Shared 3 Days Desert Tour Marrakech to Merzouga

Q: How long is the tour?

The tour lasts for 3 days and 2 nights. The first night is spent in the Dades Valley, and the second night is in a desert camp near Merzouga.

Q: How long is the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

The camel ride lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the weather.

Q: Can I skip the camel ride?

The camel ride is a core part of the experience, but for an additional fee, you can opt for a private 4x4 instead.

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Three Days to the Sahara, Shared and Affordable

This shared 3 days desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga takes you across the High Atlas to the dunes of Erg Chebbi and back, in a small group and at a price no private trip can match. You travel in an air-conditioned minibus with a licensed driver-guide, alongside other travellers from around the world, and you pay 94 EUR per person instead of several hundred.

The route crosses the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, reaches the earthen ksar of Ait Ben Haddou, then follows the kasbah road east to the Dades Valley for the first night. The second day climbs into the Todgha Gorges, where the canyon walls rise around 300 metres above the riverbed, and ends with a camel trek into the dunes of Erg Chebbi at sunset.

Sharing the vehicle is what makes the price work, and it is also what many travellers come for. Departures run every day with a group of up to 17, so a solo traveller pays the same per-person rate as a couple. Both nights are half board: dinner and breakfast included, lunches left to you so you choose the stop and the budget.

If you would rather have the vehicle to yourself, compare our 3 day private desert tour to Merzouga. For a shorter trip, look at the 2 day shared Zagora desert tour, or browse all our shared desert tours from Marrakech.

Trip Essentials

Duration: 3 days, 2 nightsDepartures every day, pick-up from your Marrakech accommodation at 7 AM
Route: Marrakech to Merzouga and backAbout 1,000 km, through the High Atlas, the kasbah road and the Todgha Gorges
Group: SharedSmall group of up to 17 travellers, in an air-conditioned minibus
Nights: Half boardDades Valley, then the desert camp at Erg Chebbi. Dinner and breakfast included both nights
Camel trek: Sunset and sunriseAbout one hour each time, into the dunes of Erg Chebbi
Price: 94 EUR per personSame rate for every traveller, solo or in a group. See what the price covers

What You Will See and Do

The Tizi n’Tichka pass. The highest paved road in Morocco, at 2,260 metres, winding through walnut terraces and villages built into the hillside. Snow on the peaks in winter, wildflowers in spring, and stops where the view earns it.
The ksar of Ait Ben Haddou. Earth towers and crenellated walls climbing to a hilltop granary, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the old caravan road, and the backdrop of more films than any other place in Morocco. A licensed local guide can walk it with you for a small fee paid on site.
The Dades Valley and the kasbah road. East of Ouarzazate the road runs from one palm oasis to the next, past earthen towers still lived in and the red canyon walls above Boumalne, where you spend the first night.
The Todgha Gorges. A limestone canyon where the road narrows to the width of a riverbed and the cliffs close to around 300 metres on either side. Cool air, climbers overhead, and a walk along the water at the bottom.
Sunset camel trek into Erg Chebbi. About an hour out through the dunes as the light drops and the sand turns from orange to deep red. A second trek follows at sunrise, when the crests are sharpest.
A night at the desert camp. Dinner served at the camp and breakfast the next morning, both included. The comfortable camp uses shared tents with real beds and quality linens, and a clean shared bathroom block a short walk away. Deluxe and AC deluxe tents can be added when you book.
Berber drumming and a sky without towns. Drums around the fire after dinner, then a night sky with no city glow for a hundred kilometres. Whether you stay up for it is your call.
Travelling with other people. A shared group of up to 17 means you meet travellers from a dozen countries over three days. It is the reason the price works, and for many people it is half the trip.

Departure Time

7 AM

What’s Included & What’s Not

Price Includes

Convenient pick-up and drop-off at your Marrakech accommodation.
Comfortable air-conditioned minibus transport
Professional English/French-speaking driver
Camel Trekking at Sunset & Sunrise in the Sahara
1 night in the Dades Valley in a comfortable standard room
1 night in Merzouga at the comfortable camp, in a shared tent with real beds and quality linens
Dinner on both nights
Breakfast on both mornings

Price Excludes

Lunches and additional drinks (budget around 8 to 13 EUR per lunch)
Optional desert camp upgrades: deluxe ensuite camp or AC deluxe tent
Optional private A/C room upgrade in the Dades Valley hotel
Fee for a local guide at Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou (3 EUR per person, optional)
Optional extras such as quad biking, to pay the supplier direct
Tips for the driver-guide, at your discretion
Travel insurance (recommended)
Single supplement for solo travellers (one-off charge for both nights)
Personal expenses

Prices are per person and include shared minibus transport, a licensed driver-guide, 2 nights accommodation with half board (dinner and breakfast), and a sunset camel trek. Book with just a small deposit, balance on arrival.

