara without feeling rushed. Carefully planned stops and authentic local experiences make it the perfect introduction to Morocco’s desert for first-time visitors. Explore other Morocco desert tours to find more options that suit your travel style.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 3 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH

Driving over the High Atlas Mountains
Seeing some traditional Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains
Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou
Spending a night in a beautiful hotel in the Dades Valley
Walking under one of the world's spectacular canyons, the Todra Canyon
Riding a camel in the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi
Watching an amazing sunset from a high dune
Trying sandboarding activity
Enjoying some Berber music around a campfire
Gazing at the stars

WHY OUR SHARED 3 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH?

For some travel companies, the term “small shared group” can mean sharing your adventure with 17 travelers or even more! That does not sound small to us. The maximum number of travelers on our small shared group 3 day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is just 10, which makes it quite similar to the private tour.

What does it mean for you?

Getting to know everyone in your group will be easy, and your tour guide can give you a more personable experience when looking after fewer people.

We get you into areas often restricted to larger groups, allowing you to immerse yourself in the destination (away from the jostling crowds).

You spend more time in a destination, so you can explore, soak up the atmosphere, and relax at your own speed.

With fewer travelers in our groups, you will spend less time checking into a hotel and getting on (and off) transport and more time enjoying the views.

Getting better views of the places we visit without the risk of photographing the back of someone’s head.

You will stay in a small, locally-owned hotel, which enhances the service level, unlike the large groups who are usually stuck in a big, low-quality hotel.

In the desert, you will stay in a luxury camp, which means you will have a private luxury tent instead of staying in a standard tent and finding yourself sleeping with unknown people! (read more about the accommodations below).

SHARED 3 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH ITINERARY

Read the shared 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga itinerary to have an idea of what to expect from the trip.

DAY 1: MARRAKECH → HIGH ATLAS MOUNTAINS → AIT BEN HADDOU KASBAH → DADES VALLEY

Our small group Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour 3 days starts at 08:00 AM from Marrakesh. First, we will drive over the High Atlas Mountains and along one of the main former trans-Saharan trade routes. We will have many stops along the way to see some traditional Berber villages and the panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains.

Reach Ait Ben Haddou village, where we will stop for a tasty lunch. After lunch, we will discover Morocco’s most popular kasbah (fortified village). The Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou was used for filming parts of many famous movies & series such as Lawrence of Arabia, The Mummy, Gladiator, and Game of Thrones.

After the visit, we head to Ouarzazate. The city is known as the gateway to the Sahara desert. It is also called the Hollywood of Africa. Here, we will stop in the Atlas Studio to take some pictures from outside, then carry on to Dades Valley, passing through the Rose Valley in Kalaat M’Gouna.

Arrive in Dades Valley in the afternoon. Here, we will visit the strange rock formations known as monkey toes, then continue driving to Morocco’s most famous zig-zag road, where we will see a beautiful view of the gorges from above. Stay the night in a beautiful hotel along the Dades Valley.

Driving distance: Approximately 353 km
Driving time: Approximately 6 hr 30 min

DAY 2: DADES VALLEY → TINGHIR → TODRA GORGE → MERZOUGA DESERT

We will proceed to the desert after a tasty breakfast at your hotel. On the way, we will stop to see a lovely oasis in Tinghir and walk under the Todra Canyon (300 meters high). Lunch will be in a restaurant along the way.

Arrive at Erg Chebbi in the afternoon. We will cross the giant sand dunes of Erg Chebbi by camels to your luxury desert camp. On the way, we will stop on a high dune to watch an amazing orange sunset and try a sandboarding activity. After watching the sundown, we continue camel trekking to our luxury camp.

Here, our staff will greet you with a cup of tea, then show you your private luxury tent so you can take a shower and relax before dinner time. After having a delicious dinner, the crew will light a campfire and play some Berber music for you. After listening to the music, you can learn how to play the drums, share our Berber culture with you, and stare at a sky full of stars. Then, sleep in your private tent.

Driving distance: Approximately 310 km
Driving time: Approximately 5 hr

DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT → MARRAKECH

Waking up early today is recommended to watch an amazing sunrise. After a tasty breakfast, we will leave the camp by 4×4 vehicles and drive to the town of Merzouga, then start our journey back to Marrakech in our previous car. This group 3 days desert tour from Marrakech will end in Marrakech in the late afternoon.

Driving distance: Approximately 560 km
Driving time: Approximately 9 hr

Gallery

Inclusive And Exclusive Of The Tour

INCLUSIVE

A deluxe van or a minibus
English-speaking driver or a driver and an English-speaking tour guide
Overnight in a lovely hotel
Overnight in a luxury desert camp
Meals: 2 dinners & 2 breakfasts
Camel trekking experience
Sandboarding

EXCLUSIVE

Map Of The Tour

ACCOMMODATIONS

Joining our small shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga means quality accommodations. The accommodations are chosen to enhance your immersion experience. Because this is a small group desert trip, we do bypass typical big tourist hotels/camps. Instead, we do opt for high-quality, well-located hotels and camps.

Here are the accommodations you will stay in:

First night

Hotel in Dades valley

First night: You will stay in a beautiful hotel in the Dades Valley, The rooms are air-conditioned and have en-suite bathrooms with flush toilets and washbasins.

