3-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
Looking for an exceptional desert experience? Your search ends here. Join our exclusive 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga for an unrivalled experience in the Merzouga desert. What makes this tour truly special is the chance to fully immerse yourself in the Merzouga desert: you will explore it by day and spend both nights there, for a truly unique adventure. But that is not all! On this trip an extraordinary opportunity awaits you: a personal visit to a nomadic Berber family. Immersed in a traditional way of life with a unique charm, you will enjoy an authentic cultural exchange that will stay in your memory. If you only have three days for a desert excursion from Marrakech and want to spend a full day in the Merzouga desert, this tour is the perfect choice.
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Departure: Marrakech
Arrival: Marrakech
Tour style: Private
ITINERARY: 3-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS – KASBAH OF AIT BEN HADDOU – MERZOUGA DESERT
Your 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga begins with a morning pick-up at your hotel/riad. Leaving Marrakech, we will head towards the Merzouga desert across the splendid High Atlas mountains. Along the way we will stop to admire the breathtaking views of this extraordinary place.
We will also stop at Ait Ben Haddou to admire the famous Kasbah and its panoramic view. This fortified village has been used as the set of many famous films and TV series such as Prince of Persia, Gladiator and Game of Thrones. UNESCO has recognised this ancient village as a World Heritage Site since 1987. After enjoying lunch at a restaurant along the way, we will continue to our final destination.
On arrival in Merzouga in the late afternoon, you will check in at a lovely riad, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Driving distance: about 560 km
Driving time: about 9 hours
DAY 2: FULL DAY DISCOVERING THE MERZOUGA DESERT
Today you can wake up early and watch the splendid sunrise over the vast Erg Chebbi dunes right from your riad. After a tasty breakfast, your adventure in the Merzouga desert begins. Our 4×4 SUV will be ready to take you to the Berber nomads who live beyond the dunes. Our guide will warmly tell you about their way of life and give you an insight into their particular cultural customs. Along the way you will have the chance to explore the hidden village of Mefis, be enveloped by the sounds of Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia and glimpse the lively Bird Lake, if it is clearly visible.
After lunch, you will return to your riad, where you can enjoy some relaxation or a pleasant swim before setting off in the afternoon on the camel ride to the camp. Get ready for an unforgettable camel trek into the heart of the desert. As the sun sets behind the dunes, enjoy the splendid view and try the exciting activity of sandboarding. As night falls, you will retire to a luxury desert camp where a delicious dinner awaits you. Experience the magic of the desert at night, feeling a deep bond with its timeless charm.
Driving distance: about 57 km
Driving time: about 1 hour 15 min
DAY 3: MERZOUGA DESERT – AGDEZ – MARRAKECH
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your riad, we will start the return journey to the lively city of Marrakech, travelling back through the scenic Draa Valley, the longest valley in Morocco. On the way there is a stop in Agdez, which lets you admire a panoramic view of this valley adorned with lush palm trees.
On the journey from Merzouga to Marrakech we will also have the chance to stop in Ouarzazate for a good lunch. Our route will then take us once again across the majestic expanse of the High Atlas mountains, bringing us back to Marrakech. This 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga ends with drop-off at your accommodation.
Driving distance: about 560 km
Driving time: about 9 hours
IMPORTANT!
Please note that this is a suggested itinerary. If it does not exactly match your needs, do not hesitate to contact us. We will organise a tailor-made itinerary based on your preferences and the length of your stay in Morocco. Remember that the first and third days involve several hours of driving, about 9 hours each; this allows you to spend two nights in the Merzouga desert and devote a full day to exploring it. To break up the long drive you can choose the 5-day version (with an extra night in the Dades Gorge and one in Ouarzazate) or one of the 4-day variants.
THE PRICE
starts from 249 EUR per person and varies according to the number of participants, the accommodation chosen and the travel date. The more people join the tour, the lower the price per person. The cost of transport is fixed and is shared among the travellers. Contact us through the contact form for an exact quote tailored to your group.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 3-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
Can I skip the camel ride to the camp? Of course! You can choose an alternative. If the camel ride is not for you, we can take you to the camp in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle at no extra cost.
Does the camp have private bathrooms? Yes, all our camps are luxury camps and offer the comfort of en-suite private bathrooms.
What kind of vehicles are used on this trip? Great question! At Esplora il Marocco the comfort of our vehicles is very important. We use the Toyota Prado Land Cruiser TX, the Ford Tourneo Custom and the Mercedes Benz Sprinter minibus for groups of 8 or more, as well as other equally comfortable options. We believe that travelling in comfort improves our clients’ overall experience.
How far in advance should I book this tour? The early bird catches the worm: we recommend booking your trip as early as possible.
How do I pay for the tour? Our payment process is simple and hassle-free. To confirm the booking we ask for a small deposit, which can easily be paid by PayPal, bank transfer or Wise when booking. The remaining balance can be paid in cash on the first day of the tour directly to our driver/guide. You have the flexibility to pay in euros, US dollars or the equivalent in dirhams.
BOOKING PROCESS:
Contact us through the contact form, by email or on WhatsApp, telling us the number of travellers, your approximate departure date and the accommodation category you would like.
Booking: we ask for a small deposit to confirm the booking (via PayPal, Wise or bank transfer). The remaining balance can be paid in cash (in EUR, USD or MAD) directly to the driver on arrival.
WHY CHOOSE PRIVATE TOURS IN MOROCCO?
A private tour lets you travel at your own pace, with maximum flexibility in timings, stops and choice of accommodation. You will have an expert driver and vehicles for your exclusive use at your complete disposal, for a trip in total comfort and safety.
The tour lasts 3 days / 2 nights. It departs from Marrakech and ends in Marrakech.
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou – Merzouga Desert. Day 2: Full Day Discovering the Merzouga Desert. Day 3: Merzouga Desert – Agdez – Marrakech.
Pick-up from your accommodation in Marrakech; Modern air-conditioned 4×4 SUV, van or minibus; English-speaking driver, or English-speaking driver and tour guide (if you prefer another language, please let us know in advance); Accommodation for the first and second night; Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners; Camel trek; Exploring the Merzouga desert in a 4×4 vehicle; Sandboarding; Drop-off at your accommodation in Marrakech.
Lunches; Drinks; Entrance tickets, when required; Tips (optional).
The price depends on the number of travellers, the time of year and the accommodation category you choose. As it is a private tour, you only pay for your own group. Contact us with your dates and group size for a free, no-obligation quote.
Yes, the tour style is: Private. You travel only with your own group, with a dedicated driver/guide. The itinerary is a suggested route: we can adjust it or create a tailor-made trip to suit you.
As night falls, you will retire to a luxury desert camp where a delicious dinner awaits you.
