3-Day Merzouga Desert Tour

Embark on an adventure to the Merzouga Desert, where you'll encounter the breathtaking Erg Chebbi, a remarkable segment of the Sahara. Prepare to immerse yourself in a journey filled with diverse landscapes, as we navigate through the majestic Atlas mountain range, traverse lush valleys, explore stunning citadels, and bed down under the stars amidst vast dunes.

Tour Overview

This meticulously planned 3-day tour is oriented to highlight the best of southern Morocco, ensuring you can relish each stop while maximizing your travel experience.

Day 1: Depart from Marrakech to Aït Benhaddou, Ouarzazate, and the Dadès Valley

Begin your journey by leaving the vibrant city of Marrakech, heading southward. Our path will lead us over the famed Tizi n’Tichka Pass, the highest roadway in North Africa at 7,414 ft (2,260 m), where stunning vistas of the High Atlas Mountains await.

Next, we will explore the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant filming location for productions such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You will enjoy 2.5 hours of free time to wander through its intricate streets and savor lunch in this historical atmosphere.

After snapping some photos at the Kasbah of Taourirt in Ouarzazate, we will proceed through the Valley of Roses towards the serene Dades Valley, where you can unwind and spend your first night enchanted by the distinctive rock formations surrounding you.

Day 2: From Dadès Valley to Todgha Gorges and Merzouga

Post-breakfast, we will set our sights on the stunning Todgha Gorges, a captivating canyon characterized by walls soaring over 300 meters high. En route, we will also visit the Jorf Palm Grove and Erfoud, which serves as the gateway to the desert, famous for its ancient fossil findings.

The highlight of this day awaits in the afternoon: upon arrival in Merzouga, we will exchange our vehicle for camels to venture into the Erg Chebbi dunes. Here, we will witness a mesmerizing sunset before arriving at our campsite. You will savor a traditional Amazigh dinner complemented by music under the starry sky, then enjoy a night's rest in a traditional haima.

Day 3: Merzouga Desert to Rissani, Tizi n'Tichka, Ouarzazate, and back to Marrakech

One essential experience in the desert is witnessing the sunrise. After soaking in this tranquil moment, we will have breakfast at the camp and prepare for our final day.

As we travel through the Tafilalet palm grove and Rissani village (the historical origin of the Alaouite dynasty), our journey continues across the acacia-coated plateaus until reaching Alnif, followed by a crossing of the Anti-Atlas mountain range. Navigating through the picturesque mountain passages of Tizi n'Tichka, we will make our way to Tinghir (a notable Amazigh village) and back to the Dades Valley.

We will arrive at Kalaat M'Gouna around midday for lunch and a brief respite before heading towards Marrakech, passing Ouarzazate and the High Atlas Mountains along the way.

Ultimately, we expect to return to Marrakech around 8:30 pm, where you can choose to be dropped off at your selected pick-up point or at the city’s airport based on your preference.

Accommodation Choices

During the booking process, you will select your desired accommodation type:

• Standard Shared Accommodation: If selected, this option entails sharing a hotel room in Dades and a haima in the desert with up to 4 fellow participants. Solo travelers will find this option economical as it waives the private accommodation single supplement. Note that, while haimas are typically shared, efforts are made to separate genders whenever feasible. Children under 18 years of age are not permitted in this option.
• Standard Private Accommodation: This choice grants you a private hotel room for the first night in Dades and a private haima. Your stay in the campsite will feature a private room and bathroom. The haimas accommodate a maximum of 4 guests.
• Superior Private Accommodation: Similar to the private standard accommodation, this option provides a private hotel room in Dades and haimas in the desert. Staying at a campsite, each haima here includes a private bathroom and shower. Additionally, this package includes enhanced interior decor and superior dining, accommodating up to 5 guests per haima.

On the first night, all guests will lodge in Dades, possibly at Dar Essyaha, Hotel Babylon, Hotel Le Vieux Chateau, Kasbah Tifawen, or similar. Remember, regardless of the type chosen, accommodation rooms will be shared.

The second night will be spent in a haima camp in Merzouga, where standard and superior camps are distinctly set apart. Alongside differences in bathroom amenities, the superior camp also provides better meal options and enhanced decor. Be aware that during high-demand periods, such as Easter or Christmas, standard-category camps may occasionally share bathrooms.

On the third day, guests from both categories will enjoy breakfast and access to showers at the camp prior to departure.

Pickup Information

For guests in the Medina, it is necessary to arrive at one of the following meeting points:

• KFC Marrakech, situated in the Medina on Av. Mohammed V
• Moulay El Yazid Mosque, located at 23 Rue de La Kasbah
• Mohamed V School, Riad Laarouss
• Abdelmoumen School
• Bab Doukkala Pharmacy

For those outside the Medina, a complimentary pick-up service from your hotel or riad is available. However, for hotels located beyond Marrakech, a supplement fee ranging from 10EUR to 40EUR will apply depending on the distance.

Additional Desert Day Trips

Should your travels take you northward, consider the 3-day journey from Merzouga to Fez. For a more exclusive adventure, explore the options for a private desert excursion.