Know Before You Go

Booking: It's advisable to book your excursion in advance to ensure availability and allow for personalized arrangements.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for sun protection.
Camel Ride: Experience a 1-hour camel trek (each way). A 4x4 transfer is available upon request.
Luggage: You can bring a small backpack for the desert camp while your main luggage is stored safely in the vehicle.
Vegetarian & Special Diets: Available upon request, please inform us in advance
Cash & Payments: Bring some cash in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) for personal expenses and tips.

Marrakech to Merzouga 3 Days Desert Tour Itinerary

Day 1Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Ait Ben Haddou → Roses Valley → Dades Valley

Tizi n’Tichka Pass: Pause at the highest mountain pass in North Africa for stunning panoramic views.
Ait Ben Haddou: Enjoy a guided tour of this famous UNESCO World Heritage site, a backdrop for Hollywood films.

Lunch in Aït Benhaddou: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal at a local restaurant overlooking the kasbah.
Roses Valley: Stop to admire the rose fields and explore local markets known for rosewater products.

- Dades Valley: Arrive at the stunning Dades Gorges and take in the breathtaking rock formations.
- Overnight Stay: Stay at a hotel in Dades Valley. You can choose to upgrade to a private A/C room for added comfort.
- Dietary Preferences: If you have specific dietary needs, such as a preference for a vegetarian or legume-based diet, please inform us in advance so we can accommodate your request during meals.

Day 2Dades Valley → Todgha Gorge → Merzouga → Sahara Desert

Breakfast in Dades Valley: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the auberge, featuring fresh, local ingredients to start your day.
Todgha Gorge: Continue to Todgha Gorge, famous for its towering cliffs that rise up to 300 meters. Take a walk through the gorge and enjoy the stunning natural landscape, perfect for memorable photos.
Scenic Stops: Along the way, the driver may make various stops to take in scenic viewpoints or explore small towns, giving you the chance to stretch your legs and appreciate Morocco’s diverse landscapes.

Lunch Stop: You’ll have a break for lunch at a local restaurant, which could be in El Khorbat or another charming spot along the route, where you can enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine.
Exploring Local Markets: Depending on the route, there may be opportunities to stop at local markets for a taste of authentic Moroccan culture, where you can shop for handmade crafts, dates, and other regional specialties.

Merzouga & Camel Trek: Arrive in Merzouga in the late afternoon and embark on a memorable camel trek into the heart of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Watch the dunes change color at sunset as you ride through the golden sands.

Desert Camp: Reach the Berber camp, where you’ll be warmly welcomed. Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner, followed by live Berber music around the campfire. End your evening by stargazing in the peaceful desert night.

Accommodation:

Comfortable shared desert camp with basic amenities.
Option to upgrade to a Deluxe Merzouga Camp for an enhanced experience.

Day 3Merzouga → Rissani → Agdz → Ouarzazate → Marrakech

Sunrise Over Erg Chebbi: Rise early to witness one of the most spectacular sights in the desert: the sunrise over the Sahara. The golden light slowly spreads across the dunes, providing the perfect opportunity for photographs and a tranquil start to your day.
Breakfast at Desert Camp: Enjoy a hearty Moroccan breakfast at the camp before setting off for the return journey.

Lunch Stop: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan meal along the way. The driver will choose a convenient stop depending on the timing and route, such as in Agdz or other charming towns along the journey, offering a personalized experience.
Scenic Views at Ait Saoun: Stop at a panoramic viewpoint to capture stunning views of the Draa Valley, known for its lush date palms and ancient kasbahs.

Photo Stop at Kasbah Tifoultoute (Ouarzazate): A brief stop at this historic kasbah, also known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” famous for its film studios and the Kasbah Taourirt. A great photo opportunity!
Tizi n’Tichka Pass: Enjoy a final stop for a coffee break at this scenic mountain pass, offering breathtaking views of the High Atlas Mountains before continuing your drive back to Marrakech.

