3 Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga & Sahara Camp

This 3 day desert tour from Marrakech is for travellers who want the real Sahara without a rushed trip: two nights (a Dades Valley hotel and a desert camp in Merzouga), a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes, sunrise over the sand, dinners and breakfasts included, and a local driver from MAD 1,200 per person.

Your Sahara desert tour from Marrakech, day by day

This is our best-selling trip and the one most of our guests choose for a first taste of the desert. The route crosses the High Atlas, follows the old caravan roads of the south and ends in the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, about 560 km from Marrakech.

• Day 1: Marrakech over the Tizi n'Tichka pass (over 2,200 m) to the kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, then Ouarzazate and the Dades Valley for the night.
• Day 2: the towering walls of Todra Gorge, then on to Merzouga for a camel trek at sunset and a night in a Berber desert camp.
• Day 3: sunrise over the dunes, breakfast at camp and the long, scenic drive back to Marrakech (about 9–10 hours with stops).

Highlights guests talk about

Aït Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco's most filmed places, Game of Thrones included. In the desert, the camel ride at sunset (or sunrise, depending on the season) is the moment people remember most. If you want more adrenaline, a quad bike ride over the dunes can be added on the spot as an optional extra.

Why book this Marrakech to Merzouga tour with us

We are Pure Morocco Experience, a local team based in Marrakech and led by Walid, who was born and raised in Morocco. We run this route week after week, so we know where to stop for photos, coffee and a proper lunch.

• Rated 4.9/5 on Tripadvisor from 28 reviews of this tour, with guides such as Mohammed, Ayoub and Amin mentioned by name.
• Comfortable air-conditioned minibus or van, with regular stops so the long drives feel manageable.
• Good food: dinners and breakfasts are included at the hotel and camp, usually tagine, soup, salads and mint tea.
• Shared small group or private: join others to keep the price low, or book the vehicle just for your party.
• Direct contact: you talk to us on WhatsApp before, during and after the trip, not to a call centre.

Read what past travellers say on our guest reviews page.

Practical information

Pickup, timing and comfort

We collect you from your hotel or riad in Marrakech early in the morning (or the nearest point a vehicle can reach in the medina). Days one and three involve long drives broken up by viewpoints and village stops. The standard camp has shared or private Berber tents with blankets and simple washing facilities; if you would prefer private en-suite tents, see our luxury 3-day Sahara tour.

When to go and what to bring

The tour runs all year. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable; desert nights can be cold in winter and days very hot in summer. Our guide to the best time to visit the Sahara explains each season, and our desert packing list covers layers, scarves and sun protection.

Who this 3 day desert tour suits

It is ideal if you have limited time, a moderate budget and want the classic route in one go: couples, friends, solo travellers and families with children used to car journeys. If you would rather not return to Marrakech, our Marrakech to Fes desert tour ends in Fes instead, and travellers who want a slower pace can ask about our four-day version with a full day in the dunes.

How to book

Booking is simple and there is no complicated checkout. Tell us your preferred start date, the number of travellers, whether you would like a shared or private tour, and where you are staying in Marrakech. We reply with availability and the final price, then confirm your seats. Departures run daily, but spring, autumn and holiday periods fill up quickly, so it pays to message us a few days ahead.

Send us your dates on WhatsApp at +212 611-965381 and we will confirm availability, usually within the hour.

Tour highlights

• Cross the High Atlas on the Tizi n'Tichka pass
• Explore Aït Benhaddou, UNESCO site and Game of Thrones location
• Night in the Dades Valley among kasbahs and red rock
• Walk between the walls of Todra Gorge
• Camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset
• Night in a Berber desert camp and Sahara sunrise
• Optional quad bike ride on the dunes

Itinerary day by day

What's included