Marrakech → Merzouga · 3 days
3-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga (One Way)
Cross the Atlas Mountains, visit Aït Benhaddou and the gorges of Dades and Todra, then ride a camel into the dunes of Erg Chebbi. The tour ends in Merzouga.
- Private tour & driver
- Hotel pick-up
- 2 nights incl. desert camp
- Camel ride included
3 days / 2 nights
Private, any day
On request
Per person
Start: Marrakech
Hotel pick-up
End: Merzouga
Drop-off at your hotel
The tour
From the city to the dunes at a relaxed pace
This one-way tour takes you from Marrakech to the Sahara without rushing. You cross the High Atlas, explore the famous kasbah of Aït Benhaddou and spend a night in the Dades Valley. On day two you walk through the Todra Gorge before riding a camel into the Erg Chebbi dunes at sunset for a night in our desert camp.
The tour ends in Merzouga on day three – ideal if you want to stay longer in the desert, continue to Fes or travel on by bus. We are happy to arrange your onward transport.
- Private car and driver – stop whenever you like
- Standard or luxury desert camp
- Itinerary can be adapted
Highlights
Tour highlights
High Atlas
Tizi n’Tichka pass at 2,260 m.
Aït Benhaddou
UNESCO-listed fortified village.
Dades & Todra
Spectacular gorges and canyons.
Camel at sunset
Ride into Erg Chebbi.
Desert camp
Night under the stars.
Sunrise
Over the highest dunes of Morocco.
Itinerary
Day by day
Driving times are approximate and include stops. The itinerary can be adapted to your wishes.
- Day 1Marrakech – Aït Benhaddou – Dades ValleyCross the High Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, visit the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Benhaddou, continue via Ouarzazate and the Valley of Roses. Night in the Dades Valley.
- Day 2Dades – Todra Gorge – MerzougaWalk in the Todra Gorge, drive via Tinejdad and Erfoud, then ride a camel into Erg Chebbi at sunset. Night in our desert camp.
- Day 3Merzouga – end of the tourSunrise over the dunes and breakfast. The tour ends in Merzouga around midday – we can arrange onward transport or more nights.
Price & what’s included
What the tour includes
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle and fuel
- Multilingual driver
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Camel ride or 4x4 to the camp
- Night in our desert camp with dinner and breakfast
- 1 night hotel in the Dades Valley with dinner & breakfast
- Safe parking
Not included
- Lunches and drinks
- Entrance fees and local guides (optional)
- Travel insurance
- Tips (optional)
On request
per person
Send us your dates and number of travellers – we reply with a personal quote within 24 hours.
Pay a deposit to confirm and the rest during the tour.
Good to know
Practical information
- Pick-up from your riad or hotel in Marrakech at around 7:30–8:00 am
- Expect 6–8 hours of driving on travel days, with regular stops
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals on request
- Bring warm layers – desert nights can be cold
What to bring
- Comfortable clothes and shoes
- Warm jacket for the evenings
- Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
- Cash for lunches, drinks and tips
- Passport (for hotels)
Suitable for
Couples, families, friends and solo travellers. Children are welcome – ask us about family prices.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can’t find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp at +212 673 555 408 – we usually reply within a few hours.
Yes. Every tour is private with your own driver – you can stop wherever you like.
In selected hotels or kasbahs on the way (dinner and breakfast included) and in our desert camp in Merzouga – standard or luxury, as you prefer.
Of course. We can add nights, activities or change the route – just tell us.
Request a quote; after confirmation you pay a deposit and the rest in cash during the tour.
It is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems – a 4×4 transfer to the camp is available.
Booking this tour from New Zealand
This private 3-day one-way tour is quoted in New Zealand dollars on request, depending on group size and season. Your desert night is at our own camp in the Erg Chebbi dunes – luxury tents from NZ$126 or standard from NZ$72 per person. Ask for a quote.
Travelling to Merzouga from New Zealand
Planning this tour from New Zealand? Here are the flights, entry rules and timing that matter.
Flights for this tour
Fly one-stop from Auckland via Dubai or Doha to Casablanca or Marrakech. Allow about 27–33 hours of travel, so build in a rest night in Marrakech or Fes.
Entry for Kiwi travellers
No visa needed for stays of up to 90 days. A passport with 6 months’ validity is recommended.
Paying for your tour
Prices in NZ$ are a guide; the 15% deposit is charged in euros by PayPal and the rest is paid in Merzouga. NZ$1 ≈ 5.5 MAD.
Best months to travel
Seasons are reversed: April–May and September–October bring the best desert weather. The July school holidays fall in the hottest Sahara month.
Time and plugs
Morocco is 11–12 hours behind New Zealand. Bring a plug adapter: NZ Type I plugs don’t fit Moroccan Type C/E sockets.
Beating jet lag
With an 11–12 hour time difference, arrive a day early in Marrakech before setting off over the High Atlas.
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Plan your desert tour with us
Tell us your dates and group size – we will send you a personal quote within 24 hours.