4-DAY DESERT TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
Looking for an incredible desert adventure? You have found it! Join our exclusive 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga for an unforgettable experience among the dunes. You will climb onto a gentle camel to explore the splendid Sahara Desert with its vast sand dunes of Erg Chebbi and, at night, you can camp under the stars, a magical and peaceful experience. On the way you will also have the unique chance to visit a nomadic Berber family, whose traditional way of life will fascinate you in an authentic cultural exchange you will always remember. This private tour, highly recommended by our travellers, will give you plenty of time to discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Merzouga desert and get to know the warm local people. A trip not to be missed!
TOUR INFORMATION
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Departure: Marrakech
Arrival: Marrakech
Tour style: Private
ITINERARY: 4-DAY TOUR FROM MARRAKECH TO MERZOUGA
DAY 1: MARRAKECH – HIGH ATLAS – AIT BEN HADDOU – OUARZAZATE – DADES GORGE
Your 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga begins with a convenient pick-up from wherever you are staying, be it a hotel, a riad or another point in Marrakech. Leaving the city, we will travel south-east across the High Atlas mountains. You will discover fascinating Berber villages and have the chance to take splendid photos at striking viewpoints.
You will enjoy a delicious lunch in the village of Ait Ben Haddou, where you will also explore the ancient Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. This unique “fortified village” has been recognised by UNESCO as a site of great importance since 1987 and has appeared in famous films such as Prince of Persia, Gladiator and the famous TV series Game of Thrones.
After a short drive to Ouarzazate, we will stop at the largest film studio in Africa, if you wish to visit it. We will then head to the Dades Gorge, passing through the lovely Valley of Roses along the way. In the Dades Valley you will admire extraordinary rock formations (known as “monkey fingers”) and a panoramic view of the gorges and the valley, before reaching your hotel for the night.
Driving distance: about 353 km
Driving time: about 6 hours 30 min
DAY 2: DADES GORGE – TODRA CANYON – MERZOUGA DESERT
Start the day with a pleasant breakfast that sets the mood for the exciting experiences ahead. We will take a scenic road along the splendid Dades and Todra rivers, surrounded by green palm groves and authentic Berber villages. The first stop will be the incredible Todra Gorge in Tinghir, famous as one of the most breathtaking canyons in the world. We will then continue to the fascinating Merzouga desert.
On the way to the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, our expert driver/guide may suggest a stop at a traditional Berber shop, where you can wear Berber clothes and take photos free of charge. If you wish, you can buy useful items for the desert such as scarves or souvenirs, but there is no obligation: the main aim of the shop is to share Berber culture. If you are not interested, just tell the guide and we will carry on without stopping.
On arrival in Merzouga, get ready for an unforgettable camel trek into the heart of the desert. As the sun sets behind the dunes, enjoy the splendid show and have a go at fun sandboarding. As night falls, you will retire to a luxury desert camp where a delicious dinner awaits you. You will experience the magic of the desert under the stars, feeling part of its timeless charm.
Driving distance: about 275 km
Driving time: about 4 hours
DAY 3: EXPLORING THE MERZOUGA DESERT
Starting the day with an early wake-up is a great idea: you can admire a splendid sunrise from a nearby dune. After a tasty breakfast at the camp, your exploration of the Merzouga desert begins. Our special 4×4 SUV will take you to meet the Berber nomads who live behind the dunes, who will show you their way of life and tell you a lot about their unique culture. You will also visit a small hidden village called Mefis, listen to Gnawa music in the village of Khamlia and see the Bird Lake, if it is full.
After lunch, we will head to your riad, where you can check in and enjoy some free time. You can decide whether to take a swim or walk to the nearby dunes. In the evening you will enjoy dinner and then spend the night at your riad. Remember that you can choose to spend another night at the desert camp if you prefer.
Driving distance: about 57 km
Driving time: about 1 hour 15 min
DAY 4: MERZOUGA DESERT – AGDEZ – MARRAKECH
After a tasty breakfast at your riad, we will start the return journey to the lively city of Marrakech. This time our route will take us through the Draa Valley, known as the longest valley in Morocco. On the way we will stop in Agdez to admire a panoramic view of this valley full of palm trees.
Along the way we will have the chance to stop in Ouarzazate for a good lunch. Our route will then take us once again across the majestic High Atlas mountains back to Marrakech. We will take you to your accommodation, marking the end of this 4-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
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. It is also possible to end the tour in Fes or to choose the 5-day version, which adds a night in Ouarzazate to break up the long drive on the last day.
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: 4-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 4 days / 3 nights. It departs from Marrakech and ends in Marrakech.
Day 1: Marrakech – High Atlas – Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Dades Gorge. Day 2: Dades Gorge – Todra Canyon – Merzouga Desert. Day 3: Exploring the Merzouga Desert. Day 4: 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, second and third night; Meals: three breakfasts and three 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.