Second night

Camp or hotel in Sahara desert

Second night: You will stay in a luxury camp or hotel in Erg Chebbi Dunes, Africa Luxury Camp. Each tent has been tastefully decorated and has an en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet and a wash basin.

We use these accommodations, but we will use accommodations of the same standard if they are unavailable. In that case, we will let you know in advance.

SHARED 3 DAYS DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH PRICE

The price of the shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga is 215 euros per person. This price might seem higher than the price other tour operators offer! But remember that our small group Marrakech 3 day desert tour is limited to 10 people maximum. You will not share a room/tent with anyone else. You will share only the transportation. Even if you are a solo traveler, you will have a private room & a private tent.

Booking

Please use the below form to email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you do not hear back from us within 24 hours, please send us a WhatsApp message or call us at +12345678910. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

This shared three days desert trip from Marrakech to Merzouga requires only 4 people to start. If the required number is not complete, we will contact you two days before the departure to change the date, upgrade to the private 3 days desert tour from Marrakech, or have a full deposit refund.
We will send the departure details to you two days before the start of the trip.
Your luggage will be with you all the time. In the desert, it will be taken by a 4x4 car to your luxury camp, so you will find it when you arrive by camel.
The camel trekking to the camp is about one hour and a half.
Suppose you are not interested in riding a camel. We will take you by a 4x4 vehicle instead, at no additional cost!
There is no need to bring a sleeping bag or a towel. There are enough blankets and towels for everyone.
On the way to the desert on the second day, our tour guide will suggest stopping in a small Berber (indigenous people of Morocco) shop, where you will get to try a Berber outfit and take some pictures, all for free! Then, buy something if you want (buying a scarf for the desert is highly recommended). It's not mandatory to purchase something. The first purpose of the shop is to promote the Berber culture.
Sunglasses, hats, and good walking shoes are recommended for this trip.
You can end this shared trip in Fes by choosing the Shared Marrakech to Fes desert tour.

EXTRA ACTIVITIES

When you book your shared 3 day desert tour from Marrakech with Morocco Fabulous Travel, you have the option to enhance your experience by adding extra activities and tours. If you are interested in any of these activities, just let us know when you make your booking, and we will organize them for you.

Before & After the tour

Airport transfers
Hot Air Ballon ride in Marrakech
Marrakech guided tour
Day trip to Essaouira
Day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls
Day trip to Ourika Valley

During the tour

Reviews

KAREN PRATS

I can't recommend Morocco Fabulous Travel enough for their shared 3-day desert tour. The small group concept was a game-changer, providing a more personal and immersive experience. The journey from Marrakech to Merzouga was filled with highlights, including the UNESCO Kasbah, Todra Gorge, and the breathtaking sunrise in the Sahara. The accommodations were carefully selected, offering comfort and authenticity. What stood out for me was the opportunity to customize the tour with extra activities. I opted for a Quad biking adventure, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already fantastic trip!

CARMEN ALVAREZ

My shared 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga with Morocco Fabulous Travel was an absolute delight. The small group size, limited to 10 people, allowed us to connect like a close-knit family. The itinerary was well-crafted, covering the High Atlas Mountains, Todra Gorge, and the mesmerizing Erg Chebbi dunes. The accommodations were exceptional, particularly the stay in a beautiful hotel in the Dades Valley and the luxury desert camp. The option to add extra activities, such as a romantic dinner in the desert, made the experience even more memorable.

VICTOR JANSSON

I recently took the shared 3 day desert tour from Marrakech with Morocco Fabulous Travel, and it exceeded my expectations. The small group size made the experience intimate and personalized. From exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou to the camel trek in the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, every moment was magical. The accommodations were top-notch, especially the luxury desert camp in Erg Chebbi. The attention to detail and the option to customize the tour with extra activities truly made it fabulous!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is the desert from Marrakech?

The Merzouga desert is located 560 km from Marrakech. On the way, you will stay in a hotel in Dades Valley to split the long distance. On the way back, you will drive directly to Marrakech, so be ready for it!

Can I skip the camel ride to the desert camp?

Of course! If you are not keen on riding camels, we have covered you with an alternative. You can relax in the comfort of a 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost, and we will transport you to the camp hassle-free. Your satisfaction is our priority!

Is the first-night hotel private?

Yes, you will have a private air-conditioned room at no additional fee.

Is the desert camp tent private?

Yes, you will have a private luxury tent with an en-suite bathroom & toilet.

What type of vehicles are used for this shared tour?

Great question! Our vehicle type depends on how many people are in your group. Different vehicles are available, like a Ford Tourneo Custom and a Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus, in addition to other comfortable car options.

How far in advance should we book this tour?

The early bird catches the worm, it is recommended to book the trip as soon as possible.

How to pay for the tour?

Our payment procedure is simple and hassle-free. To confirm your reservation, we kindly ask for a small deposit. This deposit can be easily paid via PayPal, bank transfer, or Wise when you make your booking. The outstanding balance is due in cash on the first day of your tour directly to our knowledgeable driver/guide. You have the flexibility to pay in euros, US dollars, or an equivalent sum in dirhams.

What is the cancellation policy?

We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if the booking is canceled 2 days or less before the event.

Reach Out To Us Now

Have a question about our shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech that’s not covered here?

We will get back to you within 24 hours. However, please send us a WhatsApp message or call us at +12345678910 if you do not hear back from us soon.