End of Tour: The group tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Marrakech or a central location, leaving you with unforgettable memories of your Moroccan desert adventure.

Shared 3 Days Desert Tour Prices

Note: The price below is per person and applies to this shared group tour. Optional upgrades are added at the booking step.

Price per person:	Days of operation:	Number of participants:
94 €	Daily	17 Max

Departures are available every day08:00

Photos

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FAQ

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts for 3 days and 2 nights. The first night is spent in the Dades Valley, and the second night is in a desert camp near Merzouga.

What is the best time to book this tour?

The best time to book is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the weather is pleasant. However, this tour is available year-round.

Can I upgrade the desert camp?

Yes. The base price includes the comfortable camp, with shared tents and shared bathroom facilities. Upgrade to the deluxe camp for 40 EUR per person to get a private ensuite tent with a hot shower, or to the AC deluxe camp for 65 EUR per person, which adds air conditioning and heating. Choose your camp when booking, or message us on WhatsApp before departure to change it.

How long is the camel ride in Erg Chebbi?

The camel ride lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the weather.

What activities are included?

Camel rides, desert camp stays, and exploring local kasbahs.

Are showers available at the Merzouga desert camp?

Yes. The comfortable camp has a clean shared bathroom block a short walk from the tents. The deluxe and AC deluxe upgrades each include a private ensuite bathroom with a hot shower inside your own tent.

Can I skip the camel ride?

The camel ride is a core part of the experience, but for an additional fee, you can opt for a private 4×4 instead.

Can we rent quad bikes in Merzouga?

Yes, quad biking is available as an additional activity.

What is the first-night accommodation like in Dades Valley?

Accommodation is in a local hotel or guesthouse.

Is sandboarding included?

No, sandboarding is not included but can be arranged for an extra fee.

Is the desert camp tent in Erg Chebbi private?

Not at the base price: the comfortable camp uses shared tents, which are spacious and have real beds with quality linens. A private tent comes with the deluxe or AC deluxe upgrade, added at the booking step.

What meals are included?

Dinner on both nights and breakfast on both mornings are included, which is half board. Lunches are not provided: budget around 8 to 13 EUR per lunch at the stops along the route.

What is the desert camp like?

Your second night is at the comfortable camp at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes, in a shared tent with real beds and quality linens, with a clean shared bathroom block a short walk away. Dinner and breakfast are included, with Berber drumming around the campfire after dark. Upgrades at booking: the deluxe camp adds a private ensuite tent with a hot shower, and the AC deluxe tent adds cooling and heating. The camps are separate sites, so upgrades cannot be arranged once you arrive in the desert.

Is there a single supplement?

Solo travellers on the standard shared tour pay a 10 EUR single supplement. It is a one-off charge covering both nights, not a nightly one. You keep a private room in the Dades Valley for yourself throughout.

What is included in the price?

Everything essential: shared minibus transport for all 3 days, an English speaking driver, 2 nights accommodation with half board (dinner and breakfast), and a sunset camel trek. Lunches, drinks and optional activities are at your own expense.

MAP

Map of 3-Day Private Desert Tour Itinerary from Marrakech to Merzouga via Ait Ben Haddou and Todra Gorge

41 Reviews

Sort By:RatingDate

Isabel N.

Group Traveller

Beau voyage, mais prévoyez de quoi déjeuner ou un petit budget pour les repas de midi, qui ne sont pas inclus. Le reste était conforme à la description.

June 27, 2026

Lucía G.

Family Traveller

Ait Ben Haddou was the surprise of the trip for us. The kasbah is far more impressive in person than in photos, and the climb to the top is worth doing.

June 23, 2026

Maria S.

Family Traveller

Bella esperienza per tutta la famiglia. Le tende sono condivise nella formula base, cosa che sapevamo in anticipo, e il servizio è stato corretto.

June 19, 2026

Marta K.

Group Traveller

Three days is enough to see a lot without it feeling rushed. The Todgha Gorges in the morning and the dunes by late afternoon is a strong combination.

June 16, 2026

Marco T.

Group Traveller

La cena e la musica berbera al campo hanno creato un’atmosfera davvero speciale. Le giornate di viaggio sono lunghe, ma il paesaggio ripaga ampiamente.

June 11, 2026

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Shared 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga

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Three Days to the Sahara, Shared and Affordable

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